Mixing with Rob Libecans: Rumble cocktail recipe

You know we love Melbourne bartender Matt Stirling around these parts, and he’s brought us a swag of incredible cocktails (check out his Crimes of Passion, Last Minute Highball and Shutterbug, for starters). But we thought it was time to bring in his partner in crime, Rob Libecans – one of the other friendly faces behind Caretaker’s Cottage.

Not sure who these folks are? Let us fill you in. Matt Stirling and Rob Libecans make up two-thirds of the dynamic trio behind Melbourne’s hottest bar right now. The small pub/bar has picked up a number of cool awards, but most recently placed 21st in the World’s 50 Best Bars, which, if you don’t know, is damn impressive. Rob generously set aside some time from his busy schedule of pouring perfectly creamy pints of Guinness and creating cocktail mastery to craft our latest creation – the Rumble.

But first, let’s get to know Rob. A lover of Guinness (who can blame him?), self-proclaimed bar geek, and a firm hater of QR code menus, Rob is a hospo giant with more than 23 years in the industry – working across the UK, Europe and Australia. Before Caretaker’s Cottage, Rob co-owned Fancy Free, another iconic Melbourne bar, before closing it and shifting his focus to this latest venture.

For Rob, the vision behind Caretaker’s Cottage was always crystal clear: “We always knew it would be a pub,” Rob says. “For the Irish and a lot of people in the UK, old houses turn into pubs. We’ve allowed this space to have a second life as a small pub – a place to have a beer, full of small awkward spots, lots of light and a great community.” When he’s not steering the good ship Caretaker’s, Rob enjoys surfing with his wife, playing footy with his kids, and whipping up a Martini, a Pisco Sour, or a Red Hook – though not all at once, of course.

These are some serious credentials, which is why we’re stoked for his cocktail, the Rumble. “It’s a really simple drink,” explains Rob. “I like it because when things are simple, there’s a lot of room to switch things in or out.” Kind of similar to a Daiquiri but more closely related to a Bramble, the Rumble (Bramble + Rum = Rumble) is a super easy mix of rum, sugar syrup, lemon juice and blackberries. And despite its simplicity, it tastes complex, balanced and looks pretty fab. “It’s the Stringer Bell (Idris Elba, The Wire) of cocktails,” says Rob. And we can totally get behind Rob’s suggestion to pair this drink with dessert while listening to D’Angelo’s Voodoo album. Now that’s a sexy combination.

Thinking of rumbling up a little Rumble at home? Have a squiz at mix master Rob’s expert advice below.