By Laura Stephens

Amongst the thriving proliferation of bars in our Melbourne nightlife, it is difficult to rise up from the endless collection of choices. Every corner, ever crevice and every secret lane in our great city, you will always find yourself somewhere to go for a drink in this town. 1806 however, challenges this notion of endless choice.

With a historical essence within each cocktail, the bar’s atmosphere unquestionably captures a night quite unlike other bars. With a burlesque mood set in place as soon as you walk through the secret door on Exhibition Street, you certainly feel like you’ve escaped the pretence and monotony of your own life.

In their opening to World Cocktail Week, cocktail enthusiasts were treated to 5 separate drink stations – all representing different eras of the cocktail. From the “Moulin Rouge-esque” styled drink (presenting a warm twist on the martini) with a sombre and sexy Pink Panther playing in the background, to a delicious Tiki-styled beach thirst-quencher with delicious hints of mint and lime.

Once you taste the exquisitely unique cocktail treats, there’s no turning back to the usual cheap and tacky tasting beverages. 1806 certainly defines the ability to create delicious, and almost edible alcoholic cocktails. This superior bar certainly creates a new appreciation for alcohol consumption! And for a 7-month old bar, you sense an unexpected notion of tradition and an antique quality of age and wisdom.

1806 also invites cocktail buffs to an interestingly useful ‘how to mix great drinks at home’ seminar. For $150, students are taken through a series of both classic and modern cocktail history and creation processes, and will learn how to match complementary flavours in order to create the superb tasting cocktails compiled by the tasteful 1806. For more imformation, call (03) 9663 7722, or visit www.1806.com.au.