Shirley Yeung

SHIRLEYYeung aka Swirls

Venue Manager @ Foxtrot Unicorn, 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth

ABOUT SWIRLS

I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Perth, Western Australia. My first job was in hospitality when I was 14, and I have worked in every other position from waiting, barista, kitchen hand etc. Being behind the bar was the last piece of the puzzle, but it was different from everything else. Like everyone else, I worked behind the bar as a way to make money while finishing my studies. The more I developed my skills and knowledge; I could see a potential future. All this wouldn’t be the case if I didn’t develop a passion and love for this industry, the people in it, and my job.

I’ve been lucky to be involved and compete in a few competitions, but the most memorable one was season one of Speedrack.

We’re a small bar that makes a lot of cocktails and specialises in nothing and everything. We pride ourselves in making great drinks, having good chats about all things booze and being actively involved in our community as well.

We’re an intimate jarrah-cladded small bar that was originally an old bank vault. Anyone is welcome. It’s a nice little escape from the busy streets of the city above. The best spot in the bar is definitely a seat at the bar - get in early on the weekends!

SWIRLS’ HOME COCKTAIL TIPS

Make sure to have fresh citrus juice, always. Quality ice - none of that freezerburned ice.

Don’t overdo it with flavours and flavoured spirits - keep it simple. Avoid pink gin.

Don’t overthink what cocktails to create. Stick with what you like and your favourite classics; don’t be afraid to ask your favourite bartender/bar questions.

SWIRLS’ T25 HERO COCKTAIL

The inspiration for my cocktail was to create something that would showcase the flavours of Disarrano without the sweetness being too overpowering. I wanted to create something between a Godfather and a Naked & Famous, so the flavour inspiration was born.

The smokiness from the mezcal balances the sweetness of the amaretto well. The dryness and light spice from the Cynar also balance the marzipan spices from the amaretto and opens it up. All the flavours together with the amaretto create a well balanced and flavourful drink. The simplicity is clear and allows you to easily replicate this drink at home.

SWIRLS’ DREAM BAR:

Byrdi, 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne

LAST NIGHT OF SWIRLS’ LIFE BAR:

Laphroaig Distillery, Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland

LAST NIGHT OF SWIRLS’ LIFE DRINK:

A nip of Laphroaig from a stowaway secret cask sitting on the rocks amongst the salty, peaty breeze

SWIRLS’ NIGHT OFF BAR:

Mechanics Institute, 222 William Street, Northbridge, WA

SWIRLS’ TOP 4 COCKTAILS

1. Tommy’s Margarita

INGREDIENTS:

• 50ml Tequila • 30ml lime juice • 15ml agave METHOD: Shake well and strain over ice. GARNISH: Dehydrated lime wheel or fresh lime wedge ICE: Cubed ice for shaking and fresh cubed ice for service. GLASS: Double rocks glass

2. Gibson

INGREDIENTS:

• 60ml juniper forward gin • 10ml dry vermouth • 1 bar spoon of pickled brine METHOD: Stir over ice. Strain, then garnish. GARNISH: Pickled onion ICE: Cubed ice for stirring. GLASS: Coupette or Martini Glass

3. Americano

INGREDIENTS:

• 30ml Campari • 30ml sweet vermouth • Soda to top METHOD: Build cocktail in glass over lots of ice GARNISH: Orange wedge, ready to squeeze ICE: Cubed ice GLASS: Highball

4. Naked & Famous

INGREDIENTS:

• 20ml mezcal • 20ml Aperol • 20ml lime juice • 20ml yellow Chartreuse METHOD: Stirred GARNISH: Grapefruit twist ICE: Ice for stirring GLASS: Nick and Nora

FOXTROT UNICORN

Some places have history. Some places make history. Very few places do both.

Foxtrot Unicorn is one such place. Buried beneath the heart of Perth in an old bank vault, this well-concealed speakeasy cocktail bar is a curious and comfortable abode. Decked out with red leather couches and jarrah-wood furnishing, Foxtrot Unicorn feels like a maze with so many different corners to explore. The curious décor feels like a treasure-hunt, and over the course of the night you’ll discover everything from a bottle-green safe to a taxidermized, partyhat wearing fox.

A large range of cocktails dominates the drink menu. Bar Manager Shirley Yuen and her team have carefully balanced their own inventions alongside drinks that honour Foxtrot’s past. Also on offer is a selection of vintage spirits and elusive drams. These offer up a truly unique drinking experience and suit the atmosphere of Foxtrot Unicorn perfectly.

Food is kept simple with jaffles taking centre stage. The jaffle menu changes frequently with weekly specials on offer. A large variety of local and imported cheeses are also available.

Foxtrot Unicorn is located at 101 St Georges Terrace, Perth. Enter through the sliding glass door furthest to the left. When you see a brass plate engraved with a ‘M’ you’ll know you’re in the right spot. Walk down the stairs and into the basement. Foxtrot Unicorn is open Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-12am, Friday 3pm-1am and Saturday 5pm-1am.

For more information email party@foxtrotunicorn.com or call (04) 0140 7658.

LA MADRINA

BY: SHIRLEY YEUNG | FOXTROT UNICORN SPONSOR: DISSARONO

La Madrina is a twist on the classic Godfather cocktail. The mezcal offers a delicious earthy note that balances out the sweetness of the amaretto, while the Cynar offers a strong savoury dryness. This is a drink that warms the heart a little more with each sip, and it feels like a growing tidal wave of excitement and passion.

INGREDIENTS:

• 40ml Dissarono • 20ml mezcal • 10ml Cynar • 2 dashes saline solution* • 2 dashes barrel aged whiskey bitters

METHOD: Stir over ice before straining.

GARNISH: Lemon twist & oil

ICE: Cubed ice to stir

GLASS: Coupette

*SALINE SOLUTION

Method: 22 parts salt to 100 parts water.