As Friday finally arrives, our minds inevitably turn to the weekend and the ‘fun’ we might have (and possibly the ‘bigger fun’ we might have had pre-lockdown!). Many of us are doing Dry January (and impressively, a fair number of people we have spoken to have stuck to it so far, and some are even planning to continue for the foreseeable! We salute you…)
We yearn for Friday Night Cocktails, out on the tiles with friends perhaps in Soho or at a friend’s house. But whilst the nation remains in lockdown, we may need to forego the physical socialising element, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy a ’social’ event of sorts.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a well-done work week, alone or with pals on zoom, or you’re lucky enough to live with a loved one, a Friday night drink is definitely something to celebrate. In honour of our dry friends, we have done the legwork and researched some of the best non-alcoholic drinks, spirits and cocktails around! Here are BBB’s top drinks for a sober night in that doesn’t feel like a compromise…
1. Feragaia – this Scottish drink is made from ‘land and sea botanicals’ which seems quite fitting, as the name translates as ‘Wild Earth’, very apt for the rugged beauty of Scotland. Drunk over ice or with a tonic, this vermouth-type drink is flavourful and original. Sign up to the Feragaia mailing list to get 15% off your first order (also the website itself is gorgeous!)
2. Three Spirit – a BBB favourite for a while now, there are now 3 different flavours to choose from- The Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap! The drinks combine plants used for centuries in ceremonies and potions to stimulate the palate, mind and body, promote connection and positive social experiences without alcohol. Vegan, gluten-free and sustainably packaged, we love them! BBB Members get 15% off using code BBB15 at checkout (UK only).
3. New London Light, by Salcombe Distilling Co. – bold and refreshing and unbelievably 0% ABV, this one is full of flavour and utterly delicious. It is made by first distilling three botanicals: bold Macedonian juniper berries, zesty ginger and warm habanero capsicum. The base is then carefully blended with 15 further botanicals including orange, sage, cardamom, cascarilla bark and lemongrass, to create this unique and stunning flavour. SDC also have 2 great offers on right now, valid until 31 Jan: Free UK Mainland shipping on all orders over £25, plus the NLL subscription offer of 20% off every month when you sign up using the code LIVELIGHT.
4. STRYYK – this brand are no stranger to the spotlight and it’s easy to see why. Their Not G*n, Not R*m and Not V*dka are each and all impressive, but we love that they are also making cocktails and also providing ample recipe inspiration on the website for those wanting to get creative at home! AND, if you sign up for the newsletter, it’s a whopping 40% off your first order!
5. Seedlip’s Nogroni – anyone who knows the BBB team personally will know that we are avid fans of the Negroni (I mean, what’s not to love?!). Indeed, we pride ourselves on having tasted negronis around the world in a real cross-section of establishments! However, we can confirm that this non-alcoholic from Seedlip is superb (and, no hangover! Who knew…) Seedlip are also offering a mystery ‘free gift’ for all orders in January too, so time to place another order, we say!
Bottoms up…Here’s to the light on the horizon
BBB x
Naianna Robertson on mental health and the power of meditation
Naianna Robertsson, BSc, MSc, PhDc, Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor and Founder of Neurocompatible has come to BBB to share her insights on the power of meditation and the importance of the practice in everyday life, but especially during a pandemic…. Plus a competition prize for one lucky reader below!
We are living in a very strange time, life has changed on various levels and we are all being affected by health concerns, financial worries, lack of motivation, anxiety, depression, and an overall reduced sense of wellbeing. But it is possible to manage our anxiety and brain health and not let stress overwhelm us.
An incredibly powerful way to keep your stress levels down is having a regular meditation practice. When you meditate, you are in the calmest state your mind and body can ever experience.
But here is the fun part; yes, meditation is incredible for you, but just like different sports enhance different parts of your body, different types of meditation have different effects on different parts of your brain. Scientists have suggested that different meditation styles should be recommended according to what areas of your life you want to focus on.
After years of working as a neuroscientist and also training as a meditation teacher, I decided to combine modern science with ancient meditation practices, and the Neurocompatible Meditation course was born. The technique that I teach combines the three most powerful and brain-changing styles of meditation (non-directive meditation, mindfulness and visualisation) into one simple practice. Based on cutting-edge neuroscience research, each technique has been proven to change different areas of your brain, so when combined, they become your secret weapon to success and to a new, enhanced version of you. The technique allows you to tap into your dormant potential, to unlock your brain power to reduce how you respond to stress, increase emotional resilience, boost productivity, alertness, drive, and give you an overall calmer and happier life.
My own personal experience of going through depression and anxiety after I had my first baby is what first brought me to practice meditation daily, as a matter of survival. I needed to establish a routine to better look after my mental health and wellbeing, as I was predisposed to dark and negative thoughts if left to my own devices. When I could finally speak about this part of my life in the past tense, I became hugely inspired to spread the benefits of meditation as a brain-training tool to others.
Meditation has quite literally changed who I am, how I speak to myself, my inner voice, my sense of self-worth, my productivity levels and my time feeling present with my family. The practice has also helped me cultivate strength and resilience to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic that we are collectively experiencing, where a lot of us had to reinvent ourselves and our work.
I am driven by the conviction that each of us have the potential to rewire the brain to unlock its unlimited potential – intensifying focus, managing stress and anxiety, and improving resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence. My goal is to make meditation accessible to everyone, to demystify it, to simplify it for people. To spread the message that meditation is literally nourishing food to your brain, it is not a luxury treat that you give yourself occasionally, it is a mental hygiene habit, just like brushing your teeth and taking a shower.
I designed a course for anyone and everyone looking to take charge of their wellbeing, and what better time to focus on your brain health than the beginning of a new year? Whether you’re completely new to meditation or if you already have a regular practice, this course will give you invaluable new tools and new insights into how to transform your brain health.
Here’s what some past course participants had to say about The Neurocompatible Meditation course:
| “I found Naianna’s course incredibly interesting. She has a lovely way of teaching and she breaks it down so it’s easy to understand and absorb. It was also great to learn about the science behind it all. It really helped with motivation and the desire to adopt the practice long term. I now feel like I am equipped for life with a way to relax, help look after my mental health, and optimise my productivity.” – Alice Godfrey – Nutritional Therapist “Thank you so so much for this course, I have loved every minute. I’ve done guided meditation for a few years, but I suppose I never really quite understood it. Thanks to your generous sharing of your knowledge, I now really get it. It makes so much sense and better still I can now do it properly – without any aids and at any time I want, as long as I have 15 minutes alone – in the car, in the park, the loo or a quiet place at home. You gave so much detail of the science behind it and how it affects the brain, that is utterly fascinating, and great to understand the enormous difference it can make to your life. I’ve used the visualisations to deal with some stressful work things too and it’s given me the confidence to go through with it, and of course I’m using it for the lifelong goal / dream I have. I’m feel enormously lucky to be doing this course with you, I feel like I’m beginning an incredibly important and life changing journey – thank you.” – Nic Kemp – Course student |
My new live-streaming Zoom course starts on Saturday, January 30th 10am-11:30am and runs for 4 weeks. If you can’t attend one of the live sessions, worry not! A recording will be available for one week after each session, so you can catch up in your own time. Join me and gain complete control of your brain health and wellbeing, and become a self-sufficient meditator for life!
Naianna Robertsson, Founder of Neurocompatible BSc, MSc, PhDc, Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Instructor
COMPETITION! One lucky reader will win a place on Naianna’s next course – to enter, just email info@bbb1.squareballoon.co.uk with your name and phone number, plus your answer to the following question… Which 2 daily habits does Naianna liken Meditation practice to? The competition opens now and closes at midnight on Monday 18th January 2021. Good luck!
BBB’s Iconic Cocktail Guide for February 2021
January is a time where health is at the forefront of our minds, combining New Year’s Resolutions with efforts perhaps to eat better and drink less. For those who completed Dry January, we salute you! Some people are admirably keeping it going into February and perhaps even beyond, but for those eager to get back on the bottle, we have just the thing for you.
As the frustration of no globetrotting becomes ever more acute, we have combined our passion for travel and adventure with our love of a good tipple to bring you here some of the most delicious and interesting signature cocktails from our friends and Partners around the world…. Bottoms up!
First stop, The Dorchester in London
with Giuliano Morandin, Bar Manager at The Bar
When Giuliano and his team reintroduced The Martinez to the cocktail list at The Bar, the recipe required a special Old Tom Gin which had become something of a rarity and therefore retaining a cult following among ‘cocktail cognoscenti’. The Martinez remains one of the most popular drinks served in The Bar.
About the cocktail, Giuliano says: “A very special classic cocktail, The Martinez is believed to be the forefather of both the Manhattan and the martini. The cocktail is made using Old Tom Gin, which The Dorchester recreated with our own branded gin. The botanicals included in the gin, which is exclusive to The Dorchester, include juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, cassia bark, cardamom, fresh lemon and orange peel.”
The Martinez
Serves One drink
Ingredients
30 ml. The Dorchester Old Tom
40 ml. Punt e Mes
10 ml. Maraschino Luxardo
Dash of Bokers bitter
Garnish
Orange Peel
Method
The first step to creating The Martinez is to chill a martini glass, so when I pour the cocktail it won’t get a thermal shock. Our secret to perfecting the recipe is using our own Old Tom Gin, which is distilled by Wessex Distillery, and bitters created especially for The Dorchester. I fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin and sweet vermouth, keeping in mind the gin will need to be three times the amount of the vermouth. Add a dash of maraschino liquor and the bitters, followed by a good shake. Remove the ice from the glass, strain and pour from the shaker. Cut a very thin orange zest and squeeze so the oils drip into the drink and if you wish you can rub along the rim of the glass. Then it is ready to enjoy.
The Dorchester Old Tom Gin is still being distilled and can be bought at the hotel or on the hotel website.
Next up, the iconic Bellini from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy
with Walter Bolzonella, Head Barman
Walter has been at Belmond Hotel Cipriani since 1989. Over the years he has served the Hollywood greats – Liz Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Tom Cruise and George Clooney; who has two cocktails created for him and named by him. From a young age he welcomed guests in his home in Noale near Venice with homemade infusions with herbs and berries from the woods nearby, he has continued pursuing his passion at Belmond Hotel Cipriani where he enriches cocktails with spices and herbs from the Casanova Gardens. The hotel’s signature cocktail and one of the best-loved in the world, the Bellini, was created by Harry Cipriani a few years before he welcomed the first guests in 1958. The sparkling drink’s rich peach colour is captured throughout the hotel’s interior design.
The Original Bellini
INGREDIENTS
• 1/3 fresh white peach juice (fresh if possible!)
• 2/3 Prosecco (it simply has to be Italian sparkling wine)
METHOD
• Peel and slice 1kg of white peaches. Dip them in 500 gr. of water and 200 gr. of
fresh lemon juice (the peaches must be covered with water and lemon).
• Pass the peaches (with lemon juice and water) in a blender with crushed ice
and 2 spoons of sugar.
• When in the beginning or end of the peach season, add little juice of raspberries or
cherries so as to make it distinctly pink in color.
• When in full season this is not necessary, as peaches give their own color.
• Please note that the Prosecco and the juice must be very cold before mixing
them.
• Do not mix the Bellini until the very last moment – right before serving,
otherwise, it will separate.
See Walter and the Original Bellini in action!
When the heart years for Phuket, we head to the idyllic Amanpuri
with Peerayoth Rattanathitibovorn, Bar Manager at The Lounge.
Located on the shores of the Andaman Sea, this beautiful and luxurious beach resort is simply stunning. Sitting in an entire private coconut grove filled peninsula, of course we had to choose this cocktail! The coconuts used in the preparation of Coconut Negroni cocktail at The Lounge are sourced from Amanpuri’s own coconut trees. Born and raised in Bangkok, Peerayoth started his journey into mixologist culture in 2015. Not long afterwards, Peerayoth won the title of Diageo World Class Bartender of Southern Thailand 2016.
Coconut Negroni
Iron Ball Thai Gin, Infused Coconut, Mancino Rosso, Campari, Coconut Oil
Method: Stir all the ingredients except coconut oil over cubed ice for 60 seconds, then strain into chilled rock glass with prepared block ice, drop coconut into surface of the cocktail, garnish with dehydrated lemon wheel.
Moving west to a different kind of tropical shores… Eden Rock St Barths
with Matthias ASO – 1st Barman at the Rémy Bar
Chili Chili Bang Bang is an exotic version of the margarita, with a little bit of chilli to bring a kick to the cocktail served in a fun tiki! It has been a signature drink for almost a decade at the Rémy Bar Eden Roc St- Barths and is always popular with visitors!
Chili Chili Bang Bang
50ml Casamigos blanco infused with jalapeños
30ml Passoa
30ml pineapple juice
25ml lime juice
15ml sugarcane syrup
Shaken 10 seconds then pour in a tiki mug.Crushed ice on top with 1 straw. Garnish with 1 dry lime, 1 dry pineapple slice and 1 dry orange slice
And for those still wanting a healthy aspect to their indulgences, who else to ask but the Equinox in NYC
Created for those who rest and play as hard as they work, Equinox hotels have an ethos of holistic wellbeing, offering guests a space to restore and regenerate. So it makes sense, that they would have the perfect cocktail with a healthful component…
The ‘Bucks Bunny’ from Electric Lemon Restaurant and Terrace
0.75 fl oz Ginger Juice
0.5 fl oz Lime Juice
2 fl oz Carrot Juice
2 fl oz Armagnac
2 fl oz Soda Water
0.25g Dried Candied Ginger
0.1g Chervil
Carrot ribbon for garnish
0.75g Ginger Syrup (1:1 ginger juice simple syrup)
Mix all
Garnish with the carrot ribbon and chervil
For a truly decadent experience, we head to the Grand Hotel Europe, A Belmond Hotel in St Petersburg, Russia
Pretty much ‘The’ place to stay in St Petersburg, the Grand Hotel Europe dazzles with vintage glamour and the Lobby Bar is no exception. Live jazz and blues music dances among the hubbub of stories shared and secrets spilled at this iconic drinking spot. Gaze around at the stucco cornices, green-tiled fireplaces, marble floors and bronze statues and you’ll soon appreciate why this elegant Art Nouveau space is a protected historical and cultural landmark.
Their signature cocktail is the ‘Million Red Roses’ which was recently included into Alia Akkam’s new book “Behind the Bar: 50 Cocktail Recipes from the World’s Most Iconic Hotels”. The celebrated song, ‘Million Red Roses’ by one of the most beloved singers in Russia, Alla Pugacheva, inspired this cocktail – a sparkling taste of Russia.
Cocktail “Million Red Roses”
Ingredients:
• Vodka Russian Standard Platinum 4 cl
• Grapefruit juice 10 cl
• Honey Syrup (1 part honey to 2 parts water) 2 cl
• Sparkling wine 10 cl
• Garnish – Aspidistra leaf, rose petals
Method:
Combine the vodka, grapefruit juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled wine glass with a few ice cubes at the bottom. Add the sparkling wine and stir. The bar fancifully garnishes this drink with aspidistra leaf and rose petals, but it’s also lovely in its unadorned state.
When the place you’re dreaming of is Bali, we look to our friends at Capella Ubud with Dwi Anggayani and Adip.
Capella Ubud is unlike any place we’ve ever seen. Nestled in the heart of lush green forests, this unique tented camp sits in harmony with its surroundings, embracing nature and promoting balance and harmony. Inspired by the early European settlers from the 1800s, architect Bill Bensley designed Capella Ubud as a tribute to their spirit of adventure.
Cucumber Rita
45ml Tequila
Fresh Cucumber
10ml Cucumber Syrup
25ml homemade Orangecello
30ml Lime Juice
– Cut the fresh cucumber into 3-4 slices, put it in the shaker and crush it well- Add cucumber syrup, orangecello, lime juice and tequila- Add some ice cubes and shake well- Pour into the glass and enjoy
But let the experts show you themselves! Here’s Dwi and Adip to show us how’s it done…
Last but definitely not least, we find ourselves back in London at a BBB favourite, The Lanesborough with Mickael Perron who heads up The Library Bar at The Lanesborough.
Talking about his signature Gaspari Manhattan, Mickael explains “The Manhattan is the greatest American cocktail that I know, and I invented this some years back when I was entering a cocktail competition. It was my grandmother Mimi Gaspari’s birthday, but I was missing the celebrations to take part, so I made a drink in tribute. It’s based on a Rob Roy, a Scotch Manhattan, and the rosemary adds a scent of the Mediterranean. At the time, not many people were using herbs or spices in drinks, but rosemary is easy to come by. We burn it into the Bénédictine, Blue Blazer-style. The flavour works well with the Scotch, and it gives off a big flame, which creates a sense of occasion – when people see a big glass of ice with fire above it, they want to know what’s going on.”
Gaspari Manhattan
60 ml Whisky: The BALVENIE CARIBBEAN CASK – 14 years Old Single Malt Whisky
35 ml Vermouth Mix : 25ml PUNT E MES + 5ml Cizanno + 5ml Lillet
20 ml To Flame: Benedictine
4 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters
Rosemary, a Generous spring to burn & garnish
Pour the whisky, vermouth, bitters in a mixing glass, add ice and stir
Use a separate cup, fuse a lighter and flame the rosemary bathing in BenedictineLet it cook until the smell and flames are ready to be transferred to the mixing glassPour the flame over the iced mixed cocktail, stir gently the rosemary into the drinkFine strain into your glass, pre prepared with a nice ice cube
Glassware & Final Touches:
Coupe, rocks, any…
Orange peel squeezed over the glass, discard
Small rosemary spring somewhere with your glass (small wooden peg helps)
Stay tuned to our social media over the coming days and weeks too, where we’ll be sharing even more iconic and inspiring drinks from our friends around the globe! We’ll be raising a glass to a better year ahead for us all…