5 must try drinks in Cardiff this September
We can all get stuck in our ways with our choices of drinks, why go for something different when you know you'll enjoy a classic G&T no matter where you are. However, we have decided to mix things up a little and have devised a shortlist of 5 new drinks that we believe you should try this September, all of which are in Cardiff- right on our doorstep!
Rhubarb and Custard
Where: The Flora, Cathays
What: Absolut vodka, Adovocaat, rhubarb syrup, fresh lemon and vanilla syrup.
Why: A drink to take you back to your childhood. The combination of the adovocaat and rhurbarb syrup means The Flora has nailed the flavours of this popular sweet. Whilst this is a sweet drink, the vodka and lemon add the perfect tang so not to make it too sickly. Seriously good retro cocktail.
The Italian Dragon
Where: The Dead Carnary, Cardiff
What: Campari Cask Tales, Coconut infused Beefeater gin, Byrrh, lemon and egg white.
Why: A real cocktail to celebrate Joe Calzaghe. Combining bitters with lighter, coconutty flavours and egg white makes this cocktail deliciously unique. It is a whirlwind combination of flavours which is only fitting for The Italian Dragon.
Stay Puft
Where: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
What: Marshmallow porter, 5.2%.
Why: The perfect sweet treat for an autumnal evening. This porter has all the roasty qualities of a classic dark ale, but the marshmallow flavours give a real sweetness. Whilst it is sweet, the malts and hops make sure to keep the earthy notes of a dark ale. This drink is out to get your tastebuds.
Stars and Stripes
Where: The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff
What: An American wheat beer, 5.0%.
Why: Refreshingly and deliciously drinkable. Having been brewed with Californian Ale yeast and wheat malt, this beer is a hazy golden colour and has a crisp bitterness. Brains Craft Brewery describes Stars and Stripes to have 'aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit combined with citrus flavours.' Light, crisp and bitter.
Teaches of Peaches
Where: Lab 22, Cardiff
What: Portobello Road Gin, Aperol, Cocchi Americano, White Peach Blossom Cordial, Orange Bitters, Soda.
Why: Think Aperol Spritz meets Liptons Iced Tea meets Sex on the beach. Lab 22 never do disappoint with their cocktail mixology and flavours, and Teaches of Peaches is no different. The flavours of this cocktail are elegant and delicate whilst delightfully peachy.
We may have given you some great new drinks to try, but everyone has their drink of choice. Here at Pop Up Bar Hire, we can help you tailor your bar to your own personal preferences for your event, party or wedding. Contact us today to discuss details further.
Author: Georgie Dransfield
Cocktail of the Week: Espresso Martini
It’s rich, indulgent, creamy, and the shot of espresso will make sure you keep up with your work mates if you find yourself flagging at the office Christmas do. It could only be one classic, and most definitely one of our favourites; the Espresso Martini.
In 1984 a top model came into the famous late bartender Dick Bradsells bar with a rather special cocktail request. She asked for something sophisticated, edgy and strong - and so the famous Espresso Martini was born. The rest is history and today it is one of the most popular, and classy cocktails.
As a drink, it’s deliciously confusing – coffee and vodka just shouldn’t be allowed to taste this good together, but it does! The liqueur has a sweetness, the espresso gives it a rich depth, and the vodka delivers that essential kick to get your evening going. All topped off - of course - with the thick, luxurious, foam that sits at the top of the glass.
Want to know how to make your own at home? See below our simple - but delicious - recipe.
What you'll need:
A handful of ice
25ml vodka
35ml Kalhua, Tia Maria, or similar
35ml fresh espresso
Coffee beans, to garnish
How to make it:
Chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 20 minutes before serving. Put the ice in a cocktail shaker, followed by the vodka, liqueur and lastly the coffee. Taste and add a little more liqueur if you prefer it sweeter and then shake for 20 seconds. Lastly, strain into your chilled glasses, top with 3 coffee beans, serve immediately, and let your evening begin!
If - like us - you love a good cocktail, and are planning an event on the larger scale, email us at hello@wordpress-1172833-4103133.cloudwaysapps.com or give us a call on 02920 101 562 .
Alcohol Advent Calendars for 2018
Is it even the festive season if you're not trying to find any excuse to celebrate with a drink? With the office parties, work-do's, and catching up with all your favourite friends, being merry definitely goes hand in hand with Christmas time.
So, what better way to get into the festive spirit(s), than with a boozey advent calendar? We wouldn't recommend opening in the morning - so save until after work for the ultimate treat, because the kids shouldn't get all the fun!
Here are our favourites that'll definitely put the 'Merry' into 'Merry Christmas':
One for the gin lover is Sainsbury's first Christmas advent calendar, and it looks absolutely beautiful. Expect premium gin brands like Hendricks, Opihr and Tanqueray, as well as flavoured options such as Sipsmith in lemon drizzle flavour, (yes please!)
Sainsbury's, £60 – available in store now.
More on the pricey side - but definitely worth it - is this festive number from John Lewis. This boozey calendar contains 24 bottles of prosecco and cava to get through from a range of delicious brands. What's more – there's a 20cl Lanson Champagne to glugg on Christmas Eve, too. That's a winner in our books!
John Lewis, £125.
Christmas isn't all about mulled wine, so spare a thought for the beer lovers. For the hoppy fans, we've included this awesome beer advent calendar with a range of offerings from IPA to stout, alongside the big names in the craft beer Brewdog and Magic Rock. Cheers to that!
Laithwaite's, £49.99.
Finally, for those who really want to warm their cockles this Christmas, why not pick up the world's best-selling whisky Advent calendar? Enjoy a 30m; dram every day in the run-up with some of the world's most exciting distilleries, including Glenfarclas, Nikka, and Hudson.
Masters Of Malt, £149.94
Which one would you choose? Remember, for all your Christmas event needs, we're here to help. Contact us here for more information.
Cocktail of the Week: Kir Royale
The Kir Royale, a champagne cocktail which just has that little bit more. It is sophisticated, elegant and o-so-delicious. It is the perfect addition to any cocktail party, dinner soiree or Friday night. Just like many champagne cocktails, the trick is to keep them as simple as possible, so as cocktails go, it is probably one of the easiest yet most effective.
Just in case you are not familiar with Crème de Cassis, it is a liqueur made from blackcurrants, and it is delightfully fruity. You can buy Creme de Cassis at pretty much any supermarket, although larger shops will be more likely to stock it than smaller express ones. Whilst everyone appreciates good champagne, you need not spend huge amounts on the bubbly due to the fact the crème de cassis is such a prominent flavour.
So kick back and enjoy the wonderful simplicity.
The Ingredients:
20ml Crème de Cassis
80ml Champagne (Prosecco can also be used if desired)
Fruit to garnish
How to make a Kir Royale:
This is a tough one. First add the crème de cassis to the champagne flute (or other drinks utensil of your choice), then top up with champagne/prosecco. If you want that extra something, garnish with fruit of your choice. We can recommend: Raspberries, pomegranate or blackcurrants. The Kir Royale is just as lovely with no added fruit.
Here at Pop-Up Bar Hire we can help stock, organise and run your bar, so whether you are planning your next cocktail soiree, private party or larger event, contact Pop-Up Bar Hire today for more information.