This September, W Sydney and Perrier reunite for the return of REFRESH, a four-day celebration of elevated mixology and intimate moments, timed to coincide with Sydney Bar Week. From 11–14 September, Living Room and Level 30 will play host to a series of experiences led by Stefano Bussi, Head Mixologist at The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, top 10 of Asia’s Best Bars 2024, bringing Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and signature cocktails to Sydney’s nightlife.
The Omakase Cocktail Experience – Thursday 11 September
On Thursday, 11th September evening, Living Room will transform into an omakase-style cocktail bar for an intimate tasting journey crafted by Stefano Bussi. Across two seatings, guests will enjoy four of The Aubrey’s signature cocktails, each paired with a Japanese-inspired bite from Chef Jamie Cho, formerly Head Chef at Sake Restaurant. The evening will begin with a welcome drink and ends with a sweet bite, all soundtracked by a live DJ.
Highlights include:
- Chinmoku: Gin, Iichiko Saiten, Aubrey Sake, Nori, Green Apple, Chamomile, Perrier – paired with Abrolhos Island scallop tartare and green apple pickle
- Named after the Japanese word for silence, this clarified milk punch blends gin with sake to offer a clean, rice-forward profile.
- Shibumi: Mezcal, Yuzu, Cinnamon, Dry Wines, Oregano, Elderflower, Perrier – paired with smoked wagyu beef tataki and enoki mushrooms
- Sharing the name of Stefano’s new cocktail menu, this cocktail captures the essence of what Shibumi represent with effortless complexity and layered restraint. A balanced, citrus forward mezcal sour with a touch of edible flitter to evoke a twilight-like visual texture to complement the cocktail
- Harmony: Vodka, Sweet Potato Shochu, Yuzu, Earl Grey, Perrier – paired with bonito zuke and seaweed crisps
- A light and refreshing yuzu highball with enhanced sweet potato characters from the shochu inspired by Japanese chuhai
- Nihonjin: Whisky, Kamimura, Danryu, Awamori, Matcha, Tomato, White Sesame, Perrier, Carbonation – paired with yellowfin tuna and sweet potato tartlet
- A signature highball from the new cocktail menu that brings ingredients that are deeply rooted in Japanese culture together for a clean and structured foundation with touch of matcha that adds a bitterness and earthy depth, breaking through with a tomato garnish for natural acidity and freshness
Details: Thursday 11 September | 7.00pm & 9.00pm | 12 guests per session | $99pp including cocktails, paired bites, welcome drink and sweet bite.
The Aubrey x Level 30 Guest Shift – Friday 12 September
On Friday evening, Stefano takes over Level 30 – W Sydney’s highest and most exclusive bar – for a one-night-only guest shift. Known for his bold yet refined approach to Japanese-influenced cocktails, Stefano will serve The Aubrey’s most celebrated creations from his new cocktail menu – The Art of Shibumi (the Japanese philosophy that represents effortless beauty and depth beneath simplicity) in an intimate setting 30 floors above Darling Harbour. An experience reserved for only 25 guests, offering rare access to world-class cocktails high above the city skyline.
Details: Friday 12 September | 7.00pm – 11.00pm | Waitlist now open.
Signature Serves All Weekend
From Thursday to Sunday, The Aubrey’s cocktails will be available in Living Room for $28 each, alongside The Aubrey Flight – a mini tasting of four cocktails for $60.
