Back for it’s fifth consecutive year, London Cocktail week catapult’s us into bar crawl oblivion. The list of events from the 6th – 12th of October were hosted by a number of impressive brands in leading bars throughout the capital city.
We only managed to visit a handful of the 200 bars in London. The best London Cocktail week experience was discovered at Cecils near London Bridge. Parisian entertainment was led by Brand Ambassador, Julien Lafond all in the name of Grand Marnier.
This orange and cognac combination has seen Grand Marnier used in cocktails since the 1930s and has been rewarded with an array of medals and awards throughout the years.
As soon as we entered Cecils we were greeted by charming bartenders offering cocktails off an antique silver serving platter. This all took place in the lift en route to the speak easy basement.
Once we entered, the Grand Marnier infused dishes and drinks were in full force. We sat and chatted as Crepe Suzettes were served by the GM Charm Squad – who were in fact a charismatic crew of Parisian stunners.
It was the cocktail master class that blew us away with excellent hints and tips for those wanting to wow their friends at a party. We were treated to Grand Margaritas, Orange and Rangpur Cosmos and Julien Lafond’s Lady Marmalade. It really was a spectacular evening filled with French cognac concoctions……
See our two recommended recipes below, courtesy of Julien Lafond’s inspirational serving guide……
GRAND MARGARITA
This highly refreshing cocktail pairs the sour flavours of lime with the herbal notes of tequila. Grand Marnier liqueur’s orange and oaked cognac flavours provide harmonious balance, giving more flavour and smoothness to your Margarita.
What you need…..
• 30 ml Grand Marnier liqueur
• 40 ml tequila
• 20 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
For an authentic presentation, garnish the rim of the glass with salt. Begin by filling a wide, shallow dish with 2 to 3 mm of fine salt. Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side around the rim of the glass. Then, holding the glass upside down, dip it delicately into the salt, so that it adheres to the rim to a thickness of 2 or 3 mm. Turn the glass upright and wait a few minutes.
GRAND COSMOPOLITAN
This very harmonious cocktail combines the tangy fruity flavours of cranberry with the roundness of Grand Marnier liqueur. The oaked notes of the cognac add aromatic intensity to the cocktail, and give more length on the finish.
What you need…….
• 20 ml Grand Marnier® liqueur
• 30 ml vodka
• 40 ml cranberry juice
• 1 dash lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain.
James Fowler (from Larder House in Bournemouth) – winner of the UK Diageo Reserve World Class Final
