quirky

The Carousel, New Orleans

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Cocktails were definitely on the list when in New Orleans. We had a few obligatory Hurricanes, but when we tasted one of those vile grape-flavoured Voodoo-slushie thing, we realised it was time to up our cocktail game.

And that (and my obsession for Pinterest) is how we found the prettiest bar on Earth.
Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansA classy carousel for adults, where you can sit, drink the best cocktails and see the world (or at least the bar) unfold in front of your eyes. It was everything I was longing for.
Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansCake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansI could have just stayed there in the doorway staring at this spinning carousel for hours.
Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansCake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansGood thing it was rather busy so I get plenty of time to do so! Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansSoon enough, a couple of seats became available and jumped on them!Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansThe cocktails are the perfect mix of classic and local. Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansVieux Carré, Old Fashioned, Sazerac…  Taking their roots in old-school, traditional American cocktails, they’re mixed to perfection by the ace bar team. Cake + Whisky | Carousel bar, New OrleansA classy hotel bar without being too stuffy, The Carousel bar was the perfect start to our evening, before we tumbled down to The Preservation Hall for the best of jazz concerts. I don’t have any pictures or videos, but take my word on it and go, go, GO!!

What’s your favourite cocktail bar? Any I should add to my list?

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The Carousel, New Orleans

VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg’s

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“Little nips of whisky, little drops of gin,

Make a lady wonder where on earth she’s been” – Anon.

Gin is, in my mind, intimatelly linked to London. Even though its origins can be traced back to both Holland and Italy where it’s most probably been invented, Londoners very quickly fell head over heels (quite literally, see Gin Craze) for that spirit and it’s been included in many typically British cocktails, and stars in one of my own favourites, Gin & Tonic.

I’ll admit that I’m far from being an expert, but I’m working on it. And what better way for that than being invited over to taste London’s latest gin blend, VII Hills? 

VII Hills was created by three of London’s best bartenders, who are behind award-winning bar Mr Fogg’s: Danilo Tersigni, Filippo Previero and Francesco Medici. True to their Italian roots, they created a blend combining ancient Roman botanicals with the great British art of distillery to create a unique flavour of past and present.

Just like Mr Fogg’s incomparable atmosphere, VII Hills Gins end up being somewhere juggling between tradition and quirkiness.

Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonThe promise of cocktails was the perfect excuse to catch up with some of my absolute favourite London bloggers, Rosie of A Little Lusciousness and Jasiminne of Posh, Broke & Bored. Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonWhile discussing each other’s current projects (Rosie is planning a few pop-up dinners in July and they look absolutely ace!), we couldn’t help but click too many pictures of the surroundings… but in my defence, aren’t those bowl hat lamps the cuttest?Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonAfter some plotting to take various pieces of the decor home (we didn’t), it was time for the tasting to begin! We started with VII Hills Gin by itself, which was quite wonderful as it had very pleasant sweet orange notes on top of the usual juniper, with fairly spicy, almost Szechuan-like mid-tones. Very unlike anything else I’ve tried before and definitely on my radar for this summer’s G&Ts!Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonWe also got to try the VII Hills Gin in two of Mr Fogg’s signature cocktail, starting with the ridiculously pretty Cape of Good Hope (VII Hills Gin, pear puree, fresh rosemary, lavender tincuture, egg white & soda)Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonSurprisingly enough, it looks almost as pretty when it’s empty! I mean, look at those swirls!
Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonThe Kiouni (VII Hills Gin, St Germain liqueur, apple juice, lime juice and peach bitter) might seem a lot simpler but tasted of summer. Since the weather doesn’t seem to want to take the calendar into consideration, I suppose this is the next best thing. Cake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonCake + Whisky | VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg's LondonOne last cup of coffee and we were on our way. Up, up and away?

VII Hills Gin tasting at Mr Fogg’s