Tag Archives: cocktails

Grand Trunk Road – A Foodie Voyage through Old India

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As we all start to awaken from our Lockdown slumbers and start to venture out into the wild and back into our favourite eateries, there’s no mistaking my social media has certainly being hijacked by people enjoying their socialising and dining experiences. Recently, this little gem, Grand Trunk Road kept popping up on my feed followed by nothing but praise from the numerous amounts of people I have seen posting about it. This spot looks particularly special and before the fomo kicked in I had to check it out for myself.

If Grand Trunk Road is the hidden gem of Woodford this is certainly the Koh-I-Noor of restaurants. Many of us can rattle off a host of fabulous Indian restaurants at the drop of a hat, but the most memorable ones are distinguished by giving their guests an experience to remember and that is exactly what Grand Trunk Road has done. It’s not surprising everyone seems to be raving about this place. 

Owned by the esteemed Michelin star winner Rajesh Suri, he tells me he wanted to create a dining experience which took guests on a  journey through India by taking a signature dish from each stop along the Grand Trunk Road. An educational one at that, he explained the origins of dishes that have somehow got lost along the way and his quest to bring the dishes back to their roots. 

 

Before we get stuck into the food, I must give a shoutout to the drinks list which is extensive. So if like me you prefer something a little more fancy than beer or house wine… look no further, the cocktails are a dream and also follow the journey of the Grand Trunk Road. We tried the Afghani Silk and a particular favourite, Masala Smash. We were told that the cocktails were specially created to match the flavours of the dishes with some spirits infused onsite to create the unique flavours that can only be achieved by tending to the process yourself. There is no doubt Suri is a stickler for detail and this shows through every stage of the guest experience. 

Our journey began where every Indian foodie does, Poppadum’s with a variety of accompaniments made fresh on site with seasonal ingredients. The Summer menu we’re told includes a carrot and raisin relish and one made with apricot and the unmistakable spices of cumin and coconut. A tropical delight and not a chunky onion in sight! Phew. This is definitely Indian food amplified and refined, beautiful and elegant and we haven’t even got to the appetisers yet. 

We sampled a few of the standout dishes from the appetisers, Sago Potato Cakes, Scallops and a Chapli Kebab. Each were served with their own signature chutney balanced by only someone with an extremely well versed palate. The flavours are subtle yet bold, yin and yang. The ingredients are quality there is no mistaking that. This is certainly quality over quantity with each mouthful delivering you a little gift each time.

The mains were outstanding too with chef making sure they wanted to balance the spices correctly instead of slapping you across the face with chilli. A plus for me as i’m not a huge fan of spicy hot food. This is Indian cuisine at its finest. We tried the Amritsari Butter Chicken and a Malai Prawn dish and both were out of this world. However, the standout dish had to be the Dal Bukhara essentially overnight Lentils with spices and fenugreek in a creamy sauce. The simplest dishes are most often the most delicious. Creamy, spiced well and comforting. I could have eaten a vat of it. Order this and thank me later. 

My guest was particularly impressed with the labelling of allergens on the menu itself. Speaking as someone with a wheat allergy this is still surprisingly hard to come across. This added a level of ease for the guests when looking for something Gluten or Dairy Free. We’re told GF Naan will be added to the menu in the future something which we will be certainly going back to try. 

The fine balancing continues not only with the way the food is flavoured but in the entire experience. The  quality of the food mixed with ambience of the restaurant is where the magic lies. Suri makes a point of delivering old school hospitality throughout his restaurant by having a dialogue with customers and hosting them the way you would have expected from days of yore. This, we witnessed was well received by the customers dining around us and left everyone feeling that extra bit special a task which Suri appears to have taken in his stride. With a Michelin star under his belt, expectations were always going to be high and you will most certainly not be disappointed.

 

What’s more, we noticed they had an outdoor dining area so if you’ve just come for a few cocktails with small plates, your wish is their command… 

 

I know i’ve said it before but i’ll say it again we will be back and i’m sure you will too. What a truly wonderful time we had at Grand Trunk Road and thank you to all of the staff who made everyone feel safe in their surroundings as restrictions start to lift once more. So here’s to hospitality and all of those who welcomed us back. 

Grand Trunk Road is located in South Woodford

For more info or to make ressys check out…

https://www.gtrrestaurant.co.uk

New Cocktail Recipe: Cotton Gin Mother’s Day Martini

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cocktail, cocktail recipes, cocktails, gin, gin cocktails, Yorkshire-based Premium Gin Cotton Gin has teamed with TV’s Andy Clarke to create a mouth-watering new Martini for Mother’s Day: Introducing the Cotton Gin Mother’s Day Martini.

Watch the Cotton Gin Mother’s Day Martini – a mix of tantalising tarragon, zingy pomegranate, fragrant Rosé Vermouth and crisp, smooth Cotton Gin – be made on Insta Live with Andy and Distillery Founder Nicola at https://www.instagram.com/otterbeckdistillery/  – Tuesday 9 March @ 7pm

Method

 

FOR TWO

 

Ingredients (for two cocktails)

 

3 Parts (150ml) Cotton Gin

2 Parts (100 ml) Londinio Rosé Vermouth

1 Part (50ml) Pomegranate Juice

20 Pomegranate Seeds

2 Sprigs of Tarragon

A Large Handful of Ice

 

Equipment

 

1 x Cocktail Shaker

2 x Martini Glasses

 

Chill the glasses.

 

Put the ice to the shaker and add all liquid ingredients. Shake for 20 seconds or until the shaker condensates and is extremely cold to touch.

 

Pour into the glasses and decorate with the pomegranate seeds and tarragon leaves.

 

i heart Halloween Cocktails!

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For our final instalment of our Cocktail Month feature it would be simply foolish of us not to include some Spook-Tacular Halloween Cocktails and this week our drinks are brought to us by…

i heart Wines…

…because you don’t just need ‘spirits’ to create a spooky cocktail… get it?? 

What we heart about i heart Wines is that their approach is simply honest in that they want to bring to you a great tasting wine at a reasonable price. That sounds pretty good to me. What’s more, with such distinct and recognisable branding, you may have seen their products in a fair few supermarkets even extending to vendors around the Globe, impressive. Their range is pretty diverse too and includes select wines from Spain, Italy, Hungary and Argentina. So diverse in fact that i heart Wines also heart gin too with both a traditional gin and a pink gin. Quite simply i heart Wines brings to you all the things that people love from their heart to yours. 

So… if you’re planning on a little Monster Mash, Ghost-busting or Zombie Zoom call we have just the tipples to trick or treat. 

i Heart Pinot Noir Halloween Sangria

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Pinot Noir

·       1 orange (cut into wedges)

·       1 lemon (cut into wedges)

·       30g sugar

·       500ml ginger ale

·       A handful of gummy worms to garnish

·       Mint to garnish

Method

·       Firstly, pour the red wine into the pitcher

·       Squeeze the juice from the oranges and lemons into the wine then toss the wedges into the punch

·       Add the sugar and stir thoroughly until dissolved

·       Optional: if you’re that bit extra chill over night for flavours to fully develop

·       Just before serving, add the ginger ale and a handful of gummy worms and mint leaves to garnish

 

i Heart Merlot Halloween Punch

Ingredients

·       750ml i heart Merlot

·       750ml Rum

·       150ml lime juice (fresh)

·       150ml triple sec

·       170g simple syrup

·       2 limes (sliced into thin wheels)

·       2 red oranges (sliced into thin wheels)

·       Handful of raspberries and blackberries

Method

 ·       Firstly, gather all the ingredients together

·       In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine the i heart Merlot, rum, lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup, lime, oranges, raspberries and blackberries

·       Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for two hours before serving (overnight is better)

·       Serve over ice in punch glasses and enjoy!

For an extra spooky punch, why not decorate the punch bowl with fake spiders or cobwebs? Maybe even some floating eyeballs.

The i heart Wine collection is available from various stockists including but not limited to Amazon, Tesco, Ocado, Nisa and Spar. 

To find out more about the brand please visit;

iheartwines.co.uk

International Gin & Tonic Day with Boodles Gin 

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Happy Monday – and Happy International Gin & Tonic Day!!! 

 

Just a reminder that things will get better and if you ever needed an excuse for a Gin & Tonic THIS IS IT.

Not only are we still celebrating London Cocktail Month – albeit in our homes, today is International Gin & Tonic Day and we are celebrating with our quintessentially British Boodles Gin. Our gin edition comes full of gin tips served directly from Mr Boodles the Boodles Gin Butler. So polish your best glassware and get ready for some proper G&T etiquette. 

Did you know…

Due to the Gin Craze of the 18th Century, there were 5 acts passed by parliament designed to control the consumption of Gin during this time.

Gin was drunk as a substitute to French Brandy at a time of conflict between England and France which is ironic because Gin originated as a medicinal liquor made by monks in Southern France. 

Gin is actually a neutral based spirit gaining its unique flavour through distilling botanicals. The most important being Juniper which gives it it’s fresh pine flavour… It simply cannot be Gin without Juniper. Some of the other key ingredients include Coriander seeds, Citrus Peels and Cinnamon to name just a few. However, Boodles Gin contains No citrus because the original distillers naturally expected the drink to be served with a citrus twist! 

Glasses at the ready… 

We know everyone has their own special way of concocting their perfect G&T but Boodles have given us some pointers to best enjoy their Brilliant British Gin. We know it’s Gin&Tonic day but I must comment on how versatile Boodles Gin really is. We already know how much care has gone into making their unique gin and their thought out blend of botanicals is designed to stay subtle and not smack you round the face. Perfect for many a cocktail as well as a G&T straight up! Whats more, Boodles have three stunning gins to suit your mood. Boodles Original London Dry, Boodles Rhubarb and Strawberry and just in time for winter, Boodles Mulberry.

So with that in mind, Mr Boodles requests that you take pleasure in making your G&T and exercise as much labour and patience as is used to craft their Brilliant British Gin. Don’t rush because all good things come to those who wait. 

Mr Boodles suggests quality gin deserves quality tonic; Boodles recommends Fevertree as the most complementary.

Ice First, then gin, then tonic. 

Keep it icy… the Co2 of the tonic is harder to escape if you keep it chilled. 

Pour Slowly… the slower you pour your tonic the more balanced the flavour

Garnish well.

To give you an idea we’ve included some of Boodles signature serves below to whet your whistle

BOODLES ON ICE

Ingredients;

60ml Boodles Gin
120ml Premium Tonic Water
Shaved Ice
Grapefruit wedge

Method;

In a tumbler shave a handful of clear ice. 

Pour one part Boodles Gin and two parts tonic, then stir. 

Add grapefruit wedge to the glass and serve.

And of course…

BOODLES MULBERRY WINTER WARMER

Ingredients;

60ml Boodles Mulberry Gin
120ml Premium Tonic Water
2 large Ice Cubes 
Lemon wheel

Method;

Pour one part Boodles Mulberry Gin and two parts tonic into a highball glass over the ice.

Stir until the colours combine. 

Add lemon wheel and serve. 

(bakewell tart optional)

We hope you enjoyed our Boodles edition this week. This is a gin I would thoroughly recommend over and over again. 

To find out more please visit www.boodlesgin.com

London Cocktail Month ft Lugger Rum 

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Our second instalment of our Cocktail (week) feature, showcases a stunning small-batched spice rum, hand crafted in none other than Devon! The award winning Lugger Rum packs a spicy punch and blends together the rums of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana bringing you the best of the Caribbean which can certainly be enjoyed throughout the Winter.

Spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves and vanilla which are aged in bourbon oak barrels were designed to warm your cockles and your spirits. The rum is not overly sweet making it a perfect addition to a hot toddy or cocktail recipe, we’ve featured our favourites below. The bottle itself is very stylish and looks sexy on your bar shelf, after all, award winning rum needs to be displayed in a bottle worthy enough of its contents. Lugger Rum has a story to suit its sophistication, named after the Lugger boat which is depicted on the bottle, they were used to smuggle contraband into Lyme Bay. Ohhhh Rum me hearty! We reckon this will be the key to any rum lovers hearty and a great addition to your home bar this winter or perhaps a very nice gift.  But for now, let us toast to Cocktail Month, may we make our cocktails as exciting as our favourite bars. 

Signature serve:

Pour over ice with a twist of Orange

Cocktail Idea:

Caribbean Coffee – Literally the best after dinner treat

Ingredients:

75ml Dark Roast Coffee

25ml 2:1 Demerera Syrup

40ml Lugger Rum

Double Cream

Nutmeg 

Method:

Brew Coffee.

Add sugar to taste… this is to your preference

Add Rum 

Pour a Jigger of cream onto the back of a teaspoon over coffee

Grate Nutmeg

Enjoy.

To find out more or to purchase Lugger Rum please check out lymebaywinery.co.uk

and selected Waitrose stores

London Cocktail Week ft. Amaro Montenegro

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This year has been rocky to say the least. Yet again the hospitality industry has been hit hard despite the optimism of the Eat out to help out scheme. With September coming to an end, those who extended the scheme will also face their footfall dwindling once more. However, we are hoping that with the extension of London Cocktail Week which will now run for the entire MONTH of October, the bars will be luring us back in with some special cocktails which will be on offer and let’s face it, we’ve all exhausted our Gin supply so we will be looking at some unique Gin alternatives to see us through London Cocktail Month that you can make from the comfort of your home. 

This week the spotlight will be on;

Amaro Montenegro

A distinctly Italian Herbal Liqueur, you may recognise Amaro as the dark shot one is offered at the end of some fine Italian fayre, or you may not remember it at all… in my case. But make no mistake Amaro is making a comeback for the right reasons. 

Our focus is on Amaro Montenegro who is one of the most well-establish spirit brands in Italy and now they are paving their way to the UK. Honestly, I thought this was the one and only brand of Amaro, they are THE ORIGINAL since 1885. It’s eye-catching bottle has graced many an Italian Bartenders’ shelf and we think it would be a great addition to your home bar. 

Amaro (Italian for “bitter”) has a bitter- sweet flavour and a slight woodiness, makes sense considering Amaro Montenegro is made from over 40 botanicals. Amaro is usually enjoyed neat but with the dried citrus features, our perfect serve would be over tonic and ice which a slice of orange peel. I particularly enjoyed the warming syrupy feel Amaro has and while it would be a lovely spritz to have before a meal, the spicier notes of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves work perfectly for Winter. 

Monte & Tonic

Ingredients:

Amaro 30ml 

Tonic to the top 

Dried Orange Peel to Garnish 

(I like to add a dash of orange bitters) 

Method:

Build in glass over lots of Ice. Enjoy. 

And in the spirit of London Cocktail Week (Month) our favourite Amaro cocktail is…

Monterita

Ingredients:

50ml Amaro 

25ml Blanco Tequila 

30ml Lime Juice

Method:

Shake with lots of ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. 

Now we’ve got you dreaming of Amaro Montenegro to find out more and for more cocktail recipes, visit 

www.amaromontenegro.com

Alternatively, if you would like to support bars during London Cocktail Week who are serving delicious Amaro Montenegro cocktails, check out;

Amatitan Sour served at Disrepute Soho

https://www.disrepute.co.uk

Johnnie Highball served at Dalloway Terrace 

https://dallowayterrace.com

Man about Town served at Donovan Bar @ Browns Hotel

Easy cocktails to mix at home

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Cotswolds Garden  
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,
Ingredients: 50ml Cotswolds Dry Gin, 25ml elderflower liqueur, 12.5ml fresh lime juice, 75ml pressed apple juice
Method: Place all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker, shake and strain into an ice-filled Copa glass. Garnish with fresh cucumber and mint
From £34.95 for 70cl (46% ABV). Available from Cotswoldsdistillery.com, Waitrose, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason.
Cotswolds Whisky Sour 
Ingredients: 60ml Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml sugar syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters, ½ egg white
Method: Dry shake all ingredients, add ice to shaker, shake, fine-strain & serve into a chilled Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel & cherry
From £44.95 for 70cl (46% ABV). Available from cotswoldsdistillery.com, Waitrose, Majestic, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.
Kokoro Dragon Ball  
 

Ingredients: 50ml Kokoro Gin, 20ml Lemon Juice, 5ml Kokoro Cherry Blossom Liqueur, 10ml Honey Syrup (3:1), 10ml Aperol, 2 Dashes of Orange Flower Water, Champagne (optional), Orange Peel
Method: Shake all ingredients apart from the Champagne with ice. Double strain and top with Champagne. Garnish with a twist of orange peel
From £29 for 70cl (42% ABV). Available from kokorogin.com, Master of Malt, John Lewis, 31Dover, Amazon and other good retailers. Also in the Kokoro Gin range are their delicious Japanese-inspired liqueurs, including Blueberry & Lemongrass, Yuzu and Ginger and Cherry Blossom.
From £12.50 for 20cl (20% ABV). Available from kokorogin.com and John Lewis
Barentsz Mandarin and Jasmine Martini 
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 55ml Barentsz Mandarin and Jasmine Gin, 15ml triple sec (Grand Marnier) , 15ml dry vermouth, dash of orange bitters
Method: Pour ingredients into a shaker half filled with cracked ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
From £38.00 for 70cl (40% ABV). Available from Barentszgin.com and from 31Dover.com in a luxury gift carton.
Lowlander Sobeer Citrus Mocktail
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 150ml Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer, 30ml Seedlip Grove, 10ml Ginger syrup, 10ml Lime juice, Garnish with a juiced orange peel
Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Stir all ingredients and strain into the glass over ice. Garnish with a swirl of juiced orange peel.
Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer is available to purchase online:  As a single bottle from LightDrinks.co.uk for £1.99. As a single bottle from 31Dover.com for £2.02. As a case of 12 from Amazon for £36.95
Pinkster Gin & Jam  
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

@tonephotog 07908236655 shep@tone-photographer

Ingredients: 50ml Pinkster Gin, 15ml lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, 1tsp raspberry jam, a handful of blackberries
Method: Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a Rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries
From £36 for 70cl (37.5% ABV). Available from Marks & Spencer, Fenwick, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Majestic Wine, Ocado, 31Dover.com, Master of Malt and Pinkster Gin.com.
Union Spirited Maverick 
Ingredients: 50ml Spirited Union Lemon & Leaf, 20ml Passion Fruit Puree, 30ml Fresh Lemon Juice, 15ml Vanilla Syrup, fresh passionfruit
Method: Pour ingredients in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into pre-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a passion fruit wheel float.
From £29.95 for 70cl (38% ABV). Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange and Spirited Union.com.
Jaisalmer Golden Fort 
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

 Ingredients: 50ml Jaisalmer Gin, 15ml fresh lime juice, 10ml Cinnamon Syrup, 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice
Method: Pour ingredients in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an apple fan of 3 slices and add grated nutmeg (optional)
From £34.95 for 70cl (43% ABV). Available from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and DrinksSupermarket.com. 
The Queen Mary Edition G&T 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 50ml Gin 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition, fresh raspberries and strawberries
Method:Fill a Copa glass with plenty of ice. Add Gin 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition.
Top with tonic and garnish with raspberries and sliced strawberries.
From £37.95 for 70cl (ABV: 38.5%). Available from Master of Malt and Amathus Drinks
J&B Rare Whisky Gimlet 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 50ml J&B Rare, 25ml home-made lime cordial* (or bought Lime cordial),fresh lime peel
Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the ingredients and shake until the surface of the shaker feels chilled. Strain into a Coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lime peel
From £22.50 for 70cl (40% ABV). Available from Waitrose, masterofmalt.com, thewhiskyexchange.com, drinksupermarket.com, 31dover.com and Justerini & Brooks.

Festive Cocktail Guide Vol. 3 ft Black Cow Vodka 

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Here’s one for the vodka fans, presenting Black Cow Vodka; the only vodka in the world to be made entirely from grass-grazed cows milk. The result is a definitive and distinctive smooth, creamy vodka. Turns out Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka is a product of dairy farmer Jason Barber who along with Paul Archard wanted to create something from the left over milk when making cheese. This is a truly unique product and we think that this is the perfect vodka to serve up this Christmas. It’s rich, smooth and extra luxurious. 

There are a number of cocktails that the smoothness of Black Cow compliment well but we highly recommend;

Black Cow; Espresso Martini

50ml Black Cow Vodka 

40ml Fresh espresso, cooled

15ml Organic Maple Syrup

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. 

Shake well an double strain into a Martini glass.

Garnish with three coffee beans. 

https://www.blackcow.co.uk