December Guide: 5 London Bars to Visit This MonthBy Adam Hassanali
December is a time for meeting up with old friends and visiting new places when your local is full of Christmas drinkers. Turn your internal heating on with our hand-picked selection of winter warmers.
1. For Nordic Cocktails: Aquavit
What: Christmassy cocktails from Aquavit London.
The Lowdown: Named after the Nordic term for Merry Christmas and sure to leave you feeling merry, the God Jul! features a festive blend of Kinahans Kasc Project Whiskey, passionfruit and cinnamon syrup and bitters with accents of seasonal spice and zesty lemon swirling throughout. If you’re looking for a proper winter warmer, try the The Tomten, a combination of Cynar aperitif with gin and Aperol and a peel of citrusy orange.
Where: 1 St James’s Market, St. James’s, London SW1Y 4QQ
2. For a Bourbon Trolley: JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
What: Introducing The Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned Trolley – a must-visit destination for fans of bourbon this winter.
The Lowdown: Stationed at luxury Park Lane hotspot, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, the trolley allows guests to choose from their preferred Buffalo Trace Distillery bourbon, before opting for either Original, Aged or Smoked style Old Fashioneds, all whilst having a front-row seat to the theatrics.
Where: JW Marriott Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN
3. For Festive Cocktails: J Sheekey x Grey Goose
What: The bar team at J. Sheekey has worked alongside Grey Goose Vodka to create a cocktail menu of delicious tipples to sip and savour during the festive period.
The Lowdown: Limited-edition cocktails include the Supercalifragilistic made with Grey Goose Vodka, Rose liqueur, Lychee and Vanilla, the Hakuna Matata featuring Grey Goose Vodka, Amaro, Framboise, Pineapple, Ginger and Lemongrass, Cinnamon and Bitters, and The Nutcracker featuring Grey Goose Vodka, Blackberries, Goji Liqueur, Hibiscus and Champagne.
Where: 28-32 St Martin’s Court, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4AL
4. For Classic Christmas Flavours: Lost Property Office
What: Rich Woods aka ‘The Cocktail Guy’ has kicked off the festive season with the launch of an innovative Christmas menu at his new speakeasy, Lost Property Office.
The Lowdown: For bourbon lovers, the reimagined Manhattan Roast evokes cosy nights around an open fire with infusions of sage, parsnip, roasted chestnuts and caramelised onion – this cocktail is a Christmas roast dinner in a glass! Meanwhile, the Mince Pie Old Fashioned turns a speakeasy favourite into a Christmas classic by adding moreish mince pie and salted caramel.
Where: Unit G, Waterloo Station, Second Floor, 01 The Sidings, London SE1 7BH
5. For a Winter Terrace: Rosewood London x Glenfiddich
What: Glenfiddich has partnered with Rosewood London to launch a first-of-its-kind immersive cocktail and dining space – The Time: Capsule – where slowing down is encouraged.
The Lowdown: Expect a menu of exquisite Glenfiddich cocktails, created by Rosewood London’s Head of Mixology, Yann Bouvignies and team, will include an innovative new Reversed Coffee, (Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, Evaporated Tonka & Coffee, Pandan Cream), a deceptively clear concoction displaying technical skill with strong flavours. Other cocktails include Sweet Hours, a blend of Glenfiddich 21-Year-Old – Gran Reserva, Roasted Bee Pollen & Aloe Vera, Samphire Oloroso and Time After Time – Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old, Palo Santo & Banana, Fino, LE Tonic)
Where: Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN