You’d need a large group of friends and a never-ending appetite for cocktails if you wanted to sample all of London’s most tantalising tipples.
But instead of going door-to-door trying a little of everything, we’ve rounded up five of the finest bars in the city to try a delicious cocktail. Working with Grand Marnier, these six places have switched things up on the menu to offer Londoners a brand new range of drinks: the perfect pre-Christmas treat. Read on for everywhere you need to visit!
Rules
Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, wholeheartedly embraces its history from decor to dish. Framed paintings deck the halls, red velvet covers the dining booths and everything is made out of dark wood. Come along for the food and stay for the cocktails: it’s impossible to visit Rules without bookending your meal with a visit to the intimate cocktail bar upstairs.
Here, you’ll find a wondrous variety of drinks, ranging from the Cosmic, made up of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Sparkling Wine and Pomegranate Soaked Sugar Cube, and the Negroni – Grand Marnier, Campari and Gin stirred over Ice with an Orange Peel Garnish. 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB
Freud
When we say that Freud does cocktails well, it’s a vast understatement. Freud combines expert knowledge, mouthwatering ingredients and a freshly updated blackboard to offer Londoners some of the best drinks in the business. Some of that expertise might come from the fact that Freud has been around for decades: it launched as Britain’s first cafe-bar in 1986 and has been wowing Londoners ever since. In true Christmas spirit, Freud has recently revealed a new collection of drinks.
Come along after work or on the weekend and get cosy with a Grand 75 (Champagne, orange, Cognac, Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, lemon juice), a Saint Clements (Grand Marnier, Cognac, lemon juice, sugar, orange juice), the Winter Negroni (Campari, Gin, Vermouth, Grand Marnier) or a Snow Queen (O’ndina, Grand Marnier, sugar, lemon juice, egg white). 198 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JL
Everyman
The cinema might not seem like the best place to go for top cocktails but, just like everything else at Everyman, the drinks are perfectly luxe. In fact, the beautiful lounge space is the perfect place to kick back with a drink whilst waiting for your film to begin – and happily, you’ll find the Grand Marnier Grand 75 at Everyman’s stylish bar throughout December. On the screen itself – which, naturally, has been blessed by Everyman’s trademark comfy seating – you’ll catch a range of blockbuster and arthouse films, with special events adding yet another string to their bow. Locations throughout the UK.
Demon & Wise
It’s safe to say that Demon & Wise is officially one of London’s best kept secrets. Make yourself comfy in the basement bar and keep one eye on the countdown on the wall and the other on the impressive cocktail in front of you. Because at Demon and Wise, things are done a little differently: once the countdown from 100 reaches zero, a cocktail is switched on the menu.
Tucked away close to Bank station, come along to sample The Grand Crusta, a WISE recipe #18 of Brandy Crusta made with the exceptional Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre. 27a Throgmorton St, London EC2N 2AN
Opium
Is there any better combo than dim sum and cocktails? Head to Opium; the oriental themed cocktail bar and Dim Sum parlour in the heart of Chinatown. Made up of three bars spread across two floors, Opium is inspired by 1920s Shanghai with a twist of modern indulgence. A sparkling new cocktail menu is all the persuasion you need to visit, and includes delicious concoctions like the Kumquat Crusta (Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Cognac-infused kumquat, fresh lemon juice, basil and sugar). 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE
Mews of Mayfair
This gorgeous restaurant and bar is tucked away down a stylish street in super-swish Mayfair. The offer allows you to choose from their delicious cocktail list that includes homemade creations such as “A Blazer”, a delicious concoction made up of Grand Marnier, Chambord, Cognac, Demerara sugar and ripped berries. 10-11 Lancashire Ct, Mayfair, London W1S 1EY
This article was sponsored by Grand Marnier. 18+ only. Please drink responsibly. For all the facts, visit drinkaware.co.uk.