The Cocktail, noun: “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters” - The New York Tabloid, The Balance and Columbian Repository.
World Cocktail Day is a global celebration of cocktails; it marks the publication date of the first definition of a cocktail on May 13 in 1806. While the UK’s top-spot* for the most popular cocktail is held by the Porn Star Martini, which was first created in 2002 by London mixologist, Douglas Ankrah for Lab Bar, Manchester has always had a way of doing things differently - and the approach we take to our cocktail menus is certainly no exception.
With wonderful concoctions that take flavours and inspiration from across the globe, our city is home to a number of world-class tipples that can be enjoyed this #WorldCocktailDay on Friday 13th May.
PERU PERDU // Best For: Pisco Sours
L A V E N D E R & C O C O N U T // Origin: Peru
The Pisco Sour is a delightful cocktail that hails from South America. As with all good things illustrious and desired, this pisco-based cocktail has slightly dubious origins, as several have tried to lay claim to its creation.
The most widely accepted tale is that it began its history in Lima’s popular Morris Bar, back in the early 20th century.
Peru Perdu, which translates to ‘lost Peru’, introduced Peruvian to Manchester’s dining scene back in 2019. A firm favourite on the cocktail menu is the Lavender and Coconut Pisco Sour, featuring native Pisco brandy, homemade lavender, coconut and pineapple syrup and finished with a splash of pineapple juice. MECANICA // Best For: House Cocktails
T H E M O N R O E // Origin: Palm Springs Taking influence from world-class hotels, Mecanica presents their latest sensational cocktail menu; an enchanting interpretation of the most celebrated hotels and rooms from across the globe. Looking to enchant and captivate, the Mecanica menu takes the form of carefully curated ‘house’ cocktails; all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that promise to invigorate the senses. The Monroe sees pomegranate and vanilla sorbet combined with Giffard passion fruit and Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne, and celebrates the ‘Pretty in Pink Suite’, which is nestled in the famous Palm Springs Hotel. It was the regular haunt for the iconic Marilyn Monroe, who was said to live on champagne and vanilla soufflé.
Mecanica has also been recognised and award-nominated for the Class Magazine Bar Awards 2022, as Mecanica have made the final four in the Bar Employer of the Year category and Elena Wright features in the coveted Emerging Bartender of the Year list. COTTONOPOLIS // Best For: Whisky Cocktails C H E R R Y H A N A M I // Origin: Japan
To coincide with the beautiful celebration of Hanami, Cottonopolis have launched a spring cocktail menu which takes inspiration from the Japanese teachings of living in the moment.
In 1923, Shinjiro Torii (founder, Suntory) envisioned a whisky filled with the essence of Japanese nature. He dreamt of creating refined, yet complex whisky that would suit the delicate palate of the Japanese, who were not yet accustomed to drinking whisky, and enhance their dining experience.
Though initially inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii developed a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different from those of Scotland. Torii chose the region of Yamazaki, on the outskirts of Kyoto as the birthplace of Japanese whisky.
The Cherry Hanami is a vibrant, floral affair and features Suntory Toki whisky, sour cherry, foamer, cherry citrus and citrus. Albert’s Schloss // Best For: A Summer Spritz (or two)
W A T E R M E L O N A P E R O L S P R I T Z // Origin: Bohemian Europe Albert's Schloss is delighted to launch its summer season, Sommerhaus - a season of retreat and rekreation. Think… a Schloss in the sunshine with resplendent gardens to drink, dine and dance in. During the summer months, Prince Albert and his beloved Queen Victoria would relocate to warmer regions, enjoying the season in one of their alternative residencies.
As part of the Sommerhaus season, Albert's Schloss has launched an elegant new cocktail menu which focuses on different areas of a Schloss in summer, the Walled Garden, Conservatory, Ballroom and Drawing Room. Taken from the ‘Conservatory’ menu, the Watermelon Aperol Spritz evokes flavours of summer fruits and sunshiny days, featuring Aperol, watermelon juice and a generous top-up of prosecco.
*Google Search Data --- This article contains links to some of the clients Watson St has worked / collaborated with.
Comments