Eight Londoners – including Giles Coren and Amy Lamé – tell us why there's nowhere on earth like their favourite boozer
A Gentleman's Breakfast
Ingredients
Bacon-infused Gentleman Jack, angostura bitters, marmalade and a whole egg, served with a rasher of bacon.
Sami Terki, bartender at London Cocktail Club, says
'A seasonal alternative to our popular signature drink. It's a whiskey cocktail with added marmalade for an orangey twang.'
We say
This concoction promises boisterous flavours with the laddish presentation but is actually quite subtle. The bourbon kick and marmalade flavour are restrained. It feels like breakfast in a glass with its thick, frothy texture. Plus you get to eat a rasher of bacon, and who doesn't love bacon?
Perfect for
Metrosexual cabbies
London Cocktail Club, various locations
Rumpumkingston
Ingredients
Appleton rum, Wray & Nephew rum, apricot brandy, pumpkin puree, orange juice and lemon juice.
Ali Reynold, bartender at Hawksmoor Spitalfields Bar, says
'This is a bonfire night-inspired autumnal punch. The pumpkin purée is a nod to Halloween and the rich flavours from the rum work well with the orange and apricot.'
We say
This is like holding on to the end of summer while autumn drags you into the cold. The citrus and apricot flavours suggest sunny days while the pumpkin hints at nights spent indoors. It comes together as an easily drinkable combo. Imagine wearing a Halloween costume at Notting Hill Carnival.
Perfect for
People who want to ease themselves into autumn in leisurely fashion.
Hawksmoor Spitalfields Bar, 157a Commercial St, E1 6BJ
Stout Flip
Ingredients
Four Roses Small Batch bourbon, stout, one whole egg, sugar syrup and grated nutmeg.
Jay Smith, bartender at Reverend JW Simpson, says
'This recipe is designed around a classic flip [a smooth mixed drink often made with egg]. The warm flavours should make you feel like you're sitting by the fire with a whisky or stout and the nutmeg brings out a custard-tart creaminess.'
We say
It looks like a cappuccino in a mini beer mug, which tricks you into thinking it will be a sweet creamy dessert – instead, prepare yourself for a sharp, bitter, boozy delight.
Perfect for
Autumn afternoon fireside cosiers.
Reverend JW Simpson, 32 Goodge St, W1T 2QJ
Daiquiri Bellota
Ingredients
El Dorado Rum, Licor de Bellota (acorn liquor), Amontillado Napoleon sherry, lime juice and sugar syrup.
Sean Fennelly, bartender at PortSide Parlour, says
'An autumnal twist on a classic daiquiri: it has a pan-Mediterranean feel but also nutty and spicy flavours for the colder weather.'
We say
Like the Christmas cake you've always dreamed of – but without the raisins. The acorn liquor is the masterstroke. In fact, can we just have a bottle of that?
Perfect for
Sophisticated Squirrel Nutkinses.
Portside Parlour, 14 Rivington St, EC2A 3DU
Lucky Pear
Ingredients
Centinela Tequila Blanco infused with kaffir lime leaves, walnut bitters, fresh lime, cardamom syrup, agave, fresh pear, blackberries and egg white.
Kate Jackson, bartender at Call Me Mr Lucky, says
'Inspiration came from the comfort food we love in the chillier months, like pies and crumbles, and especially blackberries which have a fantastic autumnal colour. The flavour from the cardamom and black walnut gives a warm depth, which makes a lovely comparison with the kaffir lime and pear.'
We say
Think of a decadent Innocent smoothie. The pear gives it a velvety texture and you can try and convince yourself you're still being healthy.
Perfect for
Post-gym self-deluders.
Call Me Mr Lucky, 11-12 Southwark St, SE1 1RQ
Orchard Fall
Ingredients
Benedictine, cognac or brandy, apple juice, lemon juice and grated nutmeg.
Mark Komorowski, bartender at Shaker & Company, says
'We've mixed the herbal flavour of the Benedictine liqueur to bring out the apples, and topped it all off with nutmeg, which gets you in the mood for Christmas.'
We say
Imagine a classy apple crumble in a glass. It's nicely balanced – like a lighter version of a mulled cider – and easy to sip without feeling like you're getting smashed.
Perfect for
Those who fancy a country ramble.
Shaker & Company, 119 Hampstead Rd, NW1 3EE
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