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Sipping Cocktails in the Heart of London

Columbia Hillen

Photos Credit: Columbia Hillen

As there are so many top mixologists plying their trade in London and so many diverse bars with contrasting atmospheres, an evening of cocktail tasting is a fun way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night ‘on the town.’

Columbia Hillen

Brumus Bar

When George Youssef, manager of Brumus Bar at the Haymarket Hotel, said he’d make what he termed ‘a dirty bathtub gin,’ the offer didn’t sound too attractive. But when it arrived, as a generous amount of liquor in a miniature white bath with a light layer of foam on top, it made an extremely pretty picture. The foam – who takes baths without it? – was created from frothy egg white while the ‘dirty’ aspect to the drink was the result of several drops of Blue Curacao. An infusion of lavender and lemongrass added a refreshing floral twist. If you want to surprise your friends, this will do the trick.

Youssef is a former stage performer and his enthusiasm and showmanship makes for an entertaining evening. His sense of creativity is reflected in the innovative nature of the cocktail menu, which includes a ‘Barbecued Daquiri,’ served inside a miniature barbecue with a grilled caramelized peach and an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ blend of American rye whiskey with crushed pineapple, cherry liquor and vanilla. His ‘Cottage Garden’ for the upcoming Chelsea Flower Show is a mix of jasmine gin, rose petal syrup and St. Germain elderflower, topped off with a dash of soda water, decorated with borage.

Columbia Hillen

Artesian Bar

Sean Hillen

During an international media career spanning several decades in Europe and the US, Sean Hillen has worked for many leading publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Times London, The Daily Telegraph, Time magazine and The Irish Times Dublin, as well as at the United Nations Media Center in New York. Sean's travel writing for JustLuxe.com and worlditineraries.co has taken him across A...(Read More)

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