2018 WINCHESTER COCKTAIL WEEK (FEB 5-11). Written By ASK Gwen Cash
Photo By Gwen Cash
Winchester Cocktail Week is a week following dry January in which folks in the city can sample some of the best cocktails in and around Winchester.
A $15 wristband entitled you to discounted signature cocktails from participating local restaurant and bars, along with a chance to take master classes to learn more about the spirits in the cocktails. Whether you are a Gin lover, or wanted to learn and explore other spirits, such as Rum and Whiskey, there was something for everyone, throughout the week. This marked my third year to attend the week long cocktail week, and I must add, that this was the first year that I succeeded in trying all the 15 signature cocktails and fever-tree safari concoctions. Wow, what a delight. I even found a bourbon cocktail that I actually liked and will try and make one at home, as I am not a Whiskey lover, but might become one.
Below are my top 5 favorite signature cocktails and Fever-Tree Safari drinks for the week.
1. Cabinet Room (Between the rosemary sheets - Santa Teresa Claro Rum, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and homemade rosemary syrup)
2. Greens (Aromatic Rose - Hendricks Gin, rose syrup, cardamon, pink grapefruit, bitters, and fresh lemons)
3. Manow (Pineapple Rum Bakewell - Plantation Pineapple Rum, cherry brandy, orgeat syrup, and pineapple juice)
4. The Green Man (Painkiller - Wood Navy Rum, Cointreau, pineapple, orange, and coconut)
5. The Mucky Duck (Orange Twist - Reyka Vodka, Orange Juice, grapefruit syrup, and Aperol)
Fever-Tree Safari (Spirits involved: GIN, RUM, WHISKEY)
1. The Mucky Duck (East London Gin with Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic garnished with grapefruit.
2. No. 5 Bridge St. (Twisted Notes Aged Gin with Fever-Tree Ginger Ale tonic garnished with dehydrated blood orange.
3. Cabinet Room (Woodford Reserve Bourbon with Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale tonic garnished with caramelised oranges.
4. William Walker (Monkey 47 Gin with Fever-Tree Elderflower tonic garnished with orange)
5. St James Tavern (Eden Mill Gin with Fever-Tree tonic garnished with raspberries and rose petals.
This was a tough one to judge because they all were good and very creative drinks that took a lot of preparation. The only way to truly judge it fairly, I had to try every venue to come up with my top 5. It has been a blast, and I am looking forward to 2019 Cocktail Week in Winchester.
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