Top 5: Vodka Cocktails You Need to Drink in London This WeekendBy Angelica Malin
We’re thirsty and the weekend is nigh. We’ve discovered 5 fantastic vodka cocktails you need to try in London this weekend. Happy drinking, folks:
1. For a Wintery Cocktail: The Churchill Bar, Hyatt Regency London
The Drink: Boreal Glacier Martini (£16)
The Blend: Beluga Noble Vodka, Extra Dry Vermouth and Pino Mugo
The Story: In case you haven’t had chance to visit the winter terrace at The Churchill Bar, Hyatt Regency London, the outdoor space is now open until April. This means you still have time to sink into fur lined seats with hot water bottles and snuggle blankets, and enjoy a selection of themed cocktails and snacks created in partnership with Beluga Vodka. Beluga Noble Vodka is handcrafted in the legendary Mariinsk Distillery, in the heart of Siberia, using traditional methods to create a smooth vodka. The Boreal Glacier Martini is a delicately light cocktail and the perfect drink to sip alongside The Churchill’s bacon and cheese fondue. Seriously good.
Where: Hyatt Regency, 30 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 7BH
2. For a Quirky Cocktail: Six Storeys on Soho
The Drink: Berry Basil Shrub (£9.50)
The Blend: Strawberry and basil vodka, cranberry, jam and balsamic
The Story: The team of talented mixologists at Six Storeys on Soho have been tirelessly researching and experimenting to create some of London’s most unique vodka infused cocktails, with each floor presenting a new and delighting surprise. There’s a mega selection of cocktails including the Rhubovka Flip with rhubarb infused vodka, Advocaat and milk elixir, and The Delightful Chap From Istanbul made with rose and cocoa infused vodka, and a dash of cranberry.
Where: 11 Soho Square, Soho, London W1D 3QE
3. For a Showstopping Cocktail: Nightjar
The Drink: Amsterdam (£9 each – min 2 people)
The Blend: Ketel One Vodka, Ale and Hemp Syrup Grand Mariner, tulip essence, lemon gouda foam, and poppy and cinnamon
The Story: In keeping with the passion, skill and attention to detail for which Nightjar has become known for, the new bar menu continues to focus on the oppositional forces of cocktail history and innovation. The menu continues to be divided into sections of history known for their creative and pioneering cocktail philosophy. If that’s gone totally over your head; just order their glorious alcoholic concoctions. The Artillery punch made with Hendricks Gin, Pusser’s Gunpowder Proof Rum, Benedictine, Sultan tea, fresh lime and bee pollen is ludicrously tasty, but the cocktail that you must try is the Amsterdam. Just look at it. It’s too good to miss. And bloody amazing too.
Where: 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
4. For a Citrus Cocktail: Ritorno
The Drink: The Ritorno Milan Mule
The Blend: Vodka, clementine, cinnamon syrup and Campari bitter with ginger beer
The Story: Opened back in December, Ritorno bring an authentic Italian aperitivo experience from the sophisticated streets of Milan, to the fashionable streets of Chelsea. Head Barman, Paolo Viola formerly of Rivoli Bar at The Ritz, and Chef Filippo Salzano (C.London), have collaborated to create a unique cocktail and food pairing experience using artisanal ingredients inspired by and sourced from across the Italian peninsula and surrounding islands. The Mule is Milan’s drink of the moment, and at Ritorno this light and refreshing vodka based drink is given a makeover with homemade clementine and cinnamon syrup, Campari bitter and a ginger beer top up.
Where: 442 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW10 0LQ
5. For a Fruity Cocktail: The Trading House
The Drink: Tea Breeze (£9.50)
The Blend: Ketel One Vodka, cranberry, raspberry, pink grapefruit and Canton red berry and hibiscus tea
The Story: The Trading House on Gresham Street is an ideal drinking spot for a post-work tipple. The venue is full of peculiar eccentricities with the interior retaining much of the grade II listed building’s architectural detail and period fixtures and fittings, including high ceilings, spiral staircase and mezzanine. From classics to gin cocktails and their own signature drinks – there’s oodles of choice at The Trading House. The cocktail wizards whip up a mean Chai Martini and the Tea Breeze reminds us of balmy summer evenings.
Where: 89-91 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7NQ
