It's become obvious to the Hotham Herald team that there are some seriously good cocktails on offer at Hotham bars. Clearly, there is a demand for something a bit more sophisticated than beer, and it's probably true that sipping on something that costs as much as an entree makes you a little more careful not to drink too quickly. So who does cocktails at Hotham and what are the stars?
Chill Bar: Located in Hotham Central, this little operation punches well above its weight in the cocktail department. Don't be fooled by the booming toastie and coffee trade during the day; once the daytime trade has faded, the place becomes a top location for a leisurely cocktail. Our fave? The Pan Am, created by Barney Toy of the Revelry Bar in Auckland, which won the 2015 New Zealand Bacardi Legacy competition. A brisk and slightly creamy confection of Bacardi White Rum, Aperol, egg white and lemon.
Last Run Bar: Located above the Hotham Village centre on Mount Higginbotham, this restaurant (featured in the last issue of Hotham Herald) has a great range of bespoke cocktails named after local places and people. The Heavenly Peppermint is a stunner, with Creme de Cacao, Kahlua, Creme de Menthe and cream. Soothing and stimulating at the same time, and with the mint kick it's almost healthy.
Miss Mary's: The newest of our cocktail providers (also previously featured in Hotham Herald) is tucked under Hotham Central, creating the feel of the kind of place you'd have a secret rendezvous, with cocktails of course. If you are having a tryst, you want to stay awake, and we have it on good authority that their espresso martini will do the trick. Laced with a little silky vanilla butterscotch, this smooth operator packs a caffeine punch - perfect for a long and seductive night out.
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