Mixing it up with Sarah Mitchell @ Vanquish

With so many BLOOM events coming up it was really great to get Sarah into the Vanquish Office to spend some quality time mixing up some BLOOM drinks. We had a rough idea of what we wanted to create and I'd done the shopping - fresh red grapefruits, limes and lemons, Grapefruit bitters, Rhubarb bitters, Peach bitters, Orange bitters......Elderflower cordial and finally some Lillet Blanc. The whole thing was actually quite simple - we'd already discussed which martini would work - BLOOM and Lillet Blanc with a fresh grapefruit zest. We made it and it conquered - job done!

The next plan was a summer punch - this wasn't quite as simple but only because we loved each one we made. You'll have to come to the Juniper Society @ Graphic Bar on 26th July, 7pm to find out which one we finally chose - you can also meet Joanne Moore BLOOMs Master Distiller. Meanwhile, as a hint, we tried several of the Boudier range of Bernard Loiseau liqueurs and opted to use the Creme de Peches & Fleur d'Hibiscus one - delicious......

See you on the 26th!

BLOOM London Diary

13th and 14th July - Imbibe 2010 - stand C82 - Earls Court Two

Big things are expected from this inaugural event from Imbibe.

13th July - The Bartender Loves You @ McQueen, Shoreditch

An industry networking night - this evening we have a special offer on that fabulous BLOOM Martini and a very 'special' free cocktail.

23rd July - Gerry's, Old Compton Street - 1pm - 5.30pm

BLOOM will be available for sampling and we have a very special offer of the fantastic bespoke BLOOM glass for each purchase of BLOOM.

26th July - The Juniper Society - Graphic Bar, Golden Square - 7pm

Meet Joanne Moore - BLOOM's Master Distiller - find out all about the inspiration and production of BLOOM as well as meet some lovely like minded people and try some really great cocktails!

BLOOM Martinis by Joel Lawrence @ St James's

BLOOM Martinis by Joel Lawrence @ St James's Hotel and Club

It was a real pleasure to see Joel again at St James's yesterday, it had been far too long. His back bar is incredibly well balanced with lots of interesting products across all categories. Although Joel's preference is for Whisky and Vodka, I like to think he was rather impressed with BLOOM Gin. Although Joel's not a big fan of juniper and commented that Bloom was clearly London Dry in style but had added complexity with nice floral/citrus notes as well as being very smooth. We discussed what to try it in and Joel opted for a straight up Martini but on the way to the cupbard to get the Vermouth, he changed his mind and used Bottlegreen Ginger and Lemongrass instead. He gave half the rim a wipe with Kumquat so we could decide whether it worked or not - it did! The result was an incredibly light, smooth and uplifting Martini - which could easily become far too easy to drink.

Truth is, if I thought the previous Martini was a little addictive then there's no hope for anyone that tries:

Joel's BLOOM Lychee Martini!

50ml BLOOM Gin
25 ml Lychee Liqueur (Giffard)
50 ml Lychee Juice

Shake all hard over ice and pour into a Chilled Martini glass with a strawberry garnish.

A classic tasting note of lychee is rose - this really adds to the floral notes of the camomile and honeysuckle botanicals in BLOOM.

Easy to make and perfect for summer! Enjoy.