Try the Mexican Summer at Bar Patrón-New dishes and summer cocktails hit the harbourside menu
Summer-ify your social life at legendary Mexican dining destination Bar Patrón, which has introduced a range of light and seasonal dishes, supported by refreshing new cocktails that will tame the summer heat.
With summer set to officially explode from Friday 1st December, it is the perfect time to indulge in authentic, Mexican cuisine with an irresistible Bar Patrón twist. A refreshed seasonal menu brings out the best of the quintessential, sunny, warm flavours for which traditional Mexican cuisine is renowned, balanced with a delightful modern Australian riff, as well as inspiration from dishes such as classic South American ceviche, Peruvian tiradito and Japanese tempura.
The breathtaking, light-filled location overlooking Circular Quay has had a mini makeover too, elevating the luxe-summer feel with a softer colour palette and which soaks up the shimmering water views.
Explore new, small plates, such as Tuna Tiradito featuring thinly sliced Yellowfin Tuna with ancho chilli, mandarin, and coriander; and the latest large plates on the menu, including sensational Mulloway Asado, with capsicum salsa picante, herb salad and lime. Australian raised, six-hour, slow-braised Little Joe Short Ribs, with a marble score of 4+, bear all the hallmarks of traditional Mexican cooking with tequila and chipotle sauce and charred corn. Addictive crispy prawn tacos are filled with the crunch of tempura King Prawn, a classic, charred molcajete salsa, charred lime, and red cabbage.
Bar Patrón Food & Beverage Director Hugo Suire said the new dishes brought fresh new flavours and an emphasis on seasonality to the summer menu.
“Head Chef Hayden Clarke recently visited Hacienda Patrón in Jalisco, Mexico, where Patrón tequila is distilled, and he came back with many ideas, including how to enhance the modern aspects of our menu,” Chef Suire said.
“Previously the menu veered towards traditional Mexican. Now, I would describe it as Australian-Mexican, incorporating Mexican recipes and Australian ingredients. The overall feel of the summer menu is light and citrussy, with lots more seafood.”
Ask the bartender for one of the new cocktails and you will possibly be served Watermelon Suga – Bar Patrón’s take on a fresh watermelon seltzer, marrying Patrón Silver, fresh watermelon juice, Ilegal Jovan Mezcal, Agave and Lime into a fizzy long drink; or the new El Santo Negroni – a spin on the classic Negroni, blending premium Patrón Roca Silver, with Campari, 1757 Extra Dry Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur and grapefruit bitters.
Pacific Concepts Beverage Director Ali Toghani said the new cocktails are influenced by traditional Mexican drinks, while some have accents of non-Mexican ingredients, which give them a unique twist.
“Take for example the Tijuana Slipper, which blends Patrón Anejo Barrel Select with Amaro Montenegro and Japanese flavours of sudachi and shisho cordial and the light fizz of ginger ale; or the splash of the Japanese citrus yuzu in the Mandalirian, which showcases Patrón Silver with mandarin and lime soda,” Mr Toghani said.
“Meanwhile, the Cancún-Coola is a twist on the traditional Mexican Cantaritos, featuring Patrón Reposado, Jamaica Flower cordial, grapefruit and pomegranate soda; and our new Up All-Night blends Patrón Silver and spiced coffee, which is prevalent in Mexican households, while the Ibarra chocolate crust takes its cue from the common use of chocolate in Mexican cooking.”
