Summertime Cocktails At The Stafford London
As London is warming up to what finally appears to be spring, it's time to get ready for al-fresco dining and drinking. Having attended The Stafford London cocktail masterclass to sample its new summer cocktail menu, I am happy to recommend this classic London boutique hotel for sophisticated drinking experience. Hosted by the The Stafford London’s head mixologist, Eric Rychnausky, in the hotel’s 380-year-old wine cellars, which were built in the 17th Century by Lord Francis Godolphin and used as an air-raid shelter in WWII, the masterclass was in fact an evening of cocktails tasting - meaning that selected London lifestyle bloggers including myself didn't actually have o make our drinks but could just relax and enjoy the drinks made for us - and these did not disappoint.
The new cocktail menu influenced by classic London traditions and reflecting the location's historic World War II heritage, features three signature cocktails developed by Eric that are perfect for al fresco experience: The Stafford Garden (with Hendricks gin, apple sours, apple juice, fresh cucumber, fresh mint and twist of orange garnish. Shaken and double-strained), The Spitfire (Chase marmalade vodka, fresh passion fruit, elderflower cordial, vanilla syrup, top of Laurent-Perrier champagne and fresh passion fruit garnish. Shaken and double-strained) and The White Mouse (Boudier saffron gin, drop of honey, lemon juice, top of Laurent-Perrier champagne and star anise garnish. Shaken and double-strained).
The three cocktails very different in its cocktails nature went down perfectly and represented three different characters. The first one, refreshing and intense, features herbs grown in the hotel’s own courtyard, Blue Ball Yard. It is refreshing & summery, I can imagine sipping this in the garden on a hot summer day. The second one is a new take on a passion fruit martini - with a twist. The third one, strong and delicious, is named after Nancy Wake, a French resistance spy and one of Churchill’s most highly decorated special agents who aided the troops from a seat at the American Bar.
For your own experience of the summer cocktail menu, head to The Stafford London's located in the back streets of St James and enjoy your time in its iconic American Bar.
