Melbourne is one of those brilliant cities where you can literally get lost for hours down little alleyways, and with the right knowledge can find yourself in one of many hidden bars.
Fall From Grace is one of those said hidden bars, accessible only by pulling out a book in a secret bookshelf and thus causing a fake wall to slide open revealing a stairway down into a world unknown. On this particular evening the stairway took me into a space filled with dapper gentleman and elegant ladies clinking cocktails and chatting in darkened corners. Amaro Montenegro was being combined into various concoctions behind the bar by talented mixologists, whilst excited guests got their photos taken at the photobooth. Plates of scrumptious food were consumed and enjoyed, and dance tunes were mixed by the upbeat DJ.
The star of the night however was Amaro Montenegro. This liqueur first arrived on the scene in 1885 and has been described as ‘the liqueur of the virtues’. Originally enjoyed straight, it’s made a grand comeback in recent times being added to modern cocktails. My favourite cocktail of the night was the Monte Pina. Made with 50ml Amaro Montenegro, 20ml Peach Liquor, 120ml pineapple juice, a splash of sparkling grapefruit juice, and some pink grapefruit to garnish. This cocktail took me straight to a tropical island, and allowed me to forget all about the cold Melbourne weather.
A close second favourite was the Monte Mule made with 45ml of Amaro Montenegro, 30ml lime juice, 15m vodka, a splash of peach liqueur, 90ml of ginger beer, and a sprig of mint to garnish. I enjoyed sipping on this as a talented circus performer contortionist twisted and turned in a beautiful display of artistry. It was a wonderful finale, and the perfect end to a fine evening of class and sophistication.
You can find Amaro Montenegro where all good liqueurs are sold. Check it out on Dan Murphy’s HERE.
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