3 Refreshing Cocktail Recipes from Marble & Grain's Laura Barros

At Marble & Grain, we pride ourselves on offering not only exceptional dining but also a vibrant drinks menu that perfectly complements our modern Australian cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Canberra, located in Avenue Hotel, our venue is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience. Who better to introduce you to our latest summer cocktails than Laura Barros, our passionate and personable Restaurant Manager?

Meet Laura Barros - The Heart Behind the Cocktails

Originally from Brazil, Laura Barros discovered her love for the hospitality industry after moving to Australia in 2015. Her journey from food and beverage attendant to Restaurant Manager at Marble & Grain is a testament to her dedication and natural talent.

“Marble & Grain has been a big part of my life and instigated a passion for food and good wines.” Laura shares. “Last year I did my level I WSET course to expand my wine knowledge and assist our customers as much as I can when required. Providing the best service and a unique experience has been my main goal at Marble & Grain”.

Introducing Marble & Grain

Inspired by the traditional European steakhouse, Marble & Grain seamlessly blends premium ingredients with modern flair. Our menu celebrates the seasons, featuring fresh seafood, quality meats, and inventive dishes crafted by our talented chefs. Paired with a lively yet elegant ambiance, Marble & Grain is the perfect setting for any occasion – from casual catch-ups to milestone celebrations.

Of course, a great meal deserves an equally great drink. Laura has curated a selection of three refreshing cocktail recipes that are perfect for the summer months. Let’s dive in!

Cocktails

Laura shares with us the inspiration behind the cocktails, “With summer approaching, we wanted to create some vibrant, summery cocktails to complement our menu,” Laura shares. “Aperol Spritz is one of our best-sellers and a classic choice, so we thought, why not explore a couple of fresh alternatives? We couldn’t resist adding a third cocktail, Summer Solstice, because it’s just so refreshing and amazing!”

1. Blue Lagoon Spritz

Ingredients

• Alizé: 60ml

• Prosecco: 90ml

• Vodka: 30ml

• Soda water: Top up

• Ice: As needed

• Garnish with a Lime slice

How to Make

1. Prepare the glass: Choose a large wine glass or highball glass and fill it with ice.

2. Fill the shaker: add the base spirits 60ml of alize and 30 ml of vodka.

3. Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients well.

4. Strain into glass: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour if you want to avoid ice shards.

5. Top with fizz: Pour in your sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne) and top with soda water.

6. Add a lime slice for garnish, and you're ready to enjoy!

2. Strawberry Spritz

Ingredients

• Aperol: 60ml

• Prosecco: 90ml

• Soda water: Top up

• Ice: As needed

• Garnish: Fresh strawberry slices

How to Make:

1. Prepare the glass: Choose a large wine glass or a highball glass and fill it with ice cubes.

2. Fill the shaker: add the base spirits 60ml of aperol and 30 ml of vodka.

3. Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients well.

4. Strain into glass: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Use a fine mesh strainer to ensure a smooth pour if you want to avoid ice shards.

5. Top with fizz: Pour in your sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne) and top with soda water.

6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a couple of fresh strawberries to add a beautiful touch and enhance the fruity aroma, and degust!

3. Summer Solstice

Ingredients:

• Tequila: 30ml

• Lychee liqueur: 30ml

• Lime juice: 30ml

• Cointreau: 15ml

• Passionfruit pulp: 30ml

How to Make:

1. Prepare the glass: As we are using tequila choose a margarita glass. Perfect for serving cocktails that are shaken and served without ice.

2. Wet the rim: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass to moisten it. This will help the salt to stick.

3. Salt the rim: On a small plate, pour some salt. Gently dip the rim of the glass into the salt, rotating it so that all or part of the edge is evenly covered.

4. Add the spirits and mixers:

   • Pour 30 ml of Tequila into the shaker.

   • Add 30 ml of Lychee liqueur for sweetness and exotic flavor.

   • Pour in 30 ml of fresh lime juice for a zesty, refreshing kick.

   • Add 15 ml of Cointreau for a smooth, orange-flavored.

   • Lastly, pour in 30 ml of Passionfruit pulp or juice.

5. Shake: Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

6. Strain into a glass: Strain the mixture into your cocktail glass. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you'd like to remove any pulp for a smoother texture.

7. Degust: Take a sip and enjoy!

A Toast to Summer

These cocktails are a true celebration of summer flavours, perfect for sipping on our terrace or recreating at home. Each drink pairs beautifully with our modern Australian cuisine – try the Strawberry Spritz with our seafood dishes or the Blue Lagoon Spritz alongside a succulent steak.

Help us to create the perfect Signature Cocktail for Marble & Grain!

We believe that 2025 is the perfect opportunity to craft a signature cocktail for Marble & Grain, and we'd love to hear your thoughts!

What flavours and styles best represent the Marble & Grain experience? Share your ideas by commenting on our post on Instagram, Facebook or send us a message. Your inspiration could shape our next menu addition!

Ready to shake things up? Indulge in our new summer cocktail lineup, book your next stay at Avenue Hotel, and make a reservation at Marble & Grain today!