Last week, I met up with the Handpicked Media crew at The Player in Soho, for our monthly conference on how to take over the blogosphere. Ok, we’re not actually that scheming, but this private members club seems like the perfect place for a bit of Dr Evil-style secret plotting – it’s cavernous and retro with a super slick bar.
The Player is part of the international Milk & Honey group of exclusive members lounges, including The Clubhouse in Chamonix and the recently burned down East Room in Shoreditch.
It couldn’t be more ‘Soho’ if it tried – a subtly marked basement bar next door to Agent Provocateur, with a nod to the glamorous ’70s (think Boogie Nights rather than Saturday Night Fever).
Opened in 1998 by cocktail king Dick Bradsell, obviously The Player is all about brilliantly mixed cocktails. We were treated to round after round of Sauza Tequila Margaritas. Sauza is a family of premium quality tequilas that contain 100% and 51% blue agave flavour, giving it more character and purity than many other tequilas.
They were kind enough to share the recipe for their fabulous concoctions…starting off with the Margaritas:
One of my favourite cocktails of all time is a Strawberry Basil Grande, usually made with vodka, so here is the margarita version:
Muddle all ingredients together in shaker, add cubed ice and shake for 12 seconds, strain over pre-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with half strawberry and basil leaf.
With Sex and the City 2 opening on Friday, I’m guessing there will be plenty of cocktails on the agenda, so these recipes may come in handy having pre-film drinks.
The Player, 8 Broadwick Street, Soho, London W1. Sauza Blanco is available in stores across the UK, 70cl RRP: £16.49