Celebrating World Cocktail Day with Our Cocktail Guru
As the sun is shining on May 13th, cocktail enthusiasts around the globe raise their glasses to celebrate World Cocktail Day. This day is dedicated to the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship behind the perfect cocktail.
To mark this occasion, we sat down with our very own cocktail guru, Luisa, to delve into the world of mixology and uncover some secrets behind crafting the perfect libation.
Q: What do you love about making cocktails?
Making cocktails is not just a job for me, it’s a thrilling adventure that allows me to express my creativity and passion for social interactions!
Whether it’s at weddings, events, or special occasions at the prestigious No. 9 restaurant, I get to engage with customers and witness the joy on their faces when they taste my cocktails. It’s a magical feeling to know that I’ve given them an unforgettable experience.
Moreover, I am a history buff, especially when it comes to cocktails.
During the exhilarating cocktail masterclasses I conduct at Chapel House, guests can choose from a range of cocktails, and I dive deep into the history of each ingredient, discovering their fascinating origins. It’s an exciting process that I absolutely love!
Q: What do you believe sets a great cocktail apart from the rest?
Luisa: “For me, it’s all about balance. A great cocktail should have a harmonious blend of flavours, with each ingredient complementing the others. Texture, aroma, and presentation are also key factors in elevating a cocktail from good to exceptional.”
Q: What is your favourite cocktail to make?
It’s the hardest question to answer as a Bartender, but the ‘Wild Apple Orchard, ’ a signature cocktail we make here at Chapel House Estate, is definitely one of my favourite drinks.
It screams spring with its beautiful gradient and fresh taste.
We try to use as much as we can from the 35 acres that surround us.
During the right seasons, we pick apples from our orchard and mint from our beautiful garden.
Start by picking the lower leaves off your mint sprig, clapping, and putting them straight into your Boston Tin.
Add half a lemon’s juice…30ml Anno elderflower vodka, 25ml Vela vodka and 50ml apple juice.
Shake well to break up the mint and release all the oils.
Add a splash of Grenadine to the bottom of your Highball, fill it with cubed ice, and single-strain the cocktail.
Garnish with the top of your mint sprig and an apple fan.
Honestly, this is the kind of drink that I can easily have a few of; it dangerously tastes too fresh to be as strong as it is. That being said, we also do a delicious mocktail version.
Recipe for Wild Apple Orchard
What you will need:
An apple
Mint sprig
One lemon
Apple juice
Anno Elderflower vodka
Vela vodka
Grenadine
As we raise our glasses to toast World Cocktail Day, let’s appreciate the creativity and skill of mixologists like Luisa, who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible behind the bar.
Whether you’re sipping on a classic Negroni or indulging in a cutting-edge craft creation, let the spirit of celebration and camaraderie unite cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
So here’s to the art of mixology, the perfect pour, and the endless possibilities that await within each carefully crafted cocktail. Cheers to World Cocktail Day!
