5 Cocktails You Need to Drink in London This WeekendBy Alicia Grimshaw
Thirsty? Need a new cocktail spot? Never fear, we’re here to help. We’ve drank our way round the capital to bring you the best cocktails you should be spending your sparkles on this weekend. Happy sipping, London:
1. For a Mexican Inspired Cocktail: The London EDITION
The Drink: El Vampiro – Altos Blanco tequila, spiced mix, tomato juice, pale ale, celery salt & basil
The Story: Eclectic art and iconic British and European design elements intertwine at the Lobby Bar at The London EDITION. A stainless steel orb, designed by Ingo Maurer, allows a discreet glimpse of all the action. The cocktails at this Soho bar, range from the signature Clearer Colada to the Rums ‘n’ Roses, were conceived by the talented Davide Segat. Try the El Vampiro cocktail this weekend – if a Bloody Mary and a Margarita were to have a child, it would be this drink.
Price: £13.50
Where: 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP
2. For a Whisky Cocktail: Black Rock
The Drink: Campire – Bulleit, Lagavulin and mallow char
The Story: From the team behind London’s Worship Street Whistling Shop and drinks brand Aske Stephenson, Black Rock is their latest venture and it’s opening today (11th). The mission at Black Rock is a simple one: to break boundaries and quash stereotypes in the world of whisky. Holding over 250 bottles from around the world, the intimate new subterranean bar in Shoreditch is the ‘it’ watering hole to try. Drop in for their whisky only cocktail menu designed to showcase the unique diversity of the many regions and flavour profiles of whisky in an accessible and approachable manner.
Price: £10
Where: Black Rock, 9 Christopher Street, London, EC2A 2BS
3. For a Cocktail With a View: Duck and Waffle
The Drink: Ristretto Negroni – Bombay Sapphire gin, vermouth, amaro and slow-dripped through coffee
The Story: Located atop a 40-storey skyscraper at Bishopsgate, Duck & Waffle is a restaurant like no other – and has a cocktail menu to match under the watchful eye of Head of Spirit and Cocktail development, Richard Woods. The team care as much about their drinks menu, as they do their epic foodie feasts. A favourite is the fantastic Ristretto Negroni which combines Gin, Vermouth and Amaro and then is slow-dripped through coffee. Sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and some of the best views over the city.
Price: £14
Where: 110 Bishopgate, London EC2N 4AY
4. For a Citrus Cocktail: 100 Wardour St.
The Drink: The 100 – Amaretto, lemon juice, egg white and fig
The Story: 100 Wardour Street is the latest opening by D&D London. This trendy haunt is a restaurant come club, and dishes up dreamy cocktails and live music for all the late night owls. The cocktail menu at 100 Wardour St pays homage to the creativity of Soho, with a focus on experimental beverages. The 100 cocktail has been masterminded by Bar Manager, Stuart Finlay. The cocktail combines sweet and sour flavours whilst the egg white adds a rich, creamy texture and a foamy cap. For filthy beats, fruity tipples, and to show off your questionable dance moves – head to 100 Wardour St. this weekend.
Price: £10.50
Where: 100 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F 0TN
Photo Credit: Paul Winch-Furness
5. For a Smoked Cocktail: Sartoria
The Drink: Smoked Bloody Mary – Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Lagavulin 16, fresh lime juice, tomato juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, rosemary and chili pepper
The Story: The Libare Bar found inside Sartoria, the Italian restaurant located on Savile Row, combines a dash of timeless Mayfair charm with a measure of European glamour. The Libare Bar cocktail menu comprises of liqueurs and spirits from independent and boutique producers, such as Jerry Thomas Project and Cocchi. The drinks list remains true to the bar’s Italian roots, starring classics like Bellinis and Negronis, and the more adventurous tipples like the Rosemary and Marmalade Martini, and the Mojito Meditarrano made with cherry tomatoes and and fresh lime juice.
Where: 20 Savile Row, London W1S 3PR