THE ART OF CUNARD COCKTAILS
Glamorous, intriguing, delicious and fun. |
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THE ART OF CUNARD COCKTAILS
Glamorous, intriguing, delicious and fun. |
Category: Worldwide - Exclusive experiences
- What's new?
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2020-05-25
Quality cocktails are enjoying an exciting renaissance, and on board our Cunard Queens, guests are spoilt for choice.A glimpse into the trends and craft of classic cocktails.An interview with Cunard’s Head Mixologist, Claudia Carrozzi.
How are things in the cocktail world?
I believe we’re enjoying the best cocktail era in the history of bartending. Between the 1970s and 1990s, quality was sacrificed for quantity and showy presentation. I call it the dark age of the cocktail! Now there’s much more focus on the quality and balance of the ingredients, as well as beautiful and considered presentation.
So, what has caused this revival?
The demand has changed, along with the customer’s expectations. We have a much more sophisticated palate now, and expect quality and authenticity. There’s a new respect for the old recipes and lost techniques which, thanks to bar historians and the availability of vintage cocktail books (often found via the internet), can be researched and rediscovered.
What makes these drinks so appealing now?
While the latest trends are undoubtedly influenced by these old recipes, many are being updated with a twist of spirit infusions, in-house fermentations, handcrafted syrups, flavoured waters and so on. It’s created a sort of magical fusion between culinary skills and bartender techniques. This is ‘craft’ cocktail-making at its best.Any stars of the bar?One of the most exciting developments has been the gin renaissance. The spirit has a botanical base – such as juniper – which makes it extremely versatile. Most historic cocktail recipes are actually gin based, sometimes mixed with fortified wines, vermouths and bittersweets – liqueurs made with herbs.What’s new for non-alcoholic cocktails?
There’s a growing interest in low-alcohol or alcohol-free drinks, and the launch of quality non-alcoholic spirits, such as Seedlip, means that non-drinkers are no longer restricted by a cocktail choice made primarily from sugary fruit or dairy products. Now, bartenders can create fabulous recipes following a logical cocktail structure, which is as complex, elegant and unique as their alcoholic counterparts. The Cunard Bee-Dazzled cocktail, which uses Seedlip Spice 94 is a great example of this.
Final observations?
While we’re taking inspiration from the past to create many exciting blends, as responsible bartenders our attention must be firmly on the long term too, not least when it comes to sustainability. Cunard takes this responsibility seriously, and in all our bars on board that is very much in evidence. We source ingredients for our drinks responsibly, comply with the ships’ very strict recycling policy, and have moved away from plastic straws and so on, to create outstanding drinks while helping to care for our planet.Cunard Bee-Dazzled mocktail recipe.Recreate the experience of enjoying a refreshing beverage on board a Cunard Queen at home with this delicious mocktail recipe from Rakesh Kyathsandra Murali, one of our expert bartenders from The Verandah Restaurant.The Bee-Dazzled◆ 2 fl oz (60 ml) Seedlip Spice 94
◆ ¾ fl oz (22 ml) honey water (equal parts honey and water)
◆ ½ fl oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
◆ ¼ fl oz (7.5 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Pour the Seedlip Spice 94, honey water, orange and finally the lime juice over the ice.
Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to combine and, using a cocktail strainer, strain the cocktail into a stemmed glass.
Decorate with a dehydrated orange wheel or garnish of your choice. Serve and enjoy!Pouring the perfect Cunard cocktail.Watch our skilled bartender Rakesh provide you with a behind the scenes look at the creation of our delicious Cunard Bee-Dazzled cocktail.
Find your favourite bar at sea.
From a lively pre-dinner aperitif to a quiet nightcap, there’s an absolute wealth of irresistible cocktails to choose from on board our fleet – and so many fabulous places to enjoy them, too. The auspicious Chart Room and elegant Commodore Club both offer unique cocktail blends, while the Midships Lounge sparkles with exciting possibilities – including the impressive Gin & Fizz menu on Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
Settle in at the stylish Carinthia Lounge on Queen Mary 2 to be tempted by delectable port and sherry cocktails. Or why not head for the relaxed, friendly ambience of The Golden Lion pub – ideal for a perfectly judged Bloody Mary or two! Not least are the delicious cocktails created to complement the new Steakhouse at the Verandah menu. From a mischievous Moonshine Martini to the non-alcoholic kick of a Muzzled Mule, here you’re in for a treat.
Compiled by Sharon Parsons.
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