An Evening of Cocktails in The Vines

At our 3 AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, the cocktails are more than just drinks – they’re an extension of the culinary mastery that defines our venue. Each one is crafted with the same precision, care, and creativity as our dishes, offering a hidden gem of flavor experiences. These cocktails are not only designed to impress; they ooze sophistication and refinement, showcasing the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

White Negroni

Our White Negroni remains true to the classic formula of sweet, bitter, and spirit-forward, but with an intriguing twist. Gin still serves as the backbone, but in place of the usual red vermouth and Campari, we use a white vermouth and a white bitter. This creates a lighter yet equally complex version of the classic, perfectly chilled and served over an ice block. The ice itself is an essential component, often overlooked – its slow dilution ensures the cocktail remains at the ideal temperature while subtly enhancing the balance of flavors.

-5*C Dry Martini

This unique take on the classic dry martini is inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. Garnished with Spanish pitted olives and delicate drops of dill oil, crafted by our chef, this martini is as aromatic as it is flavorful. The dill oil adds a refreshing herbal note that elevates the drink to new heights. “Dry” is a common cocktail modifier that generally means a heavier proportion of higher-proof spirit to lower-alcohol mixer. In the case of the Martini, this means more gin and less vermouth. We serve it straight from the freezer, so it arrives at your table perfectly chilled, capturing the crispness and purity that a martini demands.

Clarified Strawberry & Cream

Clarification, or milk-washing, is an age-old technique that we’ve mastered in this stunning blend of bourbon, spiced rum, lemon, strawberries, and cream. The milk-washing process softens the edges of the cocktail, creating a smoother, silkier drink. This is no quick fix – the process takes about 24 hours, with each batch meticulously filtered through a coffee paper strainer to capture small particles from the milk which the texture has previously been modified using an acid which separates the protein from the whey. The result is a velvety cocktail, with the sweetness of strawberries and cream balanced by the warmth of bourbon and rum, offering a rich yet refreshing sip that surprises with every taste.

Brown Butter XO

Fat washing is a simple yet transformative technique that adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture to cocktails, and our Brown Butter XO is a perfect example. This indulgent creation blends extra old rum with rich brown butter and banana, drawing inspiration from the beloved British Banoffee Pie. The result? A cocktail that’s nothing short of decadent. By fat-washing the rum with melted butter, we achieve a silky, buttery mouthfeel that lingers long after each sip, while the sweetness of banana adds a playful, tropical note. The process involves using the physics of freezing to separate the fat from the spirit, ensuring a clean, smooth finish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This drink is a personal favorite of our restaurant manager – a luxurious, dessert-inspired delight that elevates the art of cocktail making.

Vines Bloody Mary

The Bloody Mary has been a classic since the 1920s, with various versions like the gin-based Bloody Margaret or the tequila-infused Bloody Maria. Our take on this iconic cocktail, the Vines Bloody Mary, offers a unique twist that’s bold, flavorful, and customizable to your spice preferences. How spicy do you like it? From a subtle kick to fiery heat, you decide.

What sets our version apart is the Bishop Mix: a blend of spices on a red wine base, with horseradish, pink peppercorn, soy sauce, English mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. This mix delivers an incredible depth of umami flavor while ensuring the perfect consistency in every sip. An unforgettable experience of spice and sophistication

Each of these cocktails tells a story, one that mirrors the ethos of our kitchen – creativity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Sip, savor, and experience the art of cocktail making at its finest.