The cocktail bar hidden within Melbourne’s W hotel, Curious – has recently launched a new menu in collaboration with internationally acclaimed bartender Matt Whiley. The Curious Matter menu, challenges traditional cocktail making by exploring the five states of matter – solid, liquid, gas, vapour, and curiosity.
This sensory menu transforms drinks into edible clouds, detonated garnishes, and fog-covered glasses, colliding science with cocktail craft.
“The initial inspiration came from the venue itself. Curious sparks intrigue the moment you walk in. I’d been toying with a science-based menu for a while, and this was the perfect space to bring it to life,” said Whiley.
Drinks to expect include the Quantum Silk (Plasma) – A savoury daiquiri reimagined with bok choy lime syrup and coriander oil, beginning with a tongue-tingling lime leaf.
The Wizz Fizz (Gas) brings a fizzy tequila and Campari forward blend with a detonated peach-scented garnish and helium balloon on the side.
Surface Tension (Vapour) – A fresh, cucumber-forward drink served beneath a veil of rain-scented fog – a sensory memory.
Cryocone (Liquid) offers Bourbon, bacon vodka and maple raisin turned into boozy soft serve using liquid nitrogen, served in a cone for maximum indulgence.
One Cloud Nine (Curiosity) – A mojito transformed into a fluffy, spoonable cloud. White rum, mint and lime, reimagined as an edible texture.
“This menu is a sensory exploration of scientific discovery,” says Krister Svensson, General Manager of W Melbourne. “It’s about engaging curiosity, and Matt has brought that vision to life in a truly original way.”