I first discovered raspberry vodka a few years back whilst running a pub. It was Absolut Raspberry and as with everything that is new it had an initial surge of popularity that then curbed and evened out. It wasn’t just a flash in the pan; we kept it in stock and a few regulars that drank it with lemonade (that’s 7-up style lemonade). It was also a handy ingredient to use in shooter and cocktail recipes.
Russian Standard is clean, perfectly clear and smooth. Although a premium brand it can often be found on the supermarket shelf with an offer sticker, making it all the more appealing!
This recipe is based on a Heston Blumenthal recipe that was shown on TV. Since it included the essential vodka element I decided to give it a go with nitrous pump and all! The recipe with ingredients and full instructions are detailed at the end of the article for those interested in experimenting for themselves. You will be wise to learn from my slightly botched job.
From the makers of Tyrrell’s comes Chase Vodka! Perhaps wondering what to do with an excess of potatoes one day they set about cooking it up into alcohol and thank goodness they did!
Blavod: 80% proof, neutral grain vodka.
The distinguishing feature of Blavod vodka is that it is black. It isn’t unique in its blackness as there are now a few copycats but it is definitely the most well-known brand of black vodka and claims to be the only ‘premium black vodka on the market’.
The Brand
Absolut is the second biggest selling brand of vodka in the world behind Smirnoff selling around 25 million cases per year.
The Brand:
Smirnoff is by far and away the biggest producer of vodka in the world today. It outstrips the nearest competitor (Absolut) by 50%.
Lab Soho is a lively, friendly cocktail bar with an edge of sticky about the place like it needs a good clean. You could argue that this adds to the character and appeal depending on what you look for in a bar. The cocktail range is vast and they taste fairly decent too but be prepared to wait if it’s busy and potentially then be faced with a glass full of crushed ice.
Whether it’s a Friday night, a Monday night or a Sunday afternoon this place is pumping and loud, loud, LOUD! The staff are hyped, the music is deafening and the cocktails are flowing each and every day of the week.
It’s a classic that has caused a zillion number of smirks, giggles or outright fits of laughter when ordered at any bar on the planet and if you don’t find it vaguely amusing then you must be lacking a sense of humour! It is a simple enough cocktail consisting of just 2 spirits and a bit of juice but sometimes simplicity is needed in life and indulging in good old sex on the beach is what’s required! Tee. Hee. Hee.
The Bloody Mary is renowned as a hangover cure in a hair of the dog, let’s keep on the sauce kind of a way!
A strawberry summer slush is the perfect concoction to chill you out in the heat of the sun whilst relaxing on a beach somewhere exotic! Or if you don't happen to be sunning yourself in a picture perfect, sun-drenched location then you can enjoy the drink whilst daydreaming about your next jaunt!
Who doesn’t take great pleasure in requesting “One Screaming Orgasm please!” tee he, he?! This is a cocktail that tastes sweet and harmless but the combination of spirit plus spirit with a mixer of spirit is a lethal one!
This flirtatious cocktail adds a bubbly, pineapple twist to a Cosmopolitan. If you are feeling frugal switch the champagne for a Prosecco (arguably a more palatable fizz at a fraction of the cost).
The perfect drink to soften the blow of autumn onset. This is a sweet twist on a classic drink with a mild poke of spice.
The Brand:
Smirnoff is by far and away the biggest producer of vodka in the world today. It outstrips the nearest competitor (Absolut) by 50%.
From the makers of Tyrrell’s comes Chase Vodka! Perhaps wondering what to do with an excess of potatoes one day they set about cooking it up into alcohol and thank goodness they did!
Opium is a hidden gem amongst the back to back bustling restaurants of Gerrard Street.