The cocktail crackerjacks have gone all out with festive specials, gin punch and new concoctions galore
When it comes to cocktails, The Pen & Pencil have already got it nailed. This festive season, however, the mixologist maestros have really pulled out the stops: hot gin creations and a brand new cocktail menu filled with wintry goodness.
Festive specials
Like a boozy version of the sherbet candies, with a splash of festive fruitiness, the Rhubarb Dip Dab is a cocktail of beauty. Think blackberry liqueur, cranberry juice, Warner Edwards rhubarb gin, lemon juice and a homemade ‘frozen snow’ sherbet garnish. Alternatively, plump for the festive colada: a sharing ‘slushy’ with three types of rum, chunks of pineapple and a whole lotta coconut.
Hot gins
Gin-gle all the way this Christmas with The Pen & Pencil’s warming Sipsmith tipples. Inspired by the ‘frost fairs’ historically held on the banks of the River Thames, Hot G&T comprises tonic syrup and an orange slice, while Hot London Cup (based on an eighteenth century punch recipe) uses Earl Grey tea and lemon. Last but certainly not least, Mulled Sloe Gin is an indulgent fruity winter punch with mulled apple juice, vanilla and spices.
New menu
There are fourteen cocktails on the new menu. Now, since we had to go back to the office after filming this vid, we thought trying all of them might be pushing it. See, we can be responsible - sometimes… Anyway, you’ll have to trust us when we say that cocktails at The Pen & Pencil never disappoint.
We tried three: The City That Doesn’t Sleep (Ketel One vodka, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, sugar, lime, blackberry), Parade Float (yoghurt liqueur, Licor 43, Tanqueray gin, Pepsi, marshmallows) and Butterscotch Russian (Ketel One vodka, Licor 43, Illy coffee liqueur, butterscotch, milk, flaming meringue). Verdict? Let’s just say we’ll be back to try the others shortly…
