Meet Sharnelle – Our Master Mixologist

Sharnelle has well and truly earned the title as our master mixologist here at Engadine Bowling Club! She creates cocktails and delicious drinks for members and their guests, often with a creative flair and seasonal twist. She’s been a valued member of our work family for over two years now, so we thought it was the perfect time to introduce you to her and get to know more about her background and skills.

How long have you been part of the team here at the club, and what do you enjoy most about working here?

I’ve been at the club for over two years. The team is really welcoming, and I’ve made some great friendships here. I really enjoy the interactions with our regular customers and finding out what’s going on in their lives.

I live locally, so it’s always nice running into familiar faces – friends from school, my kids’ sports, family and friends. The club has always been a good meeting place. I enjoy working flexible hours, which works well with work and family life – it’s a good balance.

What does a typical day involve?

I work front of house in all areas of the club except dining. This includes preparing the bar for service, looking after the floor, making coffee. At times I work functions, and a focus for me is overseeing cocktails.

Monday is my cocktail prep day for the week. I dehydrate the fruit we use for garnishes, prepare the cocktail pre-mix bottles, and do a weekly shopping list for everything cocktail-related. I also handle the administration for the monthly specials and make test cocktails.

How do you and the team make members and patrons feel welcome?

We always like to greet customers in a friendly way. We know our regulars and enjoy having a chat and finding out what’s going on in their lives. We love seeing new faces come to the club, and it’s great seeing people out on The Lawn and enjoying the new Family Lounge. We all care about the club and really want members and patrons to enjoy their time here.

Do you have any favourite moments or memories from working at the club?

I’ve worked all the big events at the club (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Melbourne Cup and the 101 Ham raffles), and it’s great being part of those days. It’s always a great atmosphere when it’s so busy. My favourite event is Melbourne Cup – I love seeing everyone dressed up.

I really enjoy our staff Christmas parties and staff social events. It’s great being able to catch up with the whole team outside of work when we can relax and spend time together.

How did your interest in making cocktails start?

It goes back to when I finished high school. My group of girlfriends and I took turns hosting cocktail parties, and we would taste-test each other’s cocktails.

My background is in hospitality, and I’ve always been eager to work with cocktails. I enjoy the creativity of cocktails – that’s where my passion lies.

Do you have a favourite cocktail to make, and why?

My favourite cocktail is a Chilli Coconut Margarita. I’ve always liked margaritas, and I tried a Chilli Coconut Margarita at a venue in Cronulla a long time ago – it’s been a favourite ever since. This cocktail is also a ‘go-to’ with my girlfriends. We always enjoy cocktails together, and this one is a favourite.

Can you give us a little insight into how the monthly cocktail specials are created?

I start by looking at any events happening that month or the season we’re in, then work out which cocktail best suits the occasion. I also consider what cocktails our target market would enjoy. I value any feedback from customers and also use this information when deciding what the next cocktail special will be.

We love Member Cocktail Happy Hour and have a range of different cocktail options to enjoy. The monthly special takes a little more thought, so taste the monthly cocktail special for yourself (available at regular pricing). The cocktail special is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

How do you decide between classic favourites and trying out new flavours for patrons?

I try to make cocktails that are versatile, where the recipe can be adapted to personal taste. For example, this month’s Spicy Mango Margarita – I can change up the recipe, so it isn’t spicy.

If you were to recommend one cocktail to a first-time visitor, which would it be and why?

I would recommend the Apple-tini. It’s a sweet and fruity cocktail, and most people enjoy it.

Have you learned any new skills or tips in your role that you’d like to share?

I enjoy exploring new ways to garnish and present cocktails. For example, cutting fruit differently or using something that isn’t typically used for garnish. For this month’s Cocktail of the Month – Spicy Mango Margarita – I rimmed the glass vertically rather than around the edge of the glass.

What advice would you give someone starting a similar role?

Don’t be afraid to be creative with cocktails. Also, make an effort to learn all the skills you can from the people around you or through your own research. I find inspiration from social media and when I visit other venues to see what’s possible.

Being organised is important. Make sure all prep is completed before peak trading periods and that all your ingredients and garnishes are ready to go.

Enjoy cocktails? Gather some friends and come and visit us. We have cocktail happy hour every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5-7pm

Get to know some of the other members of the Engadine Bowling Club team