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 right now. 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 kicks off with a nod 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 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
No matter how much we say about London, we can never say enough. London is Covent Garden, Chelsea, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, Piccadilly Circus and the real Soho (as in the West End). And let’s not dare forget Harrod’s, Waterloo Station. and Oxford St. Any time of the year London dazzles (especially when the Queen is in). It’s the first choice for Americans traveling abroad after all. Just remember to have an umbrella handy.
THE HOTEL: THE LANESBOROUGH
THE COCKTAIL: The Espresso Martini, a signature tipple from The Library Bar
Overlooking Hyde Park and adjacent to the grounds of Buckingham Palace, The Lanesborough is one of London’s most iconic hotels and commands a prestigious location straddling Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair. The hotel’s Library Bar is a sanctuary from the hustle, bustle of the city. One of London’s most celebrated drinks destinations, distinguished by its outstanding mixology program and venerable ‘liquid museum’ of spirits, the Library Bar offers a warm and intimate atmosphere of a private club complemented by an intimate ambience, making it a popular choice with well-heeled locals and hotel guests.
The Library Bar is famous for its classic Espresso Martini, a sweet-toothed tipple that is perfect as a post-dinner digestif, concocted using the following ingredients.
THE RECIPE:
- 2 oz (approx. 2 shots) Vodka – preferably Van Gogh
- 1 oz (approx. 1 shot) of fresh brewed espresso
- ½ oz Coffee Liqueur, preferably Mr. Black
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- Two drops of vanilla extract
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
THE PREPARATION:
- Shake well in a cocktail shaker with ice
- Strain and pour into a Martini glass
- Float coffee beans on top
A VARIATION:
To make this into a fun dessert, blend the coffee liqueur, vodka and vanilla with two scoops of vanilla, chocolate or caramel ice cream.
HOW TO DO IT AT HOME:
oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/bars-lounges/the-library-bar
*When virtual happy hours are a thing of the past, consider a stay at the luxurious Lanesborough and savor an Espresso Martini in the Library Bar. For venturing afar, the Lanesborough’s location provides easy access to London’s most iconic sites. Take an afternoon stroll through Hyde Park, pop into Harrods for a bit of shopping and spend an afternoon perusing the splendid collection of decorative arts at The Victoria and Albert Museum. Feeling royal? Wander over to the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace for a gander at the Royal Collection.
Of course, you’ll need a nightcap once you return!