With summer just around the corner, we’ve researched the best cocktailsto savour in the sunshine at bars across the capital this summertime
Frozen Banana Ramos at Murder Inc.
Set to launch this June and hidden down one of London’s famously in-the-know drinking streets, Murder Inc. teeters on the edge of the refined-sophisticated Fitzrovia and glitzy-gritty Soho, perfectly blending beauty and filth in to one very cool neighbourhood bar. Taking inspiration from the gangster noir of the 1940s & 50s, the décor and style of this new sixty-capacity bar will be that of industrial New York meets mid-century glamour.
The Frozen Banana Ramos is a refreshing frozen cocktail comprising Jagermeister, banana milk, coconut cream, egg white, citrus and stout.
Martini Rosé at Monsieur Le Duck
Having been well received by Londoners, Francophiles and critics alike, Monsieur Le Duck has now opened its doors in Clerkenwell. The new venue has a French-inspired cocktail list featuring apéritif classics including the Martini Rosé (£10) which comprises Rhubarb & Ginger Gin, Lillet Rosé, Dry Vermouth and Grapefruit Liqueur. The ground floor restaurant spills out onto outside tables, making Monsieur Le Duck an ideal spot for alfresco dining, akin to wine-soaked languid lunches in village squares on holiday.
Spring / Summer sings with the optimism of the season, evoking fresh fragrances, sun-filled spaces, languorous endless days and heady nights. The Rose & Bergamot Spritz will a light and refreshing summer spritz, aromatic and evocative of dappled rose gardens on balmy summer days; the cocktail comprises Grey Goose, Italicus, Rose, Lillet Rosé and Sparkling Wine
Jalisco Sky at Skylight
Skylight Rooftop at Tobacco Dock is now open for its summer season. Famous for its panoramic and uninterrupted views across the city’s skyline and unique urban lawn games and bar offering, the expansive rooftop venue has become one of London’s favourite summer hot spots.
The Jalisco Sky (Aqua Riva Reposado Tequila, Marie Blizzard APRY, Maraschino, Lemon juice, Sugar) is topped with a marshmallow and is reminiscent of starlit nights spent with friends around the campfire
Sun SunSunat American Bar
Paying homage to the legendary musicians and songwriters that have entertained guests at The Savoy’s American Bar for decades, ‘The Savoy Songbook’ menu at The Savoy’s American Bar is a collection of twenty cocktails that have been created with the bar’s most iconic songs in mind.
Sun Sun Sun reflects the imagination of George Harrison who wrote the song ‘Here Comes The Sun’ which then appeared on the famed Abbey Road album. The zesty hue of this summer cocktail evokes the sunshine even on the cloudiest summer day and is an elegant tipple of Bombay Gin, Lime, Egg White, White Creme de Menthe, Orange Blossom and Yuzu Wine.
Dove at Heads + Tails
Neighbourhood cocktail bar Heads + Tails in leafy West Hampstead boasts a beautiful sun-trap garden; with leafy walls, cushion-topped seating and a hidden feel, this secluded outdoor space is the perfect place to sip spritzes and aperitivo this summer. For after work drinks, order a refreshing an aromatic Dove – El Gobernador Pisco, Jasmine cordial, fresh lemon, Prosecco – to take out into the sunshine.
Enrique the 5th at Bobby Fitzpatrick
Bobby Fitzpatrick is a characterful and an unapologetically-retro venue in West Hampstead with snazzy seventies decor providing a thoroughly instagrammable backdrop. The Enrique the 5th cocktail features the holiday flavours of pineapple with a potent twist (Vida mezcal, Aperol, pineapple, lime, demerara, absinthe, egg white); topped with a curl of dried pineapple with every sip transporting the drinker to sunnier climes.
OSLO Spritz at Oslo Hackney
As the days grow longer and post-work drinks become part of the norm, OSLO is the perfect East London hangout to head to and enjoy a refreshing Oslo Spritz (Italicus, Prosecco, Angostura Orange Bitters, Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters & Soda) on its sun soaked terrace.
Oye Como Vaat Quaglino’s Bar
Quaglino’s Bar has been synonymous with style, glamour and great cocktails since its establishment in 1929. This summer, slink down the stairs to Q Bar and try Oye Como Va (Tequila Olmeca Blanco, Illegal Mezcal Joven, Manzanilla Sherry, Lime and chilli cordial) – the perfect way to spice up the summer. Available for £12.50 a glass, or £60 a bottle.