A Night to Remember
On Saturday, 22nd March, we had the pleasure of hosting an unforgettable evening — the Night Merchant Distillery Poolside Cocktail Soiree at The Lane Retreat. With 60 guests in attendance, including locals, members, and visitors from afar, the event was nothing short of spectacular.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. With a steady 25°C, sunny skies, and just enough warmth to tempt everyone into the pool, it was an ideal setting for a poolside cocktail soirée. Guests were in high spirits, enjoying refreshing cocktails, delicious canapés, and the overall lively atmosphere.
One of the standout highlights of the evening was the food. Esca’s talented Head Chef, Raphael, truly outdid himself with an array of canapés that left everyone raving. The kingfish tartare, paired with potato hash, avocado puree, sesame oil, and finger lime, was an absolute hit. The beef sliders with pickled slaw, American cheese, and BBQ sauce quickly became a crowd favourite. But it was the butternut pumpkin raviolo with pine nut butter and goats cheese that really impressed the guests, offering a perfect balance of flavours.
The tasting bar, hosted by our very own Chief Winemaker and Distiller, Richard Done, was another highlight of the evening. Richard expertly guided attendees through the full Night Merchant spirit range, showcasing the depth and complexity of his craft.
From the main bar, cocktails flowed freely throughout the night, with 212 cocktails (not including beer and wine) served, included the classics; Tommy’s Margaritas, Mojitos, Pink Gin Fizzes, and Negronis.
The evening’s soundtrack, courtesy of DJ Conway, kept the atmosphere just right. His mix of house beats and 80s hits were a sublime fit for the event. The pool area, styled by local event designers Love Glows, was out of this world, complimenting the jaw dropping natural backdrop of the Broken Back Range.
As a token of our appreciation, each guest left with a custom Night Merchant stubby cooler, made specifically to fit our 250mL RTD cans.
Looking ahead, we’re already planning for next summer’s event, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it. But until then, keep an eye out, there may just be a Winter Fireside Edition to keep the good times rolling during the cooler months.