Last orders for January
If you’re (still) doing Dry…
You’d kick yourself if you gave in now. Celebrate the last few days of dryness with the ‘Une Petite Pause’ cocktail menu at La Petite Maison – LPM restaurants worldwide. On the menu, non-alc Tomati-No, Nogroni Sbagliato, Watermelon Gazpacho, L’Orgeat and Rosé Champagne Colada. Sounds good to us and from what we hear, they taste the business too.
And if at the end of your alcohol-free month you want ideas and drinks suggestions on how to keep the virtuous vibes going, book up for one of the daily Tailored Tasting sessions at Club Soda.
If you’re doing Dryish…
Get thee to The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz! Admittedly, this isn’t something you would have heard us saying before now, but then again, the bar never touted publicity before now. That’s all changed with new management, new ideas and the launch of the bar’s first concept cocktail menu. Nattily called Biodynamic Forces Through The Alchemy of Plants, it features 14 drinks – four of which are non-alc and come in the same bespoke serve ware as their alcoholic counterparts. They’re fun, mostly interactive and, as the title suggests, draws on planetary cycles and biodynamic ingredients.
If you’re doing full ABV…
Our pick for unapologetically punchy classics served in the sort of environment that gives cosy, casual and convivial – i.e. perfect for cheering up January/early February evenings, is Satan’s Whiskers. Check our review on season 8, episode 4 of The Cocktail Lovers podcast.
And also…
Industry news and events
… Got a drinks business idea that is just begging to be brought to life? The Sweet&Chilli Spark Lab could just be the lifeline you’re looking for. The new incubation program is worth £21k of expertise from the Sweet&Chilli team and is open to individuals and new-to-market brands in the UK only.
… On the competition side of things, World Class GB 2025 opens for entries on 27th January. For details, see, diageobaracademy.com
… Speaking of World Class, its former global head of the competition and advocacy, Marissa Johnson has joined OurWhisky Foundation as its first executive director. Find out more at ourwhiskyfoundation.org
… We (along with the entire drinks industry) are also celebrating the announcement of Charlotte Voisey as Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. Read about her appointment at talesofthecocktail.org
… And while we’re on the subject of Tales of the Cocktail, nominations for this year’s Spirited Awards are open. Big up yourself and/or others you feel deserve the recognition (and the coveted crystal plate that goes with it) by getting your nominations in pronto.
Reasons to be cheerful
January 29 is… Chinese New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Opium Chinatown. On the menu at the parlour of Asian speakeasy bars, three exclusive cocktails: Snake Sour, Dragon Dance and Hami Firecracker, all made with products from The Lakes Distillery.
January 31 is… Brandy Alexander Day
Any excuse to climb the stairs at Rules, (the oldest restaurant in London to its fabulous bar where Edward VII and his mistress Lillie Langtry used to dine in private) is fine with us. Our usual order is a Martini but this is the perfect excuse to try The Brandy Alexander. Find it on the After and Late section of the menu, it’s as rich and indulgent as it should be, made with Couprie Cognac, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao a la Vanille, cream and nutmeg.
February 1 is… International Pisco Sour Day
Short of booking a flight to Peru or Chile, we suggest getting your pisco sour on at Coya Mayfair. The decor is gorgeous, have a dedicated pisco bar and they throw in some pretty good party action to boot.
