Pippa Canavan
Mechanics Institute
Forgotten Quarrels
Glassware
Champagne flute
GARNISH
Sprig fresh saltbush
INGREDIENTS
60ml Jim Beam White Label
70ml Lacto-fermented watermelon soda
20ml Saltbush and vanilla syrup
10ml Lactic acid
3 drops Saline solution
METHOD
Add all ingredients to bottle, carbonate, serve
THE STORY BEHIND THE COCKTAIL NAME
I grew up as part of the 6th generation of my family on a cattle station up North in rural Western Australia, and we have a long standing tradition which has passed down for over 120 years. There is a rule when you work during the mustering season, which is that everyone must come together after the day’s work to share a drink. When you are out on a motorbike or a buggy all day in burning heat chasing cattle, tensions can rise, and tempers can flare. The knock off drink is a way to come together and laugh off the frustrations of the day, share stories and bond as a team. I chose to use Jim Beam white not only for its flavour, but also because it has been passed down through 7 generations of the Beam family. I chose to marry it with watermelon-a favourite childhood snack from our veggie patch, vanilla and ruby saltbush picked from our station to create a refreshing drink which is a toast to a hard day’s work.