The bartender

Alicia Clarke

Double Deuce Lounge - (NSW)

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A BARTENDER?
As is the story for a lot of people I talk to, it was a happy accident. A friend approached me when I was 19, unemployed and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. He gave me a waitressing job at a pub, and that was that; I was completely sold. Here we are 11 years later. It’s not the most romantic story, but it sure was life-altering.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

I could name countless people back home who supported me and pushed me to be better. Maybe too many to write down. But any of the people I was working with in Hobart in my early years, they know who they are. There’s also something to be said for the influence and determination that spurs from people who don’t believe in you... but I don’t think that matters as much.

The hero cocktail

Daytime Emmy

Flavourful and fruity highball, with some subtle herbal notes. I wanted to make a super accessible highball, whilst still appreciating the hero spirit. I love a fruity cocktail; the passion fruit and pineapple in this cocktail really came through. Chinola Passion fruit Liqueur is a vine to bottle liqueur made in the Dominican Republic. It is made from 100% non-GMO passionfruits; grown in Majagual, cane sugar and neutral cane sugar spirit. It is bright and viscous; making it perfect for a highball. As for the inspiration - I wanted to make something that would hero the spirit, but wasn’t an overtly obvious choice for a liqueur. The cardamom and rosemary give herbal and earthy notes to compliment the sweetness of the syrup and the natural passion fruit flavour. And the name? Anyone remember that old soap ‘Passions’ with the creepy talking doll Timmy? That’s it. That’s the joke! That show was my Bold and the Beautiful.

Ingredients

• Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur

• Quebranta Pisco

• Salted Pineapple, Rosemary & Cardamom syrup

• Jasmine Tea Acid

• Soda

Like this cocktail? The full recipe can be found in this year’s copy of the Top 25 Bartenders. Get your copy by clicking the button below.

The bar

Double Deuce Lounge (NSW)

We refer to Double Deuce Lounge as a 70s porn-chic themed cocktail bar. We’re all about quality drinks but at the same time, try not to take ourselves too seriously. It’s great cocktails, great music, great vibes, and some pretty deliciously dorky snack options, too. I started in February 2020, right before that thing that we don’t mention. So, coming up on four action- packed years!

Opening Hours:

Tuesday to Thursday,

5 pm – 12 am

Friday to Saturday,

5 pm – 2 am