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Shaken or stirred, dirty or dry, there’s one thing that we can all agree on: martinis are pretty damn chic. Sitting at a bar, frosted glass in hand, nibbling at an olive garnish (a drink that comes with its own snack – yes, please!) makes us feel like we’re in an episode of Sex and the City or Mad Men.
And martinis are having a bit of a moment in London right now – particularly cheap, sub-tenner ones. Last year Time Out named the city’s top martinis, featuring £8 drinks in Dalston and top tipples in classic haunts like Dukes and The Connaught.
The latest to jump on the trend is Soho’s Bob Bob Ricard. Best known for its selection of French fizz – yes, this is the place with the ‘Press for Champagne’ buttons – its latest cocktail menu addition sniffs is apparently not just the first of its kind in London, but a first for the entire planet.
Using mysterious sorcery (and a seriously cold freezer) Bob Bob Ricard’s Soho joint now serves martinis at a bone-chilling -22C, which it claims is the world’s coldest edition of the drink. No ice or dilution is involved, just the liquid poured straight from a frozen bottle.
It takes temperatures as low as -24°C to -27°C to freeze vodka solid, so the team at Bob Bob Ricard have attempted to chill the drink to the max while avoiding any icicles.
As if that wasn’t decadent enough, expect white-gloved waiters to serve the drink tableside into frozen martini glasses. Guests can choose either a gin or vodka base. Garnishes are one of the only things being kept simple here, limited to a twist or an olive to allow ‘the liquid to speak for itself’.
Warning to city slickers looking to load up over lunch: the new serve isn’t available at Bob Bob Ricard’s Leadenhall spot. You’ll only find it at the Soho joint at 1 Upper James Street (W1F 9DF).
Looking to taste test the competition? Check out Time Out’s expert guide to martinis in London with Rita’s restaurateur Missy Flynn.
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