The Stolen Town Bike

Petty theft is the inspiration behind Bar Lourinhã’s party-friendly grapefruit cocktail.

The category of works inspired by bikes getting nicked is rather small. The Italian classic Bicycle Thieves was released in 1948, and Melbourne’s Bar Lourinhã offers us the Stolen Town Bike. The cocktail dates back to 2006, when Matt McConnell and Jo Gamvros first opened their bar. One of their regulars would often turn up on his so-called “town bike” – until the day it got swiped. The team at Bar Lourinhã created the zesty grapefruit drink to cheer him up.

“This cocktail has been on the list since it all began,” says McConnell.

“It can easily be transferred to a punch bowl as a party drink, over a large block of cut ice with grapefruit,” says Gamvros. Cool it in the fridge ahead of the party or, better still, leave it in a pre-chilled caña or short cocktail glass, to be served straight up once guests arrive. “Top with grapefruit soda and serve with a guindilla pepper garnish as a nice twist,” she says. Bar Lourinhã, 37 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Vic, barlourinha.com.au > Combine 30ml vodka, 30ml oloroso sherry, 10ml sugar syrup, a dash of grapefruit bitters and 45ml fresh grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker, top with ice, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Strain into a highball, top with grapefruit soda and garnish with basil and a twist of grapefruit. This recipe is an edited extract from Eat at the Bar by Matt McConnell and Jo Gamvros (Hardie Grant Books, $50, hbk).