It’s on again. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 starts this weekend from Friday 17th to Saturday 25th August, with food a big focus of the event this year. There’ll be special appearances of household names such as Adriano Zumbo, Matt Moran, Shannon Bennett and Kylie Kwong who’ll be cooking up a storm on shore, whilst the sailors battle it out on the water. Renowned hoteliers The Keystone Group are also debuting at Race Week this year.
“Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is undoubtedly the country’s premier sailing and social event and we’re thrilled to be able to add to what is already an amazing week. The Keystone touch will be seen throughout Race Week, both at some of the Island’s venues through their fresh styling and ambiance, as well as through a new bespoke cocktail menu at the Island’s luxury resort qualia, one of the world’s best hotels. We are always looking for ways to create new and unique drinking and dining experiences and we’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting collaboration” said Paul Schulte, Group Director, The Keystone Group.
The news is the Keystone Group collaborates with Audi Hamilton Island Race Week and takes it to the next level with Captain’s Clubs, pool parties and Pirate Ships.
Keystone’s Group Cocktail Manager Jason Williams has created an exquisite cocktail list for qualia. Set to be launched for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, the new menu will remain as a permanent feature for qualia’s guests to enjoy throughout the year. The bespoke list is inspired by provenance; the idea of using amazing produce and products that are grown in the area, or that originate from around the country.
Water Washing Over Me is one of the highlights on the new menu. A shared cocktail experience for two, it involves theatre, fire, interaction and a just a little bit of patience – which isn’t hard when enjoying cocktails somewhere as unashamedly beautiful as qualia. Williams’ other signature specials include the Hibiscus Cosmopolitan, Watermelon Man, Spiced Apple Mojito and Django Django (paying homage to the land of mangoes) and he’s shared his recipe for Harbour Master.
“The Whitsundays, Hamilton Island and indeed qualia represent some of the best aspects of quintessential Australian charm and lifestyle. Vibrant, relaxed, indulgent, and unassuming. Nicky Tindill wanted our unique creations to highlight these undeniable qualities, and I believe these original, luxury cocktails achieve that”, says Williams of his cocktail offerings.
Harbour Master
GLASS: Tall
GARNISH: Mint sprig.
30ml Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
30ml Lime Juice
30ml Pineapple Syrup (strong house made or Monin brand)
6-8 Mint Leaves
60ml Ginger BeerAdd mint, rum lime and syrup to the bottom of glass. Add ice and stir through mint. Refill with ice and top with ginger beer.
