With the scent of Spring in our noses, we are thinking of where we might travel to this year for our yummy summer holidays. Being a bit of a cocktail loving kinda gal, here are some amazing places that you could sip a tipple or two during your break.
An Appletini in The Big Apple
Apple Liqueur, lashings of vodka and just the smallest splash of lemonade makes this a sweet and refreshing drink, garnish with a slice of crunchy Granny Smith and hey presto! Sip this drink whilst living it up in New York which is the all-time nightlife, shopping and theatre/show going destination. Being the city that never sleeps, let us give you a run-down a couple of trendy “high” hot spots not to be missed by those in the know.
The Pen Top: a new glass-encased bar resembling a big block of incandescent ice. Kinda cool in a slick 007 way, but sorta cheesy and souped-up Mars 2112, too. Still, there’s no shortage of tables on the sizable slate-topped terrace to huddle over martinis and charitable causes.
The view: Stunning views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, as well as midtown architectural gems
The menu: $19 apple martinis & $75 Jewel in a Glass (Louis Roederer Cristal and Dolce Far Niente) keep out the riffraff
The High Bar: Winner of the 2003 Best of New York and mobbed by a list of celebrities this beloved Gramercy now a Schrager property, is not only glamorous but offers late night style.
The view: An 18-floor terrace with wraparound views of the Manhattan skyline, including a striking shot of the Chrysler building
The menu: The High Bar Fizz ($13) shakes up Absolut Kurant, Chambord, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and berries
A Black Russian in Moscow
Mix 3 parts vodka with 2 parts Kahlua or alternatively for a Dirty Black Russian top up (or dilute depending on your thinking) with cola. This dark and intense drink is warming on the way down despite the ice and that’s just what you’ll need after visiting a couple of these sights in this exciting city.
The Kremlin: The Kremlin was originally built-in the 14th century, with further construction on walls made of white stone around the fortress completed in the beginning of the 16th century. In the 17th century and the iconic structure got its tent like tops which are still present and enjoyed today. The whole area of the Kremlin is pretty huge and it houses a number of unique buildings such as Museum of Moscow Kremlin, Armoury, Cathedrals of Assumption, St. Michael the Archangel and Ordination Church.
Ice Sculpture Gallery: The Ice Sculpture Gallery in Moscow is a museum which solely houses beautiful looking ice sculptures. It serves as a year around attraction and is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. The frozen architecture masterpieces puts every visitor in great wonder and the chilly atmosphere is accompanied with great music and amazing lights. This museum is managed by a private firm and visitors are provided with special vests to keep them warm as the temperature is below -10°F.
A Margarita in Mexico
We say areeba , areeba for this next cocktail – don your sombrero and bust out the cocktail shaker. This delicious classic consists of Tequila, Triple Sec and a good squeeze of lime – all served with blended ice and a salt-rimmed glass! Take a tour to Mexico City and be amazed by mouth-watering scenery along the way.
The Cataratas de Agua Azul: Spanish for Blue Waterfalls, this trip is truly captivating – views of the fast flowing, cascading water is immense and makes a mark upon your memory for all those that visit. The blue-ness of the water is due to such a high mineral content and coats the surrounding rocks with a thick layer of limestone.
Uxmal: Take a day trip to the historical Mayan ruins at Uxmal, otherwise known as Chichen Itza. This place is awe inspiring and is one of the most beautiful pre-Hispanic sites on the American continent. Grab a tour guide and be prepared to be transported back to Mayan times, learning about Mayan culture, beliefs, the barbaric “games” and of course the origins of the modern day calendar.
Singapore Sling, Long Bar Raffles Hotel in Singapore
The legendary mother of all cocktails, the iconic Singapore Sling was founded at the world-famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore sometime before 1915 by a bartender called Ngiam Tong Boon. A heady mix of gin, Cherry Heering, Benedictine and fresh pineapple, primarily from Sarawak, the recipe evolved from the memories of other bartenders who scribbled down their recipes in notes. When ordering up your world-famous cocktail in these world-famous environs, don’t forget to ask to have it hand shaken by the bartenders for a more authentic experience.
When you’ve reached the bottom of your glass, take a wonder to the Raffles Hotel Museum where one of the scribbled recipes is still on display. To make the experience last forever, you can even purchase the famous Singapore Sling Glass and Sling Shaker to recreate the cocktail at home. We’re not sure if a Singapore Sling in Surrey has quite the same ring though.
