Entertainment

The May Fair Bar Christmas Cocktail Winter Collection Review

There’s nothing like a smoky Christmas tipple to lunge into full festive spirit and although I do love a wintery mulled wine or spiced apple cider, sometimes you do wish for something a little more innovative. The May Fair Bar is pimping up their festive cocktails with their new winter cocktail menu and invited us to sample some from their limited edition Winter Collection.

A beautiful bar with plush grey furnishings and low tables, we agreed that this is a great place to go on a date. Our waitress talked us through the menu and helped us pick out our first drinks, a ‘Hot Toddy’ for myself and a ‘Pomegranate and Chocolate Crush’ for my friend. The waitress did warn me how strong mine would be from the start; 14 Hennessy Fine de Cognac infused with cinnamon, Dom Benedictine, Drambuie, Wray & Nephew Overproof rum and ginger syrup, flamed and served hot, it was an extremely boozy take on a much-loved classic. I was surprised to see how modest the portion was but there was a reason why. Served in a giant brandy glass, I had to take a moment when I tried to take my first sip as the fumes hit me hard. When I did get there though, it was delicious and definitely warming on this cold winter night. My friend’s drink was a lot softer with smooth berry notes and a chocolate bite – perfect for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth. We both marveled at the presentation. Dustings of icing sugar and artistically placed raisins and cloves, both had finishing touches based around their main ingredients.

Next, we chose the same, a cocktail we both had our eye on. ‘Our Winter Martini’, which contained Belvedere vodka infused with marshmallow, Chambord and pineapple juice. It was also topped with a toasted marshmallow. The presentation was once again on point. We both LOVED this one. Essentially a French Martini with a marshmallow addition, it added a candy twist to one of my all time favorite cocktails. A definite must have for anyone that likes the original.

We decided to get just one more round before we ran off. Having really savored the taste of my friend’s first option (I do really have a bit of a sweet tooth), I went for the ‘Pomegranate and chocolate Crush’, which felt like the perfect desert ending. She, on the other hand, opted for another new choice, the ‘Apple and spice’; Hennessy Fine de Cognac, Grand Marnier, apple, kalamansi, persimmon jam, lime and sugar. Served in a copper cup with a piece of dried apple on top and ice sugar sprinklings, we were once again impressed by the level of attention placed on the presentation. Both a delicious end to the night, we thanked our waitress with a promise we’d be back.

With a relaxed, buzzing atmosphere and delicious contemporary cocktails, The Mayfair Bar offers up the perfect setting for Winter cocktails that give an extra touch of warmth. A definite must try in Mayfair!

ADDRESS: 70 Stratton St, Mayfair, London W1J 8LT

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/TheMayFair

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/TheMayFairHotel

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/themayfairhotel

Written by Jordan Crowley