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…

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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)

On Whisky Cocktails

04-08-2017 Local Black Bookcocktail, recipe, whiskyLeave a comment

Whisky is a divider sort of drink.

You love it or you loathe it.

You drink it neat or on the rocks, with maybe a few classic cocktails thrown in for good measure.

And that’s about all the options there seem to be.

But while I’m a neat-whisky-loving kind of person with some bias towards a nicely crafted Manhattan, Sazerac or Whisky Sour, I still find this vision to be quite limitative.

Whisky doesn’t have to be the manly-man drink it’s too often seen as being.

Drinking whisky can be done in a variety of ways.

Whisky cocktails don’t always have to be strong – they can also be subtle, and go all the way around the flavour wheel.

Spicy, floral, zesty, herbacious… the only limit is your imagination – or that of a good bartender, as recently demonstrated by an incredible Bruichladdich-based cocktail I tried recently at The Rosewood’s Scarfes Bar.

Unlike any whisky I’d ever tried before, this was fresh and sour, subtle and floral and all-in-all absolutely fantastic!

So if you’re convinced you’re a whisky loather, give this one a go… maybe it’ll convert you!

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More cocktail recipes:

Pineapple Fizz Mocktail

Classic Old Fashioned

Rapsberry Wine Spritzer

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.

LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift

19-10-2016 Local Black BookCity, City of London, event, London, lovescotch, masterclass, mixology, pop-up, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Scotch whisky, the drift, whiskyLeave a comment

Neat, on ice or with soda.

That’s pretty much the only options you have when it comes to Scotch whisky.

Lovescotch Pop-Up at The Drift

Or rather, had, before the #Lovescotch pop-up opened.

An exclusive partnership between swanky City restaurant The Drift and upscale spirit brand Diageo, Lovescotch aims at proving that Scotch is much more versatile that it’s given credit for.

Until March 2017, you can get stuck into ‘Scotchtail’ (understand classic cocktails with a whisky twist) masterclasses and experiential tasting and just generally soak up the gorgeous surroundings.

I mean, how pretty does the pop-up look? Very antique-store meets boudoir, super-intimate and just my kind of place.

Add in the opportunity to experiment with cocktails you already know & love (each with an exciting twist!) and you’re in for a treat from up North!

The Scotchtail Masterclasses shows the diversity of Scotch by experimenting with it in classic cocktails, where traditionally other spirits would have been used.

Combining Johnnie Walker Gold, passionfruit liqueur, vanilla & pineapple juice and served with a Champagne chaser, the Goldmember is a clever take on The Drift’s Pornstar Martini bestseller.

The same tangy flavour as the classic, but with a more grown-up, complex finish – the perfect way to make any whisky-hater change their mind!

And a great accompaniment to The Drift’s generous Meat Platter!

Piled high with chicken Satay skewers served with smooth peanut sauce, mini beef sliders, fiery chorizo, more-ish Scotch egg, served alongside piping hot fries and onion rings and unbelievably addictive smoked paprika mayo…

But the fun doesn’t stop there, there’s still a world of Scotchtails to try!

My favourite was the Seven Flowers, a citrusy mix of Haig Clubman scotch, elderflower syrup and lemon juice, all topped with Champagne.

Sweet, sour and incredibly elegant.

Lovescotch Pop-Up at The Drift

And incredibly easy to make, should you want to give it a go: just pour, shake, sieve and serve!

Or you know, let the amazing people at The Drift do it for you! Whether you’re a Mojito fan, an Espresso Martini aficionado, a Pornstar Martini lover, or a French 75 addict, LoveScotch is really quite a neat place to be.

Masterclasses are available for private bookings and would make for the perfect start to a girls’ night out (or a brilliant way to switch up the office’s traditional Christmas party for something a bit more un-usual!).

#LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift / until March 2017 / More information on The Drift’s website

The Drift, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

*I got invited by The Drift to try out the #Lovescotch pop-up but all cocktail lovin’ and slider addiction my own.

Basement Sate Dessert & Cocktail Bar

23-08-2016 Local Black BookBasement Sate, chocolate, citrus, cocktail, cocktail bar, cocktails, dessert, dessert bar, London, negroni, pudding, recommendation, Restaurant, review, Soho, whisky3 Comments

A party without cake is really just a meeting.

And birthday meetings aren’t really a thing, so cake was most definitely needed after our Bao feast.

Dessert bars are having a bit of a revival in London, and Basement Sate was one of the trend-setters.

Created by two friends who love well made drinks, decadent desserts and meaningful music in equal parts.

Inspired by the revival of Soho, they created a place where people can sate (= satisfy (a desire or an appetite) to the full) themself in an informal and social setting, and where the music is as vibrant as the cocktails & desserts.

Cocktails + dessert it was then!

Basement Sate | Cake + Whisky

Little Japan for the Mr.

Basement Sate | Cake + Whisky

An unusual but intoxicating mix of Japanese whisky, artichoke liqueur and sweet vermouth.

El Pampa (pisco, almond & champagne syrup, granny smith juice) for me.

… and then the puds!

The Hazelnut Rocher.

A Ferrero-inspired wonder combining hazelnut praline brownie, chocolate espuma, milk chocolate sphere, dark gianduja, caramelised hazelnuts, chocolate caviar and caramelia pearls.

Between smashing the chocolate dome & all the endorphins, it’d be a delicious cure for a bad day (and the perfect way to make a good one eve better!)

And then there was fruit.

Cocktail-inspired fruit-based pud’, that is…

The beautiful, zesty & exotic Bitter Orange.

Basically a Negroni in dessert-shape, with white and pink grapefruit jelly, gin-infused rhubarb wind, vanilla poached rhubarb, chocolate crumble & orange sponge cake.

Creative desserts & cocktails, Basement Sate definitely lived up to the expectation and is the perfect venue for any special celebration (or any time you want to treat the sweet-toothed in your life!)

Only one thing left to say: ‘Pip Pip Hooray, it (was) my birthday’

Basement Sate, 8 Broadwick Street, Soho, London W1F 8HN

PIN FOR LATER:

7 best London restaurants for Father’s Day

14-06-2016 Local Black BookBar Kick, Bart's, Bunga Bunga, chocolate, cocktails, dad, Euros 2016, event, Father's Day, Flat iron, football, Il Porco, London, Pig & Butcher, Restaurants, roast, steak, whiskyLeave a comment

I’ve never been Daddy’s little girl but I’ll still take any opportunity to spoil my parents. After all, it’s only fair after all they’ve done and are still doing for me.

Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat the most important man in your life (sorry BF…).

There are billions of ways you can do that of course, but my favourite way to say thank you is with a nice meal out…

1. You can’t go wrong with a classic: Sunday roast at Pig & Butcher

A local favourite for all things British and nose-to-tail, The Pig & Butcher is Islington’s hot spot when it comes to Sunday roast and the perfect place to indulge in dad’s Sunday fave (and maybe a Bloody Mary or two…).

The Pig & Butcher, 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD

Menus + bookings

2. Too much month left at the end of the money? £10 steak at Flat Iron

Treating dad needn’t cost an arm and leg (+ steak dinner’s a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to spoiling the old man) and Flat Iron £10 steak ticks all the boxes: juicy steak cooked to perfection, for less money that you’d pay for pizza and a free ice cream cone to top it all… what more could you possibly want?

Flat Iron, several London locations

More info

3. Personalised Pies at Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Mr Fogg’s Tavern’s award-winning pies are becoming personal for Father’s Day. The Victorian inspired Pub, Gin Parlour and Salon in Covent Garden will be offering exclusive personalized pies for Dad. Perfect to make it a Father’s Day to remember!

Mr Fogg’s Tavern, 58 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4EA

Bookings + Personalised pie orders

4. Have your pie & eat it too: Gentlemen’s Afternoon Tea at The Athenaeum

Credit Photo: Hot and Chilli

The Athenaeum Gentlemen’s afternoon tea was designed with those who prefer savoury to sweet treats in mind. Think wild boar sausage rolls, mini steak and ale pies, cheddar and bacon scones… and single malt scotch from the whisky menu!

The Athenaeum, 116 Piccadilly, London W1J 7BJ

More info, menu + bookings

5. Football extravaganza at Bar Kick

Credit Photo: Paul Winch-Furness

Does your dad live & breathe for the Euros football competition right now? Then he’ll love Bar Kick. Not only do they show live football, but there’s also table football tables, an extensive beer menu and a reasonably-priced Euros-inspired menu! The best place to cheer on Euros 2016-host France on Father’s Day!

Bar Kick, 127 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JE

More info + bookings

6. Father’s Day Il Porco Feast at Bunga Bunga

This Father’s Day, spend your dough on Dad at Battersea’s hit Italian-inspired restaurant, bar and karaoke joint Bunga Bunga. On Sunday, 19th June enjoy Il Porco, one of London’s most authentic Italian hog roasts with all the trimmings. Grab your knife and pork this Father’s Day and tuck in!

Bunga Bunga, 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London SW11 3BA

More info + bookings

7. Dad likes the finest things in life? Whisky + chocolate masterclass at Bart’s

Celebrate the day with Dad by sampling top notch whiskies from around the globe and indulge in specialty chocolate pairings from Chelsea’s hidden cocktail bar Barts. Barts’ world-class bar team will provide guests with an hour and a half of tip top tuition about the fine art of whiskey and chocolate pairing, talking through the tasting notes of each variety of whiskey and explaining in detail how each distinctly pairs with the rich flavours of the chocolate.

Barts, Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DW

More info + bookings

How are you treating your dad this Father’s Day? Any fun plans?

Dusk til Pawn, Manchester

11-04-2016 Local Black Bookbar, cocktail, cocktail bar, drinks, Dusk til Pawn, gin, Manchester, recommendation, review, travel, UK, whisky2 Comments

Manchester is a great city by day, but it only comes truly alive at night.

Famous across the country for its buzzy nightlife and eclectic music scene, Mancurian bars & clubs are second to none and a visit to one of the city’s top cocktail bars is an absolute weekend must-do.

Manchester’s hip Northern Quarter is full of great places to spend the night, but top of my list is Dusk til Pawn.

Find the big ‘Pawn Shop’ sign in the window and make a beeline for one of Manchester’s coolest speakeasy bars.

Popular with locals and visitors alike, Dusk til Pawn is famous for both its creative cocktail menu & its great atmosphere.

… not to mention its impressive liquor collection (and that’s not even all of it!)!

Grab a seat at the bar, pick your poison and watch in awe as the bartenders work their magic, stirring, mixing and shaking glass after glass of delicious creations for you to taste.

Favourites included The Sinnerman (Bourbon, cinnamon, cherry juice)

The Bail Bond (House celery gin, elderflower, rosemary, tonic)

The Brass Ball (Whisky, marmelade, ginger, bitters)

Make sure you also order ‘A Million Dollars’.

You might not end up quite as rich as you’d expect, but you certainly are in for a treat…

… And a bit of a show!

Dusk til Pawn, Manchester | Cake + Whisky

Let the oak smoke infuse into the barrel-aged fig old fashioned for as long as you can bare it.

Then delight in the strong smokey notes, balancing perfectly against the sweetness of the fig.

Another highlight was the Diamond Glove (Gin, rhubarb, rosemary, grapefruit).

And even if you’re late to make it for your restaurant reservation (#truestory), you must have a Hustle (oh, the irony!)

Combining house plum gin, bail, lime and pomegranate, it’s one of the most surprising cocktails I’ve ever tasted.

Quite worth the risk of ending up without a table to be honest…

So whether you live there all year round or are just visiting for a couple of days, make sure you include Dusk til Pawn into your Manchester weekend plans.

And in case you were wondering, yes, we did make it in time for our dinner booking in the end.

But that my friends is a (burger full) story for another day (tomorrow)…

Dusk til Pawn, Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester M1 1FB

Cake and Whisky

Life in London and other almost-grown-up tales

Menu

whisky

Festive Old Fashioned Cocktail

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

On Whisky Cocktails

More cocktail recipes:

Dublin Mini Guide

SEE

Trinity College Library’s Long Room

Science Gallery

DO

Build-your-own whiskey tour

Get off the beaten track

Make it to Hoath for the sunset

EAT

The Fumbally

Forest Avenue

The Winding Stairs:

Hudson Whiskey Tasting at The Vestry

The Vestry, 117 Charterhouse St, London EC1M 6AA

Classic Old Fashioned

LoveScotch pop-up at The Drift

Basement Sate Dessert & Cocktail Bar

7 best London restaurants for Father’s Day

Dusk til Pawn, Manchester