London Cocktail Week Month
As London Cocktail week is now all of October (nice!) we thought we’d share some of the Beans’ favourites. According to international research from Brandwatch, Margaritas are the most popular cocktail followed by Martini, Mimosa, Bloody Mary, and Manhattan. But closer to home it is safe to say, us Beans have found solace in a wide range of cocktails over the past 18 months (of course, all drunk responsibly!). We are after all a leading food and drink agency so really, it’s research. Isn’t it?
So here are just a few of our faves in honour of London Cocktail Month, including some recipes for all you amateur mixologists to try at home.
Andy – Smokey Negroni
It has to be the Hakkasan classic, the Smokey Negroni.
Jess S – Espresso Martini
Made at home by James!
- 100ml Vanilla Vodka
- 50ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
- 50ml Kahlua (for a sweeter taste)
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
Or…
Cosy Club, Guildford makes a mean Disaronno Sour (no egg white!).
Emma – Espresso Martini
I love a classic Espresso Martini and last had a great one in Aqua Kyoto in Soho.
Ellie – Cherry Poppins
Cherry Poppins at The Alchemist
Jess C – Pornstar Martini
The Cocktail Club in Oxford Circus – they do the best Pornstar Martinis (my fave).
Or outside of London, The Redan in Wokingham also do a mean one!
Liv – Lychee Martini
Sweet, subtle, and short – this cocktail goes down like a homesick mole. I’ll happily order this cocktail at any bar, but my favourite recipe is my own!
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
- 40ml Vodka
- 10ml Vermouth
- 4 Canned Lychees in Syrup
- 40ml of Lychee Syrup
- Squeeze of Lime
Method:
- Put one lychee into each of the 2 cocktail glasses and place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
- Put the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake! You only want to shake for 20/30 seconds, any longer and the ice will melt and water down your lychee goodness.
- Strain the mixture into your ice-cold cocktail glasses and enjoy!
Top tip! For a Halloween twist you can add a maraschino cherry into the hollow of your lychee to create an ‘eyeball’.
Luca – Long Island Iced Tea
It’s not for the faint hearted, but a classic none the less – you can find the recipe here.
Niki – Mojito
Mojito (of any kind!)
Or my blackberry-lime mojito fizzer:
Ingredients:
- 500ml of sparkling water, chilled
- A handful of ice cubes
- A tsp or two of fresh pomegranate seeds
- A handful of fresh or frozen blackberries, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tbsp of blackberry compote
- The juice of 2 limes
- 2-3 fresh slices of lime
- Fresh mint, to garnish
- 6oml of white rum
Method:
- Muddle the lime juice, blackberries, and blackberry compote in a small jug, crushing the mixture as you go. Pour the blackberry mixture into your serving glasses and add a handful of ice to each glass.
- Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with sparkling water, garnish with mint, blackberries, lime slices, pomegranate seeds and serve.
Megan – Espresso Martini
Espresso Martini (aptly) at Megan’s.
Clare – Aperol Spritz
The Italian favourite – enjoyed anywhere in the sunshine!
Julie – Salted Caramel Espresso Martini
A twist on the classic – enjoyed overlooking Tower Bridge at The Ivy Tower Bridge
Courtney – An Old Fashioned
It’s got to be an Old Fashioned and The Barley Mow in Englefield Green make a cracking one!
Twists on the classic are greatly appreciated – their indulgent Salted Caramel version went down an absolute treat!
As for me, it’s a tough one, I do love a Pornstar Martini and the Smokey Negroni is a thing of beauty, not to mention a Raspberry Mojito, but much like the rest of the world I would probably have to say a margarita. But not just any old margarita, a passionfruit margarita from Wahaca with lots of salt! (Ideally Maldon 😉).
So, if reading this has got you in the mood for a cocktail, why not grab that shaker or head to your nearest cocktail bar and indulge yourself – it is London Cocktail Month after all!
Source: Brandwatch