The Symphony of Sydney Opera (Australia) is a nod to the famous building by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon, as MGallery Hotel Collection celebrates cocktails around the globe for a month until 13 June. Photo: Supplied.
It is Back to the Future as we observe World Cocktail Day – which actually runs for a month until 13 June. Moreover, Australia takes the world stage with a specially prepared cocktail!
Cocktails remind us of holidays on sandy beaches, poolside relaxation, serenity, contemplation, meditation, a place of activity, entertainment and play. An opportune time to reminisce as we celebrate the unique concoctions that remind us of the good times, which was my brief sojourn at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali, MGallery Collection, Indonesia.
Recognised annually on 13 May, this day commemorates the publication of the first definition of a cocktail in 1806. It’s the beverage itself that has captured global fascination. Sazerac is said to be the first cocktail created, in New Orleans in the mid-1800s. There are also popular ones such as the margarita, martini, daiquiri, pina colada and the Manhattan.
While at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali, gin and tonic was still trendy, along with getting an ultimate flavour fusion with an espresso martini. It was also all about shared versus stirred, with a brew-tiful blend, combining the boldness of coffee with the smoothness of alcohol. Similarly, well liked were the cool and tasty options of ginger and lemon iced tea and iced coffee.
The tranquil surrounds – at cocktail hour – at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali, MGallery Collection, in Indonesia. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Set on more than four hectares of spectacular undulating tropical landscaped gardens along Seminyak Beach, this upscale beachfront resort is within 12 minutes’ walk of Seminyak’s fashionable shopping and nightlife.
MGallery is a storied collection of hotels around the world that is showcasing the art of mixology. According to MGallery Hotel Collection vice-president Catherine Cherabieh, creativity is expressed everywhere in MGallery Hotel bars as places of life and social gatherings.
“Mixology is an ideal way to summon the essence of a place through sight, smell and taste,” she said. “It’s a universe that demands real expertise: over the years, we have built an expert team of local mixologists.”
Head mixologist Matthias Giroud – the founder of L’Alchimiste, a company that creates mixology experiences – has presented these masterpieces to discover within all MGallery hotel bars until 13 June.
For the occasion, the mixologist concocted a collection of 10 cocktails and mocktails. Giroud elaborated: “MGallery and I wanted to create a flavourful journey inspired by the raw ingredients of each country. Each of our signature cocktails and mocktails will embark you on a multi-sensory experience.”
Each echoes a key MGallery destination through its flavours and presentation:
- The Symphony of Sydney Opera (Australia), a nod to the famous building by the Danish architect Jorn Utzon. Crisp notes dance on the palate, and imagination is rife, as this blend features Archipelago Botanical Gin, lemon juice, Dionysus Sugarcane Eucalyptus and tonic water.
- The Brazilian Rainforest, in colours like those of the lush rainforest.
- The Chinese Elixir (mocktail), with a bamboo leaf that curves like the Great Wall of China.
- The Love Letter from Provence (France), spritzed with lavender.
- The Italian Limonaia, garnished with an ice cube that leans like the Tower of Pisa (Italy).
- The Moroccan Oasis (mocktail), inspired by the dunes of the Sahara (Morocco).
- The Polish Harvest, a reference to the geometric rooftops of the Main Square in Krakow (Poland).
- The Sunfire in Thailand, reflecting various graphic elements of the Grand Palace of Bangkok (Thailand).
- The Cappadocian Lantern (mocktail), featuring colourful ice spheres in the spirit of Turkish hot-air balloons.
- The Folk Tale of the Mekong (mocktail), served in a glass adorned with bamboo like the one that grows along the banks of this Vietnamese river.
The Sunfire reflects various graphic elements of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Supplied.
As Suri patiently explained at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali, enjoying a cocktail at an MGallery hotel is more than enjoying a drink … it’s about “enjoying a moment”.
Mixologists worked hand-in-hand with chefs to create bespoke menus. They seized the opportunity to highlight local ingredients, in the cocktails and mocktails as well as in the dishes. They are sharing their passion and techniques (in some instances) aiming to encourage the discovery of new flavours and sophisticated creations – even without alcohol.
The hotels’ restaurants are also offering food-cocktail pairings. Everyone is enjoying events together, shaking things around, with taste buds going on a wild ride as cocktails are jazzed up!
In addition, a sustainable approach is being taken. This month-long cocktail celebration is also an opportunity to anchor MGallery in a responsible approach, even behind the bar. Zero-waste mixology was introduced, with precise recommendations: using whole products, reducing packaging, composting organic waste, and prioritising local and seasonal ingredients.
Let’s raise our glasses: techniques matter, know your classics, give attention to detail and enjoy a flavourful experience!
