1806
18O6
THE YEAR THAT DEFINED THE COCKTAIL
1806 is the year the word cocktail was first defined in print, and the bar, 169 Exhibition St Melbourne, is about all things cocktails, especially the history of the amazing creations we sip every day.
Special hours for Melbourne Cup Week! We’ll be open on Monday from 5pm (in addition to our usual hours) and every day following. Join us to celebrate!
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Meet ‘A Fiery Secret’—yeah, the name says it all 🔥
This drink is inspired by an Aboriginal Dreamtime story, “Crow Steals Fire,” where a clever crow tricks others into giving him the secret of fire.
We blend Gospel Solera Rye, a kick of Okar Amaro, and a hint of pineapple to finish. But the real magic? We light it up table side, creating a smoky, aromatic experience that pulls you right into the tale.
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Heading out for Melbourne Fashion Week? 💅 Treat yourself to $15 Cosmopolitans all week long! Starting tomorrow through Sunday, it’s your go-to pre or post show sip. See you this week!🍸
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Today, The Understudy will be serving the same incredible cocktails you know and love, while our Main Bar and Dress Circle are reserved for a very special private event.
Please note, seating at The Understudy is extremely limited—it’s first come, first served or by reservation. See you soon!
We call this one, “Breath of Life,” inspired by a Hawaiian theatre production that beautifully portrays the cycle of life and death through the story of two lovers.
The flash paper, ignited tableside, represents how life can come and go, change and transform in a flash.
Crafted with Bourbon, Rhum, Smoked Rum, Tamarind, Grapefruit, Banana, and a float of Acai Syrup. It’s a sip of storytelling ✨🍹
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Immerse yourself in a love story with this West Side Story-inspired cocktail.
A tribute to the forbidden romance between an Italian boy and a Puerto Rican girl. The ingredients tell their story: Montenegro and Italicus for him, Bacardi 10yo for her, and bourbon for the city that witnessed it all.
Barrel-aged and celery bitters give the drink a bittersweet finish, just like the play’s ending.
Garnished with a chocolate heart pierced by an arrow, a symbol of heartbreak, this cocktail invites you to savour their story, one sip at a time.
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Business as usual this Grand Final weekend 🏆✨
We’ll be here serving up your favourites till late — see you soon! 🍸🌙
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Playing with Fire 🔥 A cocktail that dares to push boundaries, just like your favorite comedians.
Inspired by stand-up legends who aren’t afraid to walk the line, Playing with Fire blends Mascarpone & Butter Washed Dark Rum, Averna, Maple Syrup, and mole bitters for a rich, bold experience.
Blazed at the bar and served with a joke card on top, this drink brings both heat and humor to your night. Sip, savor, and enjoy a little mischief in every glass.
Are you ready to play with fire? 🔥🥃
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Something new is shaking up our bar—literally. Have you had the chance to try it yet? Our new cocktail menu is live, and we’ve taken it somewhere we’ve never gone before. We’ve stepped away from the classics (but don’t worry, they’re still available and as perfect as ever), offering something truly unique. Each drink is a tribute to the world of theatre, with every sip telling a story and delivering an experience that goes far beyond the glass.
This creation we like to call the Shibai Ukie—a bold blend of gin, sake, and shiitake-infused cognac. The garnish? Six delicate oil drops—green for the supernatural and red for passion, heroism, and righteousness—it’s a nod to the essence of traditional Japanese theatre. Named after an iconic 1741 print by Okumura Masanobu, Shibai Ukie invites you to experience a scene from a play... in a glass.
Our dedicated staff will guide you through the magic behind each creation, sharing the inspiration and narrative behind every drink. Come sip, snap, and let the storytelling begin.
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Heading to the theatre this week? Swing by for our Pre-Theatre Menu, with cocktails inspired by the hottest shows in town—all just $20 each. Hungry? Our curated set menu will have you perfectly satisfied before the curtain rises. Join us Tuesday - Friday, 5-7pm. Explore the menu via the link in our bio!
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our very first pre-theatre menu at 1806, starting next Tuesday!
Available year-round, this special menu includes cocktails inspired by the magical shows at nearby theatres, along with a delicious prix-fixe food menu to enjoy before the show!
This special menu will be offered Tuesday through Friday from 5-7pm! See you next week!
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We will be seating upstairs only tonight, as our main bar area is reserved for a private event. No jazz tonight, but we’ll have it back on Sunday!
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Planning your next private soirée? Look no further! With three stunning spaces to choose from, mouth-watering cocktails, scrumptious food, and top-notch service, your event will certainly be one to remember! Get in touch with us through the link in our bio!
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Savor a perfectly crafted martini tonight as the smooth sounds of live jazz fill the air. See you this evening!
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Address
169 Exhibition Sreet
Melbourne, VIC
3000
Opening Hours
Tuesday | 5pm - 5pm |
Wednesday | 5pm - 12am |
Thursday | 5pm - 12am |
Friday | 4pm - 1am |
Saturday | 4pm - 1am |
Sunday | 4pm - 12am |
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