World Cocktail Day – Our Summer Selection
It’s no secret that the beans enjoy a tipple or two and with World Cocktail Day upon us (13th May) and summer hot on its heels, we’ve reflected on our top picks, the memories that come with them and where you could enjoy one too.
Cheers!
Kicking us off, Kenn’s go-to is the fresh and vibrant Aperol Spritz – enjoyed in an idyllic setting. Kenn recalls his summer in Paris, lazily enjoying them in the golden evening hours by the River Seine. This summer, if you’re staying in the UK, Kenn would recommend heading to Café Laville in West London, where you could enjoy an Aperol Spritz over the canal of Little Venice.
Best served with ice in a chilled glass, with a good dry or demi-sec prosecco.
Gemma’s top pick is the classic Pornstar Martini (or Passionfruit Martini for those easily offended 😉). We’re living vicariously through Gem as she recalls enjoying one whilst overlooking the Dubai Marina at night – 30c and with a spectacular view – what more could you want! If you’re looking for a local pub that always gets it right, we’d recommend The Bell in Godstone.
Newly engaged bean Jess S (congratulations!) would always opt for a Pornstar Martini too. Before the pandemic it was a luxurious cocktail she’d enjoy on a rooftop in London (and pay £16+ per glass…ouch!). But during the first lockdown, Jess and her fiancé learned how to make them at home and enjoyed many a glass in their garden. If you’re making one yourself, Jess insists you use Rubicon Passionfruit Juice to achieve superior creaminess and a smooth consistency – there’s simply no substitute, nothing comes close.
Best served in a nicely pre-chilled glass. Always accompanied with a shot of prosecco or champagne – it adds to the fun and gives you a real buzz before you savour the martini!
The clear favourite amongst the beans, Jess C and her group of friends would also choose this fruity blend – both for its sweet taste and the fond memory that comes with it. When trying to order a Pornstar Martini kit from Amazon, £60 was spent on 18L of juice and zero alcohol! Though drama aside, this mishap led to the best Pornstar Martinis they’d ever had (once alcohol was sourced, of course). And possibly one of the best kept secrets ever – Las Iguanas serve 2 for 1 cocktails all day every day!
With the return of sunny months, Emma’s most looking forward to a Hugo – a light and refreshing elderflower cocktail made with prosecco (not a dashing male her boyfriend needs to worry about). Emma fondly remembers sipping one in the sunshine whilst people-watching in quaint Italian streets. But if you can’t get away this summer, a nice rooftop terrace in London would hit the spot. They may not always be called Hugo, just look out for elderflower in the ingredients. Best served in the sun, with an extra dash of prosecco!
Our newly wed beans Sooz and Andy have both chosen cocktails that will remind them of their gorgeous honeymoon in The Maldives for years to come. Appropriately named, Andy’s favourite was One Love, a classic rum punch which will always be best enjoyed straight from a coconut with a straw. If you’re making one at home, Andy recommends you try mixing up the rums and replace golden rum with a spiced variation or try coconut rum instead of overproof. Trailer Happiness on the Portobello Road serves a good one.
Meanwhile, Sooz ordered the Sexy Colada which was beautifully chilled and served with a slice of pineapple in its signature ‘egg’ cup. And get ready to seriously envy these beans when you hear where their cocktails were ordered… The Jing Restaurant in the Maldives, overlooking the Indian Ocean watching the tropical fish and reef sharks swim around below – heaven!
Luca’s recommendation is a Long Island Iced Tea. Combining all your favourite spirits in one, this appropriately boozy concoction isn’t one you can get wrong.
Bringing back memories of the beach in Cuba, Julie’s summer go-to is the classic Mojito. A variation of the drink that she loved as well is a Mango Mojito, best enjoyed from a good cocktail bar – in the sunshine. The Ivy at Tower Bridge serves a good one, with a lovely outdoor area and stunning view. If mojitos aren’t your thing, they also offer a fabulous Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.
A nostalgic pick is Alvi’s Blue Lagoon which was the first beverage she ordered when she became a legally drinking adult and celebrated with family. Alvi recommends adding a dash of raspberry or cherry liquor to give it more of a fruity twist, whilst retaining the refreshing taste. And to really get the beach holiday vibes going, ensure your Blue Lagoon is complete with a mini umbrella, a book to read – and a pool wouldn’t go amiss!
We hope you’ve been inspired by some of our favourites for World Cocktail Day, we’d love to hear what yours are too – share on socials @jellybeanagency. With so many to choose from, it’s a toughie but I’ll be joining Kenn for an Aperol Spritz this summer!