date: Sunday 11 December 2016

disclaimer: I was a guest at the launch.

I am not a big cocktail drinker (unless, by ‘cocktail’ you mean ‘gin and tonic’) so I was really pleased that my invitation to 2KW’s cocktail launch included a plus one. This means you get a slightly more balanced view of the cocktails that will be on offer over summer.

Of course, 2KW doesn’t need the drawcard of slick cocktails. I’m not sucking up to anyone here, but it has to be one of Adelaide’s go-to bars. If nothing else, the view is spectacular. Of course, the outdoor bar (as well as the indoor bar), the misters and its food (be warned though – the restaurant can be a bit noisy) make it an all-in-one package. You do have to be a bit mindful of the dress code though, and for some of us that makes it a bit more of a destination rather than somewhere you’d just randomly visit. I unwaveringly recommend it as somewhere to checkout to visitors. Those views …

The summer cocktail launch was held on a warm afternoon – very conducive to a few cool beverages with friends. Four new cocktails were featured, along with some very tasty canapés and a summer special, the Vermouth Spritzer.

First up – the Montenegro Sour. Although I’m usually not fan of the herbal liqueurs (and indeed, orange) this was quite refreshing and I think would definitely appeal to anyone with a slight sweet tooth (or with a love of chocolate and orange). This was rated even more highly by my friend.

Next, the Pickled Pineapple Whisky Smash. When the two mixologists responsible for the new cocktails told us it was made with a smoked whisky this meant very little to me … until I tried the drink. Woah … this one was really smoky. Too smoky for both my friend and me – the pineapple was lost.

At this point, we split our tasting and I opted for the KI Buzz – gin, lemon and honey (Kangaroo Island produce, of course!). Easily my favourite cocktail of the four, you could definitely smell and taste the honey alongside the gin. It was quite sweet – and I personally would only manage one, but I can see this being a very popular cocktail.

My friend was on the Two Lifts – an homage to 2KW’s complicated access route – based around Aperol, Chartreuse and Vermouth. I’ll be honest – I thought this was … um … unpalatable but she really liked it.

A special mention goes to 2KW’s Vermouth Spritzer – the perfect antidote to a hot afternoon. It’s a simple mix of dark Spanish vermouth (Casa Mariol Vermut Negre) with soda water (and a slice of lime and some mint). This was absolutely delicious – very refreshing, balanced and eminently drinkable. I suspect (although you should confirm this) that it’s pretty low in alcohol, as the Vermouth comes in at just 15% abv. I liked this so much I tried to recreate it at home (with some dark Italian Vermouth) and failed miserably … I guess I’ll just have to keep trying!

Finally – if you are a bar lover, then you should be all over 2KW’s Sunday Sol sessions which launched the Sunday just gone. Pintxos, charcuterie, drinks, live music, DJs … and a focus on Vermouth (oh wait – that means it’s an opportunity to do Vermouth Spritzer research!). This coming Sunday is forecast to be 34 so there’s probably going to be no better place to hang out than 2KW’s bar …

2KW
2 King William Street
Adelaide SA 5000
8212 5511