Cocktails in cans and bottles have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years - now there's a whole shop dedicated to elevating the art of pre-mixology.
The Bottle Cocktail Shop in Islington does exactly what it says on the bottle, with award-winning bartender and co-founder Ciarán Smith directing his flair towards allowing punters to 'bring the bar home.'
Conjuring alchemy from choice ingredients, his newest creation is the Cazcabel Margarita, blending Cazcabel tequila, Poblano Chile liqueur and agave to create a spicy, smokey, piquant tipple that celebrate's South American flavours.
Those living near the Upper Street shop can also learn how to make it at £25 for an hour-long cocktail classes that includes taking a bottle home.
Those living further can chose from 10 creative bottled cocktails delivered to your door. The East 8 Hold Up is a summery but balanced blend of pineapple, passionfruit, Ketel One vodka, Aperol and lime. It arrives with instructions to chill for two hours in the freezer, and serve over ice with lime. At £25 a pop the 500ml serves five small drinks but it's so delicious you may find a 100ml serving isn't enough.
A Session Negroni, Old Fashioned, the 'Woo Hoo' (with peach liqueur and cranberry) and a rum lime and cola are also among the other cocktails on offer with no mixing or sitrring required.
The shop also sells beers, ciders and spirits and offers the chance to book a table for an in person 'try before you buy' at £5 per serve, or sample the cutting edge cocktail menu mixed live to a playlist of 'chilled vibes'.
Smith, who is a Top 50 Cocktail Bars UK award-winner, opened the shop in 2021 with the aim of turning the idea of a traditional off-license "on its head" and creating "the most welcoming space in the off-license realm".
“Our goal has always been to provide our customers with expert bar quality cocktails they love, right at home. With the Cazcabel Margarita we are delivering the popular spicy flavours of Mexico to people’s doorsteps without the fuss of cocktail preparation at an affordable price point," he said.
The Bottle Cocktail Shop and Bar is at 116 Upper Street, Islington. Free UK wide delivery for orders over £50.
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