At The Bar with Award-Winning Bartender Lucille Rose

World Cocktail Day is happening on May 13, and it’s a timely reminder to head to your local bar and celebrate with a cocktail or two all in the name of a spirited adventure.

“Times have been tough in the industry recently, and buying a cocktail or two at a local bar goes a long way,” says Lucille Rose Brand Ambassador for Swift + Moore.

And with winter creeping up on us, Rose shares her favourite winter cocktail that’s easy to replicate at home too.

“My go-to winter cocktail is always an Irish Coffee,” she says.

“That’s Irish whiskey, cream and coffee. It’s hearty and warm and perfect for a cold day. As I’m a whiskey drinker, I also always love a Hot Toddy. I’m a big believer in simple is best,” she adds.

World Cocktail Day doesn’t mean you have to roll up and order boozy cocktails, the non-alcoholic and low-alc options are endless these days.

“The category of no and low-alcohol options are  becoming more exciting and there’s some great zero alcohol spirits out there now, such as Palermo Amarino aperitif,” says Rose.

“Being able to create something that both looks and tastes like an Aperol Spritz, but minus the alcohol, is a game changer.”

Lucille Rose spoke to us for our At The Bar series.

MY CITY

I live in Sydney, Australia. There’s so many amazing bars and restaurants and I’m a huge foodie, so there’s always someplace new for me to try and something new to experience.

FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY FORGET

I have too many, but the first thing that comes to mind is the tea smoked duck ramen at Ouchi. It’s a small Japanese restaurant in the middle of Sydney CBD. The food is always phenomenal and the tea smoked duck ramen is unlike any other ramen I’ve had. Definitely worth a visit!

FAVOURITE BAR 

I’d say Jolene’s Sydney, but as co-owner (alongside my husband), I might be a bit biased. Otherwise, you can often find me at the neighbourhood bar The Blind Bear in Cronulla. I’m drinking Whiskey Apples – you can’t go wrong with a shot of whiskey and a freshly juiced apple.

DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU

A Lagerita… it’s basically a margarita topped with beer. It’s a little sweet, a little sour, and a little confusing… you’re either going to love it, or not understand it (lol!)

BEST HANGOVER CURE

A glass of ice cold Coca-Cola, two hash browns, a bacon and egg McMuffin, and a coffee – in that order.

BEST INTERSTATE BAR 

Hats and Tatts in Melbourne. Dive bars are my favourite kind of bar. The music is loud, the staff are friendly, the drinks are simple and no-fuss. Hats and Tatts has such great energy every time I go.

FAVOURITE WINE

Ricca Terra wines are my favourite wines at the moment. They’re located in The Riverland region in South Australia. The wines are affordable, diverse, and delicious. I highly recommend the Juicy June – my husband and I enjoy the chilled red with a home-cooked barbeque.

FAVOURITE WINERY

Puddleduck Vineyard in Hobart. You can enjoy a wine flight and some food whilst overlooking a duck pond and the beautiful vineyards. For a couple of dollars, you can also feed the ducks… which I highly recommend.

NEXT DESTINATION 

Nashville, Tennessee! Between all the American whiskey and all the live music, it’s one of my favourite places in the world. It’s partly work research, partly holiday.

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