What to Expect @ Misty Bar

Review by Ebony Bowden

When it comes to laneway bars, Misty is the original. Open since 1998, it is still as popular and relevant as ever. Located in Melbourne's most photographed laneway, Hosier Lane, Misty is the place to challenge your views on alcohol and open your mind to a whole new world of drinking. Most of the hum about the room is generated by those sitting at the bar watching the staff create signature cocktails and classics alike. Here, vodka is infused with basil and cracked pepper is muddled with fresh strawberries. The Scottish bar staff are some of the most knowledgeable in town, and are always up for a friendly conversation on the history of many drinks.

For all of its ingenuity however, Misty is not in the least pretentious. The crowd here is in their 30s and 40s, and many after-work drinkers still linger at 10pm. The drinks are reasonably priced with cocktails being a standard $18 to $20 and a glass of wine setting you back $10. The feeling is laid back and modest. Music is played from one of the staff's iPods and you can tell the focus here is simply on good drinking and good company. Although open until 3am on weekends, Misty is the perfect place for a few good drinks before hitting the town.

Misty provides some of the best drinking in Melbourne. There is only one beer on tap so that the focus can be on what Misty does best - cocktails and spirits. For those who cannot bring themselves to order a cocktail however, there are plenty of local beers to choose from featuring Mildura, Sunshine, Healesville, Prahran and Hawthorn. The futuristic bar makes the wide range of spirits clear. After a few drinks I managed to count eight different types of vodka and at least fifteen different types of gin.

The star drink here is 'Little Misty Bitch', which the bar manager tells us has been quite popular since its reveal a few weeks ago. Consisting of Misty's own vanilla infused vodka, lemon juice, sugar, pineapple juice and fresh ginger, it tastes like a beautiful lemon meringue. Those looking for something a little more daring will love the 'Tokay Blanket'. Made of Maker's Mark bourbon, Grand Marnier and orange bitters, the drink is set alight and poured into the tumbler still flaming. I was drunk after a few sips. Perfect for a cold winter's night, but be warned, this is not for the fair-hearted.

The decor of Misty is contemporary and minimalist while still being cosy. Leather couches overlook the iconic lane; while bar tables provide good seating for groups. Those drinking solo or in pairs can also sit at the bar. An intricate paper light piece dominates the room and is appropriate to Misty's laneway setting. Despite all of this, Misty does not lose her modesty and just about everyone is welcome. This place is what Melbourne is all about.

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