Sometimes when you fancy a cocktail, you’re looking for a quick slap in the face, a drink that’s bursting with flavor,yet still light and above all, fresh. The Gin Garden from Story Cellar certainly hits all the marks.
When it opened last year, Story Cellar found acclaim for doing simple things well. At its core, it’s an upmarket Parisienne rotisserie chicken place with a menu that allows diners to be as daring (think: snail bolognese on toast) as they like. The second outfit from Tom Sellers — who made a name for himself at his ten-table Restaurant Story and bagged a couple of stars doing it — Story Cellar keeps things a little more classic.
It’s an ideal spot for a quick lunch or dinner: steak frites or rotisserie chicken and salad, with counter-style dining (because it’s 2024 in London so of course there is counter-style dining). Alongside the hearty food is a wine list to match. Thanks to a Coravin system, there’s an impressive selection by the glass for those looking to sample top-class grape juice without paying full whack for the whole bottle. But what about the cocktails?
[See also: Eclipse & Soda by Mount Gay Rum]
The list is short and sweet covering all the necessary classics while at the same time dropping in a few curveballs. Those looking for something a little autumnal can’t go wrong with the Flintlocke, which combines banana rum, lemon juice and agave syrup and topping up with fizz.
However, for this week’s cocktail of the week, we have gone for the Gin Garden, a fresh and zesty herb-filled delight that makes a superb change to a bog-standard gin and tonic. The real beauty of this cocktail comes from the freshness of the herbs so make sure you have some ready to go, or even better if you can pick them from your garden.
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For the gin, Story Cellar uses Bombay Sapphire so any classic London dry will do, or perhaps get a bit creative and try adding in some flavors of your own. Edwards elderflower liqueur adds some much-needed sweetness, while maintaining this cocktail quintessentially English feel. Finally, think about your glassware. At Story Cellar, the cocktail is served in a coupe. While a Collins, highball or rocks glass would do, a coupe adds the elegance a drink like this deserves, so overlook it at your own peril.
[See also: The Acadia Cocktail by Oriole Bar, London]
Ingredients:
Content from our partners
1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire gin
0.5 oz Edwards Elderflower Liquor
Lemon juice
6 leaves Mint
1 sprig dill
4 slices cucumber
Method:
Combine all the ingredients and shake over ice. Double strain to remove any large pieces of herb and ice and serve in a coupe glass. For a bit of added flair add a ribbon of cucumber pierced on a skewer as a garnish.
