Plum Perfect: ESCA x Marionette’s Summer Spirit Has Arrived!

At ESCA, we’ve always been drawn to like-minded creators who share our passion for provenance, sustainability, and unyielding clarity of flavour. That’s why our collaboration with Nick Tesar and the Marionette team feels like such a natural fit. We’re thrilled to announce the release of the ESCA x Marionette Plum Liqueur—a unique blend of Australian plums, meticulously crafted to highlight the best of our local produce and capture the essence of summer.

The Story Behind the Collaboration

We’ve admired Marionette’s ethos for years. Their commitment to using Australian ingredients and supporting local farmers aligns seamlessly with the drinking philosophy we champion at ESCA. After seeing their collaboration with Tipo 00 in Melbourne, we knew we wanted to create something together.

Initially, we explored the idea of Middle Eastern flavours, but the concept came into focus during a conversation about the incredible quality of Australian plums. At LILYMU and ITO, plum-based umeshu cocktails were already favourites, and with JOJI’s opening on the horizon, the idea of a plum liqueur felt like a perfect match. What began as an idea soon blossomed into the ESCA x Marionette Plum Liqueur.

A Unique Flavour Profile

Plum liqueurs are a rarity in the spirits world, often overshadowed by sloe gin, crème de mûre, or cassis. However, this collaboration sets itself apart by blending two distinct types of plums—Victorian green and blood plums—and utilising two different base spirits: Reed and Co Shochu and Melbourne Sake. This innovative approach allows us to control every aspect of the liqueur, from the extraction of sugars and depth of flavour to acidity, texture, and alcohol levels.

The result? A liqueur that opens with vibrant green plum acidity and savoury Shochu undertones, unfolds into a rich mid-palate, and finishes fresh with a delicate sake accent. The upfront tartness of the green plum is beautifully balanced by the chocolatey depth of the blood plum, creating a harmony that’s both bold and nuanced.

The Perfect Base Spirits

The choice of Reed and Co Shochu and Melbourne Sake as the base spirits was crucial in achieving the liqueur’s distinctive character. The yamahai-style sake, with its ambient lactic acid bacteria, pairs wonderfully with the natural high acidity of the plums, adding a juicy depth of mouthfeel. Meanwhile, the Shochu contributes subtle savoury notes and a silky texture that elevate the overall drinking experience.

Enjoying the Plum Liqueur

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to plum liqueurs, there are endless ways to enjoy this summer-inspired creation.

On Ice: For a simple, refreshing sip that lets the vibrant flavours shine.
Plum Spritz: Mix 45ml ESCA Plum with 90ml Prosecco, served on ice in a wine glass, for a light and bubbly summer spritz.
Plum Manhattan: Add 40ml Gospel Solera Rye Whisky, 30ml ESCA Plum, and three dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir on ice and pour into a cocktail glass for a rich, sophisticated twist on a classic.

Limited Release – Get Yours Now

This limited-release plum liqueur is available for purchase online here (https://www.marionette.com.au/shop/p/plum)on the Marionette website. With its blend of thoughtful craftsmanship, locally sourced ingredients, and vibrant flavour, it’s a celebration of summer and an invitation to savour the moment. And starting in January, enjoy a bespoke cocktail featuring the liqueur at ESCA venues.

We’re proud of what we’ve created with Marionette and can’t wait for you to taste the results. Raise a glass and join us in celebrating this exciting collaboration!

Cheers, Mark Anderson, Food & Beverage Director