The Plough's Cocktales & Recipes

Welcome to this week's Cocktail O'Clock. Today we recognise International Women's Day and raise a glass to all of the inspiring women who have passed through the doors of The Plough. Mary Ryan in 1866 who was the first female publican. Grace Purcell in 1882 Mary Kerr in 1891 And to Kate Foley who from 1901 became the longest serving publican at The Plough. To all of the other licensees, we salute you. And in particular, I would like to toast all of our female team members, suppliers, and customers over the years who have made The Plough what it is today. The Empower-Mint Cocktail – Cheers to all the incredible women making a difference in the world! Empower-Mint Cocktail 60mL N/A Gordons Gin 30 mL lime juice 15 mL Simple syrup 4-6 Fresh mint leaves Splash of sparkling water Ice cubes In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh mint leaves gently to release their aroma. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for

Welcome to this week's Cocktail O'Clock, where we enjoy a sip of history with a tale to share. Today we head back to November 1882 when, after a week or so of grand display in Mrs Simmon's Post Office store window, the Tea & Coffee Service gift, alongside a massive gold locket and chain, was presented to Mr and Mrs Lauder who were leaving The Plough Hotel after a four-year tenure, however they had spent many years before that in the region. The Lauders had purchased a Hotel in Romsey, and to recognise their contribution to Myrniong, a farewell presentation was led by Captain Grant and echoed by many others present, whose speeches acknowledged the services the couple had contributed, and that their leaving was "our loss and Romsey's gain". Happiness and prosperity were bestowed on the Lauders as they embarked on their upcoming clearing sale amidst fond farewells. And so today, we celebrate National Barista Day and recognise those who satisfy our cravings w

Welcome to this week's instalment of Cocktail O'Clock, where we raise a glass to the past and toast to tales worth sharing.  Today we cast our minds back to the early days of Myrniong, when the area was referred to as Blow’s Flat – named after an early settler of the area. Major bushfires in February 1851 destroyed the Pentland Hills station of Mr Williamson and Captain Blow including their house, furniture, library of books and notes, and everyone’s clothing bar those they were wearing. Sadly, 2 flocks of sheep also perished. The loss exceeded £850, however with Captain Blow’s love of literature, his loss of books would have been the greatest toll. Heading into town to purchase clothing and supplies for himself and his station men, Captain Blow was met by Mr Powlett from the Police Station whose tent, fences and crops also received the same treatment of the fire. Fortunately for Mr Powlett, his house was saved. This week's cocktail is reputed to have been invented someti

Welcome to this week's instalment of Cocktail O'Clock, where I offer you a postulated history of The Plough “barrel”. This French oak barrel originated as a sherry cask in Spain, potentially dating back to the late 18th century. The barrel, with its sherry contents, would have been sold to the wine merchants of London during the mid-19th century who were instrumental in exporting the much sought-after beverage throughout Europe. Once the sherry was consumed by the Poms, the empty barrel would have been sold to a Scottish distillery to age their whisky. Some time between 1880-1890 the barrel, full of Scottish whisky, was purchased by Brinds Distillery at Dunnstown, who used it to age their brandy after the Scottish whisky contents were sold. Around 1927, the Brinds Distillery moved their production to the Corio Distillery in Geelong where the barrel continued to be used for aging brandy. The empty barrel was sold in 1972 to a local winery where the barrel was filled with po

Welcome to this week's instalment of Cocktail O'Clock, where we raise a glass to the past and toast to tales worth sharing.  Today, we journey back to February 1867, when a charming notice graced the classifieds of the local newspaper. It spoke of a heartfelt plea from someone who had lost their dog somewhere between Myrniong and Greendale – a large black and white Newfoundland, who answered to the name of "Romeo" & proudly wore his owner's name on his collar.  In a gesture of hope, a Ten Shillings Reward was offered to anyone who could reunite them. And now, for this week's tipple: the Love-Struck Romeo cocktail. A zero-alcohol delight, crafted to make hearts dance and set the mood for the upcoming Valentine's Day, on Wednesday, 14th February. Cheers to everlasting love and cherished moments shared together. Love-Struck Romeo 45 mL Lyres Highland Malt 15 mL Lyres Amaretti 15 mL raspberry cordial 30 mL cranberry juice 15 mL fresh lemon juice Fill a c