Drinks | cheriecity.co.uk

Edgerton Pink Gin Christmas Drinks

December 21, 2016 by cheriecity

Christmas is the perfect time to get a bit experimental with your usual tipple and what could be more fun than the world’s first pink gin? Edgerton Original Pink Gin is a premium quality spirit distilled in London with more than 15 exotic botanticals, finished with a jazzy rose tint.

Martin Edgerton Gill, formerly owner of London Gin Company, created it in homage to his father’s penchant for pink gin in the navy during World War II. This multi-purpose concoction of gin and Angostura bitters was launched in 1824 as a cure for seasickness and was later served in London’s famed gin palaces and bars around the world.

Unless you’re taking a cruise this Christmas, you’ll probably just want to indulge because it’s pink, strong (43%) and tastes pretty fab. Here are a few suggested serves for Christmas (Netflix roaring open fire optional)…

Experience the true colour of Edgerton Pink Gin with a simple Gin and Tonic. Pour a single or double measure of gin in a tall glass, top with Fever Tree tonic water and finish with a wedge of lime. The pink gin keeps its colour well when mixed with the slightly iridescent tonic water and it tastes so refreshing and fragrant.

I also love gin cocktails and decided to elevate the Gin and Tonic with a splash of Scottish raspberry cordial, plenty of ice and mini lime segments. This is a great drink to serve as an apéritif on Christmas Day to keep things light and sparking. Or, toast the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve – it’s sure to impress.

Edgerton Original Pink Gin is available to buy at Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason and selected stockists across the UK.

Sample

Drinks, Websites

A Summer Whisky Cocktail With Alexander & James

August 5, 2016 by cheriecity

Summer in London is so much more fun when you can cool down with cocktails, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be at a rooftop bar or restaurant terrace. Whether it’s entertaining friends or relaxing at the end of a long hot day, Alexander & James makes home-made libations ever so chic.

I’ve always believed that every spirit can be enjoyed all year-round, it just depends on matching them with the right serves. Whisky is no exception to the rule, so consider a reaching for a fine blended Scotch rather than the typical seasonal vodka, gin or tequila when selecting your drink.

I’ve been an admirer of Alexander & James for a few years now, but this was the first time I’d tried one of their curated gifts. The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Gift Set is a real gem, offering a generously sized bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Whisky paired with two tall hexagonal glasses finished with real gold in a stunning purple presentation box. What could be more luxurious?

This premium honey-hued whisky is incredibly smooth and rich with notes of cream, smoke, ripe fruit and vanilla. The first sip took me back to summer last year where I spent a weekend tasting whisky in Scotland – it’s curious how a taste or aroma can remind you of travels.

When it came to creating a cocktail, I let my excitement get the better of me and concocted some crazy combinations with spiced syrups, exotic juices and curly fruit zests perched on top of cinnamon sticks, before coming to the conclusion that with such a characterful Scotch, simplicity is key.

However, that’s the beauty of the Alexander & James luxury whisky gift sets – you feel like you can and should experiment with different serves. Of course, on the website there’s a helpful guide to the best ways to drink the spirits, if you want to ace it first time.

My ideal summer whisky cocktail is a twist on the Kentucky Mule, but since Johnnie Walker Whisky originates from the Scottish county of Ayrshire, I’m going to rename it the Kilmarnock Mule.

Simply chill a highball glass, squeeze in a few wedges of fresh lime and fill with ice cubes. Then, pour a single (or double) measure of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, top with ginger beer and stir with a muddler bar spoon.

The Kilmarnock Mule is sweet yet zingy and refreshing with a spicy punch from the ginger. The ingredients really bring out the oaky flavours of the whisky and let it do the talking without being overwhelming. I enjoy sipping my cocktail, cosied up in my colourful new chair and watching the world go by – a perfect ‘me time’ moment.

Have you tried Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve? What is your favourite summer tipple?

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Drinks

A Lazy Sunday with Rekorderlig Cider Cocktails

May 16, 2016 by cheriecity

Before the arduous task of packing for almost two weeks in New York, we wanted to enjoy a proper lazy Sunday and make the most of the glorious sunshine. On a warm day in east London, everyone flocks to the park (especially those of us with baking hot apartments and no outdoor space) and we’re very fortunate to have London Fields right on our doorstep.

Armed with a hamper full of ice cold Rekorderlig Cider Cocktails and some scrumptious Eton Mess Tarts, we scored a great spot in the park to chill out, watch a local cricket match and spot French bulldog puppies tumbling around the grass – what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

My summer drink of choice has often been a Rekorderlig Swedish flavoured cider over lots of ice (there are so many different ones to try), so I was excited to taste the recently-launched cocktail range.

A trio of original flavoured ciders are blended with premium spirits to create classic cocktails with a modern twist. There’s the zingy Passion fruit Gimlet made with gin and a hint of lime, a Wild Berries Bramble bursting with dark fruit and white rum and a cool, citrusy Swedish Punch mixing strawberry-lime cider with vodka, mint and elderflower.

The cocktails are so refreshing and really awaken the senses, plus the spirits give the cider a real kick. Best of all, they come in a slim can for easy opening and drinking – just add a cute straw for the finishing touch.

They’re the perfect fruity tipple to bring to a festival or serve at a garden party or a barbecue with family and friends. I like the idea of having three completely different cocktails ready to drink, saving time and effort on mixing and stocking up on a hundred different bar ingredients (really, how often would you use that bottle of Blue Curaçao).

Have you tried Rekorderlig Cider Cocktails yet? Which flavour tempts you the most?

This post was written in collaboration with Rekorderlig

All photos by Chérie City

Drinks

T2 Tea Peace, Love & Tea Collection

March 2, 2016 by cheriecity

T2 Tea is one of my favourite indulgences and its special Peace, Love and Tea collection for Mother’s Day really hits it out of the park.

My Mum is a fan of T2 Tea’s classic French Earl Grey, but these three teas are a bit more jazzy for the occasion. If your mum was a care-free hippy ‘back in the day’, she’ll no doubt love the Hippy Sippy Citrus tea.

This delicious herbal tea is an uplifting blend of hibiscus, rosehips, lemon myrtle, orange peel, apple pomace, sweet blackberry leaves, strawberry and safflower petals.

I was surprised at just how refreshing, tangy and natural sweet it is – so much so that you could even enjoy it as a cooling iced tea in the warmer months. It was also the perfect excuse to serve this psychedelic-chic tea in the posh T2 china cups that I’d bought at Christmas.

Smokey Signals is a sophisticated, comforting tea that’s perfect for this chilly time of year. It tastes as though there is a combination of deep flavours, however it’s actually a simple mix of smokey black tea and pure cinnamon.

I can see this warming, fireside tea becoming part of my core tea collection and I love the gorgeous ikat print packaging.

To complete the trinity, there’s also a Peace, Love and Peppermint tea with chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rose petals, rosemary and lemon verbena.

Whether you treat your mum to some ‘me time’ with a fabulous tea ritual or want to add to your T2 collection, the Peace, Love and Tea range is not to be missed.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.t2tea.com

All photos by Chérie City

Competitions, Drinks, London

WIN Tickets To The Great New Zealand Wine Pop-Up Shop

December 9, 2014 by cheriecity

With the festive season in full swing, it’s time to think about what tipple you’ll be serving at your Christmas and New Year celebrations.

So what perfect timing for The New Zealand Cellar to host its hotly-tipped Great New Zealand Pop-Up Shop.

Sample some of New Zealand’s finest wines and meet the producers while shopping for bottles with huge discounts. There’s even free coffee courtesy of Caravan and a breakfast BBQ from Provenance Butchers in Notting Hill for guests.

The wine sale will be held at Brixton East, so why not make a day of it with a lazy Sunday brunch at one of Brixton’s favourite foodie spots?

Chérie City has partnered with The New Zealand Cellar to offer the chance to WIN a pair of tickets to The Great New Zealand Wine Pop-Up Shop.

To enter, simply head over to Twitter and retweet the following message:

Win a pair of tickets to The Great @NZCellar Wine Pop-Up Shop for tastings & discounts, 14th Dec. Simply RT & follow http://bit.ly/1GadkG2

The Great New Zealand Wine Pop-Up Shop takes place at Brixton East from 8.45am to 2pm, 14th December. Tickets can be bought here.

Terms & conditions:
Competition closes at 6pm on 11/12/14
The winners will be offered a pair of tickets to The Great New Zealand Wine Pop-Up Shop on 14/12/14
No cash alternative will be offered
Travel and transport are not included

Berlin, Drinks, Hotels, Hotels - Budget, Hotels - Design, London

Fountain of Youth Coconut Water by The Michelberger Berlin

June 22, 2014 by cheriecity

Coconut water is having quite a moment and the best one I’ve tasted has got to be Fountain of Youth.

A lifestyle project from the hip Michelberger Hotel in Berlin, Fountain of Youth is simply 100% natural, fresh coconut water in an illustrated can (how cool is the ‘founder’ Monkey).

The collective behind the hotel fell in love with coconut water on a beach holiday and brought it back to their bar in Berlin.

Named Fountain of Youth for its health benefits, the hydrating coconut water is produced by a collective of small farmers from a region in Thailand known for the natural sweetness of its coconuts. In fact, it’s where the King of Thailand gets his coconut water from.

The Michelberger Hotel is a creative, affordable hotel in a Friedrichshain former factory, designed by Werner Aisslinger. Its courtyard and beer garden in particular is renowned for its all-night parties, gigs and DJ sets.

Open to everyone, it’s the place to sip a few experimental cocktails made with Fountain of Youth coconut water or the hotel’s very own Michelberger Booze.

However, there’s no need to hop on a plane to Berlin (although I am tempted), as Fountain of Youth is now available at various cool places in London. I tried a few cans of Fountain of Youth and am already craving more.

The clear coconut water is so subtly sweet and flavoursome that it’s delicious just on its own. However, I particularly liked blending it up with strawberries, blueberries and banana as a tasty smoothie.

For a simple cocktail in a can, Fountain of Youth suggests adding just a shot of white rum, a squeeze of lime and a straw. It can even be served hot with ginger and lime or in a healthy green juice with pear, avocado, raw kale, agave and fresh ginger.

I’m tempted to try the Monkey Diablo – 35ml of 100% Agave blanco tequila on ice, topped up with Fountain of Youth, drizzled with cassis and garnished with a spritz of lime.

Fountain of Youth coconut water is priced from £2.50 (330ml can) and £3.50 (520ml can). UK stockists include: Dalston Roof Park, Peckham Springs, Rita’s Bar & Dining, The Alibi, The London EDITION and Violet Cakes.

To buy online and read the brilliant story behind Monkey’s coconut water discovery, visit: www.michelbergermonkey.com

Photos by Chérie City and Michelberger Hotel

*samples

Drinks, Events, London

Baileys Chocolat Luxe with Bompas & Parr

August 12, 2013 by cheriecity

Baileys today launches Baileys Chocolat Luxe, a new liqueur that fuses real Belgian chocolate with alcohol for the very first time. It’s a molten chocolate experience, made with rich Irish cream, fine whisky, Madagascan vanilla and over 30g of Belgian milk chocolate per bottle.

For a special preview, Baileys teamed up with culinary alchemists Bompas & Parr to create a multi-sensory tasting event at Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields. The historic Grade II listed Georgian terraced house dates from approximately 1724 and was lovingly restored as a ‘still life drama’ of centuries past by American in London, Dennis Severs.

As we wandered through the dark, atmospheric rooms, we were introduced to the concept of this world first in liqueurs by Harry Parr, while Anthony J Wilson, Diageo’s Principle Liquid Developer at Diageo, talked us through the scientific process behind it.

During the three years that it took to create Chocolat Luxe, Anthony tasted over 200 varieties of chocolate, travelled across three continents and experimented with no less than 840 recipes. Interestingly, Anthony’s father Steve Wilson led the team behind Baileys Original Irish Cream back in the 1970s, making Bailey’s a real family success story.

At the end of our tour, it was time to reveal the mystery liqueur, accompanied by a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Sam Bompas suggested that we taste the Baileys Chocolat Luxe with a specially-designed ritual. Inspired by Marie-Antoinette, The Rococo Serve involves Baileys Chocolat Luxe poured over ice in a long-stem glass and garnished with a raspberry threaded onto a pearl-topped attelet. Adding gold leaf to the lips before drinking is optional.

East London baker Lily Vanilli created a stunning afternoon tea of marbled food including pastel finger sandwiches on marbled breads, rose and coconut friands, pistachio cakes, luxe marble cake and rococo jelly. The decadent, mouth-watering cakes were served with Baileys Chocolat Luxe and berry iced tea in teacups.

As a special treat, Lily has shared the recipe for her amazing Marbled Vanilla & Chocolate Flourless Cake, perfectly paired with a glass of Baileys Chocolat Luxe….

Marbled Vanilla & Chocolate Flourless Cake

Ingredients:

For the vanilla swirl:
225g soft (room temperature) cream cheese
130g granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the flourless chocolate cake:
280g best quality dark chocolate
140g soft unsalted butter
3 medium eggs
70g granulated sugar
1 tbsp brewed and cooled espresso
1 tsp vanilla extract
Good pinch of Malden/sea salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 150 DC
Grease a 9″ round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment.

Vanilla batter:
Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and continue beating until well blended and smooth again. Add the egg and vanilla and beat just until blended. Set this aside for now.

Chocolate batter:
Chop chocolate and butter into small pieces and melt in a bain-marie. Use a whisk to combine into a smooth batter and set aside to cool. Using an electric mixer to beat the eggs, sugar, espresso, vanilla and salt on a medium high speed for approx 4 mins (until pale and thick). Turn the mixer onto a low speed and gradually pour in the chocolate mixture and continue beating until well blended.

Make the Marble Cake:
Spread about half of the chocolate batter (judge it by eye) in the bottom of the pan. Then add a scoop of the vanilla to the centre of the pan, then more of the chocolate and keep alternating, each time adding it to the centre.
Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the two batters together so they’re mixed but not completely blended. Rap the pan against the countertop several times to settle the batters.
Bake for around 40 mins or until a pick inserted about 2 inches from the edge comes out gooey but not liquid. Be sure not to over-bake. Let it cool in the pan – it will sink as it cools.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature with a glass of Baileys Chocolat Luxe.

Baileys Chocolate Luxe is available exclusively at Harvey Nichols now, before general release in October, with an RRP of £16.99 for 50cl.

For more information, visit: www.baileys.com

Drinks, Shopping, Stores, Websites

The Art Of Cocktail Making With Alexander & James

April 19, 2013 by cheriecity

An expertly-mixed cocktail made with premium spirits is one of my favourite indulgences. I adore a good Negroni, Old Fashioned or a timeless Whisky Sour in a refined London bar, but having all of the right spirits and tools to mix up a fabulous cocktail at home would be a real dream.

Alexander & James, the smart new online store dedicated to premium spirits offers everything you need to create your own home bar.

The selection of high end spirits and liqueurs is well-edited and carefully chosen, ranging from affordable cocktail staples such as Ketel One Citroen vodka and Tanqueray London Dry gin to a rare Grand Marnier Quintessence and the crème de la crème of whiskys, The Johnnie Walker (a real investment spirit at £2321.32). You can even have a bottle engraved to make the perfect gift, or to mark a special occasion.

I am particularly drawn to the Talisker 10 Year Old to make a retro Penicillin, Zapaca 23 for a rum-based Planter’s Punch, Don Julio Resposado for a classic Margarita and Cîroc vodka for an Earl Grey Martini. If you’re not sure which cocktail to make, Alexander & James suggests classic and innovative recipes, alongside expert tips in its online magazine.

The key to an impressive cocktail is mixing and serving it the right way. Alexander & James’ selection of elegant accessories include cocktail shakers, ice buckets, highball glasses, tumblers, nosing glasses, twisted spoons, muddlers and citrus presses.

Not only is the home delivery service the ultimate convenience, but Alexander & James products arrive in a luxurious claret presentation box. Drinks aficionados can also become Alexander & James members to enjoy perks including access to limited bottles, exclusive tastings and invites to UK events.

For a refined Mad Men style cocktail party, a weekend treat or a memorable occasion, let Alexander & James be your online barmen.

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