Our latest initiative to give back to our community, spearheaded by our Lounge Supervisor, Cara MacLeod. Inspired by Keith Walbauer from Doctor’s Office in Seattle, Cara developed a cocktail that gives back. The “Who Runs the World” is a blend of La Gritona Reposado Tequila, blood orange oleo and Fever-Tree Lime Yuzu Soda, a classically inspired highball that showcases the tequila, which is very special to Cara’s heart.

La Gritona is a distillery run by master distiller Melly Barajas Cardenas in Valle De Guadalupe, Jalisco; La Gritona is ran almost entirely by women. In an interview for the New York Times in 2018, Ms. Barajas Cardenas said “From the girls in the agave fields to those who cook the agave, process the fermentation, it’s all women. Some of it is really hard work, like cutting the agave. Most men could do this faster. But it’s not something women can’t do. It just takes a little bit more time.” Currently there are around 152 master distillers in Mexico, only 12 of those are women. Ms. Barajas Cardenas has spent the last two decades perfecting her craft and has made her mark on the Tequila industry, all while empowering women along the way.

The charity that was chosen for this menu’s “Cocktail for a Cause” is Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, the VSAC is a feminist organization committed to ending sexualized violence through healing, education, and prevention. We are dedicated to supporting women and all trans survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, through advocacy, counselling, and empowerment

Every “Who Runs the World” sold, with collaboration of Clive’s Classic Lounge, Reserva Brands and La Gritona will be donating $7.50 from each cocktail towards the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre.

What began as a youthful ambition to craft the perfect cocktail, has matured into a proficiency across every aspect of beverage service. Twenty years after being named State Title winner by the Australian Bartenders Guild, Shawn Soole continues to view the service industry as a medium to deliver his unique style of exceptional customer experience.

From bar/restaurant concept creation, menu formulation, staff training and launch guidance, to branding, marketing and public relations strategies – Shawn’s experience and advancement of the industry have been prolific.

Shawn has co-authored the books Cocktail Culture (2013), Great Northern Cocktails (2019), and BC Spirits (2021) and provides ongoing contributions to publications such as Liquor.com and EAT Magazine. 

Now in 2020, he has returned to the bar that started it all and is looking forward to continuing having Clive’s Classic Lounge as the epicenter of cocktail culture for Victoria and the island.