A new menu of classic and contemporary cocktails using Plymouth Gin has been unveiled at the distillery’s bar, curated by brand ambassador Seb Hamilton-Mudge.
The drinks have been introduced at the Refectory Bar, located at the distillery in Plymouth, to showcase the versatility of the gin and to bring to life the history of the brand.
At the heart of the menu are four cocktails that tell the story of Plymouth Gin. The Marguerite is a variation of the Dry Martini, which was first recorded using Plymouth Gin, and reflects the brand’s role in the iconic cocktail.
The Gimlet and Pink Gin both speak of Plymouth Gin’s association with the British Royal Navy, based on drinks first created on naval ships.
Seb, who is international brand ambassador for Plymouth Gin and Beefeater Gin, devised the Gin Pennant (pictured top) as a modern cocktail with nautical tradition at its heart. It combines Plymouth Gin and Plymouth Sloe Gin with Antica Formula, apricot liqueur, orange juice, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda water, fresh mint and lemon juice plus an orange twist.
The Captain’s Table section is a collection of the Refectory Bar team’s favourites, including the Dartmoor Flip, made with a syrup made from the local Jail Ale along with fresh egg yolk, chocolate bitters, grated nutmeg and raisins soaked in sloe gin.
Recreating the communal drinking rituals among sailors in the 1600s, the Punch-Up in the menu’s Barbican section offers innovative group punches designed to be shared. The Refectory Punch is made with Plymouth Gin, Yellow Chartreuse, homemade orgeat syrup, fresh lemon juice, sparkling green tea, oleo saccharum and lemon juice plus orange slices.
The section called With Love From The Savoy celebrates the brand’s long history with The American Bar at The Savoy in London. The Savoy Hotel Special Cocktail No 2 mixes Plymouth Gin with Lillet Blanc, fresh orange juice and apricot liqueur plus a lemon twist.
A final series of drinks – Stranger Things Happen At Sea – is a forward-looking collection of new and unusual cocktails. The Negroni 57, imagined by Seb after a long day working at the Plymouth Gin distillery, is batch-made, bottled and charged with CO2.
The Ankle Snapper is a fun recreation of the classic Red Snapper, using fresh cherry tomatoes and cardamom. The menu also offers a group of non-alcoholic drinks – to which Plymouth Gin can be added according to personal tastes.
Seb said: “The new Refectory Bar menu is my celebration of the versatility and rich cocktail history of Plymouth Gin, a spirit that is loved by the best bartenders and gin connoisseurs across the globe.
“With such a wealth of heritage, it was important to bring to life the stories of Plymouth Gin through the new cocktail menu, while also demonstrating why this spirit is considered one of the world’s most versatile cocktail ingredients.
“I hope that the fun and playful collection of cocktails will excite gin lovers visiting the Refectory Bar time and time again.”
