We’ve looked at almost every aspect of dating in this blog. How to woo with words; most romantic restaurants; top date locations; worst dating lines… But what we haven’t done is focus on one of the main businesses of the venues we run events in. Drink.
We choose our venues because they’re a little different, have a great fun attitude, are easily accessible and great examples of the area in which they reside. But none of these venues would get the Original Dating seal of approval if it wasn’t for their ability to mix a mean drink.
So I set out and asked some of them to come up with their most romantic tipple and here are their recommendations.
Tiki Bar Tuesday’s
Sugar Cane in Clapham Junction – has gone typically Pacific, ensuring romance comes with a sharer that contains a heady dose of party fun.
Tropical Sunset Vodka and White Rum with passion fruit, peach and pineapple juice.
Sit back together and enjoy the sunset over the sea. See our Clapham Speed Dating events list here.
Eclipse Wednesdays
A touch of dating class – Eclipse, South Kensington – has something extra special for all you potential lovers. Created by bartender Nicola Battafarano and winner of the coveted Marquis Award, behold the dark, sweet goodness of:
Sayuri Marquis Vodka shaken with cherries, lemon, chocolate bitter, vanilla syrup and topped with chocolate shavings.
An absolute endorphin explosion. Check our speed dating events in South Kensington here.
Thrist Quenching Thursday
The Exhibit Our Thursday night venue - The Exhibit, Balham - has gone with one of its winter classics to suit the odd freeze we’re currently experiencing. In fact, I even got a free taster at last night's event so I can personally vouch for this one:
The Ginger Rain Scotch Whiskey & Drambuie stirred over ice with Ginger Syrup & Angostura Bitters. Book speed dating in Balham here.
Wonderfully warming
The Hanbury Arms An occasional but special Thursday venture – The Hanbury Arms, Islington – came back in typically laconic style. John the manager pointed out, with a glint in his eye, that given the Hanbury is really a pub they may not be the best placed to recommend cocktails.
Instead, with a rye smile he suggested a Jaeger Bomb or seven.
To be fair, they’re a free house and also have a cracking selection of red wines on offer. Perhaps a cheekily smooth Pinot Noir? Find speed dating events in Islington here.
Fantastical Friday
Dion Sitting directly in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral seems to have caused our Friday venue – Dion, St Paul’s – to entertain the idea of religious indulgence. As such, they come to the table with a suitably sweet champagne cocktail. Pious it is not.
Jayne Mansfield St Teresa Claro Rum, Strawberry Liquor, fresh strawberries, sugar and Champagne.
Gigglingly flirtatious. Check out speed dating in The City here.
Sipping on Saturday
Black & Blue Set in the heart of Central London’s coolsy media district, Fitzrovia, Saturday’s hosts – Black & Blue, Fitzrovia – put great store in freedom of choice. They can pretty much make any cocktail you like. However, for the purposes of cupidial companionship they’ve delivered the aptly named:
Valentino’s Delight Bourbon, Sweet Ruby Port, Kahlua, a measure of heavy cream and a sprinkling of ground nutmeg.
Does exactly what it says on the tin. View our Central London events here.
So next time you’re at one of our events, try sidling up to your amorously intended and knowingly offer one of these house specials. Why not find an event now, you never know who you might meet?
WORDS BY JOHN DAVIS