Cocktails in the City at the Hoxton in Shoreditch

For the connoisseur of liquor, the uninitiated but adventurous, the curious party-goer, this is a wonderful event not to be missed. Cocktails in the City  is held at  the Hoxton, where guests sample a wide variety of unique and specialised mixed drinks. The layout is organic and fun, giving the impression the taster is at the home of a friend, who just happens to be an expert drink mixer. With an elegant open kitchen and several attached rooms, the ambience is welcoming and comfortable. Each drink station has a pair of presenters: one giving background information about the liquor and cocktails; the other  serving beautiful beverages. Their banter is pleasant and provides context for the drinks, which makes the mixtures even more interesting.

With a range of colours, tastes and appearance, cocktail lovers will have trouble picking a favorite out of the half-a-dozen brews available. Some are prepared sweet with fruit syrups and champagne fizz. Others could be described as superfood smoothies with gin: a fantastic combination – one a day would keep the doctor away!. Still others have complex compositions and flamboyant presentations and are a pleasure to investigate with the senses.

A variety of ingredients are used in these alluring concoctions. A few homemade fruit syrups provide intense flavours and brilliant colours. In others, an array of herbs and spices make the fragrances and undertones amazing. The most bizarre ingredient of the night, however, is an African seed pod whose inside is powderised and used for a flavouring in a delicious cocktail. The night is wonderful and the easy-going nature of the setting and hosts make it even better.

Matthew Pronchick

Cocktails in the City is at the Hoxton until 12^th February 2016, for further information or to book visit here.