All posts tagged Cocktail

Master of Malt Antique Ready-To-Drink Cocktails

Master of Malt Antique Ready-To-Drink CocktailsOnline retailer Master of Malt has launched four new ready-to-drink antique cocktails from the ‘Experimental Series’ bottled by The Handmade Cocktail Company.

Antique cocktails are becoming increasingly popular as mixologists explore the delights of spirits from years-gone-by. These cocktails are a new twist on classic recipes and offer a fascinating insight into drinks history. The ‘Experimental Series’ Antique Cocktails are a selection of four classic drinks: the Negroni, the Manhattan, the Rob Roy and the Martinez – all made by using rare spirits bottled in the 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s.

These antique spirits were often made using different production methods and sources of ingredients to their counterparts today, hence resulting in a different flavour profile.

Furthermore, due to the time spent in bottle, the spirits have oxidised slightly which mellows the spirit, gives it a deeper complexity and adds another tasty dimension to these delicious cocktails.
The Handmade Cocktail Company has made vintage ready-to-drink cocktails since its launch in 2011, and in February 2012 the ‘Experimental Series’ was launched to allow the consumer to influence future releases. Popular bottlings in the Series will then join the full range of products produced by the Handmade Cocktail Company.

Antique Negroni – 1970s – Batch 1 – 20cl/33.7%abv – £41.95
The gin arrives on the palate first before the bittersweet tag-team of sweet vermouth and Campari burst into the party bringing herbs, dried cranberry and nutmeg. Overall: The classic Italian cocktail beautifully delivered with the added cachet of being antique.

Antique Manhattan – 1970s/1980s – Batch 1 – 20cl/39.1%abv ̶ £49.95
At first the whiskey hits the nose hand in hand with the sweet vermouth before cherries and sage wander in with the vaguest hint of white pepper. Cherries and oak notes fill the mouth followed by cinnamon and dried red fruits. Coriander and oregano form a herbaceous finish but it is the bourbon vanilla that clings on for dear life until the very end. This is a delicately balanced Manhattan that creates a product greater than the sum of its parts - plus it’s an antique, what’s more to like?

Antique Rob Roy – 1960s/1970s – Batch 1 – 20cl/38.55abv – £38.95
Maraschino cherries open up first followed by fresh Seville oranges, nectarines and essence of raspberry. Beneath this fruity exterior lies a malty floor harmonising with the sweet vermouth. Sweet fruit, namely cherries and plums, roll over the palate counter-balanced by the bitters and whisky. Bitter oranges and candied citrus peel finish this mouth-wateringly delicious cocktail. The key word for this cocktail is balance. The sweet fresh fruit flavours are intricately complemented by the bitter component. Oh and the ingredients were sourced from the 60s and 70s, that’s pretty cool isn’t it?

Antique Martinez – 1970s – Batch 1 – 20cl/39%abv – £42.95
The nose is dominated by juniper and cherries but tempered with a little orange peel and macerated red fruits. Red grapes, raisins, tangerine zest and baked apples with a smooth, silky mouth feel. A perfect cocktail for those who don’t favour the drier martini or for those who fancy a change. Factor in the antique nature of its ingredients and you have one sublime drink.

The Master of Malt Antique Ready-To-Drink Cocktails are now available, in various bottle sizes (full bottles as priced above) from Master Of Malt.


A Martini Master Class at Dukes St. James

dukes st jamesLearn to make the perfect Martini in the famous Dukes bar; the location where Ian Fleming was inspired to write the James Bond line ‘shaken not stirred.’

The independently owned boutique hotel, Dukes St. James London is delighted to invite guests of the Dukes Bar to perfect their cocktail making skills with head barman and martini guru, Alessandro Palazzi.

Alessandro is a widely credited name within the bar industry and his incomparable skills have led Dukes martinis to be regarded amongst the best in London. His passion for cocktails is contagious and the Martini Masterclass will provide guests with a unique opportunity to learn the trade secrets from one of the industry’s few experts. Masterclass students will learn to recreate the legendary Dukes Martini and other classic recipes whilst Alessandro educates with his in-depth knowledge of each drink and its ingredients’ origins. After perfecting their martini making skills guests can relax, unwind and enjoy the taste of their hard work accompanied by some delicious canapés. Whether guests choose to sample The Martini Masterclass at Dukes as part of a date, work event, or as a general excuse for fun; whatever the occasion it will provide an unforgettable afternoon out.

Master classes are held Monday to Friday from 3pm-5pm and can be booked for private events and cost just £95 per person. Groups of 4-8 people can attend each class.
Visit www.dukeshotel.com

Cocktails in the City

cocktails in the cityCelebrating Manchester’s vibrant cocktail scene, Cocktails in the City is the largest ever cocktail master class set within the grandiose surroundings of the Great Hall, Manchester Town Hall on 4th April. With 19 bars, 400 cocktail enthusiasts and over 1,200 cocktails it will be an event not to be missed.

The only dedicated Cocktail Show in the UK, Cocktails in the City brings together all the cities leading cocktail bars including Harvey Nichols, Blackdog Ballroom and Mojo for an interactive evening of Cocktail Making and drinks enlightenment. Visitors to the show will learn how to shake, muddle and stir cutting edge cocktails under the expert guidance of the cities (and indeed the worlds) leading bartenders.

Founder Andrew Scutts comments;

“This show reflects the increasing trend and popularity of cocktail culture and the fact Manchester has a world leading cocktail bar scene. This event is a unique opportunity to discover all Manchester’s top bars under one roof and learn the skilful art of cocktail making”

Last year’s show was a huge success with 400 people attending the evening event, which runs from 5:30pm till 10:00pm. For £18.00 visitors receive three tokens upon entry and are able to exchange them for a cocktail, made by themselves under the expert tuition of the city’s top bartenders. Each bar will also be running competitions for chances to win great prizes with details being released through facebook & twitter in the lead up to the event. Visitors will also be able to watch main stage demonstrations or participate in private tutored tasting sessions with local drink experts The Liquorists.

To celebrate Manchester’s world beating cocktail scene the start of the build-up campaign will see the city’s bartenders wearing the new #MCRHEARTSCOCKTAILS t-shirts as part of the promotional activity, which will also be driven through social media channels. The #MCRHEARTSCOCKTAILS hash tag is launched with the aim of raising awareness of the bustling Manchester bar scene, with the city’s bars now being home to some of the world’s very best bartenders. You can follow Cocktails in the City news on twitter (@Cocktailsinthec) and on Facebook.

The Cocktail Lovers Magazine Issue 2

cocktail lovers magazine 2Available for download now - its free but they insist you register - is the second issue of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine.

The contents include:
Spotlight on spirited females in the drinks industry
The team from Callooh Callay add East End swagger to West End style
Tasting the best cocktails Berlin has to offer
London bars with birds eye views
Rebekkah Dooley talks to Tomas Estes, the tequila ambassador
Detox or Retox?
Plus 25 reasons we’re loving this season

Matcha Green Tea Martini

Matcha Green Tea MartiniThe Adventure Bar in Covent Garden have launched the perfect ‘detox-retox’ cocktail for January, using 2012′s hottest ingredient, matcha dust.

Adventure Bar’s Matcha Green Tea Martini is a great balance between detoxing and having fun this January. New super ingredient matcha green tea dust is packed full of antioxidants, and has been claimed to reduce cholesterol and speed up metabolism. Adventure Bar have combined this magic powder with Grand Marnier and vodka to make a delicious cocktail to kick start your new year!

Adventure Bar provides pretension-free fun every day of the week. They have taken an oath to provide guests with great quality cocktails and the friendliest staff in the most fun atmosphere you can find in London.

Adventure Bar Covent Garden
20 Bedford Street
London
WC2E 9HP
(020) 7497 0254