London Cocktail Week 2019 is in session. The ten-day celebration sees the best bars in the capital serve up bespoke, boozy elixirs for just £6 a pop. From gimlets with a twist to cocktails-in-cupcakes, these are the concoctions that caught our eye while drooling over this year's line-up. See what tickles your fancy, then grab your £10 festival pass.
Alternative Arrangements Negroni - Blixen
What better way to kick off your cocktail odyssey than with a taste of la dolce vita? We're talking potent, blood red negronis that are sure to put some fire in your belly. The Earl Grey-infused Campari used by Blixen gives an English twist to this Italian aperitivo, and ruby grapefruit gives the drink its trademark citrus-y kick.
High Tea Spritz - The Ned
Grey Goose vodka, strawberry syrup and strawberry bitters topped with prosecco sounds like a positively summery beverage, but add Darjeeling liqueur into the mix and you get a musky sweetness that's perfect for autumn.
Jalisco - The Alchemist
Reposado tequila meets cassis, almond liqueur and something called 'mango chilli air' in The Alchemist's latest potion. This cocktail bar is known for its experimental approach to mixology, so expectations are high.
Meady B*#ch - The Sun Tavern
The Sun Tavern is renowned for its impressive whisky list, so it's not surprising that it's made Dewar's 12 Scotch the star of the show. This rather rudely-named cocktail also features mead (yep, the medieval honey beverage is making quite the comeback), apricot, hibiscus, citrus, and boozy ginger beer.
Mocha Manhattan - Spiritland
This is not your average iced-coffee. Cold brew meets cocoa butter Chivas 12, aromatic Cocchi vermouth, and zingy Kamm & Sons in a drink to — in the immortal words of maybe-Kate-Moss — "wake you up and f*ck you up".
Smoke and Honey - Disrepute
Another one for the whisky lovers. Late night hotspot Disrepute blends Johnnie Walker Black Label with soda water and house-made honey vermouth for a smooth but potent tipple.
Swingers Gimlet - Swingers
Quench your thirst, Jazz Age-style with a nice gimlet. This one spices up the traditional gin and lime juice combo with velvet falernum and grapefruit bitters.
The Golden Kiss - The Lighterman
If you're all about the finer things in life, give The Lighterman's Golden Kiss a go. Cognac and fig liqueur is topped with champagne, a sugar cube, and edible gold paint for extra decadence. Don't mind if we do.
VS Royale - Cocktail Trading Company
London Cocktail Week turns ten this year, and Cocktail Trading Company has come up with something rather special to mark the occasion. The VS Royale is a cocktail-cum-birthday cake featuring Hennessy VS, Victoria sponge cordial made from champagne-strawberry syrup, acorn extract, pear liqueur, pineapple essence and Monin donut syrup. It's topped off with Moet & Chandon Rosé Champagne and served in a cupcake — if that doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, nothing will.
London Cocktail Week 2019, 4-13 October at various venues across London. Buy your £10 digital pass and see what's on here.
