London Cocktail Week ’16: City!

Oct9

Welcome one and all to the recap of the first day of London Cocktail Week 2016! Wield a red or white wristband and enjoy the discounts/events that LCW has to offer!

Today we look at October 7^th: Where the Hoodooist tackled City!

The Laidback Mule by Four Sisters Townhouse!

5.45PM:

Auchentoshan Scotch whisky, allspice berries, home made ginger, black pepper, and granola soda is what the Four Sisters Townhouse served up in the Laidback Mule – the complex soda is home-made, like all of the bar’s ingredients, and is part of their weekly rotating menu!

The granola might seem like an odd choice, but is perfect for the cocktail. The warming spices follow the sweet whisky, ending on a sudden light smoothness of the granola. Love this drink.

The Gin Jacket by Demon, Wise and Partners!

6.30PM:

Demon, Wise and Partners is back with its classically bitter and quintessentially Italian flavours!

The Gin Jacket serves up Old Tom gin, Noilly Prat vermouth, Fontaine chocolate absinthe, garnished with chocolate.

At first, the drink is overpowered by the aniseed, but with a little added water, the gin and the floral Provence flavours of the Noilly Prat emerge – complemented wonderfully by the chocolate garnish. An enjoyable drink, if an acquired taste for bitter dryness.

Wheys a Tun by City Social!

7.30PM:

We’re back at the high-rise expanse of City Social!

Riding the trend of milk punches, the Wheys a Tun mixes Ailsa Bay Scotch whisky, apricot brandy, clarified milk, fresh ginger and winter spice. A drink that is enjoyable, but would only pay the 5 quid for. Beautiful silky texture, but the flavours can come off a bit confused.

The Natural Ban Killer by Discount Suit Co!

8.30PM:

Our favourite of the night was no doubt the heavyweight Natural Ban Killer!

Discount Suit Co once again celebrates Irish Ban Poitin by mixing it with orgeat, apple, lemon, topped up with home made ginger beer. The powerful sweet cereal flavour of the poitin smoothly is lifted up by the nutty orgeat and fruity citrus, before a quick sizzle of ginger and fizz. The apple garnish goes so incredibly well with this drink, it’s been a while since I was so pleased by a pairing (and one that simple!).

The Imperial Exile by Apples and Pears!

9.30PM:

Earlier this year Apples and Pears had seriously upped their cocktail game, and this year’s LCW is no different, with a major improvement from last year’s offering.

The Imperial Exile brings floral Courvoisier VSOP cognac, umeshu plum liqueur, home made wine reduction and lemon for a smooth and sweeter drink without being offensively so, and not compromising on the ABV.

The initial floral cognac with its lavender moves into the sweet plum, lifted up by the bright fruit of the wine reduction, ending with a length of umeshu once again. A heavier drink, and one I’d recommend for the end of a night.

The Flip Willy and Langer’s in Manhattan at 46 & Mercy!

11PM:

After stuffing our faces at HotBox, downstairs at 46&Mercy we have two LCW offerings!

The Flip Willy, Jameson Caskmates Irish whiskey, Mr Black cold press coffee liqueur, coffee, muddled with Irish fudge – was underwhelming.

One the other hand, a much better drink is found in the Langer’s in Manhattan – Jameson Cask Mates Irish whiskey, Cocchi di Torino vermouth and home made chilli liquor. I might not have chosen the Caskmates for this drink, but it still works well.

Highly recommended as an aperitif early in the night for its intensity, the Langer’s celebrates a classic Manhattan with the spice of the chilli instead of cherry. A light burn after the sweetness of the prior two ingredients, finishing on a sweet length of the Caskmates.

Alright! That’s our recap of Soho of London Cocktail Week 2016! I do hope it may have helped you one way or the other, dear readers, on our quest through the most magical week of the year.

London Cocktail Week ’16: Soho!

Oct5

Welcome one and all to the recap of the first day of London Cocktail Week 2016! Wield a red or white wristband and enjoy the discounts/events that LCW has to offer!

This year the Hoodooist will be bringing you #YourDailyDoseOfHoodoo, a daily review of each day of London Cocktail Week ’16.

Today we look at October 4^th: Where the Hoodooist tackled Soho!

We got to admit, everyone’s upped their game. This might be the first time the Hoodooist enjoyed every single drink he drank. Hell.

Jinjuu’s Kimchi Bloody Mary!

1PM:

Jinjuu’s Korean Sip n Snack was perfect to start the afternoon after the Whisky Show the night before!

14 pounds gets you a plate of fried chicken with a pair of delicious Jinjuu sauces, and cocktail:

The Kimchi Bloody Mary fancies up the classic hair of the dog with kimchi, sriracha sauce, celery and black pepper infused soju, topped up with fresh tomato juice. Tall and spicy, the cocktail is light, beginning with the salty-sour kimchi juice, immediately moving to the spicy sriracha, finally ending with notes of black pepper soju, all the while riding a wave of tomato juice. Needed that.

A short walk away, we’re down at MASH!

MASH’s Punch the Buffalo

2.30PM:

Everyone knows the Hoodooist loves MASH.

Steve and the boys in this subterranean hideaway do love their Buffalo Trace, and this year they’re going to Punch the Buffalo, by mixing up Buffalo Trace Bourbon, La Concha sherry, lemon juice, maple syrup and cardamom bitters.

Reasons to love this drink: You taste every single flavour in perfect harmony. No confusion, no ingredient trying to outperform the others. First the initial sweetness of wheat from the bourbon, followed by the maple’s own unique sweetness. After the sherry’s dryness and cardamom that lifts it up, ending with the bourbon’s vanilla length. Spectacular job.

Milroy’s of Soho’s Hebrides and Ivory

3.30PM:

And here we are at Milroy’s of Soho!

A whisky lover’s home away from home, MoS is not kidding around with this year’s offering. Short, heavy, uncompromising.

The Hebrides and Ivory (yes, ouch) does…harmonise fantastically (sorry). Truly, this drink immediately screams out to me with the unique mix of Kilchoman Machir Bay scotch, Dolin Coeur de Genepi, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and hopped grapefruit bitters. This almost velvety cocktail is strong as all hell. Just the way I like it.

Take your time with a book and the shop’s puppy while sipping this, beginning with hints of grapefruit and the powerfully nutty and peaty whisky – sweet and medicinal – the flavours give way to the elderflower that manages to not be cloying. The wormwood (light and fragrant) comes in next, balancing the flavours, ending on a short length of more grapefruit.

If you are not familiar with Dolin’s Coeur de Genepi, it’s because this bar pretty much bought the UK’s entire stock. Highly recommend trying this cocktail to become acquainted with it!

Sweet tooths, beware.

Tredwell’s A Feather in the Cap!

5PM:

Walking down closer to Covent Garden, the Hoodooist finds himself at Tredwell’s Saint Martin’s Lane for the Feather in the Cap!

Frapin VSOP cognac meets apricot and fig liqueur, manzanilla sherry and Grand Marnier. This rather viscous cocktail unfortunately tends to drown out the fruity spiciness of the cognac a bit, but nothing a little bit of alteration with the liqueurs can’t solve!

The initial cognac hit moves into the lightness of the sherry, then to the apricot – ending on a length of figs and Grand Marnier. For the sweeter tooth, this is a wonderful cocktail timed with the fig season.

Talli Joe’s Nizam’s Punch!

6PM:

The last stop of the night was the most surprising – and might be for the rest of the week!

Recently opened Talli Joe just won their first Michelin Star only days ago, and by the looks of this cocktail, they well deserve it.

The sip and snack (8 quid) pairs charminar chana jor garam black gram crisps with Nizam’s Punch: Bacardi 8 Rum with lime, turmeric honey syrup, biryani oil and Fever Tree tonic water.

I had no idea what to expect here. And it was wonderful. Turmeric begins and releases the intense spice of the biryani oil, followed by honey. Rum and tonic make their entrace, ending with the biryani spice. It is far more approachable than it might sound, and is a must-try this London Cocktail Week!

This day in Soho has served up a lot of unique and successful cocktails: Jinjuu gave us salty and sour – it’s spice also showing up with Talli Joe‘s unique concoction. Whiskey shows us it’s versatility with the sweeter production by MASH and the smoky challenger from Milroy’s. Finally, sweetness is not ignored by Tredwell’s seasonal cocktail.

Alright! That’s our recap of Soho of London Cocktail Week 2016! I do hope it may have helped you one way or the other, dear readers, on our quest through the most magical week of the year.

Remember to check out Highball Hoodoo every morning of London Cocktail Week for more reviews of the LCW cocktail offerings, parties and events!

Get #YourDailyDoseOfHoodoo each morning from 4th to 9th October!

Tequila Fest 2o16 Preview!

Sep14

Though the wide-spread drinking of tequila and the recent emergence of Mezcalerias like Agaveria El Nivel, one of the Hoodooist’s favourite openings 0f 2014, are known well enough, a connoisseurial culture of the spirit never completely blossomed in the Isles. “This is a no salt or lime zone”, stresses Festival organiser Eduardo Gomez, as we grab our tasting cups.

After last year’s major success, TequilaFest 2016 is not an event to be missed – on September 17th and 18th at the Boiler House Brick Lane!

Hosted at Lupita, Shoreditch, the press preview brought forward a spectacular crowd to taste a large variety of tequilas & mezcals. A few fantastic discoveries in the world of agave for the Hoodooist, such as Meteoro‘s pure Espadin mezcal – it even comes with a backstory – a crater from a crashed meteor in Oaxaca became the cooking spot for this mezcal’s agave. Delightfully smooth, the Meteoro Joven is a fantastic sipping tequila. Bold, muscling in with powerful smokiness and a bright trail left behind, it lives up to it’s media campaign, #ItFellFromTheSky.

Another of the TequilaFest newcomers to expect will be agave giant Patron with theirSilver, Reposado, Anejo and XO Cafe range – and in a few days will be unleashing their Incendio chilli-chocolate tequila onto #Drinkstagram tags everywhere.

Herencia de Plata has entered the ring as well, with their bright, peppery range, and can carry it’s weight in combat with the other stars of the show.

Expect to see old reliables like Ocho, who have unveiled their Curado – a Blanco tequila that has been infused with agave – carrying their Blanco’s feel and kick, with a fruity wave of agave, addictive this one.

Stars of last year are back, from the smoky caramel Espadin San Cosme mezcal, to classic Altos and Siete Misterios Espadin, with that spicy, earthy smokiness and sugary dried fruit (so, so beautiful). And you certainly can’t go wrong with a Del Maguey Tommy’s Margarita.

After the food provided by Lupita was demolished by the now slightly staggering clientele of the room, the Hoodooist realises that this year’s TequilaFest at the Boiler House Brick Lane is going to enormous in comparison to the previous year – this is an event he – and you – should certainly not miss.

“The Tequila Fest will educate you in the customs of production and consumption and engulf you in the taste, smells, sounds and sights of true Mexico. There are few spirits with a more rich and fascinating lineage. Get to grips with the technical jargon, the process of distillation and the bounty of care that goes into every single bottle.” Also featuring blind tastings, cocktail tutorials and masterclasses, “Real tequila.”

http://www.tequilafest.co.uk/

Welcome the Night Tube!

Aug19

So the Night Tube starts tonight!

You’re preparing your clubbing plans across London as the 24 hour Central and Victoria lines come to life tonight, how about some words on late night food and cocktail bars around the city to indulge in before drunkenly stumbling into Vauxhall at 3AM?

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City of London:

A short walk from Chancery Lane station, it’s the last week to enjoy the successful Game of Thrones menu for the fans here at Bird of Smithfield, so enjoy some seasonal British fare and five floors of dining and boozing till midnight tonight before just crossing the street to Oriole. The critically acclaimed bar, open till 2AM, boasts a massive collection of sophisticated and unique cocktails with a tropical jungle theme. A relaxed venue, studded with international treasures comes to life with a live band and a Saligo Bay (Bruichladdich, baked oat syrup, peated barley, green walnut liqueur, peat dust) in hand.

Bird of Smithfield’s Dragon Egg Salad

Or, hop further East at Liverpool Street to pop into the 24 hour Duck and Waffle before a short jaunt to Black Rock Whisky Bar across from sister cocktail bar, the Worship Street Whistling Shop for 2AM tipples.

Duck and Waffle’s Nutella Negroni

Central London

There is no shortage of late night venues in London’s never-sleeping beating heart.

Meaty late night bar snacks and sensational cocktails to be found in the red arena of MASH Steak (or both, in the Mexican Smuggler cocktail)

MASH’s Mexican Smuggler

Not far, there is the enormous subterranean Brasserie Zedel, which will be serving French fare till midnight, whose Bar Americain will be open till 1AM for cocktails in a snug Art Deco setting.

Soho is still up late, with celebrated cocktail bars like the spectacular El Camion dishing out the tequila till 3AM, and Balans still going strong at 6AM. A midnight meal of Korexican can be had at Bo Drake, before a little bit of everything and a dance at 100 Wardour St till 2AM!

Bo Drake’s Bo Ssam and Brisket Bao

After some late night Chinese, there is always Opium Chinatown serving up dim sum and cocktail till 3AM. And something closer to the theme, Cahoots cocktail bar will be shelling (sorry) out the cocktails in a 1940s style tube carriage of a bar!

Opium’s ‘Born on the Baijiu’

East London

If you’re willing to walk a little further to Shoreditch, the amazing NOLA is open late till 3AM for one of their award-winning Sazeracs.

Nola2

If not, hop on the Central for a 4 course midnight dinner at Sager+Wilde Paradise Row, before hopping over to Peg+Patriot for some seriously experimental cocktails.

The excellent Sun Tavern – tonight open till 2AM! Serving free oysters and 5 pound Poitin Boilermakers, you can’t miss this. And PS: keep the receipt and hop on the Central to Liverpool St after. Until 2AM, Discount Suit Co. will be giving 50% off your tab if you are carrying your receipt from the Sun Tavern!

Discount Suit Company London cocktails Aldgate

DSC’s Royal Rhubarb

West London

Notting Hill is the place to be for Central line late – pop by the legendary Trailer Happiness for 1AM shenanigans fueled by copious amounts of rum, or at the Little Yellow Door, serving up American fare till 1!

Trailer Happiness

North London

Highbury and Islington‘s got some late night fun – the recently opened Little Bat Bar – sister to the famed Callooh Callay, will be serving up dinner and drinks till 1AM tonight, and after pop down to The Doll’s House for late night live music and carousing till 4AM!

The Doll’s House Negroni

Or, grab a late night biryani at the King’s Cross St. Pancras Dishoom before 1AM cocktails at the Pancras Hotel, or Shaker & Co. at Euston/WarrenSt!

Sonia’s Negroni at Dishoom

South London

Brixton has exploded in popularity, and isn’t lacking in late night venues from late nights. Three Eight Four, who serve up a mean Brooklyn and Smoked Manhattan go on past midnight, or run under the arches to cocktails at Ekcovision till 4AM!

If you’re looking for a quieter night out, find yourself sampling unique and experimental cocktails over dinner at the hidden away Shrub and Shutter till 3AM!

Three Eight Four Brixton

And that’s just the Central and Victoria lines! Travel safe, and for god’s sake don’t lose your Oyster card.

All info on the Night Tube can be found at the TFL website.

Amaro di Angostura Release

Aug1

The House that brought us the legendary Angostura bitters have come back with a winner!

We have already reviewed the range of rums provided by the House of Angostura, so it’s time we look at their latest release that people won’t stop talking about.

Amaro Angostura launch london cocktails

The Amaro di Angostura is a bitter liqueur in honour of their bitters, and in keeping with the trends in bitter aperitivos and digestivos from Italy this year.

Both spicier and sweeter than your usual amaro, the Amaro di Angostura is directly inspired by their own rums and bitters.

A deep red-brown, the liqueur has a nose strong with cola and licorice, and filled with spices like cinnamon, clove, pepper and cardamom – even notes of chocolate.

On the first sip, the mouthfeel is syrupy and coating, the palate is dry and bitter-sweet, with the same spiciness (particularly cinnamon) and cola of the nose, with a bit of honey and even chilli. The deep rooty flavours extend into the length, and end with bright, uplifting chilli notes.

A superb tipple after dinner.

Amaro Angostura launch london cocktails

Released at the London Cocktail Club, Islington, the bar served up a few cocktails for the Amaro di Angostura, including the wonderful Tamarind Sour, a flavour perfectly complimenting the Amaro.

I casually through in a little bit of Ancho Reyes because the spiciness of the chilli is wonderful with the tangy tamarind and spice.

A superb drink, the Hoodooist highly recommend for your next casual digestivo or nightcap.

Cocktails in the City Summer 2016 Preview!

Jul22

Once again, Cocktails in the City is coming into serve thirsty Londoners some of the best cocktails in the city!

Oh wait, I just got the name.

Yes, CitC’s Summer Edition is a bringing 23 bars representing several spirit brands together under the sunny skies at Bedford Square Gardens where the sun beaten festival-goers will get a chance to enjoy bars from around the city coming together in one gorgeous location on July 29th and 30th 2016.

Bars and a representing brand set up stalls where bartenders presented the brand in a cocktail of their devising to the public for judging, with scores gathered at the end of the weekend.

A press preview gave the Hoodooist a chance to try a few of the cocktails out: so we’re gonna look at the cocktails that stood out of the previewed 10!

Cocktails in the City London summer cocktail bar

The Microlight, by the Looking Glass Cocktail Club

The Looking Glass Cocktail Club, Hoxton – who stunned us at the winter Cocktails in the City this year with their Maker’s Mark stand with a menu inspired by the whiskey’s baking heritage – is back with the incredible Microlight.

Aviation Gin is mixed with a host of the bar’s own creations in their Reina Lab: Mastrostefano vermouth (no added sugar), Tonic Syrup, Campi Elisi Creme de Aquavit, Ada’s lavender bitters and grapefruit bitters.

What a fabulous cocktail! How does one describe this? It’s like several classic gin cocktails rolled into one neat Martini-esque package. Aromatic, floral and subtly spicy, here was the Hoodooist’s personal favourite of the night.

It might not be keeping with the general theme of bright, sweet and seasonal cocktails with the trendy use of gooseberry, vegetables, or strawberries, but this sophisticated tipple is perfect for lounging on a sunbed.

Strawberries and Cream, by Fifteen

Fifteen, Old Street, came in with another winner! Inspired by Wimbledon’s classic, the Strawberries and Cream.

Inspired by Behn’s Milk Punch, this summery cocktail gets a 300 year update and is a massive mix of Langley’s gin, strawberries, whole milk, Dolin dry vermouth, coconut water, green tea, lemon juice and peels, sugar, pink peppercorns, tarragon and coriander seeds.

And what a fabulous mix it is!

A wonderful well balanced, silky cocktail, sweet without being overbearing and mellowed by the fruit and spices. Absolutely fantastic.

The Soho Soda, by Graphic Bar

Graphic Bar, Soho, came in with something much more traditional and evocative of the early summer’s affair with Aperol.

The Soho Soda mixed Hayman’s Gin with Cocchi Torino, Fraise des Bois, Angostura and grapefruit bitters, topped up with Prosecco. A light, bittersweet cocktail as the perfect refresher in this intense heat.

Simple, elegant, gets the job done. Love it.

Chocolate Brioche French Martini, by First Aid Box

First Aid Box from Herne Hill gives us the Chocolate Brioche French Martini!

Definitely a crowd-pleaser, we have a classic French Martini: Vodka with pineapple juice, lemon and cherry bitters – with the added fun of chocolate chip brioche!

Citrusy sweetness with a hint of tart excellent for the summer.

And a little snack in case you have few too many.

The Mayflower Collins, by Powder Keg Diplomacy

Finally, another interesting cocktail was the Mayflower Collins by Powder Keg Diplomacy.

A mix of Plymouth Gin, gooseberry and samphire cordial with an absinthe wash makes this a refreshingly different cocktail by going for a bit of salt and savoury instead of fruit and sweet.

The on trend gooseberry and beachside samphire are powerful flavours, hence the few ingredients, and as much as I enjoyed the first bit of the cocktail, being as different as it is, it became increasingly difficult to drink with time. Certainly better as a short drink than a long one. 13501739_10154317466344559_3579539051248160301_n

Among a whole of host of fantastic cocktails, this year’s Cocktails in the City is set to astound once again!

Bourne and Hollingsworth (Here, here, and here) will be performing the Spirited Sermon masterclasses through the day by some of London’s best and brightest, as food by Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen is provided. Expect live musical performances and even an interactive escape game that needs you to jump down the rabbit hole, cocktail in hand.

And hopefully this time the Hoodooist won’t have as much trouble being carried back to the nearest Uber.

See you at Bedford Square Gardens!

Cocktails in the City Summer Edition

July 29th-30th 2016

Tickets: 15 GBP

http://www.cocktailsinthecity.co.uk/londonsummer/

Bird of Smithfield, Clerkenwell

Jun29

Type of Bar: Bar/Restaurant, Also optional Basement
Damage: ££
Ideal for: Food, Date, Small Groups, Large Groups, After Work

Here on Highball Hoodoo we had already reviewed this summer’s Aperol Spritz Terrazza open on the roof terrace of Bird of Smithfield – but it hides so much more.

A comfy restaurant and bar on the ground floor, with the private-bookings Birdcage in the basement serve up some cocktails that rival the best of Clerkenwell.

The ground floor bar is perfect for the day time – bright eggshells and greys with scattered kitsch and 70s throwbacks make a great space for an afternoon hang out or meeting. The Birdcage downstairs, though, takes the lighting down a notch for a sexy charcoal and cerulean, lit by mirrors and illuminated trees and birdcages.

Bartenders are wonderful, service is swift, and servers are more than happy to discuss the cocktail with you.

Bird of Smithfield London Cocktail bar

The new cocktail menu launched earlier this year appeals to a variety of palates and flavours, and does not shy from a little bit of experimentation.

Beginning with the Cointreauversial: Cointreau, Remy Martin VSOP cognac, apricot brandy, lime, Angostura bitters. The first wash is the rich and floral cognac, with strong notes of apricot and nectarine, violet and vanilla, giving way to the Cointreau’s orange and a stronger citrus, finally becoming quite tart.

A great option for those enjoying citrus and floral flavours, but want something a bit rich and not served long or with ice.

Bird of Smithfield London Cocktail bar

The Mr. Pacifico – I do love this cocktail: Mezcal, Pisco, blackberry and blueberry shrub, cardamom bitters, chilli vermouth, and Fernet Branca. Pisco ain’t easy to use in a cocktail – but this smoky/spicy tipple is just what you need when you want a bit of bite with your fruity sour/sweet.

Bird of Smithfield London Cocktail bar

The Lucky One is another that defies convention. Tincup Whiskey, Flaming Pig liqueur, Negra Modelo ale syrup, ginger bitters, lemon, Angostura bitters, egg white. The ale syrup really mellows out the other powerful flavours we see here: the cinnamon sweetness of the Flaming Pig, the butterscotch and high rye spice of the Tincup and ginger bitters. So what we get is an easy to down, grain-strong spicy tankard. Love it.

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The Lucky One

The LDN: BOLD London Cherry Spirit, Aperol, Cynar, orange & mandarin bitters, rhubarb bitters. BOLD does it again! Aperol dominates, but enjoys complexity added by the bittersweet Cynar and the sweetness of BOLD cherry. The citrus bitters are more noted here, adding an almost sparkling flicker in the cocktail.

Aperol Spritzes are well and good, but the LDN does not compromise on ABV and celebrates Aperol in way only London could.

The LDN

The Lord of Isles is another favourite here: Botanist gin, rhubarb and thyme syrup, Cynar, Kummel, and lime. Served for two, smoking inside a treasure chest, the box is opened to unveil two small cocktails in tiki glasses.

Not a sweet cocktail, but bright and herbal, with added depth from the Cynar. You’d almost forget it was gin. Warm and citrus with spice from the Botanist leads to the Kummel’s light aniseed flavour, but not compromising on it’s coating mouthfeel – finally enjoying a bit of sweetness from the rhubarb and thyme and then settling on the depth of Cynar, with a Kummel finish.

An enigmatic and adventurous cocktail. Loved around the table.

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Not Just a Dram: Bruichladdich whisky, Lapsang souchong tea, lime juice, yellow chartreuse, sage leaves, plum and cardamom bitters.

I was hoping this would be a short, smoky cocktail – however the Not Just a Dram is served similar to a Julep, tall and filled with crushed ice.

I’d really like to return to try this straight up in a coupe, to really enjoy the whisky and tea. The brightness of the Bruichladdich is meant to be contrasted against the smoky lapsang, but I couldn’t get much with the ice here. Tasted a wee bit watered down, I’m afraid. Considering I absolutely *love* the sound of these ingredients together!

Definitely returning for this.

The Not Just A Dram

The Kenko Cha goes East by adding pineapple-infused Tanqueray gin to Canton ginger liqueur, Matcha, grapefruit, lime, sugar and egg white.

This was one cocktail I didn’t quite take to, but to be fair, I do have a slight aversion to strong pineapple flavours. And man was it strong here. I couldn’t help but feel it drowned out the others, and so missed the potential.

Bird of Smithfield London Cocktail bar

All in all: I love this bar. Wonderful service coupled with a large variety of cocktail flavours and various levels from the basement to terrace for different events make this bar a winner. Bird of Smithfield is a must when in Clerkenwell.

Drinks: ****
Atmosphere: ***-****
Service: ****

Bird of Smithfield

26 Smithfield St, Clerkenwell
London EC1A 9LB

http://birdofsmithfield.com/

MASH Steak 2016, Soho

Jun20

Type of Bar: Bar/Restaurant, Basement
Damage: ££ – £££
Ideal for: Date, Small Groups, Large Groups, Steak, Originality

Ah, MASH. The Danish-American steak venture is bound to have a surge in bar visitors with the introduction of their new menu, taking on more international influences.

MASH’s enormous Lynchian red and black pseudo-Deco décor retains that element of American-but-not-quite, and I must still recommend seating right up at the bar for the best lighting and experience with the wonderful bartenders and service offered (the service, as always, was impeccable. It’s one of MASH’s greatest strengths – shout out to bartender Steve!). This is, of course, if you are coming for the bar and not for the meal, in which case there is the gargantuan restaurant and red booths that are open to you. However, one must recommend the bar snacks, especially the MASH tartare and chilli fries; as well as the jalapeno cheese balls.

So the cocktails! We provided a review of their glorious 2015 cocktail list, and look forward to covering this year’s!

Though the new menu is meant to evoke a USA Frontier to Prohibition era apothecary, one will see inspirations from Scandinavia, Central Europe and Italy. And though it has kept a small handful of drinks from the old menu, MASH has developed a large and innovative new selection. Often working with spirit companies to help create bespoke glassware for their drinks; personally, the glassware can be a highlight of the drinking experience here.

Though we went through the entire new menu, let us cover the ones that stand out here today.

Because why not.

If you wanna start with a winner – remember the name: Sunshine State Fix. A desserty digestivo, the cocktail mixes Bacardi 8 Rum, pistachio liqueur, lemon juice, orgeat, egg white and chocolate bitters.

A cocktail take on gelato, if anything, the sweetness of Sicilian pistachios (and we all know how the Hoodooist loves Sicilian pistachios) blends wonderfully with the rum, and the finish wafts in with hints of almond and citrus.

Rarely does the Hoodooist enjoy a dessert, particularly one with chocolate bitters, but my word. The Sunshine State Fix is exquisite.

The Binchotan

The Binchotan uses a stick of white Japanese charcoal to filter and mellow the normally sharp flavours of Bulleit Rye, with Slovakian Tatra Tea Coconut, cardamom bitters and sugar.

An improvement on the ingredients of the Binchotan of 2015’s menu – the Hoodooist might love Cynar from the old recipe, but the new concoction is a major improvement.

The technique used to mellow the rye though, also mellows out the rest of the flavours, but not to the extent as last year’s Binchotan, where the flavours muddled together. The Tatra tea is much stronger, turning what used to be a Bourbon Old Fashioned to a spiced, silky (though slightly syrupy) sweetened Rye cocktail for adults.

I like the slow melting ice, but not when the ice is taller than the glass, making it an interference to drink. Your index finger is necessary here.

The Mexican Smuggler

Now here is a star. A hit with the Hoodooist and friends, the Mexican Smuggler mixes Casco Viejo Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, basil and Szechuan pepper sugar, lime, MASH Pilsner, garnished with Serrano ham crisp.

Okay. Hear me out. I actually enjoyed a beer cocktail.

I know I told off House of Peroni for making me lose faith in beer cocktails, but MASH has helped me reconsider. The light and slightly tart drink almost plays the part of citrus to pair with the peppery and herbal tequila, and the wonderfully smoky mezcal.

A long finish allows you to enjoy the spices of the mezcal, ginger and cinnamon, which burst to life with a bite of the Serrano ham. Drink this.

Steve and the One of This!

You might have questions for the One of This. This is one hell of a complex cocktail which even left the Hoodooist quizzical.

Powerfully herbal and minty Fernet Branca meets Disaronna amaretto, lemon, sugar, peach bitters and maraschino with egg white – served with wonderfully nostalgic fizzy sweets.

My recommendation with this cocktail is for it to be shaken longer with smaller ice cubes, because over time, the flavours blended and harmonised wonderfully. Maraschino cherried, the initial fruity sweetness is followed by a tart and herbal hit to sides of the tongue, and gentian root quinine depth that fizzes to the surface with the lighter fruit flavours once again.

Bit of a rollercoaster, in the best of ways. Certainly an acquired taste, for the adventurous palate.

The BLT

Okay so, I love Becherovka. I don’t understand why more bartenders don’t use it, because this Czech spirit deserves a more notable place in the back bar.

The BLT is one odd but beautiful drink. Heir to last year’s fabulous Yosemite cocktail, this simpler drink mixes the bitter spirit with tonic reduction and sparkling wine for a true Prohibition era revivifier.

The spices don’t play as strong a part as they did in last year’s Yosemite, instead what we get is the crisp bitter Becherovka dancing and swirling with the herbal quinine of the tonic reduction and the sweetness of the sparkling wine and sugar rim for a bright, sparkling, daytime aperitif. Absolutely adore the simplicity of the BLT because have not had enough of the gin and tonic?!

The Konik’s Whisperer

Brought in by the absolutely wonderful ambassador of Konik’s Tail Vodka, the Konik’s Whisperer is popularised by ambassador Swanand Korgaonkar.

The cocktail is named after the Berkeley and American Bar alum, nicknamed the Konik’s Whisperer because goddamn can this man sell a drink. Konik’s Tail Vodka meets Vya Dry Vermouth, cardamom bitters and a twist of lemon. Powerfully dry, this cocktail explores the various complex flavours of this award-winning vodka.

Though I find that this cocktail focuses far more on the vermouth’s flavours, with cardamom ruling the roost. If you like your Vodka Martinis smooth and sleek, this is not your drink. The Konik’s Whisperer is a violent plunge into a swirl of flavours.

L – R: The Danish Crown, and Persephone’s Seed.

The above drinks are stars, this one is a bit confusing: we have the the Danish Crown.

The Danish Crown is impressive and unique, but slinks to the side of bizarre: Fat washed Geneivre, Lillet Rouge vermouth, chocolate bitters, creme de cassis, and lemon.

Fried chicken. I love fried chicken. I’m not sure about drinking a sweetened liquid friend chicken though.

I mean I still drank it, but its that feeling you get after watching an episode of Geordie Shore. Like, do I need a shower? Or 50 Hail Marys? I’d probably still drink it is someone bought it for me, though. Because fried chicken. I’m so confused.

The fabulous Swanand shaking those Daiquiris

The NYC Calling is not a bad drink, but has so many ingredients it misses the point. Hudson Four Grain bourbon, Bacardi 8 rum, Martini Gran Lusso vermouth, creme de cafe, maple, sea salt solution, and Angostura bitters.

I do enjoy the hit of sea salt in the cocktail, but this sweet drink on the rocks can be easily replicated with an Anejo Rum Old Fashioned and a sprinkle of sea salt with far fewer ingredients.

Finally, the For Him is the one drink we didn’t actually like at all.

I’d avoid it altogether. First of all, it is part of a pair – the For Her/For Him. My peated whisky swigging female pal and I glanced at each other with the ‘sweeter For Her’ and the ‘bitter For Him’. Who doesn’t love casual and unnecessary gendering of alcohol.

The cocktail itself is Zacapa rum, pear liqueur, pear eau d’vie, chocolate bitters, Mozart chocolate liqueur, with sea salt solution.

I hate to say it, but this doesn’t work.

But I’d like to remind the reader that this is in comparison to the wonderful, fabulous winners that are the Sunshine State Fix, the Binchotan, Mexican Smuggler, BLT, One of This, and the rest of those incredible drinks on the MASH 2016 menu!

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All in all? What an exciting menu! Though less experimental and sensual than 2015’s menu, it is still full of originality. Coupled with their incredible service, MASH is still up the list for innovative cocktails in London, and easily one of my most favoured places in Soho.

Drinks: ****
Atmosphere: *** on seats, ***** at bar
Service: *****

MASH Steak

77 Brewer Street,
London,W1F 9ZN.

http://www.mashsteak.co.uk/

Citadelle Gin’s 20th Anniversary

Jun13

The popularity of the London Dry has led to bit of a misconception that gin lacks a popularity on the continent, where its predecessor – jenever – originated.

The popular French Citadelle Gin reminds us of that continental history with a wonderful smooth and spicy tipple perfect for a Martini. And to celebrate its French history, the 20th Anniversary of Citadelle places the escargot front and centre as its posterchild.

Citadelle Gin London Bar cocktails

Held at the LASSCO Ropewalk, with food by the Disappearing Dining Club, the anniversary served up three classic cocktails with little twists, hosted by the wonderful Citadelle Gin and Maison Ferrand Brand Ambassador, Paul McFadyen.

Neat, Citadelle is smooth, beginning crisp with brine and juniper, before giving way to warm spices like nutmeg and cardamom. A unique gin, definitely.

First, a bright Gin and Tonic, using Fevertree Mediterranean Tonic (quite floral), garnished with singed orange peel, served with a Snail, garlic and lemon Arancini with herb aioli. The snail does more for texture than flavour, but still enjoyable.

Photo Credit to the wonderful @janan_jay

Next the star of the cocktails: an Escargot Martini. Light, crisp, glassy. With ice shaken in the vermouth before the gin, the Martini is garnished with a floating snail shell, filled with lemon and olive brine, for the drinker to control how dirty they like their Martini.

The crisp airiness of the cocktail is combatted by the heavy, sensuous Foie Gras Sliders with sour apple chutney in brioche – a wonderfully moreish and decadent accompaniment to the Martini.

Citadelle Gin London Bar cocktails

Finally, a smooth and fluffy silver Gin Fizz: the rosemary heightening the spices in the gin. A great way to end the evening on a sweeter note, without being sickly. And served with a Brie, leek and truffle Croquette with caramelised red onions.

All three cocktails served are simple enough to recreate at home, and displaying the versatility of the Citadelle Gin and it’s expressions in each drink.

Once again, The Disappearing Dining Club has served up wonderful food paired well with superb cocktails from their barge bar.

Citadelle Gin is an unappreciated star of the gin scene, and certainly one that deserves a place in your cabinet. Spectacular stuff.

Citadelle Gin London Bar cocktails

La Terraza Pop Up @ Number 90 Bar, Hackney Wick

Jun10

Type of Bar: Pop Up, Local, Terrace
Damage: ££
Ideal for: Small Groups, Food, Tequila

This canal-side bar in Hackney takes you to Mexico for the summer!

Number 90 Bar’s Terraza serves up Mexican food from chicken tostadas, to veggie quesadillas, to tacos chilli con carne to go with your passionfruit or strawberry frozen Margaritas or Tequila Old Fashioneds along with a series of events to keep you entertained in the sun.

La Terraza Number 90 Bar cocktails summer pop up

Whether it’s yoga sessions, Hackney’s biggest DJs, or cinema screenings and bottemless Tommy’s Margaritas to prep you for cricket eating competitions, there’s something on every night for the locals of Hackney Wick this summer!

La Terraza Number 90 Bar cocktails summer pop up

From the flavoured frozen Margaritas to beat the heat, the Hoodooist went on to the Tequila Old Fashioned using Herradura Anejo – a tequila with bright agave and more fruit than caramel, with a spicy cinnamon finish and light oaky length, it makes a great intro to Tequila Old Fashioneds.

The food is exactly what you’d expect and fits the theme, with mains at an affordable 5 quid to enjoy al fresco on a beautiful canal in the sun.

La Terraza Number 90 Bar cocktails summer pop up

Whereas the drinks menu works for an afternoon of lounging in the heat, I would’ve liked to see a greater variety of tequilas instead of the two brands provided, as good as El Jimador and Herradura are.

Until then, I’m gonna get myself another Margarita and get ready for the Summer Screens at La Terraza.

Drinks: ***
Atmosphere: ***
Service: ***

La Terraza Pop Up @ Number 90 Bar

90 Wallis Rd, Hackney Wick,
London E9 5LN

http://number90bar.co.uk/

Highball Hoodoo

London, Cocktails, you know the drill

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La Terraza Pop Up @ Number 90 Bar, Hackney Wick