» Cocktails special
Shaken, muddled or stirred – Brighton has become the cocktail capital of the UK
Brighton has a long history of louche living and luxury lifestyles. And what fits that better than cocktail culture? The city has always had its cocktail bars, some in hotels, and some tucked away in upstairs rooms. But it was back in 2000 that things took a stellar turn. Blanch House opened and Chris Edwardes, international cocktail guru, raised the bar. From then on Brighton’s bars have aspired to make our city the place to drink cocktails – and they have succeeded.
Brighton today has left behind the two pints of lager and a packet of crisps culture for a far more sophisticated cocktails and champagne lifestyle. And while we still love our traditional pubs, we are more often to be found in the city’s smart bars and hotels. Hotels like Drakes, Una, Neo and the Merkaba Bar at MyHotel are the places to meet and be seen, while restaurants like Las Iguanas are up there as cocktail lovers’ haunts with their great Caipirinhas.
Each bar boasts great mixologists: a passionate bunch of men and women who invest a great deal of time into preparing great classic cocktails and creating inspired new ones. Many of our city’s mixologists are gaining national recognition too, in cocktail competitions both here and abroad. So, for the moment, you can hold the pint and make mine a Martini.
Neo Hotel
The Neo cocktail bar is undeniably Brighton and Hove’s hidden gem, known to a discerning few who love the vintage décor and intimate feel of this characterful venue. The cute little bar features Egyptian chandeliers, comfortable buttoned seating, original artwork and a carefully chosen selection of contemporary cocktails and old favourites. The Neo Hotel is a delightfully different place to go for a pre-dinner drink, group catch-up or late night place to chill.
Open to the public late on Friday and Saturday nights, the bar features a continually updated cocktail menu using fresh ingredients, the newest premium brands and a good dose of panache – all served by a friendly barman. And If you’ve had one too many you can always check into one of the hotel’s nine beautifully decorated luxury bedrooms. It’s best to call ahead for parties of 10 or more, or just turn up and start the weekend with a cracking cocktail in this groovy boudoir bar.
Neo Classic
Ingredients
1 shot Belvedere vodka
1/2 shot Effen black cherry vodka
1/2 shot amaretto
1/2 shot fresh lime
Fresh cloudy apple juice
Neo Hotel, 19 Oriental Place, Brighton, BN1 2LL, 01273 711104, www.neohotel.com
Drakes
The cocktail bar at Drakes reflects the sophistication that has made the hotel an internationally sought-after destination; Drakes is included in Condé Nast Traveller’s hot list of hotels in the world. The slick space incorporates an impressive black Italian granite bar, backlit and flanked by glass and lacquer drink lockers. The circular lounge area boasts triple-aspect windows with views of the sea, where leather chairs make for a laid back, yet glamorous, environment.
Drakes’ cocktail list provides an eclectic mix of classic favourites and new creations alongside an extensive range of premium brand spirits and Champagnes. Their skilled bar staff are always happy to recommend something special or create a bespoke cocktail to suit your taste. So come, unwind, relax and allow yourself the indulgence.
The cocktail bar at Drakes is open to the public seven nights a week until 11pm (10.30pm on Sundays), and later for hotel residents and their guests. Famous for his impeccable cocktails, Fraser Crighton adds a modern twist to a much loved classic:
Quince & Vanilla Sidecar
Ingredients
25ml Bramble and Gage
Quince Liqueur
25ml Cognac
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml vanilla sugar
Vanilla pod (to garnish)
Method
Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes, then strain into a Coupette or Martini glass, and garnish with the vanilla pod.
Bring your friends to Drakes cocktail bar for an evening of relaxed glamour. Buy two cocktails and get two free (on a selection of cocktails, valid Sunday through Thursday until 28 February 2010, excluding Valentines Day). Quote ‘The Latest’ to claim this discount.
Drakes Of Brighton, 43–44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, 01273 696934, www.drakesofbrighton.com
Hotel Una
The ultra modern Hotel Una is a 20-bedroom boutique hotel in Regency Square, with a trendy and stylish cocktail bar. The chic interior, combined with the friendly and knowledgable staff, makes Hotel Una the perfect place to drink and stay in Brighton!
Buy a cocktail and receive the second one for free at Hotel Una’s cocktail bar! (Valid until 28 February 2010, excluding 12–14 February).
Chocolate Flirt
Ingredients
50ml chocolate vodka
25ml banana liquor
10ml Crème de Cacao
15ml Koko Kanu rum
Liquid chocolate
Method
Shake all the ingredients together and serve in a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with chocolate.
Hotel Una, 55–56 Regency Square, Brighton, BN1 2FF, 01273 820464, www.hotel-una.co.uk
Blanch House
Tucked away in Kemp Town, Blanch House is one of Brighton’s best kept secrets, serving great cocktails in a friendly cosy atmosphere and welcoming everyone that makes the effort to find it with open arms.
The bar has won many awards for its cocktails and customer service and is widely regarded as the coolest bar in the south of England. If you would like to sample their unique range of cocktails, then from Sunday to Thursday you can enjoy two for the price of one on selected cocktails (just bring a copy of this magazine along with you).
The below cocktail is a twist on one of the very first interpretations of a cocktail, ‘The Daisy’. This drink captures all of the floral flavours of Hendricks gin while marrying some more contemporary tastes for a long refreshing drink. (Its namesake was a great film as well!)
Chiving Miss Daisy
Ingredients
50ml Hendricks gin
25ml Fresh lemon juice
12.5 ml Chestnut liqueur
12.5 ml chive syrup
Small dash grenadine
Garnish with a few chives and twist of lime
Method
Shake all ingredients in a shaker and place in a Collins glass (highball), top with crushed ice, and add a tiny splash of soda.
Blanch House, 17 Atlingworth Street, Brighton, BN2 1PL, 01273 603504, www.blanchhouse.co.uk
Las Iguanas
Las Iguanas compliment their South American menu by serving up all the classic Latin cocktails. These include the traditional Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha, using their own Cachaça, and the minty Mojito, which they are offering two for the price of one to Latest 7 readers. (Simply present a copy of this magazine when ordering. Offer valid until 28 February.)
Las Iguanas Mojito
Ingredients
35ml Havana Especial rum
10–12 fresh mint leaves
Half a fresh lime, in 4 chunks
2 tsp caster sugar
1tsp gomme
Soda water
Method
Using a tall glass, add mint, lime, sugar and gomme, and muddle well until the ingredients look like cooked spinach. Stand a long spoon in the glass and half fill with crushed ice. Add the rum, then use the spoon to mix well making sure the sugar is dissolved. Add a little more ice and then top with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
Las Iguanas, 7–8 Jubilee Street, North Laine, Brighton BN1 1GE,
01273 573550, www.iguanas.co.uk
