Art of Mixology

If you’ve ever been to the hidden gem that is 1806 in Melbourne’s CBD, you are probably aware of the history behind its name. In 1806, a New York bartender spontaneously created a drink made of a spirit, sugar, water and bitters. Suddenly, the cocktail was born. In 1862, another NYC bartender released the book The Bartender’s Guide – and what we’ve now come to know as mixology was formed. The cocktail started off simple but swiftly grew to madder and madder concoctions as the years went on. Now in 2023, some beverages are served with fruits, garnishes and even sliders, while others are served literally on fire.

Milk Bar was lucky enough to be invited to the opening night of Art of Mixology at Kingpin Crown on March 2nd – a walkthrough exhibition where six artists were invited to build a space that reflected Kingpin’s signature cocktails. The exhibition was not only visually stunning, it took guests on a sensory journey – with scented bubbles, projection illusions, sculptures and multiple mirrors that may or may not be trusted. What better way to get a sense of a cocktail menu by literally walking through it first. And to top it all off like the perfect garnish, guests concluded the walk-through with a complementary cocktail of their choice and an array on rotating canapés on offer.

The six local artists – Emily Rose Hill, Darren Healey, Sahil Roy, Mikaela Stafford, Nick Azidis and Ryan L Foote (the latter three being NGV alumni) – all curated vastly different and hypnotically captivating spaces for the bar’s cocktail themes. “Working alongside Kingpin, we’re thrilled to present a dynamic exhibition that showcases the talents of both emerging and esteemed local artists. Their unique interpretations of Kingpin’s signature cocktails will bring these beverages to life, creating a truly multi-dimensional experience for our guests,” says Ryan L Foote.

Art of Mixology ran from March 3rd – March 12th. While the exhibition has now passed, all of the cocktails that were explored here are still on offer at Kingpin. The Zombie (curated within the exhibition by Mikaela Stafford) was a standout for its refreshing pineapple, orange and passionfruit flavours. The Butterfly Flower (curated by Ryan L Foote – who was oddly posing on one knee within his space when we walked through) is bound to be a hit with its serving of a smoke filled bubble on top. The other cocktails put under the microscope were the Lychee Rose Martini, Blue Army Navy, Tricked Out Long Island and the highly recommended Envy. If the ones sipped were anything to go by, it would be a safe bet to suggest the ones we didn’t try are worth going back for.

Kingpin is located in Crown Melbourne and also offers up ten pin bowling, karaoke, laser tag, arcades, VR and even an escape room. There is no shortage of activities here, so head down for a good time and some even better cocktails.

Kingpin Crown
8 Whiteman St, Southbank VIC 3006