A simple blending of complementary ingredients with style and substance proves the age-old adage that "less is more"
There are many men (and, thankfully, increasingly more women) who claim to understand how to mix a great cocktail; but there are few masters.
One of those masters - plus a true gentleman and consummate host to boot - is Brian Silva, who presides over the gem of a bar, The Cocktail Bar, upstairs at Rules (the oldest restaurant in London)
Classic simplicity is the key to Silva's menu offerings, but it's a simplicity with style and substance. His summer menu features the Maiden's Kiss on the cocktail list. Named after the Bar Maid servers from the 1920s, it's a classic offering with a twist.
Taking three ingredients, pouring them in a highball over ice and stirring them through may appear an easy choice, but when it is a mellifluous melding of impeccable elements it can become (as it is at Rules) the jewel of your menu.Remember, when selling your offering, it's all in the sizzle!
Using Taylor's Chip White Port, which uses white grapes as its base, allows you to play with its dry fruity notes and excite them with the addition of Martini Rosato's blend of spicy and aromatic notes.
Lengthening with tonic creates a blushingly delicate and refreshing opener to the evening.
INGREDIENTS
- 35ml Taylor's Chip White Port
- 25ml Martini Rosato
- 120ml Schweppes Tonic
- Garnish: a thin wheel of lemon
METHOD
Add the spirits to an iced highball glass. Top with tonic and stir. Add lemon garnish and two straws, then serve immediately.
This is a cocktail that can be enjoyed equally as well at a table in your restaurant as at a table in your bar; the perfect anticipation for a long, glorious summer.
Robbie Bargh, director, Gorgeous Group
020 7091 7492