Festive Old Fashioned Cocktail

15-12-2017 Local Black BookChristmas, cocktail, old fashioned, recipe, whiskey, whisky1 Comment

The old fashioned is the classic whisky cocktail.

And you know me, there’s nothing I like more than putting a twist on a classic…

Especially when said twist happens to be a festive one.

I mean, there’s a very limited period of time when people (my boyfriend) won’t judge me for adding cinnamon and cranberry to any food/drink that gets near me. And I fully intend to make the absolute most of it.

The perfect festive mix of sweet cranberry syrup, zesty orange and warming cinnamon, this festive old fashioned remains true to its classic roots, but with a little cheer-y lift.

The perfect berry & bright tipple to go alongside a spot of tree decorating and Bublé singalong.

But you know the drill – don’t drink and drive, ‘elf and safety etc…

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:49]

More (easy but life-changing) recipes to make this Christmas

Mulled-wine inspired Christmas martini (VE)

Turkey + cranberry sausage rolls

Christmas orange salad (VE)

Festive Brussel sprout slaw (V)

Dublin Mini Guide

04-04-2017 Local Black Bookdublin, Ireland, travel, whiskey, whisky4 Comments

My first plans of visiting Dublin go back a long, long while. Early 2012 to be precise.

And then my entire bag, including every form of ID I had got stolen and I couldn’t go. There was also the family trip for my brother’s 18th birthday I couldn’t attend because of work obligations, and the aborted trip because of poor weather conditions.

Fast forward 5 years almost to the day and there I was, finally stepping foot into the Emerald Isle’s capital. And it was totally worth the 5-year wait and anticipation.

A city in full reconversion where Celtic history meets the latest tech innovations, Dublin is a fascinating destination.

This means there’s something for everyone, from hipster designer goods to fine dining, from little community cafés to wow-inducing libraries. And then everything else.

It also means planning a trip to Dublin can feel rather daunting –especially for the most FOMO-prone amongst us– so I’ve gathered together the things we prefered from our short trip in case you need inspiration for a trip!

SEE

Trinity College Library’s Long Room

The largest library in Ireland, permanent home to the famous Book of Kells and acting as “copyright library”, the Trinity College Library comes at the top of every list of things to see in Dublin.

I’d usually run away from that sort of place, but its Long Room, panelled with wood, then covered in books from top to bottom is the real-life version of my Beauty & The Beast dreams and truly worth seing.

Book your tickets online and try to go early to avoid touristy crowds though.

Science Gallery

“It may have ‘science’ in the title, but each exhibition at the gallery proves it to be the most creative, innovative and artistic venue in Ireland.” – Shane Hegarty, Irish Times, April 2011

The current exhibition, Humans need not apply, looks into the collisions between automated world and consciousness and looks into the consequences on work and society of machines being incresingly able to do everything better, faster and for longer.

DO

Build-your-own whiskey tour

Whisky is to Dublin what wine is to Bordeaux – the water of life. Quite literally for the former, as the gaelic spelling of whiskey, uisce beatha, translates to “water of life”.

While the Irish capital lost all of its distilleries and most of its international trade following the two world wars and the American prohibition, the spirit of Dublin is nowadays coming back to the city, with distilleries such as Teeling producing and trading in the historical Liberties quarter and the brand-new Irish Whiskey Museum drawing on centuries of shared history.

Seasoned whisky drinkers will also enjoy the incredible Irish and international selection available at the Dingle Whisky Bar.

Get off the beaten track

Forget the never ending list must-visit places, forget the maps, tourist buses and the recommended itinerary. Instead, take the small streets, go ’round in circles and explore.

There’s no better way to discover what a city really is like and find true local gems in the process.

With plenty of gorgeous buildings, carefully curated designer stores (above is my favourite, Scout Dublin) and incredible street art, Dublin will throw plenty of good things your way!

A mini guide to Dublin, Ireland | Cake + Whisky Hoath, Ireland at sunset | Cake + Whisky

Make it to Hoath for the sunset

Because no matter how much I love cities, nothing beats a sun-kissing-the-sea sort of sunset (and the fresh-off(the-boat seafood doesn’t hurt either)!

EAT

The Fumbally

A locals’ favourite for great coffee, some of the best eggs in town and an unbeatable, laid-back atmosphere. Go early, especially on weekends, to avoid the (long) queues.

Forest Avenue

Financial Times-acclaimed neighbourhood dining room run by passionate husband and wife team, turning truly excellent seasonal ingredients into simple-yet-spectacular modern dishes.

The Winding Stairs:

After a browse through the little downstairs library amazing selection of weird and wonderful books, make sure you pop upstairs for a generous plate of their bread and butter pudding.

It’s golden, moist, drenched in salted caramel sauce and the absolute best pudding I’ve ever had. Absolutely life-changing.

Murphy’s:

4 words. Brown bread ice cream. Simply divine.

What’s your favourite thing to see, do or eat in Dublin? Any tips for my next trip?

Hudson Whiskey Tasting at The Vestry

07-02-2017 Local Black Bookevent, Hudson Whiskey, Restaurant, Smithfield, The Vestry, whiskey, whisky, Young's pub1 Comment

There’s no better feelling than that of discovering a new favourite place when you weren’t looking for it. You’re walking down a road you’ve walked down a thousand times before, and then you noticed it. It looks nice and welcoming, so you push the door and get in.

And before you know it, you end up at that very place 3 nights a week, or more if you happen to have visitors/good excuses.

I have a feeling that’s what’s going to happen with me and The Vestry.

Previously a vestry within St. Sepulchre’s Parish, The Vestry is a new wave wine bar a stone’s throw away from Smithfield Market. And basically the perfect local.

It’s big enough so there’s always a table available for you but intimate enough to feel a bit like home. It’s beautifully decorated, with plenty of dark wood and charming retro touches. The staff is adorable. The drinks selection is on point. And so is the local-focused, seasonally-led menu.

And as if that wasn’t enough, The Vestry also hosts regular food & drink sampling evenings and masterclasses where you can meet their favourite suppliers.

Given that whiskey is one of my not-so-secret weaknesses (the clue’s in the name, really!), I simply had to make it to the Hudson Whiskey tasting, hosted by global brand ambassador Tony Vanaria.

From the wish to create a climbing ranch to opening New York state’s first post-Prohibition distillery via many a creative production techniques (including the fantastic ‘Sonic maturation’), Hudson Whiskey’s history is just fascinating.

One of the pioneer of the craft American whiskey wave, the brand takes pride in their rather unconventional roots, sourcing the best local ingredient and trial-and-error-ing their way to make the best whiskey.

And they’ve done rather well for themselves.

It all started with Hudson’s Baby Bourbon, the first New York-aged whiskey since Prohibition – and New York’s first bourbon ever. Made with 100% Empire State corn, it’s a Bourbon in all its glory. Sweet, woody, smoky, with mellow notes of vanilla and caramel.

Just the ticket for a state-of-the-art Old Fashioned!

Delightful also in a Hudson Big Apple cocktail. Super easy to make too: in a tall glass, pour 35ml of Hudson’s Baby Bourbon over ice. Top with cloudy apple juice and a few dashes of orange bitters. Garnish with an apple slice and voilà!

If you’re more of a Manhattan or a Sazerac kind of person, Hudson’s rustic and spicy Manhattan Rye will be right down your alley. This was my favourite and I can’t wait for my next trip to Gerry’s to add one of the brand’s adorable little bottles to my spirit collection!

There’s also a blended Bourbon, made using a unique four grain blend, and a few special blends making the most of some ‘happy accidents’.

If you’re not sure which one’s for you, I recommend you make a beeline for your local Young’s pub and try them all. Or better yet, go to The Vestry. And if you spot me in a corner acting as if I’d always lived there, come say hi!

A great local, a great drink & a new friend… doesn’t that sound neat?!

The Vestry, 117 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6AA

Classic Old Fashioned

02-01-2017 Local Black Bookclassic cocktail, cocktail, cocktail of the month, drinks, old fashioned, recipe, whiskey, whiskyLeave a comment

I’m the most useless person when it comes to New Year’s resolutions.

New year, new me simply isn’t for me. The thing is, I don’t want things to change completely.

So what I’m wishing you & myself for 2017 is some more balance. Just as many cakes, cocktails, burgers and general naughtiness, but also some extra greens, vitamins and general healthy things.

Starting things as I mean to go on (and introducing the new ‘Cocktail of the month’ feature on Cake + Whisky!) with an Old Fashioned.

Simple, strong & smooth, it’s a true Mad Men-worthy cocktail and the perfect introduction to the world of drink mixing.

First of, peel a wide slice of orange peel and place it in a tumbler glass.

Top with 10ml simple sugar syrup (2 bar spoons) and muddle lightly using a bar spoon.

Add a double mesure (50ml) of your fave cocktail whisky (I used Woodford Reserve Bourbon).

Add 3 ice cubes and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

Stir with a bar spoon.

Pel another slice of orange peel and twist over the drink to release citrus oil, then rub the inside of the peel on the rim of the glass before adding the peel to the drink.

Repeat as many times as you have guests and serve immediately.

Oh, and if you’re going away some time soon (lucky you!), make sure you pick up one of Tipplesworth’s genius cocktail kits* to get everything you need to make the sassiest drinks on the go (or without having to leave your couch)!

What’s your favourite classic cocktail? Also, what sort of drinks would you like to see featured in this new ‘Cocktail of the month’ feature?

*The old fashioned cocktail kit I used to mix this drink was sent to me by Tipplesworth but all pictures, opinions and inability to take new year’s resolutions my own.

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