Winter Cocktails at Cohibar, Darling Harbour

Doing Dry July wasn't a very well thought out decision. In fact, it was one of the silliest decisions I have ever made..or thought I could make. Im sure you can already picture how this story ends. It was 11:45 pm on the 31st of June.. maybe it was late night trash t.v. that clouded my judgement. I thought to myself "hey, dry july - one month with no alcoholic drinks..I can totally do this!" 

All the enthusiasm and commitment to the cause comes second after my love for cocktails. Silly me thought that being that its the middle of winter.. who in their right mind would be drinking up a storm? Parties are scarce in the wintertime, people go into hibernation mode because the can't be bothered brushing their hair and being social.. all because of the cold. Well dear friends, let me tell you - on Friday, the first of July - I had a glass of champagne in my hand at 4:45 pm. Dry July and I had a great run of approximately 16 hours. 

The fact that there are less pool parties or beach barbeques in the wintertime does not necessarily mean you'd be hard pressed to have a fabulous night out. Recently, I braved the cold for the promise of some delicious cocktails at Cohibar's Winter Cocktail Launch, and let me tell you - it was well worth it! Cocktails "to cure all ailments" was enough to get me to this venue quick smart!

Keeping to a very Prohibition-esque theme, the new winter cocktails held an old-world charm. The expert bartenders were mixing up a storm in their 1920's style outfits - such a fun touch! Cohibar is one stylish "speakeasy" and is a place where nobody would judge you for breaking your dry july "commitment" - if I could even call it that. Since these alcoholic beverages were for medicinal and not recreational purposes, I thought a few drinks could do no wrong!

The night kicks off with the first perscription - the sexy sounding Agua de Jamaica. I cant resist throwing around the "Jamacan me crazy" line when ordering this drink. Based on a traditional Jamaican drink of hibiscus flowers, ginger and all spice flavour mixed with some Appleton Estate Rum by the skilful bartenders - It is a perfect potion to get you going. The spiciness makes for an exotic winter escape and provides a sweet but not overpowering flavour, with a  strawberry to garnish it was a hit with the ladies.

Now for a steamy and equally exotic temporary escape - we try the warm Jamaican Punch. Im taking quite the liking to the Appleton Estate rum and this time it is served with lemon and an orange wheel. The punch is served warm in a double walled glasses and is almost fragrant like a cup of warm tea. This is the perfect winter cocktail to cosy up to and a great companion for a cold night!

We were also treated to some delicious canapes by Executive Head Chef, Daniel Fountain. We try some spinach and ricotta pastries with a perfect buttery and flakey pastry, but the pork belly bites were indeed the highlight! Chunks of pork belly served in thick cubes, topped with crackling and plum relish - comfort food on a cold winter night!

Vegetarian Spring rolls and delicious Mini Steak burgers were made available throughout and were both crowd pleasers. Our favourite cocktail of the night had to be the Cohi's Horchata. Served in those awesome cups which are synonymous with the milkshakes from the takeaway shop in - it added some great fun. This rum based drink was frothy like a milkshake and had a very sweet but nutty flavour. Traditionally made with crushed nuts in Spain, the Cohibar version add almond meal to their version. Every inch the winter cocktail.

With an awesome venue like Cohibar, and a deliciously wicked winter cocktail selection - there is absolutely no reason hiding out in the winter time. Gone our the days of prohebition and im sure our boozehounds in the 1920's didnt go through all that for us to knowlingly deny ourselves of liquor! 

Cohibar is definitely one stylish and slick venue with spanning waterfront views of Darling Harbour . I never find this place to be overcrowded and it makes a perfect place for a function or a friday night boogie. And what better venue to be dancing the night away, cocktail in hand?

It was an all out 1920s prohibition theme with great props and artwork set up for a few "gangster" style photos. It was quite tempting to walk around with the machine gun all night! There was even a card entertainer who tested your skills, but after a few cocktails no doubt that our card skills got a bit hazy.

Cohiba's at Cohibar - not only are they a cocktail bar, Cohibar is one of Sydney's Cigar bars. So debonair isn't it?

The stylish decor inside, with an impressive liquor collection proudly displayed for  connoisseurs

Demos, Gianna and our fifth horchata - our new favorite drink! 

Cohibar - 359 Harbourside, Darling Harbour, Sydney 2000

http://www.cohibar.com.au/Venue

The Empty Fridgers attended the Cohibar Winter Cockatail Launch as a guest of Cohibar and JJ O'Brian Venues

AND - HOT OFF THE PRESS!

More evidence that there is fun to be had in the Wintertime - The lovely Chocolatesuze and I found ourselves in the Social Pages of the Sunday Telegraph! True to form - of course we rocked some great head gear! Check out the 2011 Winterfest site for some ice skating fun, and read more about our night in Suze's post and have a look at the Online Telegraph Gallery! :) Fun times! Ice Skating in Bondi Beach? You can't say no to that!