The Plough's Cocktales & Recipes

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...

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 the 1870s when a cheese factory was opened in Myrniong. This prompted the farmers to deliver all of their milk to the factory rather than make butter on their farms. This cheese factory operated for about 10 years until, ironically, it became a butter factory. The factory was bought by the Federal Milk Company around 1915 and they manufactured “Lifeguard Condensed Milk” before relocating the factory to Bacchus Marsh. And so to this week's Cocktail: Strawberry Creme. Here's cheers to the Dairy Farmers! Strawberry Crème 30 mL  Bacardi Rum 15 mL  Strawberry Liquor 15 mL  lemon juice 30 mL  pineapple juice 15 mL aquafaba 15 mL raspberry cordial GARNISH: 1 x pink marshmallow Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker  Add ice and shake hard for 15-20 seconds Strain ice out, then reshake for 10-15 seconds Pour into chilled  rocks gla...