Jazz pianist-turned-sommelier-turned bartender Joe McCanta returns to the AO 2026 in his capacity as Grey Goose Global Brand Director. He brings his creative flair and global experience to the Courtside Bar and for the good times.
Overlooking Court 6 with sweeping, uninterrupted views, the Courtside Bar takes its cues from the French Riviera and is designed to be the perfect escape between game, set, match.
It’s here you’ll find the signature AO exclusive Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail – crafted with Grey Goose vodka, passionfruit syrup, and sparkling lemonade, and garnished with a playful lemon ball and fresh mint. The Grey Goose Centre Court Cooler is a second option on the drink list – think Grey Goose Vodka with raspberry syrup, lime juice and grapefruit juice and Grey Goose, soda and lime.
Joe McCanta spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
So many things make Melbourne such an exceptional city and I have the wonderful fortune to see it at one of the best times of year: January, while the city comes alive with that same “Après-Tennis” luxury vibe. The AO has moved heavily into premium hospitality, featuring high-end pop-up restaurants and bars on-site or popping up all around. One of first things you notice about Melbourne is how much food and drink are a key part of the culture – and as a huge coffee capital of the world it’s quite literally one of the spiritual homes of the modern Espresso Martini. It also feels very European for me – I’ve often said if cities could be compared to some of my favourite cocktails Sydney would be the Spritz – but Melbourne would be the Dry Martini! Sophisticated, and having some of the finest bars in the world it’s a city where authenticity, substance and quality with a capital Q are celebrated.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Last time I was in town I had one of the most phenomenal meals at Byrdi and I’ve been such a fan of what Luke Whearty has been doing for some time – there were so many phenomenal local ingredients and methods being expressed. On the other hand, one of the all-time best food memories is a tray of perfectly served ice cold oysters with a smooth Grey Goose martini at Gimlet.
FAVOURITE BAR
There are too many to name! But Caretaker’s Cottage and specifically their incredible Martini service remains unparalleled.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A Dry Martini: Clear, transparent, playful…. but I come with a twist of wit.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Honestly – drink one glass of water with every cocktail, avoid sugary sweet drinks (best is sticking to something pure and fresh like the Lemon Ace) and I take Milk Thistle extract every day which I swear by – this has prevented me from getting the hangovers in the first place.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
I adore Dean & Nancy in Sydney – you’re transported to another world, quite literally, when you walk out of the lift and into this beautiful bar surrounded by glass and views on all sides. The drinks are superb and last time I was there they let me let loose on the piano with a martini in hand.
OVERSEAS BAR
I’ll have to give a shout out to my home town of London here and say that the newly opened Martini Bar from Hawksmoor in St Pancras is just insanely beautiful on all levels – their Steakhouse Martini which uses Grey Goose, peppercorn syrup and chardonnay is gorgeous, the bar is set in one of the most stunning buildings – St Pancras- and a room designed by Sir Gilbert Scott – it’s quite literally a temple to the martini.
FAVOURITE WINE
I am a huge Rhone style red lover – usually a St. Joseph, although last time I was in Sydney I was blown away the 2019 Jamsheed Beechworth Syrah.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I was just telling some friends over the holidays about one of my favourite vineyards for touring which is Benzinger in Sonoma. They remain one of the most consistent of the biodynamic flag wavers and they have a wonderful tour that brings you out into the vineyard through to their cellar so you really feel enveloped in the whole process.
Tell us about the Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail – how it captures the spirit of the brand at the AO 2026
I’m so proud of the Lemon Ace as after its debut last year it really became the signature drink of the AO. I think it’s due to its flavour profile – using the perfect balance of Grey Goose which has a smooth taste, the sparkling lemonade which makes the drink super refreshing, a slight tang of local passionfruit and then finished with that signature spinning tennis ball garnish which really works to tell the story of what the drink is all about. Best of all, canning it meant that we could get the drink consistently to the whole of the AO precinct – so everyone can raise a toast to the AO together.
WANT TO MAKE THE LEMON ACE AT HOME?
HERE’S THE RECIPE
Difficulty: Easy
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Lemon Zest & Fresh Mint
Ingredients
40 ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
150 ml French Sparkling Lemonade
15 ml Passion Fruit Syrup
+ Lemon Zest
+ Fresh Mint
Method
1. Fill a chilled highball glass with cubed ice and add GREY GOOSE® Vodka.
2. Top with fresh sparkling lemonade and passion fruit syrup.
3. Garnish with fresh mint and lemon zest.
GREY GOOSE® Lemon Ace Cocktail Tips
For the perfect garnish, GREY GOOSE® recommends using only the bright yellow zest of the lemon, avoiding the white pith underneath, which can be a little bitter. To create a “spinning tennis ball” garnish, use a speed peeler to peel a wide section of lemon zest. Press down on the zest with a bottle cap to cut out a circular section, then carefully remove the garnish with a toothpick.
