Cocktail Guide: Know Your Mojito from Your Manhattan
At The Mere, we believe a little of what you fancy is no bad thing. And when it comes to treating ourselves, what’s more indulgent and enjoyable than a perfectly blended cocktail?
Long or short, creamy or fruity – cocktails are close to our heart, and we know our guests love them too. But just how much do you know about some of the world’s best-loved cocktails? And what are the origins of your favourite tipple?
To find out, why not join us as we take a whistle-stop tour through our vibrant cocktail menu, exploring the recipes, ingredients, and special finishing touches which make each of these wonderful aperitifs so utterly tempting.
Classic Cocktails
From the classic Mojito to the much-loved Long Island Iced Tea, some cocktails can rightly be labelled ‘iconic’. Whether due to their colourful origins or outright flavour, these timeless blends are always a treat, and sampling them all is an absolute must for any cocktail aficionado.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the classic cocktails you can enjoy at Browns, The Mere’s contemporary lounge and dining venue.
Kir Royale
Named for legendary WWII French Resistance fighter, Canon Félix Kir, this legendary cocktail is ideal for Francophiles, with Champagne being the central ingredient. Simple yet effortlessly classy, Champagne (or Prosecco) is added to a measure of crème de cassis, and typically garnished with a frozen blackberry for a refreshingly fruity finish. Known as the Mere Royale in Browns, you can also enjoy it at home by following this recipe.
Bellini
First mixed in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani at Venezia’s world-famous Harry’s Bar, the Bellini is an all-Italian aperitif that will transport you straight to the Riviera. Legend has it Cipriani was inspired by the paintings of 15th-century Venetian artist Giovani Bellini when inventing the drink, hence the apt title. Puréed peach meets Archers and your choice of Champagne or Prosecco in Browns’ Peach Bellini; why not enjoy one over brunch for an indulgent celebratory treat?
Long Island Iced Tea
If you’re looking for a good time, reach for the Long Island Iced Tea. Incorporating five different spirits, it’s not for the faint hearted, but that shouldn’t stop you giving it a try. As you might have guessed, the Long Island Iced Tea has its origins in Long Island, New York, where it was first mixed in 1972. Rum, vodka, gin, tequila, and Cointreau give this cocktail its punch, while ice and cola keep things refreshing. Fancy making it yourself? Click here.
Cosmopolitan
Carrie Bradshaw and co may have contributed much to the enduring popularity of the Cosmopolitan, but the drink has been around a whole lot longer than Sex and The City. Developed by Neal Murray in 1975, this classy blend comprises of vodka, Cointreau, and cranberry juice, shaken with ice and garnished with a sliver of orange peel. Sound simple? The perfect Cosmo is trickier than it sounds, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Espresso Martini
If you’re in need of a post-dinner pick-me-up, add an Espresso Martini or two to your tab. Developed in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, this rich, smooth cocktail combines coffee and vodka for the ultimate after dinner digestif. Elegance encapsulated, this is one of our all-time favourite cocktails, and a must for anyone paying a visit to the Browns bar, at any time of year.
Signature Cocktails
As well as all the classics, our expert bartenders have been busy blending a menu of Signature Cocktails, each inspired by people and places that are linked to The Mere. Let’s take a look at some of the options you can enjoy at Browns.
Mobberley Road
Named after one of the main roads that cuts through Knutsford, Mobberley Road is one of our best-loved cocktails. Combining amaretto, Southern Comfort, grenadine, and pineapple juice, it’s a fruity, refreshing and satisfying proposition. Be sure to give it a try on your next trip to Browns.
Gaskell Avenue
Named for author Elizabeth Gaskell, who lived for much of her life on the now-renamed Gaskell Avenue in Knutsford, this unique cocktail contains a creative blend befitting a renowned local. Our bartenders marry Havana Club with Midori, before finishing with a dose of passion fruit purée. Sweet yet complex, it’s a creative aperitif to savour.
Legh Road
Our take on the classic ‘French Martini’, Legh Road features a blend of Chambord and strawberry liqueur, shaken and strained over ice. Wonderfully moreish, it’s a tasty homage to Legh Road, a street renowned as one of Knutsford’s classiest thoroughfares, dotted with some of the region’s grandest properties.
Jammy Swing
Every golfer gets lucky out on the fairway from time to time, so this is our nod to those fortuitous swings when the ball goes exactly where you want it (even if it was an accident). Jammy Swing contains a delicious blend of amaretto, apples, and Chambord, for a sweet hit that’s as satisfying as sinking a lucky birdie.
Join Us for a Tipple or Two in Browns
Open to both Mere guests and thirsty walk-ins, Browns lounge offers a warm welcome, well-stocked bar, and menu of delicious, freshly prepared dishes. So, whether you want to enjoy a cocktail or two or sit down with friends and family for an indulgent, three-course meal, you’ll be catered for in our elegant bar and dining lounge.
If drinks are on the cards, you can choose from a wide range of beers, wines, spirits and, of course, our extensive menu of long and short cocktails and aperitifs. With dozens of classic and signature cocktails to enjoy, and a range of tasty mocktails, there’s a drink for everyone, anytime of day.
We hope you’ve savoured every minute of this journey through some of the world’s best-loved cocktails. If you’re ready to indulge, join us at The Mere for a wonderful evening of fine food and drink in spectacular surroundings. For more information or to book your visit, click here or call 01565 830155.