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Six of London's most stunning summer cocktails
It just wouldn't be summer without cool cocktails in the mix. Here are six of the best seasonal tipples mixed by the winners of the Time Out London Bar Awards
The heat is on in the capital, so it's time to quench your thirst with a refreshing summer cocktail (any excuse, eh?). We asked the winners of the Time Out London Bar Awards to mix us the ultimate sundowner from their ground-breaking, trail-blazing cocktail menus.
RECOMMENDED: Read our guide to cocktails in London
Six summer cocktails in London
Gentleman Spritz at The Connaught Bar
£17
Calvados, Galliano líAperitivo, champagne, rhubarb and red fruit cordial
They say ‘Everybody loves a spritz in the summer, so we’ve revisited it with a British twist from rhubarb but with classic Italian elements still in place.’ Agostino Perrone, master mixologist
We say It’s a spritz, but not as you know it. It has a blood-orange backnote while added bitterness comes from an in-house rhubarb cordial which gives the drink its gorgeous pink-orange hue. This upmarket version replaces prosecco with champagne and the glass is dressed in pretty apple blossom. Only the finest at the Connaught, babes.
Great for imagining you're... making the most of aperitivo time in Tuscany.
Jimson Blossom at Dandelyan
£13.50
Gin, lime, yellow chartreuse, passiflora and camomile
They say ‘Inspired by Tate Modern’s upcoming Georgia O’Keeffe exhibition, we’ve created a cocktail based on flowers, capturing ethereal summery, floral notes but without tasting like potpourri.’ Ryan Chetiyawardana, founder
We say It’s a beautiful white canvas of a drink topped with dazzling edible flowers; this is art in a glass. It tastes sharp and, well, floral, to be honest. But it’s a subtle flowery flavour, with yellow chartreuse adding a sweetness that nudges the tipple into summer territory. Its silky texture makes it almost like sorbet – no spoon required.
Great for imagining you're... in a midsummer night’s dream.
The AOC at Original Sin
£8
Calvados, cassis, absinthe, lime, cardamom, cider vinegar, cider syrup and tonic
They say ‘Cider is the ultimate summer drink – and we’ve selected other rich, deep French flavours to evoke a summer in Normandy.’ Tara Garnell, bar manager
We say This tall, refreshing and lightly sparkling glass will have you all nostalgic with its apple and blackcurrant flavours. Cider and brandy may conjure up images of a drinking sesh with your old man, but the flavour is surprisingly elegant with a sweetness reminiscent of toffee apples.
Great for imagining you're... in Normandy, of course.
Hedgerow at White Lyan
£8
Mr Lyan gin, bramble tea, sourdough, lime and redcurrant soda
They say ‘It’s a reimagining of a Clover Club Cocktail with a nod to summer pudding.’ Ryan Chetiyawardana, founder
We say This has a dreamy, marshmallowy texture, sensational tart flavour and more fruitiness than Carmen Miranda’s headdress – without using any fruit (like all the drinks at White Lyan)! It’s a clever cocktail that tastes like a forager’s wet dream, with added earthiness from a sprinkling of beetroot dust on top. Make allowance in your plans for a lie-down under a bush afterwards.
Great for imagining you're... summering at River Cottage.
Rum & Roses at Punch Room at the London Edition
£13.50
White rum, elderflower liqueur, absinthe, lemon, sugar syrup and rose champagne
They say ‘For such a light and refreshing drink from our menu, it’s actually surprisingly boozy, especially thanks to its champagne float.’ Davide Segat, bar manager
We say This visually striking, two-tone drink with its giant orb of ice is a million miles from the punch served up at freshers parties. It’s just as potent, though. Sweet, floral notes from lemon and elderflower, and effervescence from a pink champers top make it a cracking summer serve.
Great for imagining you're... on a yacht on the French Riviera.
Americano at Frank's Cafe
£5.50
Campari, vermouth and soda
They say ‘This is our owner Frank’s favourite cocktail. It’s simple, bitter and goes down really smoothly.’ Alex Enotiades, bar manager
We say Simple summer classics are best enjoyed up on the roof at Frank’s. Somehow the altitude makes them all the more refreshing. Campari and red vermouth give one hell of a bitter kick to the Americano, but it’s brightened up with soda and a big chunk of orange. No mucking around – this is a straightforward summer champ.
Great for imagining you're... holidaying in Palm Springs, Sinatra-style.
Find more extraordinary drinks in London
London's most quirky cocktails
Fancy a drink with a twist? In London, creative bar teams go above and beyond just a run-of-the-mill twist, creating the most dazzling drinks that have to be seen to be believed. We’ve rounded up the most bonkers cocktails in the capital so you can get your quirky drink on.