In case you’ve never given it a second thought, every day, somewhere it’s 5 o’clock. Sure, we know you’d rather be enjoying Happy Hour relaxing poolside with a cocktail in hand. Or maybe at a rooftop bar in New York City with friends. Sadly, we know that’s not possible yet. But there’s nothing stopping you from recreating fabulous cocktails at home. And when you do, invite your friends to your “Virtual” Happy Hour. The experience may be simulated, but the drinks will be real. Cheers to that!
The TravelSquire’s own Virtual Happy Hour Series nods to an assortment of select hotel bars around the world. We’ve rounded-up of some the finest wanderlust-inducing cocktails from these luxury properties to transport your taste buds to their far flung destinations – the fragrant gardens of a Parisian Palace, the glamorous 1920s in the Scottish Highlands, and the powder-soft sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
With Virtual Happy Hour on apps such as FaceTime, Zoom and House Party trending more than ever, our suggested virtual happy hour cocktails aim to keep friends entertained virtually while in self-isolation.
So, grab your shaker, pound some ice and get ready to have a little fun creating … then sipping!
THE DESTINATION: London, UK
London’s West End is the beating heart of the city for theatergoers and revelers out on the town, enjoying the lively scene after dark. With major attractions like Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden it’s a magnet for tourists, period. Be sure to “look right” before stepping out in the street … traffic flows in the opposite direction, remember?
THE HOTEL: The Bloomsbury
The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury Hotel offers a unique cocktail menu that takes influence from the English countryside of Kent. It is a magnificent double-heighted all-day bar and restaurant, painted in a high-gloss lacquer in vivid coral. The Coral Room’s Sip of England menu whisks patrons away to the moors, meadows, seas and spires of the ‘Great British Outdoors’, with each cocktail using ingredients local to the area from which they are inspired. The signature is The Full Bloomer; a fruity, floral spritz presented in a beautiful scalloped Champagne flute. The low “alcohol by volume” ingredients are complemented by fragrant notes of rose and strawberries from the Kent countryside to create a sweet and refreshing tipple. To finish, The Full Bloomer is garnished with an edible bubble, filled with bubble-gum aromatic, for the ultimate show-stopping look and burst of flavor.
THE COCKTAIL: The Full Bloomer
THE RECIPE:
- 100 ml Rinomato L’Aperitivo
- 15 ml Two Citrus Shrub (https://www.preservedgoods.com/post/2017/08/01/basic-citrus-shrub)
- Three Drops Giffard Crème de Violette
- 150 ml SASSY Le Cidre Rosé
- Two Drops Rose Extract
- Three strawberries
THE PREPARATION:
Build in a mixing glass. Serve in a long Champagne flute.
HOW: thecoralroom.co.uk
When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a London theatre weekend with a stay at the Bloomsbury.
For Venturing Afar …
You may never want to leave the luxurious confines of The Bloomsbury, but should you decide to venture out, cultural treasures and retail therapy await nearby. Spend the morning exploring two million years of human history, art and culture at The British Museum. Or celebrate the art of illustration at The Cartoon Museum where 250 years of Britain’s favorite cartoons, caricatures and comics promise entertaining browsing. When you’re ready to shop, the ultra-charming Lamb’s Conduit Street provides a string of equally charming boutiques to explore.
When night falls, catch an independent film at The Curzon Renoir, one of London’s most beautiful small cinemas. End your perfect London day with a nightcap back at The Bloomsbury, of course.
THE DESTINATION: Gleneagles, Scotland
Talk about getting away from it all! Steeped in history and primed for excellent golfing, Scotland, as we all know by now, is the preferred home away from home for the royal family especially Queen Elizabeth.
THE HOTEL: The Gleneagles Hotel
The Gleneagles Hotel is one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels. Having undergone a multi-million-pound design transformation at the hands of Ennismore Design Studio, the new-look spaces all have a social feel at heart. Reminiscent of the elegance and glamour of bars of the 1920s and 30s, The American Bar is a truly special place for intimate drinks, with an exquisite selection of caviar, cocktails inspired by the roaring 20s, and fine Champagnes. Alongside glamorous tipples that pay tribute to the characters and pastimes of the 20s, sit five stunning signature Martinis. Each draws on the varied scenery of Scotland, with subtle elements added, and the Estate Martini, which employs raspberry leaf-infused vermouth and elderflower liqueur, enlivens a traditional Old Tom gin.
THE COCKTAIL: The Estate Martini by The American Bar
*Taking drinkers on a journey from the Scottish Highlands to the coast
RECIPE & METHOD
- 60 ml Hayman’s Old Tom Gin
- 5 ml Elderflower Liqueur (like St. Germain)
- 15 ml Raspberry Leaf-infused Dry Vermouth (organic Raspberry Leaf Tea will work)
THE PREPARATION:
Add the gin, vermouth, elderflower liqueur and ice together in a mixing glass and stir to combine. Strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
HOW: gleneagles.com/dine-drink/the-american-bar
When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a sporty weekend of golf, falconry and clay shooting with a stay at The Gleneagles.
For Venturing Afar…
With Gleneagles’ legendary golf courses and soothing spa facilities, venturing beyond the estate grounds may never enter your mind. However, should you choose to explore, walks in the magical Perthshire forest are a must. Giant Douglas firs tower overhead as you stroll through The Hermitage to the roaring Black Linn waterfall.
If cashmere sweaters are on your shopping list, a stop at Scotland’s most prestigious independent store, The House of Bruar, is a must. In addition to the clothing halls, you’ll find a taste of artisan treats alongside a fine selection of Scottish Whisky and spirits.
Return to Gleneagles in time for happy hour where the delightful Estate Martini awaits. Cheers!