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Just open: Eau De Vie Apothecary, Darlinghurst

Rachel Olding

Umm waiter, is that a pig in my drink? Turn away now vegetarians, because things are about to get pretty darn meaty.

After redefining the art of adventurous cocktail-making at Eau de Vie and the Roosevelt, cocktail guru Sven Almenning is yet again pushing the boundaries, this time with bacon.

Bottleneck, the tiny meat-balls-and-Bloody-Marys bar in the hallway leading to Eau de Vie, closed recently after an 18-month run. In its place is Eau De Vie Apothecary, a tiny tipple spot for Almenning’s star bartenders to experiment wildy.

It’s all about cocktail flights: three-course set menus following themes that will change each month. And to kick things off, it's everybody's favourite pork product, bacon.

The pig is presented in three ways starting with a mind-bending BLT made with vodka, tomato consomme and rocket vermouth with a side of witlof, cheese and Australian bacon.

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Next up is the Big Kahuna (ESG Bacon Bourbon, cognac, pineapple, pomegranate, Sriracha hot sauce and black pepper smoke), concluding with a palate-cleansing proscuito e Melon (gin, sparking wine, maraschino, cantaloupe, bacon, balsamic and olive oil).

It'll feel like you’re sitting in a hallway because, well, you are. The dark passageway in the Kirketon Hotel is not the most atmospheric spot but skinny booths with brown curtains become secluded nooks perfect for the intimate His & Hers cocktail flight.

Start with a first date C’est La Vie (champagne a la sotti, sugar, pipettes) and end with a Honeymoon Punch (rums, aphrodisiac-laden syrups, tropical fruits).

If bacon booze and aphrodisiac aperitifs are too much, there’s a Down the Garden Path flight that plays on vegies, herbs and fruits. Time to loosen up and get adventurous.

Eau De Vie Apothecary, 229 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst

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