Last Wednesday night, Suntory Bar at Prefecture 48 welcomed one of the world’s most celebrated bartenders, Jim Meehan, for an unforgettable one-off appearance. The James Beard Award winner and author of Meehan’s Bartender Manual brought his signature style to the three-month residency, which has been making waves since opening in Sydney’s first Japanese dining precinct.
For one night only, guests were treated to a cocktail list inspired by Meehan’s extensive career behind the bar. Drinks moved between playful riffs and refined classics: the Malabar Silver Corn Fizz showcased Maker’s Mark lifted with corn water, honey syrup and sparkling wine, while the Dragonfly blended Roku Gin with oat milk, white crème de cacao and matcha for a silky, green-tinged surprise. Southern Cola leaned into nostalgia with Jim Beam Black and amaro over a cola-lime ice cube, while the Peeking Duck was a bold and layered mix of Hakushu Whisky, Haku Vodka, Averna, citrus, soy, and ginger beer. Each drink spoke to Meehan’s talent by balancing history and technique in each pour.
Suntory Bar itself is shaping up as a serious destination. Running until 8 November, the residency is an immersive celebration of Suntory’s rich history and boundary-pushing spirit, bringing together the brand’s iconic Japanese labels and international whiskeys in a space dedicated to highballs, experimental cocktails, and late-night snacks.
With takeovers, masterclasses and nights like these, Suntory Bar is making sure Sydney drinkers are in for something truly special.