Build, Shake and Stir Yourself the Perfect Drink
London may be home to some of the best restaurants on the planet, but it is also host to an impressive pantheon of the world’s best bars and mixologists. Award-winning cocktail makers are dotted all over the capital and inspire mixology pilgrimages from all over the globe.
Unfortunately, visits to these hallowed bars are not currently easily possible for many, so to combat this; six of the city’s best barmen have decided to dust off their shakers, fire up Instagram and are host virtual cocktail classes for fans. Tune in every week and to learn how to make your own versions of their famed cocktails. And…who knows, by the time the government mandated homestay is over, you might be competing for their titles!
Novikov’s Gianfranco Iozzi
Mayfair’s trendy Novikov Restaurant & Bar is well known for its insta-worthy food and delicious drinks. Join bartender Gianfranco Iozzi as he teaches you how to make a series of the venue’s signature cocktails – from his kitchen to yours.
Lyaness Bar’s Ryan Chetiyawardana
Ryan Chetiyawardana, known as ‘Mr. Lyan’, is a cocktail legend. He is widely considered to be one of the world’s very best mixologists (even winning the coveted ‘World’s Best Bar’ award at the World’s 50 Best Bar Awards for the previously named Dandelyan Bar), with a meticulous eye for detail and an uncanny sense for combining unusual flavours. He is teaching a free masterclass on Instagram on Lyaness Bar‘s page (his new venue) that includes everything from how to stir and shake (we can’t wait to finally know the difference!) through to how to build a cocktail. Feeling lazy? Buy his pre-made cocktails here.
Kwãnt’s Erik Lorincz
Hidden under the famous Momo’s restaurant on Heddon Street is a plush speakeasy run by the ex-Savoy barman, Erik Lorincz. Known for his martinis, infusions and vegan drinks – this award-winning barman is hosting an IGTV virtual lesson every week and if you want to really level up your game, buy one of his high-tech mixing tools here.
Sexy Fish’s James Hawkins
James Hawkins is the cocktail king behind the bar at Mayfair’s most colourful venue – Sexy Fish. Nestled between priceless Damien Hirst sculpture and classic Martin Brudnizki maximalism, Hawkins delivers some of London’s most innovative cocktail designs, perfectly blending flavour and aesthetics for a knock-out result.
The Connaught Bar’s Agostino Perrone,
It goes without saying that the bar named The Best Bar in Europe in 2019 would be helmed by no ordinary mixologist. Indeed, Agostino Perrone is a Master Mixologist in the truest sense. Behind this storied bar he reinterprets classics for a contemporary sensibility and stages daring experiments of spirits and infusions. Delighting fellow cocktail makers and guests alike, the Connaught Bar in Mayfair’s Connaught Hotel is a must visit but for those that can’t make it they can pick up delicious pre-mixed Connaught Cocktails here or learn tricks of the trade on their YouTube channel.
Cocktail Journey’s Erion
Although not outwardly based at a specific location, the mysterious London-centric Erion delivers wanderlust and world-class mixology in equal measure. His creative inventions utilising unusual ingredients and lavish presentations have cocktail makers around the world talking and following his beautifully composed Instagram.
sketch’s Alexandre Robin
Expert mixologist Alexandre Robin has been bringing artistic flare and classic elegance to the historically quirky art-meets-culinary-delight bar and restaurant sketch for some time now. Keeping the bar as high as the venue’s Michelin starred reputation is no small feat yet Robin takes it in stride. Now, his next challenge is taking on the home market by introducing ‘sketch in a bottle’ a collection of collection of aperitifs, champagnes and wines curated alongside Wine Director Frederic Brugues.
All beverages are individually bottled at sketch and wax sealed by hand using the same technique used centuries ago, keeping the flavours and aroma crisp and fresh, right up to the moment you break the seal at home. Pre-order now and enjoy the magic of sketch in the comfort of your own dinner table or sitting room.
Hone your mixology skills with these perfect Bloody Mary recipes