Tag Archives: cocktails

Cocktail Recipes For Valentine’s Day

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Cocktail Recipes For Valentine's DayRED BERRY CLUB

(Available at Grosvenor House Hotel)

A deliciously sweet and tangy cocktail that is the perfect entree to a Valentine’s Day dinner

 

Ingredients:

50ml CÎROC Red Berry

25 Freshly squeezed lemon juice

15ml Raspberry syrup

1 Egg white

 

Method:

Shake all ingredients hard with cubed ice for 15 seconds/ Strain into a chilled coupe glass and add lemon zest to the top. Garnish with a fresh raspberry

Cocktail Recipes For Valentine's

CÎROC VELVET

This champagne topped cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated affair

 

Ingredients:

35ml CÎROC Vodka

20ml Peach nectar

5ml Vanilla syrup

15ml Apple juice

Top up with Champagne

 

Method:

Shake all ingredients together and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with Champagne

 

Cocktail Recipes

Q’S MARTINI

(Created by Lorenzo Manzo at Quaglino’s)

A classic serve that never gets old. Short and strong, this serve is a classic hit

 

Ingredients:

50ml CÎROC Vodka

10ml manzanilla sherry

5ml Olive brine

Top with Soda water

 

Method:

Shake all ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a martini class. Top with Soda water and garnish with 3 olives

Cocktail Recipe

CÎROC WHITEHALL LADY

(Available at Corinthia)

A delectable cocktail that’s full of flavour and fizz perfect to sip whilst swooning over your date

 

Ingredients:

50ml CÎROC Vodka

15ml Elderflower cordial

10ml Fresh lemon juice

Top up with Champagne

 

Method:

Shake all ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a tall glass. Top with Champagne and garnish with a twist of orange or grapefruit

 

 

 

Brooklyn Bowl At The 02 Review

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Paulo Nutini may have cancelled his gig at the 02 on Thursday, but the stage was rocking at Brooklyn Bowl a few doors down. Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls and Daniel Jeanrenaud – the Camden Cat, belted out the tunes to drown out the clash of skittles in the bowling alley while they provided the perfect accompaniment as we sipped our way through the new cocktail menu.

 

Brooklyn Collins and Cuban mistress

Brooklyn Collins and Cuban mistress

Created by mixologist Tim, his drinks were a labour of love as it took him nine months of shaking and stirring before getting his way, and his cocktails onto the already commended menu. Brooklyn Bowl – the little sis to the institution over in the States – is busy in terms of every nook and cranny having a set purpose; from the bowling lanes, to the stage, to the dining area, even a mini viewing gallery from the ladies, but the cocktail collection was simple. Just five made Tim’s cut, but for the less adventurous, there’s option number six, a Margarita.

 

Basilico and wythe avenue

Basilico and wythe avenue

And as we were there to review them, we ploughed through the list, starting off with the most popular  –Brooklyn Collins, which included fresh ginger shaken with Beefeater Gin, lemon juice sugar syrup, lemonade and Brooklyn beer.

Brooklyn Bowlo2

With a distinct root beer taste, it was sweet and refreshing, though I couldn’t handle the whole glass as the mix of gin, ginger and beer was a little too rich for my taste buds. But with floating chunks of ginger, it made me feel like I was drinking for my health, fending off the onset of cold and flu this winter. My friend Nikki was immediately drawn to the Cuban Mistress which included a three year old Havana Club rum ‘shaken hard’ with passionfruit puree, pineapple juice, sugar syrup and passionfruit liquer. Rum being her firm favourite, she said it went down a treat, it was the perfect combination of sweet and fruity.

The sting and frozen strawberry margarita

The sting and frozen strawberry margarita

For round two, I chose Basilico which included Absolut Vodka muddled with fresh basil, half of lemon, sugar syrup and blackberry liquer.

Brooklyn Bowl, o2

For mojito fans, this is a great alternative. The sweet, sour and herby essence of basil infused to create a fresh concoction which I finished sipping even before the ice had started melting. Nikki opted for Wythe Avenue created with Buffalo Trace Bourbon shaken with fresh raspberries, sugar syrup, fresh lemon and cranberry juice. Not something she often drinks, the bourbon was strong and hit the spot after a long day at the office.

 

Already a little merry, my final choice was The Sting. Martell VS Cognac shaken with fresh mint, lemon juice and sugar syrup. The Cognac warmed my throat as the sweet and sour flavours broke down the richness of the brandy.Nikki played it safe with a Margarita. Frozen with strawberries and cream, her face cringed from its coldness but as it was an alcoholic smoothie-like drink, she savoured each sip.

 

 

Summer Drinks Review

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summerdrinksreview

We got sent some summer drinks to review from Sainsbury’s: two cordials, Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée, Ginger & Lime and a sparkling cocktail: Elderflower, Mint & Lime Blended Sparkling Cocktail. Let’s break them down.

Taste The Difference Grapefruit & Pink Guava, made with Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée.

Absolutely delicious, summery and refreshing. The pink grapefruit mixed with the guava tastes great and really works. This is a perfect summer drink.

Taste The Difference Mexican Lime  & Ginger Cordial.

This is also excellent. It tastes very fresh and the two ingredients really work together. Quite addictive too.

Elderflower, Mint & Lime Blended Sparkling Cocktail.

This yummy cocktail is only 4% volume so you can enjoy it without worrying about hangovers or those awful headaches some people get when they drink in the sun. This cocktail is white wine mixed with elderflower, mint and lime. It is zesty, fresh and refreshing: a perfect summer cocktail. Recommended.

To celebrate the launch of two brand new seasonal Taste the Difference cordials, Sainsbury’s has created three delicious punch recipes for sharing with friends and family while entertaining this summer. The new cordial flavours; Grapefruit & Pink Guava, made with Spanish pink grapefruits and guava purée; and Ginger & Lime, made with Mexican limes, add to the existing range featuring Taste the Difference Elderflower Cordial. These cocktails have been especially designed as long drinks for pitcher measures to be easy to make and refreshing on a hot (or overcast) British Summer’s day.

First up is a citrussy, sparkling, Vodka based cocktail, Sunrise Fizz, which will transport drinkers to the tropics; even if the British Summer is more likely to be torrential than tropical:

To make:
• Pour 180ml of Sainsbury’s Vodka into a jug
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Spanish Pink Grapefruit & Guava Cordial
• Top up with fizzy water
• Finish with the juice of one grapefruit and garnish with slices of pink grapefruit

If you fancy the taste of an English country garden, then try Sainsbury’s English Garden Cup. This gin and elderflower based drink is the perfect refreshment for a lazy weekend afternoon:

To make:
• Pour 180ml Sainsbury’s Dry London Gin into a pitcher
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Elderflower Cordial
• Top up with fizzy water
• Finish with the juice of two lemons and garnish with slices of lemon

And finally, Shoot the Breeze, a delicious Rum, ginger and lime punch. Aromatic and spicy, this cocktail will really help to get the party started:

To make:
• Pour 180ml Sainsbury’s Superior White Rum into a jug
• Add 120ml Taste the Difference Mexican Lime & Ginger Cordial
• Top up with ginger ale
• Finish with the juice of two limes and garnish with slices of lime

For an even easier way to enjoy these summer flavours, Sainsbury’s has also launched two new sparkling wine cocktails in the Winemakers’ Selection range; Elderflower, Lime & Mint Fizz Sparkling Cocktail; and Pink Grapefruit Sparkling Cocktail. These are low in alcohol and blended with fruit extracts and Spanish white wine for a refreshing ready-to-drink option.

Pricing details:
Taste the Difference Mexican Lime & Ginger Cordial 500ml £1.85
Taste the Difference Spanish Pink Grapefruit and Guava Cordial 500ml £2
Sainsbury’s Winemakers’ Selection Elderflower Lime & Mint Fizz 75cl 4% ABV £3

 

 

Refreshing Cocktails from Tom’s Kitchen

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Frost Magazine has teamed up with Tom’s Kitchen to give you some excellent, refreshing cocktail recipes. They are all delicious and we just can’t work out which one is our favourite. Enjoy!

summerbreezecocktailrecipe

 

SUMMER BREEZE

SERVES1

INGREDIENTS

50ml Vodka

25ml Frais de Bois

Fresh Strawberries

Topped with Soda

 

METHOD – Put all the ingredients into a glass and top with soda

 

CLEMENTINE BUBBLES

SERVES1

INGREDIENTS

15ml Orange and Lemon mix (made from orange zest, lemon zest, sugar and juice)

Topped with Prosecco

 

METHOD – Put all the ingredients into a glass and top with Prosecco

cocktailrecipe cocktails jaxcocococktails

 

JAX COCO COCKTAILS

Inspired by the latest health trend, Tom’s Kitchen has partnered with Jax Coco, the 100% pure coconut water, to develop a selection of vibrant non-alcohol and alcoholic cocktails perfect for the warmer months.

 

The cocktail menu is the refreshing addition to brunch and includes:

 

·         Coco Fizz – a light mix of lemon juice, jasmine syrup, egg white and Jax Coco

·         Jax Diamond – a fruity combination of strawberries, lemongrass, agave syrup and Jax Coco

·         Jax Caipirinha – a playful twist on the Brazilian classic featuring high quality Cachaca, Jax Coco, caster sugar, lime and cherry bitters

Chef/Patron Tom Aikens adds: “I am a huge fan of coconut water and Jax Coco ticks all the boxes – aside from fantastic quality, all the coconut water comes from their own fully sustainable coconut plantation. Try the Coco Fizz and Jax Diamond for a quick pick-me-up or linger longer with the Jax Caipirinha.”

ABOUT TOM’S KITCHEN:

Tom’s Kitchen has 3 locations across London including, Canary Wharf, Chelsea and Somerset House which features a stunning terrace facing the Thames. A fourth location in St Katherine Docks will also be opening on 18th August.

turkishcocktailrecipe 

TURKISH INSPIRED COCKTAILS FROM KITCHENETTE

 

This Summer Kitchenette, a recently opened Mediterranean cafe, restaurant and bar in Putney, are bringing cocktails home with a selection of inspirational recipes perfect for quenching your thirst in the summer sun. Drawing inspiration from Kitchenette’s Turkish heritage the cocktails include an array of traditional ingredients such as Pomegranate seeds, Turkish delight vodka and the sweet essence of rose water.

 

POMEGRANATE LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS

100ml Absolute Citron

50ml Lemon Juice

50ml Gomme

175ml Pomegranate Juice

100ml Sparkling water

2 x Orange, Apple, Lemon and Lime Slices

 

METHOD

Add all ingredients into a 500ml Glass Jug and stir until well mixed

Decanter cocktail mix into 2 inverness glasses and garnish with pomegranate seeds

ottomandelightcocktailrecipe

OTTOMAN DELIGHT

INGREDIENTS

25ml Turkish Delight infused Vodka

25ml Vanilla Vodka

2 drops rose water

5ml honey

 

METHOD

Stir the honey & Vodka until the honey is completely dissolved.

Add all the remaining ingredients and shake well until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Divide into 2 chilled martini glasses and serve with a sprinkle of chocolate for an extra sweet version

 

 Which one will you make?

 

 

Oscars, Manchester | Bar Review

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If you ever find yourself on Manchester’s Canal Street make sure you set aside time to visit the little gem that is Oscars. Although centred around musicals, it manages to avoid being a tacky themed bar (although themed it is) and instead celebrates vintage Hollywood with all the class and panache of Gene Kelly himself.

Inside you’ll find staff who truly care about the drinks that they serve, their ingredients and the flavour combinations. Whilst there I had the privilege to sample a variety of drinks from their extensive cocktail menu. A particular favourite of mine was the Pomegranate Bloom made with Bloom gin and, of course, pomegranate. Many of their Bloom goblets were light and fruity and more than palatable even to people who don’t normally like gin – me included.  Ones to watch out for if you fall into that category include the Summer Bloom and the English Bloom. Also on the menu was a delightful Opihr cocktail with notes of cardamom, cumin and ginger and the Mary Pickford cocktail which will satisfy even the sweetest tooth. Less successful for me were the Moulin Rouge and the rather bland Folies Bergere.

Bloom Gin Cocktail

Bloom Gin Cocktail

As for more traditional spirits, I recommend the West Rock rum mixed with Fentimans Ginger Ale. It was my favourite drink of the night and one that I will certainly be ordering again.

On the evening I was there, entertainment was provided by Paul Walker who sang  a selection of musical numbers from stage and screen. His choice of songs was spot on and his powerful voice and warm rapport with the crowd really added to the experience.

Oscars Bar Interior

Oscars Bar Interior

I can’t recommend Oscars highly enough. A word of warning though – it’s a small room so if you’re planning on going on a Friday or Saturday you might want to get there early to nab a table. If people know what’s good for them then it’ll be very busy.

 

Introducing Munki: A Cocktail & Champagne Lounge Launching In Putney

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munkiPutneyOn Saturday 26th July, cocktail and champagne lounge, Munki, will open at No.12 Putney High Street, adjacent to Putney Bridge. Munki will serve innovative cocktails within a speakeasy style setting with a colonial twist. The venue has a luxury finish, with paneled walls, soft lighting and antique furniture, to create the illusion of an informal library and invite guests to relax and unwind over while savouring a drink.

 

Munki is split over three floors, with a total of 100 covers. The ground floor bar is glass fronted, with an intricate tree design etched into the windows. Towards the rear is the library room, an intimate snug area ideal for a date, with additional seating on a mezzanine level seating with a view of the River Thames, suited to groups and available to reserve for get-togethers and celebrations. A walled garden behind the venue provides a sheltered spot for a drink under the stars.

 

Cocktails at Munki, created by Bar Manager Sophia Lysaczenko, strike the perfect balance by using a few quality and fresh ingredients to create the definitive drink. At Munki, focus is upon the quality of the drinks: with premium spirits, infused syrups made on site, fresh juices, and organic ingredients chosen where possible. Munki’s ethos is to be service orientated, always going above and beyond to provide an unrivalled personalised touch.

 

The playful cocktail menu will offer a selection of original creations split into different sections including Heritage,Martinis and New World. Heritage cocktails will include well-honed classics such as Old Fashioned, Negroni andNuclear Daiquiri. The iconic Martini is given a creative twist with the Putney Petal Martini (pink grapefruit Belvedere vodka, dash of rose water, lychee and guava juice poured over crystallised violet petals and topped with Veuve Clicquot Rose and floating rose buds) and Our Breakfast Martini (Tanqueray London Dry Gin, St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and a spoonful of orange marmalade). New World cocktails will offer the classics with a modern spin including Rhubarb Flip (Bacardi Gold Rum, Rhuby Rhubarb Liqueur, whole egg, splash of cream, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, rhubarb bitters), A Lady Sour (Belvedere Pure Vodka, apricot jam, lemon juice, egg white, vanilla sugar syrup with a maraschino cherry garnish and a splash of Angostura Bitters) and Black Mineral Margarita (Illegal Anejo Mezcal Tequila, Tuaca Vanilla Citrus Liqueur, spoon of agave honey, lime juice) to be served in a black mineral salt rimmed glass.

 

A ‘Cocktail Shot Lab’ will provide a little magic to any party with miniature cocktails served in potion bottles. Some signature cocktail shots are Wishing Powder (herbal sweet and sour, frozen Agwa De Bolivia coca leaf liqueur, green chartreuse liqueur and lime juice) and The Elixir (aromatic, a sovereign remedy, belvedere vodka, Chambord raspberry liqueur, rhubarb sugar syrup and juicy berries).  For those wishing to keep a clear head, ‘Play it Safe’ alcohol free cocktails will be available including the Peach Punch (peach puree, fresh raspberries, thyme sprigs, rhubarb infused sugar syrup, lemon zest and lemonade top).

 

To complement the drinks, a bar menu will also be available offering a selection of appetizers, ideal for grazing on whilst sipping a cocktail. Munki has partnered with the Putney Pantry, situated over the road, to provide a more substantial selection of light bites such as locally sourced organic stuffed peppers. Bespoke food packages for events and occasions will also be offered.

 

Guests visiting on a Thursday evening will be treated to live music sessions from 7pm to midnight. Munki will also play host to fun-filled events and experiences such as singles nights, outdoor film screenings, cocktail master classes and exclusive venue hires.

 

Munki is the ideal destination to appreciate the craftsmanship of a skilled cocktail, or enjoy a glass of champagne, within a relaxed speakeasy atmosphere. Munki invites locals and visitors from further afield to swing by – promising only the best experience from the first to the last drink.

 

 

 

Tanqueray No Ten Launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s Rooftop Bar

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gin Tanqueray® No. TEN™ launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista’s rooftop bar free london

Event:
Tanqueray No. TEN launches Citrus Garden Pop Up at Vista rooftop bar

Date:
16th July throughout the summer

Time:
12pm to Midnight
Where:
Vista (rooftop bar at The Trafalgar)
Price:
Free
Website:
http://www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Launched yesterday, Tanqueray No. TEN has transformed the rooftop back bar at Vista (The Trafalgar) into an exquisite Citrus Garden, creating an oasis of tranquillity among the chaos of the capital.

The Vista bar and its iconic British skyline acts as the perfect setting for this exclusive Citrus Garden. On entering, a citrus archway adorns the secret entrance and through an assortment of botanical grapefruit, lemon and orange trees, the Tanqueray No. TEN garden awaits.

The Pop Up is in celebration of the new bottle design and has taken inspiration from the whole handpicked citrus fruits and botanicals of Tanqueray No. TEN. Intimate cocktail masterclass sessions hosted by Tanqueray brand ambassador, Tim Homewood, will be held in the Citrus Garden every Wednesday evening inviting guests to delve into the rich history of gin, learn about the distinct flavours of Tanqueray No. TEN and the art to creating gin-infused cocktails.

Guests will be greeted and welcomed with one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails whilst enjoying the Citrus Garden. The masterclass will begin with learning about the history of the British spirit alongside a gin tasting, allowing guests to explore the fascinating array of botanical notes iconic to Tanqueray No. TEN. After this, Tim will demonstrate how to create one of the ‘Perfect TEN’ serves before guiding the class to recreate and enjoy one of their very own TEN bespoke gin-infused cocktails. Guests will be invited to stay and relax on the boutique rooftop to experience the new ‘Perfect TEN’ menu.

Masterclasses cost £15 per person inclusive of 2x ‘Perfect TEN’ cocktails. For more information visit www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

 

Tanqueray No. TEN – Perfect TEN cocktails

In celebration of Tanqueray No. TEN and the new bottle launch, World Class finalists have created the following TEN serves all available at Vista and select bars.

 
1. Nathan O’Neill’s Through the Looking Glass available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

2. Nathan O’Neill’s Tiny TEN Collins available at Milk & Honey and Dandelyan

3. Ladislav Piljar’s Finest TEN made upon request at Bam Bou

4. Gareth Evans L’Amuse Goose available at City Social

5. Gareth Evans Madam Camomile available at City Social

6. Tim Homewood’s Perfect T10 Martini available at Aqua Shard, Blind Pig, American Bar, Bar American, Callooh Callay, POLO, The Connaught, Balthazar

7. Monica Berg’s TEN Pollen available at Pollen Street Social

8. Tim Homewood’s Tiny TEN Martini available at Vista only

9. Tim Homewood’s What a lovely Waugh available at Vista only

10. Tim Homewood’s Old Tom Fizz available at Vista only

 

 

Zen Sai review

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Located at 16 Inverness Street, Camden and is a hop, skip and a jump away from the Tube Station. The premises are flush and in line with the other shops from the outside, but a Buddha adorned interior in the form of pictures and the statues placed liberally around ledges and out of reach for the public.

Frost had been invited to the relaunch and the invite said, “Press food and cocktails review night”, so I was looking forward to the acclaimed Malaysian style food with “Bespoke” cocktails.

Zen Sai boasts delights such as, “Beef Rendang” A celebrated dish that dates back to the 16th century with diced flank steak, slowly cooked in a blend of fresh spices and coconut milk. “Chicken Dansak” A Persian delicacy adopted by Malaysians, chicken on the bone is cooked with lentils, green chillies, mangosteen and tamarind. “Spicy Whole Seabass” A succulent Seabass infused and cooked with lime, chilli, garlic and ginger.

However, there were the cocktails to try first and there is no denying that the blends and range of flavours in cocktails tried were exceptional. I had 2 and felt the effects of those alone, so the mix and measure is great. Between drinks and conversation we were treated to some finger food and Malaysian in style with Satay Chicken and Salt Chilli Chicken Wings. Some Pav Bhaji and Pakora…  it was making the right moves and waves for people to be just ready for the main event…

Now, if you have not guessed already, I waited for about an hour and the words, “restaurant closed for the evening” were heard a couple of times, which changed the mood and the demeanour of those supposed to be writing a review. So how can we write a food review?

The problem with asking the press to come and review a location, is to make an impression that can be relayed to the public, so when the event is either under par, or has short comings, it doesn’t look good and some journalists are brutal!

I don’t think Zen Sai is a bad place and their hospitality was warm and welcoming, however, I feel that maybe their relaunch will need another relaunch. It is not because of the lack of food, but because you can’t review what you don’t have. It is a bar and dining experience without the dining! If the finger food is all that was on offer then the turn out may not have been so generous and the venue could have just labelled it a cocktail night. Because that can be reviewed and positively so! I don’t think that the  “Food & Cocktails Review” night was living up to the hype and that can actually hinder what is seemingly a good location and experience, but I can only speak for half of it, because that was all I got!

Ironically, I didn’t think that I would be going home to cook my own food for my evening meal, as I was reviewing (or supposed to be) a “Food & Cocktail” event, with little on the food.

Do I think they got it wrong? Absolutely! It means that all their feedback will be as underwhelming as the meal! I can only come to the conclusion that it either wasn’t properly thought through, or their expectations were juxtaposed to mine.

So my review is, if you’re in Camden then go to Zen Sai for some fantastic cocktails and if you get served food there then please write and let me know what it is like, because I have only an email letting me know what they serve and I can only guess what it tastes like…