The Big Easy Darlinghurst

The Big Easy, a New Orleans inspired cocktail bar in Sydney’s Darlinghurst is serving up a slice of NOLA with “some gnarly fun times”.

The Big Easy is a new venture by owners Doug Laming (ex Brix Distillers, Rabbit Hole Bar & Dining) and Merlin Kibe. The venue occupies the former site of  Wood and Smoke Bar and Johnny Fontaine’s which is situated along the Stanley Street strip in Darlinghurst.

The 90’s rock bar with NOLA influence is spread over two levels with a buzzy downstairs bar, an outside courtyard, an upstairs Hoodoo lounge with murals upstairs and an inviting open air terrace.

“The Big Easy embraces the ethos of ‘take it easy’ by living and breathing no nonsense, down to earth and friendly service,” says Doug Laming. “We encourage the spirit of ‘take it easy’ through an extensive and educated yet approachable cocktail list, an impressive American beer selection and a contemporary wine list set amongst custom art murals in a comfortable New Orleans themed space.”

The cocktail list takes classics and applies creative elements in theme with the venue such as the Nola Libre where Southern Comfort meets Cocchi Americano, black lime and cola syrup with a touch of malic acid.

The classic Ramos Gin Fizz is reborn as The Big Easy Fizz, a lighter and non-dairy version with Sazerac Rye, Southern Comfort Black, burnt orange, egg white and dry ginger ale. The Hand Grenade #2 with gin, Lillet Blanc and green tea is served alongside a spiced rockmelon soda with basil and vanilla. For a boozy sipper, SazerWHACK is the drink of choice with Jack Daniel’s Rye, H By Hine VSOP Cognac, Yellow Chartreuse and Southern Comfort 50.

A Bit Contentious is the standout of the cocktail list. Served Julep style in a copper mug with a sizeable chocolate bark, the drink combines bourbon with chocolate bitters, Branca Menta, mint, chocolate stout syrup. Take a sip, a bite of the bark and another sip. Nothing contentious here, just a well-crafted cocktail with complexity and layers of flavour where the mint is upfront, followed by bourbon mid-palate and lingering chocolate notes on the finish.

The food menu carries the theme well from bar bites such as the tempura okra to the more substantial jambalaya and stuffed squid.

The Big Easy more than stands up to its ethos of a friendly and welcoming bar with a hospitality style of service and no pretence. It’s where you want to hang out and chill.

Click through the following pages to view a selection of the cocktails.