Seemingly overnight, winter has arrived. Making my way around London the last couple of days, there has been a definite icy chill in the air. Yesterday evening I was late to meet friends due to my spending half an hour deciding which of last year’s scarves I could accessorise with this year’s outfits. With no time left to remember where I hid my gloves last March, I was left to wrap my extra long skinny scarf around my hands to keep them warm– a trend I doubt will be catching on anytime soon.
There are, however, simpler, chicer ways to keep warm this winter however, with a little help from the delicious cocktails on Regent Street. On a cold winters day, especially with Christmas approaching, surely there is nothing better than the idea of curling up in a warm bar, relaxing with friends after work, sipping on creamy cocktails of cinnamon syrup, Cointreau or chocolate liqueur... My mouth is watering already.
In the name of research (why else?) I took it upon myself to taste the delights of a few Cocktails available this season. After careful consideration, and several drinks... I decided that the belowzero Chocolatini was up there with the best on offer. A scintillating blend of Absolut Vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, Kahlua coffee liqueur and half ‘n’ half. The taste of the Kahlua with the butterscotch is rather reminiscent of Christmas and those winter evenings and is guaranteed to put you back in the festive mood once you have exhausted yourself with the task of gift shopping.
Another tasty delight offered by Below Zero is the White Chocolate creation (you may be right in sensing there is something of a theme where my tastebuds are concerned). Absolut Vanilla vodka is once again a key ingredient, although this time mixed with Mozart white Chocolate liqueur, vanilla syrup and half ‘n’ half. There is something about the chocolate in cocktails, presumably it is because one may feel they are twice as sinful!
The Langham Hotel is another that doesn’t disappoint in terms of its winter offerings. Black Forest – the name alone sounds sinfully tempting. A combination of Stolichnaya Elit and Chambord muddled with forest fruits then served with an indulgent layer of cream and chocolate. Naughty it may sound, but it is sure to fill a void on the cold evenings.
Moving away from the chocolate theme (I have to accept it may not be everyone’s cup of tea), there is always the Cobbled Toddy, the very sound of which reminds me of a grandfather sitting by the fire enjoying a glass of whisky on a winters eve. Indeed, the Cobbled Toddy mixes Monky Shoulder Triple Malt rosemary, pick clove cordial, dried apricots and cranberries, balanced with honey water and orange. The Cobbled Toddy is accompanied by a long drizzle of Taylor’s port.
If we are lucky enough to have some snow this year, I recommend you wrap up warm and sit outside The Living Room in Heddon Street, taking in the beauty of a white London. It’ll be no colder than the tres popular Absout Ice Bar, so why not sip on a Waldorf Martini with 8 year old Bacardi, Frangelico, apple juice and a touch of cinnamon for that festive flavour. Need something to warm up your toes? Try the Brandy Alexander, mixing brandy with Creme de cacao, milk, cream and nutmeg. Delicious!
These are of course just a sample of some of the amazing cocktails available on Regent Street this winter, a preview to get you started, one might say. At least you now know where to escape to when the crowds become a little overwhelming this shopping season.
Who said Christmas shopping had to be dull...?