Wintertime is cocktail time

cocktail-collage

It’s getting cold out there. And the party season is in full swing. There is simply no better time of the year to visit a proper bar and have a drink or a cocktail to be more refined.

Cocktails have never been out of fashion, but now they are more en vogue than ever. Not only at bars, although this is probably the best place for them, but also at home. Fitting for the modern mid-century interior is the little home bar with Lalique shaker, spoons and ice buckets. All on display on an original Art Deco bar cart or a modern version of it, of course, together with a good variety of quality spirits. A great selection is key. Glenmorangie Whisky, Belvedere Vodka or Campari, to name a few.

To impress your friends with some perfectly mixed classics, we asked a bartender who must know. Here are the four classic drinks he recommended:

Vodka Martini
This classic cocktail combines Belvedere Vodka with aromatized wine and a refreshing twist of pink grapefruit. It’s crisp, elegant and perfectly balanced. From Vesper for James.

60ml / 2 oz Belvedere Vodka
10ml / ¼ oz Lillet Blanc
Twist of pink grapefruit
Combine Belvedere and aromatized wine in mixing glass and stir over ice until very cold.
Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of pink grapefruit.

Vodka Cranberry
Not only a great taste, but an amazing colour if you get it right.

50ml / 1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka
Top cranberry juice
Splash of soda water (optional)

Build drink over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Horse’s Neck
A classic, but rather unique drink.

50ml Glenmorangie The Original
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Ginger Ale
Lemon zest
Put it in a high-ball glass filled with ginger ale and ice, garnished with a long strip of lemon peel (the “Horse’s Neck”).

Bobby Burns
Originated in the Bar of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Can it get more classy?

50ml Glenmorangie The Signet
30ml Antica Formula
5ml Bénédictine

PICTURES ON SLIDER:
MARTINI VODKA by BELVEDERE
BACCARAT cocktail shaker
CASAMANIA chariot mobile table
IRMA loves to play the guitar during the blue cocktail hour
GRITTI PALACE, VENICE, bar in my suite
GIANVITO ROSSI glitter shoes
GUCCI cocktail dress
GLENMORANGIE Whisky