Top 5: Cocktails You Need to Drink in London This WeekendBy Alicia Grimshaw

Wack on some makeup, grab your pals, your Visa Debit and let’s talk cocktails. Here’s 5 mighty fine tipples you need to try in London this weekend. Happy sipping, everyone:

1. For a Dessert Cocktail: K Bar 

The Drink: Creme Brûlée Martini (£10)

The Blend: Vanilla Infused Havana Club Especial Rum, Caramel Syrup and Double Cream

The Story: This May cocktail fans at South Kensington’s glamorous K Bar can have their dessert and drink it too with a new Dessert Cocktail Menu, designed by bar manager and cocktail maestro Ben Manchester. The list of five drinks showcases the best in sweet spirits and liqueurs, providing the perfect sweet-treat for cocktail lovers or an alternative to dessert for diners at the adjoining Town House restaurant. The list includes Jerry’s Chocolate Orange, made with Sailor Jerry Spiced rum, Mozart chocolate liqueur, Grand Marnier, orange juice and double cream, and the Creme Brûlée Martini for those seeking a boozy twist on the classic French dessert.

Where: The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 5LR

2. For a Classic Cocktail: Vivo 

The Drink: Aperol Spritz (£6.95)

The Blend: Prosecco, Aperol and Soda Water

The Story: Aperol Spritz has just announced the return of its renowned event series, the Aperol Spritz Socials. From May to August, Aperol Spritz will host eight free after-work events, with London’s hottest lifestyle influencers and brands, including Forza Win, Print Club London, The School of Life and Soho Radio. The events are taking place at the Aperol Spritz Terrazza, the brand’s London home for the summer, located at the Bird of Smithfield rooftop – opening on Wednesday (11th May). Inspired by the Terrazza Aperol in Milan, the rooftop has been transformed into a haven for Spritz lovers. And, if you’re after the classic Aperol Spritz away from the events – head to Vivo on Upper Street for this Italian tipple. You can’t beat a classic.

Where: 57/58 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NY

3. For a Limited Edition Cocktail: Rocket Bishopsgate 

The Drink: Witches Potion (£7)

The Blend: Blackberries, Koko Kanu Coconut Rum, Crème de Mure Liqueur, Gomme syrup, Lemon Juice and Havana Rum

The Story: Rocket Bishopsgate have teamed up with the Broadgate Circle Estate to support their Literary Greats spring campaign. This month sees the launch of four exclusive cocktails, inspired by one of literatures finest, Roald Dahl. Each exquisite cocktail has been based on a Roald Dahl classic book, carefully curated and guaranteed to inject some nostalgia with just one sip. If you’ve started an impromptu health-kick, ease yourself in with a Crafty Fox which combines carrot, lemon and apple juice, with Gomme syrup, Żubrówka vodka and St Germain elderflower liqueur thrown in for good measure. If you’re firmly off the wagon, the Witches Potion is a fruity conconcotion of blackberries, Gomme syrup and Havana Rum. 

Where: 201 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 3AB

4. For a Sensory Cocktail: Old Bengal Bar 

The Drink: Levantium (£10)

The Blend: Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky, Absinthe, Smoked Clove Syrup, Peychayd and Angostura Bitters

The Story: Head to Old Bengal Bar to celebrate the launch of Penhaligon’s new fragrance, Equinox Bloom.  Old Bengal Bar has partnered with the perfume house to bring a sense-heightening cocktail menu, to create a complex sensory experience running until the end of the month. Bar Manager Radoslav Anuskevic has created five cocktails, one of which is the Levantium, an Asian inspired cocktail with Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky, Absinthe and smoked clove syrup. If that doesn’t take your fancy, sip on the Empressa – Langleys Gin, Cherry Liqueur, lemon, peppercorn syrup and soda.

Where: 16 New St, London EC2M 4TR

5. For a Fiery Cocktail: STK London 

The Drink: Picante Passion (£14)

The Blend: El Jimador Tequila, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup and Red Chilli Peppers.

The Story: In honour of Cinco de Mayo, STK London has mixed up a fiery Mexican cocktail – the Picante Passion, made with the key Mexican ingredient: lime, chillies and of course, tequila. To get the fiesta fully underway in the restaurant and bar, the Picante Passion cocktail is paired with a complimentary shot of tequila. Running throughout the whole of May, there’s no excuse to miss out on the heat, flavour and fun. A few of these and you’ll be forgetting your own name.

Where: ME London, 336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA

One for luck… 

6. For a Bargain Cocktail: Be At One 

The Drink: Patrón Chica Caliente (£5)

The Blend: Patron Silver Tequila, Vanilla Liqueur, Passionfruit Puree, Vanilla Syrup, Lime Juice and Tabasco

The Story: Running until this Sunday, Be At One bars across London will be offering the Patrón Chica Caliente for the discounted price of £5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Fruity and sweet with a tabasco kick, the Chica Caliente is the perfect way to spice up your night. All you have to do is download the app here to to obtain this special offer.  Be At One have just introduced a new cocktail to their ever expanding menu, the Beetroot Retox. This rich, deep and complex cocktail features Kamm and Sons, pomegranate juice and beetroot juice.

Where: Locations here