I know I have tried a lot of cocktail tastings during lockdown. I’m so used to being out with friends and drinking gorgeous cocktails, it is my way of continuing that but in the comfort of my own home. The events I have done with The Liquorists and Stockport Gin were such great fun, but you are generally tied to a specific time and date for your drinks. Obviously during lockdown there wasn’t much else to do so it isn’t the biggest issue, but now things are lifting and we can venture out again, The Lockdown Cocktail Club have an alternative offering that might be right up your street.
The Lockdown Cocktail Club was born when Boris plunged us into lockdown, closing our bars and restaurants. Three Manchester bartenders were furloughed and created a Zoom cocktail party. They soon realised that they had stumbled on a unique idea and decided to create a cocktail box to be delivered directly to their customers.
Each box contains everything you need to create five different cocktails at home, bar a bag of ice and some glassware. Everything is posted so you can enjoy The Lockdown Cocktail Club’s drinks anywhere in the UK. Instead of a set date and time to join for a zoom call, you are sent a QR code that directs you to a video from the bartenders, showing you exactly how to mix each cocktail. The beauty of this is that you can get friends together from their own home and pause the video whenever you like. It means you can take your time with each drink, replay it if you get a bit lost and have a natter with your mates in between. Win win.
The kit also includes a cute plastic shaker and shot glass, the perfect size to measure out the ingredients when you need to. They really have thought of everything.
I *think* they are currently looking at changing their menu but, when I did the tasting it was themed on the seasons. The drinks are all very different and I genuinely think there would be something to suit most palates included. Let me talk you through them.
Starting with Spring, I followed the instructions of expert bartender James and made the Italiano 75. A refreshing and zesty mix of Sipsmith gin, lemon syrup and prosecco. It really is a perfect spring style drink and one that I will be recreating for many weeks to come. You all know I am a sucker for a glass of fizz.
Summer was next with the Jungle Bird. Sailor Jerrys Spiced Rum, Campari, lemon syrup and pineapple juice is shaken together for a well balanced drink that is a little bitter, a little fruity, a little sweet. The perfect beverage for those hot summer nights and one of those that you will be 3-4 down without realising it. Deliciously potent.
For Autumn, there was something very different in the Beggar’s Banquet. Bulleit bourbon is shaken with apricot liqueur and lemon syrup before being topped with Jaipur pale ale. The spicy notes of the bourbon are mellowed by the apricot liqueur and I love that you can use as much or as little of the pale ale as you like to adjust it to your taste. I’m not a big ale fan but this is definitely my favourite way to drink it!
Winter is that absolute classic, the Espresso Martini. Always the first cocktail I order at the bar although I have to stop after one or two otherwise I don’t sleep! This version combines Absolut Vanilla vodka, coffee liqueur and espresso. A vigorous shake gives that trademark crema on the top for a lovely way to toast the end of what has been a pretty horrific year, made better with booze.
A cheeky added extra to say goodbye to a truly horrific year, and I’m sure a way for The Lockdown Club to use up that prosecco, is the Pornstar Martini. The cocktail I turn to when I know I’ve had too much espresso…. here we shake Absolut Vanilla vodka, Passoa and pineapple before serving with a side of prosecco. James tells you exactly how you should drink it as well, please take heed!
The Lockdown Cocktail Club is a lovely trip through the year in booze and the perfect way to have virtual drinks with your friends, without being rushed through a tasting at a set time/date. Get boxes sent to everyone and enjoy a night of fun and booze with your buddies. There is nothing better.
Prices start from £45 but there is currently a great sale on where you can get your box for just £39. It’s well worth it. Grab yours at The Lockdown Cocktail Club website.
Contains PR Samples
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