Easter 2018: The seven best cocktails and where to have them

Friday 23 March 2018 19:32 GMT
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The Hot Cross Bun Shard at the Aqua Shard is topped with a dainty caramel sugar nest and a cluster of mini chocolate egg
The Hot Cross Bun Shard at the Aqua Shard is topped with a dainty caramel sugar nest and a cluster of mini chocolate egg

Easter eggs are alright. But if you’re willing to indulge in something a little more bizarre next weekend, there are some fantastic Easter–inspired cocktails out there. From Crunchie concoctions spiked with booze and served in Easter egg boxes to mighty hot cross bun dedications, here are the themed tipples you should be sipping on

Aqua Shard – London

Just how much do you love hot cross buns? Not as much as Aqua Shard, we bet; the bar has created a limited edition cocktail that tastes exactly like them. Rocket to the 31st floor of the glass-shaped building on Easter weekend and order The Hot Cross Shard.

It’s put together with Hennessey Cognac, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur, before being shaken with star anise, coriander seeds, cinnamon, and a few loose cloves. But wait – there’s more. This indulgent drink is then topped with a dainty caramel sugar nest and a cluster of mini chocolate eggs.

Aviary – London

As far as Easter–themed cocktails go, this one has left the nest and flown the whole nine yards. You’ll find the Easter Egg Flip at rooftop restaurant Aviary, and it’s got “Instagram” written all over it. Brought to life with Mozart Chocolate Vodka, Drambuie, Cointreau, salted caramel, egg and orange bitters, it comes in a chocolate–covered glass, garnished with orange flakes and the once-illegal tonka bean, in crumble form.

Be At One – Brighton

Magicians might pull rabbits out of top hats, but Be At One have their own form of magic – mixology magic. The menu at this Brighton den might be swimming with every drink imaginable, but this Easter you’ve got to order one cocktail, and one cocktail only: The Honey Bunny. Blended with Mozart Dark Chocolate, honeycomb pieces and ice cream, this sweet as hell mix comes served in a Be At One Easter egg box with a Crunchie chocolate bar.

Quaglinos – London

You might say you hate puns, but we know you’re lying. Everyone loves puns – even Quaglino’s (a haunt that’s frequented by the likes of Sir Elton John and Mick Jagger). To celebrate Easter, they’ve placed three special cocktails on the menu, our favourite is crowned with the title “Eggcellent”. And before you ask, yes – Eggcellent truly is excellent. It’s stirred with Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur, gingerbread syrup and orange bitters, before being served with an edible chocolate sphere, mascarpone cream and gold glitter.

Dirty Martini – Manchester

People all over the UK ditched meat and dairy to go vegan this January, and just like discovering Dirty Martini for the first time – many haven’t looked back since. Jumping on the bandwagon to offer a vegan–friendly cocktail, the bar team here have truly outdone themselves with The CoCo Bunny. It marries Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Crème De Cacao mixed with cacao powder, Oatly cream, Oatly chocolate drink, and it comes topped with an indulgent Vegan coconut cream foam and Ombar chocolate buttons.

Radio Rooftop Bar have really raised the stakes this Easter. Instead of ritually running to Tesco to battle it out for the last chocolate egg on the shelf, you should try their Chocolate Nest. It’s easy on the eyes and even easier on the lips, whipped together with Mozart, Chambord, Sherry Marnier and cream.

Little Bat – London

Easter egg hunts aren’t just for children under the age of 10 with a monstrous appetite for all things sugar. They can be for grown–ups too. Neighbourhood bar, Little Bat, have teamed up with Bulleit to launch a whiskey menu like no other, and if you happen to spot one of their golden eggs hidden around the bar, you’ll be rewarded with a free cocktail. Pick from the Lafayette Layback, the Hayrider, and the Flip Flop that’s made with Bulliet Bourbon, Briottet Cacao, red wine, egg yolk, double cream and vanilla syrup.

For more info on the best bars in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight

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