LAB Bar, Old Compton Street

Opened in 1999, LAB (London Academy of Bartenders) has been the place to go for well priced and good quality cocktails. With an extensive cocktail list, there’s an abundance of choice.

We kicked off with a Jack Bauer Sour and the Bon Bon – unfortunately, the Jack Bauer was pretty disappointing – I was expecting a potent mix of Beefeater 24 Gin, Suze and Chartreuse Herbal Liqueurs, egg white and green tea syrup but instead, was presented with something that tasted weak and oddly soapy. Luckily, the Bon Bon saved the day – deliciously sweet and creamy, the Limoncello and tangy lemon juice cut across the warmth of the vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps and vanilla sugar, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. Other favourites included the Tiramisu cocktail – a creation from the LAB kitchens, it was a delectably rich mix of flavours of the Patrón XO Café Tequila, Mozart white and dark liqueurs and mascarpone cheese all topped with an invigorating shot of espresso and dusted with super rich dark chocolate powder.

For those who don’t fancy an alcoholic tipple, there are a few delicious creations in their ‘Hall of Shame.’ We sampled the Melonie, a refreshing blend of watermelon, apple and cranberry juices shaken with lemon juice and elderflower cordial and also the fantastically flamboyant Parade which consisted of a passion fruit and raspberry puree mixed with fresh apple, orange and lime juices.

The only downsides are the fact that bartenders can take quite a while to concoct your drinks – but this is small price to pay for the excellently crafted drinks they come up with. I’ve also heard complaints that the cocktails are too sweet so if you like a cocktail that packs a punch, it might be a good idea to ask the bartenders to tone down the sugariness.

Overall, LAB is a great place to hang out  – there's a good vibe, an excellent cocktail menu and friendly service.



Details, details:

12 Old Compton Street

London W1D 4TQ

020 7437 7820

//4 Glamorous Cocktail Recipes ♥

In celebration of LFW which is always a seductive extravaganza of high end fashion, drama and sophistication, this issue we’re going to be focussing on the classic cocktail. From cosmopolitans – the tipple of choice for Carrie Bradshaw and the rest of the Sex and the City gang - to the peachy luxury of the classic Bellini, here are some delectable cocktails for you to sip and savour...and while you’re at it, raise a toast to LFW!




Cosmopolitan
Does the cosmo even need an introduction? A fashionista favourite, this gloriously pink hued cocktail is a perfect accompaniment to LFW after party gossip. We’re loving the refreshing citrusy flavours cutting through the warmth of the alcohol and making us all excited for what the runway has to offer next!
Serves 1


Ingredients: 
60ml Citron Vodka
25ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
25ml Cranberry Juice
25ml Lime Fresh Juice

1. Prepare your martini glass by chilling them in the fridge or freezer.
2. Put all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.
3. Shake, shake and shake a little more – 15 vigorous shakes should do the trick.
4. Strain into chilled glasses and garnish with a strawberry, blackberry and a twist of lime peel for a touch of quirkiness.
5. Sip and savour while looking relaxed and glamorous.

Bellini
Elegant, light and luxurious, the Bellini is one of the most sophisticated cocktail doing the social rounds. A favourite of the European aristocracy and ladies’ man Lord Byron, we bet that choosing this peachy delight for your after party tipple will have you rubbing shoulders with fashion royalty in no time. 




Ingredients:
1 measure fresh white peach purée (Purists call for this although it’s ok to cheat. Blend 2 ripe fresh peaches or a can of tinned peaches and use this instead)
Prosecco or sparkling wine to top

1. Chill two champagne glasses.
2. Tip out the ice, split the puree between the two glasses and top with Prosecco or sparkly.
3. Enjoy while smiling luxuriously.
4. Variations: If you fancy something exotic, substitute the peach for guava puree. This was served at the launch of Busaba Eathai in Hoxton and was a refreshing change to the normal peachy version.

Dirty Martini
The American writer, E. B. Whit referred to the Martini as being "the elixir of quietude" and we certainly agree. Maybe not ideal for a raucous party, we think this cocktail should be enjoyed during a quiet nice in and soul baring, late night conversation in with your favourite companion.


Ingredients:
70ml of freezing vodka (For the best results use Absolut Peppar for an extra kick)
1 tbsp dry vermouth
2 tbsp olive brine or juice
2 green olives (for the truly luxurious use green olives stuffed with blue cheese and a sliver of toasted almond)

1. Prepare your martini glass by chilling.
2. Put vodka, vermouth and olive brine into cocktail shaker, add ice and shake vigorously. 
3. Allow shaker to rest for 30 seconds.
4. Drop 2 drops of dry vermouth into the chilled glass.
5. Strain into glass and garnish with a twist of lemon rind and olives.
6. Savour with a conspiratorial smile.

Manhattan
This is one for all the smooth operators out there. We can imagine Mr. Big lookalikes enjoying a Manhattan while smoking a cigar and seductively winking at us. Its sophisticated and sensual simplicity makes us go weak at the knees and our hearts beat just a little bit faster. Hmm...


Ingredients:


50ml Bourbon
25ml Sweet Red Vermouth (If you don’t have any, Campari is a decent substitute).
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 tsp syrup from a jar of Maraschino cherries
Twist of orange peel
Maraschino cherry

1. Chill a cocktail glass in the fridge or freezer.
2. Combine Bourbon, Vermouth and Bitters in a mixing glass with plenty of ice and stir lovingly and gently. Do not allow the drink to go cloudy.
3. Place the cherry in the cocktail glass and strain mixture over it.
4. Manhattans can also be served on the rocks in a lowball glass.
5. Enjoy with a world wise look, and seductively nod and smile at your companion.

Enjoy!

♥