7 Delicious Rum Cocktails

For some reason, some drinkers pigeonhole rum cocktails as a vacation-only choice, but rum is much more than poolside Pina Coladas…as good as they are.

The tropical rum cocktails are some of the world’s favourites, and deservedly so, but it’s a versatile spirit so here is the best of everything rum from legendary recipes to delicious twists.

Rum Sour

More known for whisky, the Sour style cocktail works really well with rum. You could use a golden rum to pair the tropical brûléed feel with sunny citrus, but we prefer the warming of a spiced rum. The silky egg white adds some decadence and texture, there’s a wonderful tang and sweetness from the lime, orange and syrup, and the toasty spiced rum adds a punchy hit of rich flavour. It’s a lot going on but it really works.

Ingredients
50ml Rum (Bacardi Spiced works well)
25ml Orange Juice
25ml Lime Juice
12.5ml Syrup (Monin works well)
15ml Egg white

Method
Mix all ingredients together without ice and shake, add ice and shake once more. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

Rum Old Fashioned

The rum Old Fashioned is such an underrated twist. The oaky spice of the dark rum, the zesty structure of the bitters, the bright citrus…this will definitely win the traditionalists over.

Ingredients
50ml Dark Rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
1 tsp sugar syrup
Few dashes of orange bitters
Orange Peel to garnish

Method
Add ice 3/4 of the way up a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and add all ingredients. Stir for 30 seconds until nicely chilled. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

PIñA COLADA

This is probably the definitive tropical cocktail, right? Sweet and creamy, it’s the ultimate smoothie (okay it’s not officially a smoothie but if you label it as that you can have another one). Unfortunately, no one knows exactly who invented it but whoever you are, we thank you!

Ingredients:
60ml white rum ((Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple Wedge

Method:
Blenders at the ready. Combine white rum with the same amount of coconut cream. Add 120ml of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, a handful of ice, and blend. Garnish with pineapple and an umbrella for the complete holiday vibe.

CINNAMON TWIST

Another creamy rum concoction here with the Cinnamon Twist. Swapping out the fruit for cinnamon creates a wonderfully indulgent milky, spiced rum punch, a recipe that has been around in different forms since medieval times! Spices in the rum will pair perfectly with the cinnamon which brings us to the syrup. You can do this individually (simple syrup plus cinnamon powder) but by adding cinnamon sticks to water and sugar, the syrup is easy to make and gorgeous in all kinds of other cocktails.

Ingredients:
60ml Golden Rum (Mount Gay Black Barrel works well)
44ml Milk
22ml Cinnamon Syrup

Method:
Shake with ice, then strain over a singular hefty ice cube in a chilled rock glass!

DAIQUIRI

We often hear that people dismiss a Daiquri as a childish option, with sickly sweet slush puppy vibes. Maybe that’s you? Well, we’re here to say give it another chance. When fresh lime juice is used, the right amount of syrup and it isn’t blended, it can be simple and so refreshing. Rum and lime are a match made in heaven and the syrup counteracts the tang perfectly - just get the ratios right!

Ingredients:
60ml Light or White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish: lime

Top Tip: Fruity-flavoured syrups add a lovely twist to the original recipe - try banana and strawberry instead of simple syrup!

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Do not blend! Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish.

MOJITO

One of the world’s favourite cocktails, is the Cuban-born Mojito the single most refreshing cocktail on the planet? Rum, mint and lime - it’s aromatic, zesty, reinvigorating and punchy. Ernest Hemingway loved it, and so do we.

Ingredients:
50ml White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
Soda water
Garnish: mint

Method:
We want to get all that flavour from the mint so it’s vital to crush it with the lime juice and sugar. Add ice and a white rum that you love. Top up with soda water, give it a gentle stir to combine and sip the evening away! Top

HURRICANE

One of the many cocktails born out of Prohibition, this New Orleans icon is perfect for when you’re wanting a potent flavour bomb. It has a few more ingredients than most cocktails, but it’s worth it in the end trust us. The trio of fruit juices are key here, so try and make sure you freshly squeezed for as many as possible. It’s zippy, tropical, and sweet and with the double punch of light and dark rum, there are layers of notes to explore until the very last sip. You won’t feel neutral about it that’s for sure!

Ingredients:
40ml light rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
40ml dark rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
15ml lime juice
15ml passion fruit juice
15ml orange juice
15ml simple syrup
10ml Grenadine
Garnish: orange wheel

Method:
All the hard work is done fetching the ingredients here, so just add them to a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a hurricane glass with more ice and voila! An orange garnish works a treat for good measure.

Chances are if you’ve made it to the end of these tasty rum cocktails, you love your rum. So, if you’re drinking it regularly you may as well go the whole hog and make yourself a little home bar! After all, you’ve probably got most of the ingredients already.

Piña Colada With A Twist: 7 Recipes To Make At Home

Those of you who know your Spanish will know that Piña Colada translates to ‘strained pineapple’, a reference to the fresh pineapple juice in the original recipe. Add rum and coconut and bam, you’ve created one of the world’s favourite cocktails and an icon of Puerto Rico! But do we know more about its backstory than the famous Puerto Rican origin?

Well, sort of. 1954 is the most likely year of invention, and San Juan is the location. The person most agree created it is Ramon Monchito, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel at the time. But like with all hit cocktails, others in the local area claim they came up with it first, so we’ll never know for certain.

Although this is already the definitive tropical cocktail, we love experimenting with twists and variations and particularly with the Piña Colada. It’s sweet, boozy, and creamy which most of us love, but if you’ve never taken to it, then check out these stunning variations below!

The Original Piña Colada

You can’t start experimenting until you’ve mastered the original. The nearest thing you can get to a cocktail smoothie (it must be healthy then, right?) is all about those three bold flavours working together. The texture and fragrance from the coconut, the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice (fresh is a must!), and the punchy warmth of the rum – incredible.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge (garnish)

 Method
You have two choices here! First, you can blend everything with ice and serve a thick smoothie-style mix. Or you can shake everything thoroughly with ice and strain over crushed ice. The blended method is the most popular but try both! If any cocktail umbrellas are laying around, now’s the time to use them.

Baileys Colada

This variation adds a touch of luxury and creaminess to the Piña Colada by using Baileys Irish Cream instead of white rum. The Baileys adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink, as well as a hint of chocolate and vanilla flavouring. The lime juice balances the richness of the cream, while the pineapple and coconut keep that signature refreshing tropical twist. How delicious does that sound?

Ingredients
60ml Baileys Irish Cream (you could use others of course!)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice
Pineapple wedge (optional garnish)

Method
In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients except any garnishes and ice. Shake well to combine. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Strain the cocktail over the ice. Finally, sip this creamy concoction and feel like royalty!

Jalapiña Colada

Go with us here because this unexpected and spicy twist on the classic Piña Colada will be a thrilling ride for your tastebuds. The addition of jalapeño peppers adds a fiery kick that is tempered nicely by the creamy sweetness of the pineapple and coconut. It creates a surprisingly moreish and lingering warmth that takes the original in a completely different direction.

Ingredients
60ml white rum (darker would work too)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
1 small jalapeño pepper (sliced)
Jalapeño slice/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Begin by muddling the sliced jalapeño in the bottom of a shaker to release its spicy essence. Add the rum, coconut cream, and crushed pineapple juice to the shaker. Shake vigorously with ice, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño and enjoy the tropical heat.

Chocolada

This variation adds a decadent and indulgent twist to the Piña Colada by using chocolate liqueur instead of rum. Darker chocolate would work, but to pair dreamily with the pineapple and coconut, we prefer white chocolate liqueur. This is great as a boozy dessert and perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Yum!

Ingredients
60 ml white chocolate liqueur (like Mozart)
30 ml chocolate syrup
120 ml pineapple juice
60 ml coconut cream
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional garnish)

Method
In a blender, combine all the ingredients except the garnishes and blend until smooth and frothy. If you like, you can pour some melted choc/choc sauce around the glass which looks gorgeously inviting. Pour into your glass and depending on your taste, you can shave some chocolate over the top or spray with whipped cream to go all out.

Citrus Piña Colada

Okay, now this isn’t the craziest adaptation, but this is actually the Piña Colada you’ll be served in many establishments these days. There is a school of thought that there should be citrus included in the blend and it’s easy to see why. Limes add a very subtle sharp bitterness and fragrance, and the lemons cut through with some light acidity and go really well with the coconut.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
40 ml fresh pineapple juice
50ml coconut cream
10 ml fresh lemon juice
10ml lime juice
Lime/lemon/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake well. Strain it into a glass of crushed ice and voila!

Caramelized Banana Colada

Banana is such a perfect match for the Piña Colada, pairing perfectly with the coconut and pineapple and complementing the tropical rum too. But, for an even more sumptuous twist, how about caramelised banana? The rich and buttery sweetness adds a luxurious depth of flavour and a robust cooked quality that creates boozy smoothie royalty.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
1 ripe banana (caramelized)
Caramelized banana slice (garnish)

Method
First, the banana. Add the sliced banana to a medium-hot pan with a little butter, a generous sprinkle of sugar and a dash of cinnamon, tossing gently to cover the slices. About 3 minutes on each side should be enough. Leave to cool. After that it’s business as usual, blending everything with ice (or over ice)! Yum!

Tequilada

This variation adds a Mexican twist to the Piña Colada by using tequila instead of rum. Tequila adds a smoky and earthy flavour that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of coconut and pineapple. Coconut water replaces cream here too, creating a more refreshing and hydrating cocktail that lets the tequila notes shine through. Fruity sweetness, soothing refreshment, and vibrant agave - olé!

Ingredients
60ml tequila
100ml coconut water
80ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice

Method
Super simple - shake all the ingredients and pour over a glass prepared with ice cubes. A true fiesta in a glass.

Next stop on the summer refreshment train... strawberry-based cocktails!

The Best Strawberry Based Cocktail Recipes

Did you know that because strawberries have seeds on the outside and come from a single ovary, they’re technically not berries are in fact in a group all of their own? And for many people, they’re on their own in top spot when it comes to best fruits too because when ripe and juicy, is there really anything better?

I’m sure Strawberry Day is pencilled into your calendar, so here are the very best easy to make strawberry-based cocktails whatever you drink... unless you hate strawberry of course.

Strawberry Daiquiri – for the rum lovers

One of the most famous strawberry cocktails, we just had to include this classic. Daiquiri’s can easily end up as sweet slush puppies, so keep an eye on the sweetness and be generous with the lime juice to get that tang, and pick a rum with some nice depth.

Ingredients
60ml rum (light ideally, e.g., Havana Club 3YO)
50g strawberries
20ml lime juice
15ml syrup
Strawberry (optional garnish)

Method
Setting up the blender is the hardest thing about this cocktail. Simply add everything in with ice and double strain over the glass. Use crushed ice to give your blender a head start!

Cherub’s Cup – for the vodka lovers

Floral elderflower, sweet strawberries and syrup, dry rosé with a touch of effervescence, tangy lemon and a smooth ‘n’ sturdy vodka spine, the Cherub’s Cup is an angel in a glass. The fresh strawberries and berry notes in the Rosé combine to create unbelievably refreshing bubbles fizzing with flavour, lifting the crisp vodka harmoniously.

Ingredients
30g strawberries
20ml lemon juice
20ml syrup
60ml vodka
25ml elderflower liqueur
50ml Rosé
Mint (optional garnish)

Method
Muddle the strawberries with lemon juice and syrup (just a heated 1:1 ratio of water and sugar). Add your ice, vodka and elderflower liqueur (St Germain is an inventory must for mixologists). Shake well. Strain and top with Rosé! One last thing, enjoy!          

Strawberry Margarita – for the tequila lovers

Salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, the Margarita has everything. So why make any changes? Well, include strawberries and you’ll see why. Everyone know strawberries and lime rhyme phonetically and in terms of flavour, adding a lovely juicy texture to the popular cocktail.

Ingredients
50ml tequila
20ml fresh lime juice
20ml triple sec
80g ish strawberries (fresh or frozen)
A dash of syrup (optional)
Lime wheel or strawberry, salt rim (optional garnish)

Method
First, shake everything with ice. Depending how mushy you want your strawberries, you can either full on blend them, muddle them or just break them up with the shake. You can add a dash of syrup also if you like but the strawberries should be sweet enough. Strain the ingredients into a small glass and garnish with an appetising lime wheel and a salt rim if you fancy. Voilá!

Red Derby – for the whiskey lovers

This is a bright and delicious twist on the classic Brown Derby. The slight spiciness of the Bourbon plays off the relentless refreshment of the strawberries and grapefruit juice, with the luxurious honey pulling everything together. Play around with the ratios for your taste and we’re sure you’ll love this.

Ingredients
50ml Bourbon
40ml grapefruit juice (any colour)
80g ish strawberries (fresh or frozen)
20ml honey
Strawberry (optional garnish)

Method
Chop the strawberries and add everything to the shaker! Remember to shake well so the honey is thoroughly mixed and ideally double strain into a glass! Simply beautiful.

The Strawberry Smash – for the gin lovers

This is a gorgeous glass of summer sunshine bursting with strawberry flavour, and stopped from being overly sweet by cutting fresh lemon juice and a few drops of bitters to finish. The Strawberry Smash is as refreshing as it gets!

Ingredients
50ml gin (we like Brixham Market Garden Strawberry Gin)
25ml lemon juice
20ml strawberry syrup (we like Monin)
3 dashes of aromatic bitters
Mint leaves
Strawberry and mint (optional garnish)

Method
If you go for a Strawberry Gin as we recommended here, you can go for less strawberry syrup unless you’re a strawberry obsessive! Muddle a little mint and add everything to a shaker except the biters. Strain over some crushed ice in your glass and add the bitters.

Strawberry Fizzer – perfect for the sparkling wine lovers

The key thing with this is good quality and natural flavours. Juicy ripe strawberries and a natural lemonade are vital to avoid that synthetic taste, and if you’ve got those this is stunning. The sweetness of the strawberries and lemonade, the freshness of the Cava, and the vodka to centre the cocktail and give it some heart.

Ingredients
80g ish strawberries (fresh ideally)
25ml vodka
40ml natural lemonade
50ml Cava
Strawberry (optional garnish 

Method
It’s as simple as shaking everything except the Cava and making sure the strawberries are nicely broken up. Strain twice so that it’s lovely and smooth and top up with bubbling Cava!

If you’re not quite ready to bring in those summer vibes yet then at the other end of the spectrum we have some amazing winter warmers with these Hot Toddies.

What is the Hugo Spritz?

Summer after summer, the Aperol Spritz cocktail glistens in the sun as the dominant spritz, but is that all about to change?

Fuelled by viral TikTok clips, the Hugo Spritz is capturing the hearts and minds of drinkers as summer beckons. Hailing from Northern Italy as a regional twist on the classic Spritz (which usually involves amaro and bitterness), the Hugo Spritz has slowly made its way over the Alps and across Europe over the last fifteen years. So, what actually is it?

Well, it’s elderflower liqueur (usually St Germain), Prosecco, soda, mint and a little lemon or lime. As gloriously effervescent it sounds, this is as refreshing as it gets with tantalising florality and fizz at the forefront of it all. The sweet, aromatic, and crisp profile is a crowd-pleaser with pretty much everyone and it’s being dubbed the most refreshing cocktail ever invented!

Part of its appeal is how simple is to make, so if you want to see what all the fuss is about and make a Hugo Spritz next time the sun is shining, this is how to go about it:

Ingredients
40ml elderflower liqueur (like St Germain)
20ml soda water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Dash of lime/lemon juice
Prosecco to top up
Ice
Lime/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Take a large wine glass (you could use a highball if it’s big enough) and add some mint. Depending on how minty you want it, crush, and rip the mint to release the flavour, then pour in your elderflower. If you want a less boozy version, elderflower cordial works well too. Fill the glass with large ice cubes, add a splash of soda water, some lemon or lime juice, and top up with prosecco! And the final touch…a lemon or lime garnish! The ultimate summer sipper right there.

Franklin & Sons: an icon of mixers, sodas, and tonics

Founded in Victorian London all the way back in 1886, Franklin & Sons are true pioneers in the soft drinks space, leading the way with natural ingredients and innovative flavourings to offer the most complete range of mixers, sodas, and tonics out there.

Within their remarkably diverse range, there will always be the perfect bottle to jazz up your drinks which is why we made the most of their offering throughout The Three Drinkers in Cognac, and if you’re a listener of our Bring a Bottle podcast, you may well have heard us merrily sipping our way through even more of them on there.

Beautifully bottled too, it really is well worth exploring all of their wonderful flavours for yourself to see which jump out, but below are just some of the Franklin & Sons that we have loved trying, and recommendations for what to enjoy them with!

FRANKLIN & SONS TO EXPLORE

Original Ginger Ale

Ultimate warmth and refreshment with a completely natural feel, Franklin & Son’s Original Ginger Ale blends natural root ginger extract with their pure sparkling spring water for classy and subtle flavouring. Celebrating the classic ginger and cognac combination, you can see it used as a Highball in Episode One where the spice of the two blend perfectly.

Ingredients:
30ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
80ml Ginger Ale
Plenty of ice

Method:
Pour in your cognac over plenty of ice and top up with the fizzing ginger ale. Voila!

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Sicilian Lemon

The first Franklin & Sons bottle to appear in the series, the Sicilian Lemon is used for the gorgeously simple and sunny Courvoisier Gala Highball below. Legendary Sicilian lemons and natural botanicals like cinchona bark blend with sparkling spring water to make this burst of citrus.

Ingredients:
30ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
80ml Sicilian Lemonade
Plenty of ice

Method:
Highballs are simple so let’s keep it that way – pour everything over ice and give it a little stir.

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Mandarin & Ginger Soda

The Mandarin & Ginger featured in one of our One Drink, Three Ways segments where you can find three deliciously different serves it’s perfect for. With natural zest, warmth, vibrance and refreshment, this soda elevates all kinds of different drinks which is why it crops up again in Episode Two of the series emphasising the fruity spice of cognac.

Ingredients:
30ml Cognac
80ml Mandarin & Ginger Soda
Plenty of ice

Method:
Super simple – cognac poured over ice and topped up with the soda! An orange wheel is the perfect garnish.

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Rosemary & Black Olive Tonic Water

The Rosemary and Black Olive tonic is so distinct. Almost reminiscent of focaccia, this savoury mixer adds a stunning culinary dimension to cocktails. We pair it with Umami gin for an entirely unique herbaceous G&T that is just asking to be paired with some side dishes.

Ingredients:
30ml Umami gin
80ml Rosemary & Black Olive Tonic Water
Plenty of ice

Method:
Simply pour each over ice, stir well and sip away.

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Guava & Lime Soda

A very light and lofty soda with natural guava and Tahitian lime as well as a sprinkling of ginger, this completely livens up what can be a dull vodka and soda combination. Refreshing, fruity and tropical!

Ingredients:
30ml guava vodka
80ml Guava & Lime Soda
Plenty of ice

Method:
Pour each over ice and stir well to combine thoroughly!

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Natural Rose Lemonade

Episode Four of The Three Drinkers in Cognac shows our Helena using Natural Rose Lemonade to bring colour, natural sweetness and an inviting aroma to the wonderful cocktail below. The English rose petals, lemon juice and crisp sparkling water are a floral twist on the original 1886 lemonade and add so much summery elegance to almost any concoction – delicious.

Ingredients:
50ml gin (we used Audemus Pink Pepper Gin)
Splash of Champagne
Top up with Franklin & Sons Rose Lemonade

Method:
Stir gin and ice and add to your cocktail glass. Top up with a splash of Champagne and Rose Lemonade. For the garnish, cut thin strips of lemon skin and wrap them around a chopstick for an appetising spiral effect.

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Pink Grapefruit Soda

You can see Aidy takes this essential Pink Grapefruit soda for a spin in Episode Four of The Three Drinkers in Cognac, when partnered with Reposado Tequila, fresh lime and Grand Marnier in a Paloma/Margarita hybrid. The soda is amazing for adding fizz alongside bright and balanced citrus notes with a dash of bitterness.

Ingredients:
50ml reposado tequila
50ml Grand Marnier
25ml fresh lime juice
Pink Grapefruit Soda

Method:
Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice into a rocks glass over ice and stir. Top up with Pink grapefruit soda and stir very gently to combine.

Find here: £20 24 x 200ml

Pineapple & Almond Soda

This is another favourite of ours that you really need to try. To be honest, you could enjoy it flying solo as a soft drink, but it’s so versatile that it can be mixed with the nutty caramel notes of cognac, the profile of a tropical rum, or even earthy tequila/mezcal. Stewed caramelised pineapples shine through at first, but when mixed the marzipan almond notes flood the palate – this is what drinks innovation should look like.

Find here: £20 24 x 200m

If you want to see these delicious Franklin & Sons drinks in action, check out The Three Drinkers in Cognac! Or, if you’re curious as to their other flavours, have a flick through their range here!

The Best Dark ‘n Stormy Variations

As iconic waterside cocktails go, the Dark ‘n Stormy is right up there. Invented in the 1920s by British sailors looking for a tipple to help with seasickness, it soon became apparent that it was popular with everyone and not just those struggling in the choppy waters.

Goslings Black Seal rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer were the original combination, and unlike most cocktails, this matters. Goslings have actually trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy (with one apostrophe) and taken legal action against companies in the past.

These days, Goslings use their own Ginger Beer creation too, but if Goslings Black Seal isn’t the rum in your Dark n’ Stormy, then it isn’t technically one at all!

Now of course, when it comes to mixology at home, you can do whatever you like! Baring that in mind, let’s take a look at the best ways to switch up this classic!

The Original Dark n’ Stormy– for the traditionalists

Dark rum and ginger are the two key ingredients here, but many add a dash of lime for a bit of zip. It’s so fresh and vibrant with the sweet and warming spice intertwining gorgeously with thick, caramelly rum. Such a vivid tropical flavour that will transport you away to sunnier climes.

Ingredients
50ml dark rum (Goslings Black Seal)
80ml ginger beer
20ml lime juice (optional)
Lime wedge (garnish)

Method
Probably the easiest cocktail to make – add your ginger beer over ice and top up with dark rum!  

Sunny ‘n’ Stormy – for the orange lovers

Similar to a Moscow Mule, this just adds a little orange sun to the original. Angostura bitters give a bit more intensity and marmalade notes to the cocktail as well as a touch more spice, and freshly squeezed orange juice and zest adds fresh citrus to the equation.

Ingredients
45ml dark rum
60ml ginger beer
20ml orange juice/zest
Dash of angostura bitters
Orange wedge (garnish)

Method
Shake dark rum and orange juice with ice and strain into your glass. Top up with ginger beer and add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and orange zest on top! 

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Orchard – for the cider lovers

This a fantastic autumnal twist on the tropical Dark ‘n’ Stormy. The ginger, cinnamon and spiced rum bring satisfying warmness and comforting flavours that match perfectly with the hearty apple cider. The thick and gently fizzy texture is also super moreish.

Ingredients
45ml dark spiced rum
50m apple cider
20ml ginger beer
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
Add your cider and rum to a glass, top up with a small pour of ginger beer and garnish with apple and cinnamon! For a touch of sweetness, add apple juice too!

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Espresso– for the coffee lovers

Coffee is such a versatile and intense taste that even just adding a little is a surefire way to mix up your favourite cocktail. Whilst the original has a kick, this takes it one step further with warm spice and bitter, earthy espresso livening up the cocktail.

Ingredients
30ml dark rum
25ml espresso
50ml ginger beer
Lime juice (optional)

Method
Pour your ingredients into your glass in layers. So, dark rum first over ice, then ginger beer, and then slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy!

Stormy Weather – for the wine lovers

Wine, particularly Shiraz, works surprisingly well in the Dark & Stormy set-up. Similar to The Bishop cocktail, the rum brings the caramelly depth of tropical notes, whilst the Shiraz brings loftier sweet red fruits. Often already arriving with subtle peppery spice, Shiraz complements the ginger to create a rich, fruity and vibrant cocktail.

 Ingredients
35ml dark rum
35ml Shiraz wine
Splash of ginger beer
10ml syrup
Lime juice

Method
Shake well with ice because it’s important everything is thoroughly mixed here. Strain, top up with ginger beer and away you go!

Need a dark rum to star in your Dark ‘n’ Stormy variations? Check out these gems for under £30!

Bandra Bhai

London has an abundance of speakeasies. Yes there are a lot of great ones, but most seem to follow a similar style. If you are looking for a great speakeasy with a twist, then head to Fitzrovia - Bandra Bhai is the place to visit. This speakeasy is located beneath its sister restaurant - Pahli Hill. If you are able to get there early, it will be nice and quiet, but it definitely livens up later in the evening.

The bar is a tribute to the Indian smuggler’s dens in the 1970s, and has beautiful decor that fits the theme to a T. In the past these dens were often fronts, claiming to be photography studios or even sexologists. There are even some original signs as you come down the stairs for a sexologist clinic - all adding to the authenticity. 

The cocktail menu has just been updated and does not disappoint. Drinks are named simply after the main ingredient (such as date, mango, or pistachio) and are stunning interpretations of classic sips. One of our favourites was the date cocktail, mixing whiskey and dates and served almost theatrically covered with smoke. This drink is smooth and savoury - a perfect combo in our eyes.

A crowd (and bartender) favourite is the Mango. The drink is a blend of Desi Daru Mango vodka, lime, mango and yoghurt. Don’t stress, you won’t be given a drink with clumps of yoghurt. The yoghurt is clarified so that the liquid used in the cocktail is clear and creamy. This drink is delightful, the sweetness balanced by the creaminess. It almost reminds us of a scoop of mango sorbet. It is simply that good.

If you are peckish, then there are loads of traditional Indian snacks to choose from. The small plates are very generous, and one could easily fill up on them quickly. If you are not in the mood for a cocktail, then there is also an extensive wine list, as well as spirits to choose from.

Bandra Bhai is great for a date night, or celebratory drinks

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 8/10

Address: 79-81 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SJ

The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac

Cognac’s versatility is underappreciated, and we think it makes one of the best cocktail stars out there. It adds incredible depth of flavour and a welcome splash of oomph to your mixes, a belief that was only cemented by the unforgettable cocktails made and enjoyed in The Three Drinkers in Cognac

The Cognac cocktails might not be as famous as some of the other spirits, but we’re trying to change that so let’s start with some delicious cocktails made in the show!

French Twist

Towards the end of Episode One, Beckie Sullivan shows us how to pull together this wonderful French Twist cocktail, with richness yet lightness, and sweetness yet tang – all in perfect harmony. Aidy, Helena and Eddy compete to make the best garnish, so you can design your own here or just steal one of theirs... maybe just pick the winning one though...

Ingredients
50ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
30ml Dry Curaçao
40ml Sparkling Water (we love Fever-Tree)
10ml fresh lemon juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish (creative one yourselves!)

Method
Give everything except the sparkling water a good long shake with ice until chilled, then double strain over ice and top up with your soda!

Sidecar

One of the most famous ways to let Cognac shine through is the Sidecar, and that’s exactly what Aidy makes in Episode Three. There’s tangy lemon and sweeter orange but the star of the show is that delicious Cognac.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml fresh lemon

Method
Shake with plenty of ice, strain and pour. To make the cocktail into more of an experience, rub lemon over the glass so that you smell it before you taste it!

Sidecarmalade

Aidy and Maxime didn’t leave it there though! Gloriously simple, the great thing about the Sidecar is how adaptable it is... enter the Sidecarmalade! Using two local additions really gives the cocktail a new lease of life. Verjus (green juice) is basically unfermented grape juice, but with a feel much more like lemons and limes. The tartness is balanced out by delicious sweet marmalade for a cocktail that combines sweet and tangy citrus perfectly.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml verjus
Dollop of marmalade

Method
Brush some marmalade around the inside of the glass for a gorgeous glistening effect. Shake everything with plenty of ice so the marmalade is mixed throughout, then strain and pour!

The Gala Highball

Highballs are one of the best ways to show off a quality spirit because all you have to do is add a mixer and plenty of ice. Ginger ale works wonderfully well, but our choice in Episode One of The Three Drinkers in Cognac was Sicilian Lemonade for more zip and refreshment.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
80ml Sicilian Lemonade
Plenty of ice

Method
Highballs are simple so let’s keep it that way – pour everything over ice and give it a little stir.

French 75

When we say French 75, you’ll probably think of gin, but Cognac was traditionally used more, and it works so well. The Champagne adds great lightness and elegance to this bittersweet blend that is fruity, rich, and refreshing. Nom! Of course, Cava or Crémant work just as well!

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
10ml fresh lemon
10ml syrup
Champagne to top up
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Shake everything except your Champagne with ice and strain into your flute. Pour that gorgeous fizz over the top and just ease it into its new surroundings with a gentle non-bubble-breaking stir. Top off with lemon!

The Harvard

A twist on the Manhattan, The Harvard isn’t the most well-known of cocktails, but it is one of the oldest, first appearing in Kappeler’s 19th-century cocktail book. If you like cocktails that pack a punch, look no further. Hearty fruits from the vermouth and Cognac are balanced out by some bright citrus, dashes of bitters and a little sweetness. Delicious.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
30ml Italian sweet vermouth
10ml syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist (garnish)

Method
Mix everything with ice and once it’s fully stirred and chilled, strain and garnish! Voila!

There are plenty of other amazing cocktails in the show using other fantastic ingredients from the Cognac region too so if you want even more ideas, or just to see exactly how some of the above cocktails are made, get watching!