“It’s a piece of cocktail history.” This is how The Gibson’s Marian Beke describes the bar’s latest creation. And we agree.
Imagine this: a sumptuous selection of classic cocktail recipes, lovingly recreated using vintage spirits and all expertly mixed by an internationally renowned bartender, then beautifully bottled for you to enjoy whenever and wherever you choose.
This is exactly what Marian Beke has done in the shape of The Gibson Vintage Cocktails Collection.
And one very lucky person will get to win the complete set, worth more than £1,200. But hey, it’s something which is about far more than money, it’s like the man said, you’ll be drinking cocktail history.
First, though, let’s find out a little more about these exceptional cocktails…
Vintage spirits
All great cocktails start with the finest ingredients. And among the creations that comprise The Gibson Vintage Cocktails Collection you’ll find some 39 classic spirits bottled between the 1930s and the 1980s. There’s De Kuyper Persico, Peter Heering Cherry Liqueur, Campari Cordial and Stone’s Ginger Wine.
Included in the gins are Gordon’s, Booth’s and Horseguard. And amongst the vermouths are Cortina, Martini, St. Raphael Dore Vermouth and Cinzano.
Not to mention Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, Zubrowka vodka, D.O.M Benedictine, Angostura aromatic bitters and more, all from decades past. You get the idea – they’re very special.
The cocktails
Inspired by such iconic vintage ingredients Marian went in search of original recipes to do them justice. And the results of his labours sound like every cocktail lover’s dream come true.
Here’s a small selection of what’s to be found in the magical bottles…
Poet’s Dream, adapted from a 1930’s English bar guide (1960’s Horseguard gin, 1950’s Martini Vermouth, 1950’s D.O.M. Benedictine and 1940’s Ph.Van Perlstein bitter).
Weekly Special, from the 1937 Café Royal Cocktail Book (1960’s Booth’s Dry Gin, 1950’s Marie Brizzard Kummel, 1960’s Peter Heering Cherry Liqueur and pink grapefruit).
Blackthorn English Cocktail, from Cocktails, How to Mix Them by Robert Vermeire, 1922 (1960’s Gordon’s Sloe Gin, 1950’s Booth’s Dry Gin, 1950’s Amaro 18 Isolabella and 1940’s Angostura Aromatic Bitters).
Bijou, from The Mixologist by C.F. Lawlor, 1895 (1960’s Booth’s Gin, 1970’s St. Raphael Dore Vermouth, 1960’s Chartreuse Liqueur Du 9 Centenaire and 1950’s De Kuyper Persico).
Fin De Sieclet, from The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book by A.S. Crockett, 1935 (1940’s Gordon’s Dry Gin, 1950’s Doubonnet, 1950’s Amer Picon 21 and 1930’s Angostura Aromatic Bitters).
Fairbank No.2, from The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, 1930 (1950’s Zubrowka Vodka, 1980’s Cinzano Dry Vermouth, 1940’s Nucillo E Curti and 1960’s Drai Amaro Extra Secco).
Vintage Negroni (1950’s Gordon’s Dry Gin, 1960’s Campari and 1950’s Cortina Vermouth).
They won’t be around for long
It goes without saying that the 12 bottles which make up The Gibson Vintage Cocktails Collection are all limited editions, so we suggest getting your orders in now.
Each cocktail comes in a stylish, individually numbered 250ml bottle, with prices starting at just £60. Well worth treating yourself, we say.
But one person will actually get to win every bottle in the collection. And it could be you.
How to win The Gibson Vintage Cocktails Collection
All you have to do:
- Follow @thegibsonbar on Instagram
- Visit https://the-gibson-bar.myshopify.com/collections/vintage-cocktail
- Buy any of the regular Gibson Bottled Cocktails or one of the Vintage Cocktails, and you’ll be entered into the draw
For each 250ml regular Gibson Bottled Cocktail you get one ticket, for a 500ml regular Gibson Bottled Cocktail you get two tickets and for a Gibson Vintage Bottled Cocktail bottle you get 5 tickets.
Good luck!
Entries close 11.59pm, 31st March, followed by a live draw on Instagram. For further information please contact thegibsonbar.london
