Dressed in garlands galore, serving spiced gingerbread and Michelin-starred Christmas Day feasts, The Connaught, Mayfair has welcomed in the festive season with open arms. While foodies can rejoice at the release of its Festive Afternoon Tea and menu du jour, drinks enthusiasts can expect something of equal magic at the Connaught Bar.
Named the best hotel bar in the Tatler Travel Guide 2024, the Connaught Bar is toasting to the festive season with the arrival of its new cocktail menu named Of The Moment. With unexpected twists on classic cocktails and rediscovered vintages, the menu includes the Connaught’s take on a martini and the cocktail of the moment, Bordeaux.
Made with Glenmorangie Signet-infused Japanese crisped rice, orange wine, ratafia reduction and orange bitters the Bordeaux cocktail is something the team at the Connaught is very proud of. Agostino Perrone, director of mixology at the Connaught, says, ‘There’s quite a lot to appreciate in this drink from a flavour profile point of view but also aesthetically, we like it to nod to a burgundy theatre curtain that is about to unveil the next show on stage: the Connaught Bar cocktail show where our guests are the protagonists.’
Giorgio Bargiani, assistant director of mixology believes wine aficionados will particularly enjoy this year’s festive creation. ‘Our Bordeaux cocktail invites guests to embrace the season with a sense of warmth and comfort,’ he explains. ‘The resemblance to a glass of Bordeaux wine goes beyond the colour of the drink, involving its body and complexity. Flavours and textures are enveloping, with a mellow hint on the nose and layers of smoky and fruity notes on the palate.’
Available now until January, the Connaught Bar festive cocktail is a yuletide must-try. What else would you expect from the best bar in the world?
Visit the Connaught hotel at Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL, the-connaught.co.uk