Frost’s favourite… IMMERSIVE BAR

London is packed with immersive bars that will amp up your drinking experience but we’ve discovered a GEM on the outskirts of Chelsea that’s brilliant for groups and those looking for a bit of role play and escapism.

A WESTERN WONDERLAND – MOONSHINE SALOON

Sometimes in London, you stop and really take in your surroundings and think, ‘Yep, I live in the best city in the world’. We had that feeling when we were being questioned by the County Sheriff in Moonshine Saloon about Stinky Pete’s whereabouts, while we were dressed head to toe in Western gear, naturally.

The Moonshine Saloon is a ‘bring your own liquor’ establishment and recommends you bring a 35cl spirit. We took a 70cl and learned they only use 35cl anyway so don’t get caught out, although they do return the bottle after your session.

From the outside on the calm streets of Chelsea, the venue can go somewhat unnoticed but as soon as you enter you’ll be feeling like you’ve entered West World. The actors don’t break character at all and engage with you throughout, playing out a storyline as they go.

It’s fun, it’s harmless and it’s a great excuse to practice a Southern accent.  Visit the Moonshine Saloon website to book.

 

 

Mezcal Cocktail Recipe for Dia De Los Muertos

This Saturday we celebrated National Mezcal Day and we thought it was just about time this smokey agave plant made a comeback to claim it’s place proudly in your drinks cabinet. Here in the UK, Mezcal is making a comeback and we would love you to try this smoking hot cocktail perfect for Dia De Los Muertos which is coming up on November 2nd.

Mortar & Pestle, craft cocktail specialists with bars across the West Coast of USA have kindly supplied us with a cocktail which is evocative of their signature style. Full of show-stopping panache.

Mayan Calander
created as a libation for the end of days.

With flavours of;

Wahaka Joven Mezcal
Creme de Cacao
Habanero Syrup
Blackstrap Bitters

You will need:

One Martini Glass

¾ oz Lime juice
½ oz Habanero Syrup (cut 50/50 with 1:1 Simple Syrup)
1 ½ oz Wahaka Espadin Joven Mezcal
½ oz Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao
3 dashes Blackstrap Bitters
5 drops Saline Solution

Garnish: Flamed Lime Boat with Grated Cinnamon.

Method:

Combine ingredients into shaker.
Long shake and double strain into martini glass.
Garnish with lime boat filled with Overproof rum to fuel flame.
Torch, then grate cinnamon over time boat to create sparks.

Treat yo self with Candice Brown’s Baileys Cocktail Inspiration

Winner of The Great British Bake Off is winning hearts yet again by teaming up with Baileys and Grind café’s to create a showstopping Baileys Iced Coffee Cocktail. Baileys, famous for their indulgent and downright delicious cocktail serves, remember the Baileys Freakshake, this year have enrolled the help of star baker Candice Brown to come up with ‘Baileys Mint Brownie Iced Latte’. Featuring the bakers Baileys brownie, the cocktail is a cheeky twist on a milkshake. What’s more, the tasty cocktail is exclusively available at Grind’s eight London cafés for only one more week when you whisper the password ‘Don’t Mind if I Bailey’s’. But just in case you can’t make it, we wanted to make sure you get to try this one out at home;

CANDICE’S BAILEYS MINT BROWNIE ICED LATTE
(makes two serves and extra brownie …) 1.5 units per serve

For the salted caramel
120g dark brown sugar
120g unsalted butter
100ml double cream
50g good quality dark chocolate with mint

For the Baileys Cream
300ml double cream
75ml Baileys liquor

For the Milkshake
2 cans of Baileys Iced latte
6 big scoops vanilla ice cream
 
For the Brownie
250g good quality dark chocolate with mint
250g soft unsalted butter
250g dark brown soft sugar
4 medium eggs
60g plain flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt
60g Cacao powder
100g roughly Toasted chopped pecans
A drizzle of Baileys Liquor

Method-

For the caramel-
1. Place the sugar and butter in a saucepan over a low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat up and allow to froth and bubble. Turn off the heat and add in the chocolate- stir to melt then pour in the cream. Whisk until combined. Set aside to cool

For the Brownie-
2. Preheat oven to 160c fan and grease and line a 25cmx25cm square baking tin
3. In a Heat proof bowl add the chocolate and place over the top of a saucepan of simmering water on a medium heat. Stir occasionally until melted then remove from the heat
4. In a large bowl on an electric mixer place the softened butter and sugar- whisk for 2 minutes until pale and whipped
5. Add in the eggs one at a time whilst still whisking on a high heat- make sure all is combined before adding the next egg. Whisk for another 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy- You may need to scrape the sides of the bowl down between each egg
6. Pour the melted chocolate over the whipped egg mix and fold in until combined.
7. Sieve in the flour, cacao, baking powder and salt- add the toasted pecans fold in until combined
8. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 30-40 minutes until the top has set. Check with a skewer- although the middle will still be quite sticky as we want a gooey brownie.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool
10. Drizzle the Baileys to soak in and slice into 3x1inch rectangles or little triangles

For the Baileys cream-
11. Place the double cream and baileys in a large bowl and using an electric whisk whip up until Peaks form and hold their shape- transfer to a piping bag with a star nozzle

For the Milkshake-
12. Place the Baileys latte and ice cream into a blender and blitz for 15 seconds until thick and mixed

To construct-

1. Drip the salted mint caramel down the inside of the glass.
2. Pour the baileys milkshake up to 3/4 full and pipe on a big swirl of the baileys cream
4. Place a piece of the brownie onto the side of the cream then drizzle over more caramel and top with a sprig of mint
6. Place a straw into the glass and serve

The Late Summer Sun is a Great Excuse for a Cocktail

However, cocktails are a bit of a fiddle aren’t they? No, no,  not always it seems. Try these recipes which hit the spot and take no time at all. They are ideal for accompanying a September BBQ or, if autumn arrives, ask the gang over and have one, at least, before a roast dinner.

All Star Martini

This refreshing martini has been created by All Star Lanes, Brick Lane, East London, using J.J. Whitley Rhubarb Vodka who have created a range of spirits inspired by the British countryside. The Rhubarb Vodka really is reminiscent of freshly picked rhubarb, is a delicate colour and ideal as a cocktail base. So here we go:

the-late-summer-sun-is-a-great-excuse-for-a-cocktail-by-margaret-graham2

Ingredients (single serve): 25ml J.J. Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, 25ml J.J. Whitley London Dry Gin, dash of Fee Brothers Plum Bitters, 10ml fresh lemon juice, 5ml vanilla and passion fruit syrup, 10ml pressed apple juice, shot of Prosecco, a dried lemon wheel, dehydrated cornflower petals (or other edible dried flowers)

Method: Put all ingredients, except the prosecco into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupette. Garnish with the lemon and petals and serve with a chilled shot of prosecco.

And what about this:

the-late-summer-sun-is-a-great-excuse-for-a-cocktail-by-margaret-graham4

Botanical Martini

This gin lover’s dream has been created by popular Manchester cocktail bar, Tusk. The Botanical Martini is made using Whitley Neill, a premium gin inspired by Africa and carefully blended with nine botanicals, including the superfruit baobab which has six times more vitamin C than an orange.

Ingredients (single serve): 50ml Whitley Neill Gin, 10ml Noily Prat, dash Peychaud’s Bitters

Method: Stir the ingredients together and pour into a coupette glass- what could be more simple, especially if you have had a few of the others first!

Liverpool Gin G & T
cocktailsrecipescocktailrecipes

My parents spent quite a long time in India. In fact I was born there. They swore by a gin and tonic as the sun went over the yard arm, and trust me, this  is a very fine gin. Founded at the Bankhall distillery in Liverpool, Liverpool Gin is premium spirit handcrafted in a copper still. This small batch, aromatic gin recreates flavours of the past with the finest organic botanicals. Believe me,  you can almost see the ships masts in the port, the warehouses filled with spices, juniper, sugar cane. It really is one of the finest gins I have tasted.

Ingredients (single serve): 50ml Liverpool Gin, 100ml Fever Tree Tonic, wheel of orange and spring of mint

Method: Pour the gin and tonic over ice and garnish

Cheers everyone – enjoy.

You can buy J.J. Whitley Rhubarb Vodka from Amazon for £27.24 for 70cl. @JJ_WhitleyUK   facebook.com/JJWhitleyUK

Whitley Neill is available in Sainsbury’s and Tesco as well as Drinksupermarket.com for £23.29, 70cl. @WhitleyNeill  facebook.com/WhitleyNeill

Liverpool Gin is available from The Whisky Exchange for £44.95, 70cl. @LiverpoolGin  facebook.com/liverpoolgin

J.J. Whitley, Whitley Neill and Liverpool Gin are crafted and distributed by Halewood Wines & Spirits. (www.halewood-int.com)

 

 

 

Chandon Rosé Review & Cocktail Recipes

Chandon Rosé Review & Cocktail RecipesFrost loves sparkling wine. But there is sparkling wine and then there is sparkling wine. Chandon Rosé is a particular favourite of ours. A combination of Chardonnay, pinot noir and Malbec have been expertly mixed together in this gorgeously lively dry wine. The aromas of red berries really add to the party and this Rosé has just the right amount of sweetness.This wine is perfect to remind yourself how amazing you are.  It is nearly the weekend so go on, treat yourself and buy a bottle. There are two amazing cocktail ideas below if that is more your thing.

Whatever the weather this summer, Chandon is guaranteed to serve you a splash of sunshine with its gorgeous Brut and Rosé Argentinian sparkling wines. Crisp and dry on the palate with a hint of sweetness, Chandon is perfect enjoyed on its own or to add a touch of sparkle to a selection of simple, elegant Chandon cocktails. Chandon Brut and Rosé are available at Ocado.com and Majestic Wines from £14.99

#EnjoyTheSpark

 

Chandon Patagonia Punch

A fruity, fun cocktail with the fragrant hint of strawberries. The perfect serve for summer!

Ingredients

Chandon Rosé
2 strawberries
5 basil leaves
20ml rhubarb & strawberry cordial 15ml fresh lemon juice 30ml Belvedere
Ice cubes

Method

Muddle the fruit, shake and strain into a coupette glass

 

 

Chandon Evita Spritz

A wine spritzer with a twist – this simple, refreshing cocktail is the ideal accompaniment to your summer soiree

Ingredients

15ml Elder ower Cordial Top with Chandon Brut Orange Peel

Method

Pour ingredients into an ice lled cabernet glass and garnish with an orange twist

 

March Top Picks: Rhubarb Gin, Mesa Sunrise, Books & Beard Oil

Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage Cathy WoodmanMesa Sunrise Gluten Free Cereal

Mesa Sunrise is a gluten free cereal. It is crispy multigrain cereal flakes made with organic corn, flax, quinoa and amaranth. It is also wheat free. I thought this cereal would taste healthy. Not good healthy like avocado but, bad healthy. How wrong I was. At a loss for what to have for lunch because I had not gone shopping, I grabbed the cereal and: it’s delicious. I would definitely buy it again. It is crispy and filling too. A win.

The Great British Grooming Company Beard Oil.

Smooths and softens beards, it has Argan oil which helps to alleviate a dry, coarse beard. The bearded men of Frost thought it was great.

The Book: Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage.

A fun and enjoyable read from bestselling author Cathy Woodman. If you love animals and horses this book will definitely be a hit.

After years of training, horse-mad Flick has finally achieved her dream of becoming one of the few female blacksmiths in the country.

Her first job is in Talyton St George. The little cottage on the green where she is staying is idyllic, and it feels like the fresh start she needs. But she soon finds she is having to work overtime to prove her abilities to the not-so-welcoming locals.

One person very much on her side though is Robbie Salterton. He’s a bit of a local celebrity – a handsome stunt rider who does charity work in his spare time – and he seems to be going out of his way to look out for Flick. But is he just being friendly or does he see Flick as something more?

Despite swearing off men, Flick can’t help wanting to find out . . .

Springtime at Cherry Tree Cottage is available here.

Warner Edward’s Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin Review & Cocktail Recipe

This comes in a gorgeous pink bottle. Warner Edward’s Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin is made using ingredients from the Warner Edwards farm, real rhubarb. It is a tangy gin. It tastes great and is just that little bit different.

 

Rhubarb Gin Cocktail recipe, give it a try….

 

Rhubarb Fizz

 

Classic flavours go into this cocktail and they all work perfectly together.  The ginger adds a zing to the drink whilst the lemon balances the sweetness.  We tried quite a few variations of this one which were all amazing but this recipe stood out as the best.  Another great drink for a celebration.

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 50ml WarnerEdwards Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin
  • 10ml Lemon juice
  • 1 Teaspoon grated ginger
  • 10ml Sugar syrup
  • Prosecco

 

Garnish: Sage leaves

Glassware: Martini

Method: Shake all ingredients (excluding the Prosecco) together and pour into champagne flute then top up with prosecco

Warner Edwards Distillery Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin is available here.

 

 

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide for Mums: Chambord & Licor 43

chambordchambordandlicor43Panicking about what to get mum for Christmas? These two make great stocking fillers or proper presents for mum: Licor 43 (the premium, Spanish liqueur) and Chambord (the premium French Black Raspberry liqueur). The Chambord 20cl bottle is available in a beautiful gold box, and is the perfect stocking filler. It retails at all major supermarkets throughout the UK for just £7.50. Licor 43 70cl (700ml) bottle is available from ASDA stores and asda.com nationwide as well as through www.drinksupermarket.com with an RRP of £17.50-£17.99.

 

Cocktail recipe ideas below. 

Licor 43 winter serves for 2015

 

Mulled Wine 43

  • 50 ml Licor 43
  • 125 ml shiraz
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 1x sugar cube
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4 dashes of orange bitters
  • 1x cinnamon stick

Soak sugar cube in both bitters, place soaked cube, lemon juice and wine into a pan and place on the hob until hot. Add Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

 

Spiced Cider

  • 50ml Licor 43
  • 125ml cider (apple or pear)
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 2x barspoons of honey
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4x dashes of orange bitters

Place all the ingredients, except the Licor 43 into a pan and heat on the hob until warm. Add the Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass.

 

Spanish 43 Coffee 

• 25ml Licor 43
• Black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder

Warm the Licor 43 and pour into the coffee. Top carefully with the whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder.

 

 

Chambord Royale

You take the fizz, you top with Chambord, and puff! Now watch the bubbles storm.

Ingredients 

  • Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • Champagne, prosecco or cava

Method
Pour your favourite fizz into a flute glass and top with Chambord. Garnish with a raspberry.

 

French Martini

Christmas calls for a classic cocktail. Take pineapple juice and shake, shake, shake it with Chambord and vodka and voila! You have the French Martini.

Ingredients 

  • 15ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 50ml vodka
  • 60ml pineapple Juice

Method
Vigorously shake Chambord with vodka, pineapple juice and plenty of ice.

 

Chambord Very Berry

Brrr. When the snow is cold but the fire is burning, warm your hands with a Chambord Very Berry.

Ingredients 

  • 25ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 125ml red wine
  • 25ml fresh lemon juice
  • Spoonful of sugar
  • 3 raspberries
  • Slice of lemon studded with cloves

Method

Crush raspberries in a wine glass with sugar, then add Chambord, wine, and lemon juice. Top with hot water and garnish with a slice of lemon.

For more inspiration visit www.facebook.com/ChambordUK

The Christmas tree looks best when there are presents beneath it. Wish your friends and family Joyeux Noel with a 20cl bottle of Chambord packaged in a beautiful gold box. Available from all major supermarkets (asda.com, tesco.com, sainsburys.co.uk) throughout the UK. RRP: £7.50. Bon!

 

 

 

 

Tanqueray London Dry Gin Review & Cocktail Recipes

tanquerayginWe are quite particle to a Gin & Tonic at Frost. In fact, we love cocktails with gin in them, it is the perfect spirit for cocktails. We are quite fussy about quality but Tanqueray London Dry passed our taste test. It is a vibrant gin which is both sweet and savoury. It has a blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. It is a superior and high-quality gin. Frost loves.

Tantalise your taste buds with adventurous umami cocktails

When you think cocktail, do you think of a fruity and sweet concoction? Well think again with three delicious, yet savoury cocktails from Tanqueray London Dry Gin.

Over the last year, any cocktail bar worth its salt has featured savoury cocktails on the menu, allowing adventurous drinkers to enjoy the flavour sensation is known as umami – translated from Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’, which is actually one of the five basic tastes (along with sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness).

Tanqueray London Dry Gin (70cl £21.50, stockist suggestion Waitrose.com) has an elegance and versatility of flavour that makes it the perfect spirit for cocktails – both sweet and savoury, as well as vibrant gin and tonics. The sophisticated flavour profile is achieved by the blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice.
Impress your friends and join trend-setting mixologists with these piquant potions that you can make at home.

Beetroot Shocker
Beetroot Shocker

Ingredients:
50mls Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15mls Lemon Juice
50mls Beetroot Juice
Pinch of Celery Salt
Top with tonic water

Method – shake first four ingredients with cubed ice and strain over cubed ice in a hiball glass, top with tonic water and garnish with a Lemon wedge and a mint sprig
Units – 2.1

Peppered Apple Martini

Peppered Apple Martini

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15ml Apple liqueur
30ml cloudy apple juice
3 x fresh basil leaves
5ml lemon juice & 5ml sugar

Method – add all ingredients to shaker and shake with cubed ice, double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a floating basil leaf and fresh cracked black pepper
Units: 1.5

Tanqueray Snapper

Tanqueray Snapper

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Dash Tabasco sauce
4 dashes red pepper sauce
Pinch salt and pepper
Pinch white pepper
Squeeze half fresh lemon
100ml tomato juice

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, then roll back and forth to mix. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and celery stalk.
Units: 1.3