Recipes

In 2016, UK tequila sales reached a record £173 million, driven by an increased interest in higher end agave-spirits. Tequila has seen such an exponential rise in popularity in recent years that Mexico is currently undergoing an agave plant shortage, as reported by Reuters earlier this year. Once synonymous with shot glasses, salt and lime; tequila has become a popular cocktail component in bars across the globe, with particular focus on ultra premium spirits. With this, it’s perhaps unsurprising that...

Earlier this year, Mayfair bar and restaurant Quaglino’s hosted a pop-up at New York’s Dante (ranked sixteenth in the World’s Best Bars). Following the success of that Aperitivo pop-up, the original London institution is currently serving the specially curated offering from Bar Manager Marco Sangion and Head Mixologist Frederico Pasian. Featuring four cocktails which balance bitters and sweet Mediterranean spirits, each of the drinks are served with complimentary Aperitivo snacks, ranging from charcuterie platters and arancini to feta-stuffed peppers. “‘Into...

Classic, simple cocktails with three-pillar constructions have seen increased global popularity of late. Daiquiris, Martinis, Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Negronis and Sours are all omnipresent throughout the menus of London’s best bars: potent and enjoyable from a consumer standpoint, while simple to assemble behind the bar. Typically using the simplest of ingredients, the Whiskey Sour enjoyed much popularity before its recipe was first recorded, published in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 book, The Bartender’s Guide. Historical accounts suggest the drink was originally conceived by...

An authentic Jamaican rum made in the Nassau Valley, Appleton Estate rums are produced on the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica, in continuous production. Having crafted rums for more than 265 years, Appleton Estate also produces one of the few rums in the world to claim a terroir. From the selection of sugarcane varieties grown on the Estate, to the natural culture of yeast used in fermentation; through to the distillation and blending methods, these Jamaican rums are...

Following the resounding success of global bestseller Midnight in Peking, author Paul French has published City of Devils. A dramatic non-fiction account of Shanghai’s lawless 1930s, the book follows a meticulously researched narrative from the author, having lived in Shanghai for ten years. Delivering an intriguing insight into Shanghai’s pre-war underworld, City of Devils is a snapshot of the city before the Japanese invaded: a time when Shanghai was overrun by crime, with outlaws from all over the world using...

Though Champagne and Prosecco continue to dominate the sparkling wine market, Spanish Cava is a reasonable alternative for summer. Made in the method traditionelle – following the same process as Champagne – Cava typically carries potent fruit aromas balanced with yeast notes and good acidity; thus making it refined, versatile and ideal to pair with various foods. With this, Campo Viejo have curated a number of summer recipes, intended to be enjoyed alongside a glass of Gran Campo Viejo Brut...

Fine dining is fine, but wholesome country cooking is the essence of French cuisine. Originating in the south of France, cassoulet is a quintessential Gallic dish, typically made with white beans, confit duck or goose and sausage. Michelin-starred Pascal Aussignac’s cassoulet follows the chef’s mother’s favourite recipe, comprising duck leg, Toulouse sausages and tarbais beans – larger than haricot beans with thinner skin. In celebration of Bastille Day, Pascal Aussignac’s Comptoir Gascon will host a bottomless cassoulet party on Saturday 14th...

A collaboration with Gin Journey, Gin Mare have launched Med Transfers, attempting to transport guests to the Mediterranean without leaving the UK. Ticket-holders will be treated to an immersive experience, with cocktails and gastronomy travelling hand-in-hand, showcased at selected partner restaurants. Weekly sessions will travel across London, before embarking on a northern edition in Manchester. With routes in London including Borough, Shoreditch and Soho, various local restaurants have crafted signature Gin Mare cocktails to be served alongside specially crafted dishes....

Just across St John’s Square from the original Zetter Hotel, The Zetter Townhouse, Clerkenwell, is a 13 bedroom Georgian townhouse from the Zetter Group. In addition to two suites, 11 bedrooms, a Games Room and Dining Room, The Cocktail Lounge was launched in collaboration with Tony Conigliaro (69 Colebrooke Row, Bar Termini, Untitled). Here, each recipe features specialised ingredients developed and made by the bar team. Once the centre of Dickensian London, The Cocktail Lounge at The Zetter Townhouse celebrates...