The SWE was such a great start to the day, but after we got a taste for it there was only one thing left to do and that was to continue on a bar adventure, not before stopping off at the friendliest chippy in Edinburgh! I actually remember thinking that if I was holidaying in Edinburgh, this would be perfect day out.
So out of the people-filled very busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and across the Bridge to New town. First on our stop was Twenty Princes Street hotel and Juniper Bar. Thanks to efficient industry networking (which basically means getting drunk and adding people on Facebook), I’ve been kept up to date with Juniper’s recent refurbishment. As well as the refurb, Juniper also introduced a new cocktail menu. Unfortunately I missed the launch night, and after having these drinks, I’m pretty mad about that. The two above were great choices. I went with the Elephant Juice, an Opihr Gin based cocktail, really smooth and fresh and perfect for a hot day, and I love the ‘pour-your-own’ bottle serve. (Side Note: I’ve actually made a bottle serve cocktail, but I can’t find the notes so when I finally do I’ll be sure to post on Instagram @ryanscompanion). The cocktail pictured in the back was light and fresh as well made with elderflower gin and topped with a mouthwatering apple foam. Simply called The Juniper. If you ever do make it to Juniper you need to beg, borrow and steal your way to a window seat. Its one of my favourite windows in the city, I mean, look!
Venturing onto George Street we headed to Tiger Lily, here Mateo, the cocktail guru made us up some fantastic drinks. We didn’t look at the menu for these drinks so I’m not sure if these were made up or not, but they look unreal. I mean, LOOK!
Out the the mix of drinks we got I think that my favourite had to be the sour (orange twist garnish) or the Jack Daniels cocktail (The pinky-red with mint garnish).
Unfortunately that was the end of the photos, however we did move on to a few more place. We headed to Candy Bar and Kitchen which is just a few doors down, and one of the coolest basement bars in Edinburgh. A fun chilled environment thats got some of the best deals on George street. I recommend their fondu (chocolate or cheese) or cocktails with pink sugar rims! I had to head home to Opal [Lounge] for some of my own cocktails. The Cherry Stag, Back in early 2014 I was hooked on the Mint Julep and I wanted to try a twist on it. Made with 37.5ml Jim Bean Red Stag, 12.5ml Disaronno, 12.5ml Lemon Juice, 12.5ml Sugar Syrup. Rolled with fresh mint (a sprig or two). Served in a cocktail glass with silver leaf on one side. I have the silver leaf to pay homage to the outer cup that the Mint Julep is typically served in. I mean, LO… you get the idea.
Specs
Inspire by that apple foam in Juniper, and whisky in general I came up with a the following:
Apples and Oranges
25ml Macallan Gold
12.5ml Cointreau
25ml Lemon Juice
12.5ml Sugar Syrup
Shaken with muddled green apple and orange twists.
Double strained into a chilled cocktail glass. I went for Macallan as it has apple tasting notes, it made sense to me… I mean, LOOK AT IT!
Ryan's Companion 