Now here's an English tipple for you....

Robin Webb, the winner of Sloane's Gin "Twisted Traditions" cocktail competition, created this concoction only a gran could love....served in a tea cup with a homemade vanilla macaroon on the side. A must try.

thedrinksbusiness.com

‘Grandma Sloanes Tea Time Tipple’ 

50mls Vanilla Rose pouchong (black tea) infused with Sloane’s Gin for 10mins (no heat needed)

25mls lemon juice

10mls rose syrup

Egg white

Two dashes orange bitters

(optional – violet essence atomiser)

• Dry shake, then hard shake over cubed ice.
• Served straight up in grandma’s best bone china.
• Garnished with two vanilla macaroons and (optional) give a quick spray with the violet essence.

Rain, rain go away.....

Sorry for the absence in posting!  My ennui is directly commiserate to the drab and grey weather we've been experiencing in London. It's always the hardest during the final few weeks before spring officially begins. Or summer as many feel the one week of sun we had was indeed spring. What I would do for a dose of sunshine. So admittedly, I have been consoling myself with Manhattans and Old Fashioneds (Made with bourbon of course! One must remain sensible to their southern roots.) One of these does indeed make the grey go away and warms up the insides. It's either this or time spent in an icky tanning bed.

Cocktails & Cabaret at Cafe de Paris

Ever since I bought a limited edition Liza Minelli inspired MAC makeup palette (circa 2003), I have adored cabaret. Perhaps it's the idea of wearing fishnets and false lashes in the debauched nightclubs of 1930's Berlin with my face made up like Liza (young Liza that is!)

Problem is, not everyone can cabaret. Myself included, in despite of the burlesque and dance classes taken. Some things are better observed than mimicked! However, I was pleased as punch to have finally found a decent cabaret show in London at Cafe De Paris. (La Soiree is another fab show...I'll be writing about that one later...)

Since 1924, Cafe de Paris has been the home of a few clubs, patronised by the who's who of London. Many a celeb and royal have been photographed blindly stumbling from the building in the wee hours. And now it was my turn! I joined a few friends for a cocktails and a three-course meal served up center front stage. Although like much of London, the meal isn't necessarily worth it's accompanying price tag, but it's well worth it as it secures you and your friends a prime table for the show.  If you're only there for cocktails, then you're squired away to the cheap seats in the balcony. 

if only I could do this!

and this! now that's a party trick

Overall, a highly enjoyable evening with talented and handsome entertainers. The tables are moved after the show as it becomes a dance club with your average Gaga remixes. Make your way to the tiny speakeasy-esque bar right of the stage where they will continue to play more retro inspired music. Speaking of, I just discovered The Correspondents. Check them out.