The vodka empire strikes back
Aura nightclub in London’s Mayfair has no doubt witnessed all manner of high jinks by the rich and famous over the years, but Friday was probably the first time it’s played host to Ukrainian fiddle music. The venue was chosen for the official launch of Zorokovich 1917, a vodka developed by Dan Edelstyn, a documentary …
What the Dickens: A walk with punch
When Charles Dickens died in 1870, his executors found over 200 bottles of cognac among his personal effects. They were labelled “Pale Brandy F Courvoisier”, so Courvoisier distributor Maxxium UK – which had a busy “summer of punch” – has been inspired to create a walk around central London mixed up with a bit of …
Quality and service win in first Bloom competition
Simone Caporale (pictured), a bartender at the Artesian bar at London’s Langham Hotel, won the first cocktail competition organised by Bloom gin. He beat nine other talented competitors with his Lavender Daisy, fresh and feminine cocktail that reflects the delicate floral notes of the gin. It is made with 50ml Bloom gin, 20ml of lemon …
True Blood conquers all: cocktails for Halloween
Until a few years ago, Halloween in Britain meant little more than some scary films on TV and the occasional child turning up on your doorstep demanding sweets (with menaces). But, inspired by the Halloween portrayed in American TV shows and movies, the holy day has become a major party night for adults as well …
Island bar hopping: in search of cocktails in Palma
For many visitors, the island of Mallorca is about sunburned bodies and warm beer on the packed tourist beaches of Magalluf or Cala Major. But linger in the island’s capital, Palma, and you can not only soak up some history at the medieval cathedral and castle but enjoy the bars in the old town, particularly …
Poles apart: a snapshot of Kraków’s bars
Be careful when you ask for a cocktail in Kraków: you may get a fruity drink made with ice cream and yoghurt – and no alcohol. But the western European definition is widely understood and, despite the Polish tradition of drinking vodka neat, simple cocktails are available in most bars. With the huge production volumes …
Morocco bound: a trip round the bars of Marrakech
When Sex and the City 2 was released this summer, Marrakech was put under the glamour spotlight as a location stand-in for Abu Dhabi, helping to boost visitor numbers further since EasyJet opened up a route from London four years ago. While filming in Marrakech, the movie’s stars natrually stayed at the luxurious La Mamounia, …
