Granted, 2020 has put a damper on Christmas celebrations for most and large gatherings are not allowed at the moment for safety purposes but you can still make the most of the season. Indulge your travel fantasy and imagination by simulating these delicious beverages from all corners of the world, right in your own home. Salut!From Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental to Claridge’s in London, seven world-famous hotels share the secrets of their best-loved seasonal cocktails – so you get to enjoy the true taste of international indulgence in the comfort of your own homeThe Blossoming Indigo at The Peninsula, Beverly HillsThis picture-perfect and vibrant spin on a gin cocktail is a favorite year-round at The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ Club Bar.
The Blossoming Indigo at The Peninsula, Beverly HillsIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)• 60ml Empress 1908 gin (this infused gin offers a vivid indigo blue color)• 3 slices fresh cucumber• 20ml lime juice• 2 dashes of rhubarb bitters• 15ml simple syrup• Tonic water, to fill• Mint and edible flowers, to garnishMuddle two slices of cucumber with the gin in a shaker. Add the lime juice, rhubarb bitters and simple syrup and shake vigorously. Strain over ice in a snifter glass with a cucumber lining. Top off with tonic and garnish with mint and edible flowers.
The Flapper at Claridge’s, LondonThis strawberry-infused twist on the Kir Royale was created as an homage to the pioneering style icons of the 1920s – and to celebrate the opening of the renowned Claridge’s Bar in 1998. It’s guaranteed to make any occasion feel considerably more special.
The Flapper at Claridge’s, LondonIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)· 15ml crème de cassis· 15ml strawberry purée· 145ml Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée· Strawberries, to garnishCombine the ingredients, stir and pour into a champagne flute. Garnish with a strawberry.
The Nihonbashi at Mandarin Oriental, TokyoThe Nihonbashi is a nod to the original center of Tokyo during the Edo period. “The cocktail uses ingredients to represent the Nihonbashi Bridge – the symbol of the Edo and the river that enabled trade to take place,” says Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental about its most popular cocktail, which is a heady concoction and evokes the moving river and willow trees.
The Nihonbashi at Mandarin Oriental, TokyoIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)• 15ml Potocki vodka• 15ml Dover Yuzu liqueur• 30ml grapefruit juice• 5ml Blue Curacao• 7ml Midori melon liqueur• Lime peel, to garnishMix the vodka, yuzu liqueur and grapefruit juice in a glass with crushed ice. Then slowly drip the Blue Curacao and Midori liqueurs down either side of the glass in order to create a blue and green ‘tie-die’ effect. Garnish with a spiral of lime peel.
Apple Pie in the Sky at Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, SwitzerlandThe social scene at the Carlton Hotel centers around the beautiful Bel Etage bar, where flickering fireplaces and a grand piano create an elegant, cozy atmosphere. Based on the much-loved winter dessert, try this cocktail-take on a classic apple pie.
Apple Pie in the Sky at Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, SwitzerlandIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)· 15-20ml vodka· 10ml cinnamon syrup· 10ml honey· 20ml apple juice· Champagne, to top upShake the ingredients together and fill a glass of your choice, then add ice and enjoy.
Virgin Mojito at Royal Mansour, Marrakech, MoroccoThis refreshing virgin cocktail is served in the Royal Mansour’s stylish alfresco bar, Le Jardin, and will instantly transport you to warmer climes.
Virgin Mojito at Royal Mansour, Marrakech, MoroccoIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)• 3 scoops lemon sorbet• 6 fresh mint leaves, plus extra to garnish• 60ml lemon juice• Zest of 1 lemonCombine all ingredients in a blender until smooth, then transfer to a glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
The Bourgoin Medicine at Domaine des Etangs, Charente, FranceDomaine des Etangs looks to the nearby town of Cognac – which gives its name to one of the best-known types of brandy – for the main ingredient in its warming house signature, The Bourgoin Medicine.
The Bourgoin Medicine at Domaine des Etangs, Charente, FranceIngredients and method(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)· 15-20ml Cognac· 40ml Pineau des Charentes· 80ml ginger beerSimply combine the ingredients together, shake, strain over ice and serve.
Estate Martini at The Gleneagles Hotel, ScotlandAt the glamorous American Bar at Gleneagles, five signature martinis are served, each one drawing on the scenery of Scotland and using local gins.Ingredients and method
Estate Martini at The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland(15ml = ½ US fluid ounce)· 60ml South Loch Black Raspberry Old Tom Gin· 15ml raspberry leaf-infused vermouth· 5ml elderflower cordial· Lemon peel, to garnishAdd the gin, vermouth, elderflower and ice together in a mixing glass and stir to combine. Strain into a chilled martini glass, then garnish with lemon peel.
The Blossoming Indigo at The Peninsula, Beverly HillsThe Flapper at Claridge’s, LondonThis strawberry-infused twist on the Kir Royale was created as an homage to the pioneering style icons of the 1920s – and to celebrate the opening of the renowned Claridge’s Bar in 1998. It’s guaranteed to make any occasion feel considerably more special.
The Flapper at Claridge’s, LondonThe Nihonbashi at Mandarin Oriental, TokyoThe Nihonbashi is a nod to the original center of Tokyo during the Edo period. “The cocktail uses ingredients to represent the Nihonbashi Bridge – the symbol of the Edo and the river that enabled trade to take place,” says Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental about its most popular cocktail, which is a heady concoction and evokes the moving river and willow trees.
The Nihonbashi at Mandarin Oriental, TokyoApple Pie in the Sky at Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, SwitzerlandThe social scene at the Carlton Hotel centers around the beautiful Bel Etage bar, where flickering fireplaces and a grand piano create an elegant, cozy atmosphere. Based on the much-loved winter dessert, try this cocktail-take on a classic apple pie.
Apple Pie in the Sky at Carlton Hotel, St Moritz, SwitzerlandVirgin Mojito at Royal Mansour, Marrakech, MoroccoThis refreshing virgin cocktail is served in the Royal Mansour’s stylish alfresco bar, Le Jardin, and will instantly transport you to warmer climes.
Virgin Mojito at Royal Mansour, Marrakech, MoroccoThe Bourgoin Medicine at Domaine des Etangs, Charente, FranceDomaine des Etangs looks to the nearby town of Cognac – which gives its name to one of the best-known types of brandy – for the main ingredient in its warming house signature, The Bourgoin Medicine.
The Bourgoin Medicine at Domaine des Etangs, Charente, FranceEstate Martini at The Gleneagles Hotel, ScotlandAt the glamorous American Bar at Gleneagles, five signature martinis are served, each one drawing on the scenery of Scotland and using local gins.Ingredients and method
Estate Martini at The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland