Top 5: Gin Cocktails You Need to Drink in London This WeekendBy Alicia Grimshaw
Nothing solves a problem like a cold G&T. But if you’re hankering after a stronger gin tipple, we’ve discovered 5 gin cocktails you need to glug in London this weekend. Because who needs dollars in the bank, when you could have a stomach full of gin:
1. For a Chinese New Year Cocktail: The Drunken Monkey
The Drink: The Golden Flower
The Blend: Willem Barentsz Jasmine Gin, Creme de Peche, Creme de Violet, orange bitters, lemon juice and sugar syrup
The Story: Part of the limited edition Jasmine Adventure cocktail menu at the Drunken Monkey, the Golden Flower is a beautiful bouquet in a glass. Combining lucky Jasmine flower (from the unique, jasmine-infused Willem Barentsz gin) and peach – the Chinese symbol for longevity – this cocktail should set you up for a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. Each Golden Flower also comes with a traditional lucky red envelope, for an extra New Year’s lucky treat. Enjoy with dumplings from Drunken Monkey’s extensive dim sum menu, or alongside the traditional lion dancers and drummers on Saturday (28th January).
Where: The Drunken Monkey, 222 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6PJ
2. For a Winning Cocktail: Three Six Six x Daffy’s Gin
The Drink: Daffy’s Gin ‘World’s Best Martini’
The Blend: Daffy’s Gin, Noilly Pratt, orange peel, mint leaf, warm cassia bark, raw ground almonds, and coriander tincture
The Story: Last week, Three Six Six in Battersea played host to the inaugural World’s Best Martini Challenge where independent gin Daffy’s took the crown. There were a total of five gins taking part in the final, a shortlist whittled down over the past year by the challenge’s founders James Thomas and Gary Sharp, that also included Carounn, Darnley’s View, Hepple and Brooklyn Gin. After much deliberation Daffy’s, a Scottish gin made using French grain spirit, was chosen as the reigning champion. The serve consisted of a classic martini with a twist. Using orange peel and mint to bring out the botanicals in the gin, warm cassia bark and coriander tincture elevated the aroma, whilst raw ground almonds provided a smooth and round consistency.
Where: Three Six Six Battersea, 126 Saint John’s Hill, London, SW11 1SL
Photo Credit: Jonny Simpson
3. For a Fruity Cocktail: The Grill at McQueen
The Drink: Sons & Guns
The Blend: Bombay Sapphire Gin, Kamm & Sons, Innis and Guns Syrup, and lemon juice
The Story: The Grill at The McQueen have an extensive list of cocktails that have been created by McQueen’s Bar Manager, Luis-Rene Orozco. Known for their steaks, and all-day eats, The Grill at The McQueen is a hip day-to-night eatery with a strong focus on prime cuts and heady concoctions. The cocktail menu features drinks such as the Blaze Collins, a twist on the Tom Collins, with Bombay Sapphire, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, orange bitters, and topped up with San Pellegrino Pompelmo. If you prefer your drink with plenty of gusto, order the Sons & Guns – a medley of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Kamm & Sons, Innis and Guns Syrup, and lemon juice. One is just never enough.
Where: 55-61 Tabernacle St, London EC2A 4AA
4. For a Quirky Cocktail: Artesian at The Langham, London
The Drink: Two Memories
The Blend: Star of Bombay Gin, sloes, gin, yuzu, Champagne and sakura
The Story: The team at Artesian at The Langham, London has launched their exciting and innovative new cocktail menu based on the theme of ‘Perception’. Since December 2015 the team have been working tirelessly to create a brand new menu of 20 drinks. Building on Artesian’s reputation for imagination and originality – expect the unexpected with an artfully inventive menu that consciously challenges assumptions. The Two Memories cocktail was inspired by the glamour and indulgence of silent film star Mary Pickford, who once owned the Star of Bombay, the brightest Sapphire in the world. Open the Pandora’s box of Cocoon to find much more than just the delicately herbaceous cocktail of Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, fortified rose, lovage, bay and lemon thyme.
Where: The Langham, London, 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA
5. For a Japanese Cocktail: Sakagura
The Drink: Furano Fields
The Blend: Lavender, Gekkeikan namazake, Jinzu gin, apricot brandy and passion fruit
The Story: Sakagura isn’t just a place to dig into sushi platters, and endless sashimi. Hell no. The restaurant has an incredible sake selection, and are happy to pair sake with your food. If you order sake, the sommelier will come round with a tray of ornate, hand painted sake cups for you to choose from, which is a lovely little touch. They have a great Japanese-inspired cocktail list; order the Furano Fields, a beautiful floral and fruity concoction of lavender, gekkeikan namazake jinzu gin, apricot brandy and passion fruit. Delicious.
Where: 8 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BU
