Early February saw me dressed in an Audrey Hepburn style dress visiting the latest speakeasy in the city for a vintage themed evening. Not the way I usually spend a Tuesday evening but with the promise of 5 cocktails and canapes for the bargain price of £15, it was one evening I didn’t want to miss.
Mullen Bartending were our hosts for the evening mixing and shaking some classic vintage style cocktails in the lush surroundings of the Fitzgerald. You will find the speakeasy above Rosylee Tearooms with the entrance down the street at the side of Hula. The décor is plush with large Chesterfield sofas giving the homely yet elegant feel this venue deserves.
Unfortunately we were slightly late so missed the canapes which were circling but were in time for the first cocktail of the night; a Negroni made simply with Hunters gin, sweet vermouth and bitters. I’m a big fan of this Cheshire gin having been fortunate enough to have attended an evening with their creators who, were also at Please Don’t Tell. It was lovely to catch up with them and see what they plan for the future of the spirit. The drink itself went down well with Charlie who is a lover of a stronger cocktail. A true classic created in Italy in the early 1920s so perfect for the menu. It isn’t a cocktail I would usually order and was a little too strong for me but the sweetness of the orange was welcomed.
Despite not being a whisky fan the Brown Derby was a short yet slightly sweeter drink. The addition of grape juice sweetened up the Buffalo Trace, sweet vermouth and bitters perfectly. This originates from L.A. in the 1930s so, once again, the perfect choice for this menu.
A margarita followed using Excellia Blanco tequila, Cointreau, sugar syrup and lime. Another classic hailing from the 1940s I had a splash more lime juice in mine than everyone else. What can I say, I prefer a long cocktail and Sean from Mullen Bartending accommodated my palate! And I love lime, being a rum lover it is my favourite addition to any cocktail.
Speaking of rum we were also treated to a daiquiri using a personal favourite; Ron Cubay. Not just any Ron Cubay rum though, oh no, this was had 7 year old and 3 year old in it as well as fresh lime and sugar syrup. It wouldn’t be a shock, I’m guessing, to hear that this was my favourite of the night. Tart lime cut through the sweet yet uniquely fruity flavours of the rum so well. I’d have happily drank these all night.
Lastly we enjoyed a martini. Reyka vodka, sweet vermouth and Icelandic bitters create a famous cocktail made popular by James Bond who preferred his shaken not stirred. It would appear Bond wasn’t always right in his choices as Sean stirred this one (with the comment… Bond is cool, but bartenders are cooler) and it went down a treat. The bitters are particularly interesting giving a gentle spice to the drink. This is the perfect serve of Reyka and the bitters were designed specifically for the brand, it works so well.
A fantastic night of classic cocktails whilst being introduced to some new and exciting spirits. And you haven’t completely missed out! The next event is planned for the 4th March with an Americana theme… £15 for 4 cocktails, a spirit masterclass, a guest beverage and canapes is a bargain! You can get your tickets HERE. I’ll see you at the bar because, like Sean says, some bartenders are cooler than Bond.
All photographs are copyright to Jamie Stephenson Photography and are not to be used without his permission. Thanks for letting me feature them Jamie.
This event was paid for.
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