TRAVEL THROUGH TASTE WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE D1 INTERNATIONAL COCKTAIL EXCHANGE
Hyperlocal flavour trends go global this October, as 20 of the world’s top bars and restaurants from the UK and South East Asia prepare to pair up and swap signature cocktails as part of the world-first D1 International Cocktail Exchange.
Devised by luxury British spirits company, D1 London Spirits, discerning cocktail lovers in London, Manchester and Birmingham will be able to experience an authentic taste of South East Asian culture in their home town, with the bespoke cocktails containing award-winning D1 London Gin or luxury D1 Potato Vodka.
Launching this October, the D1 International Cocktail Exchange is made up of nine UK cocktail bars – including exclusive members’ club Tape London, award-winning ‘Best Gin Bar 2016’ Merchant House and Mayfair’s Lanes of London – which have been handpicked by mixologist matchmaker D1 London Spirits and paired with nine of the crème de la crème cocktail bars in Southeast Asia, such as the Artesian at The Langham (Hong Kong) and Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou).
Each venue is a pioneer in its own field, be it a carefully curated gallery environment and high-end reputation or craft cocktails made from locally foraged ingredients – for example the Osmanthus jam used in Hope & Sesame’s (Guangzhou) signature cocktail ‘Magnolia’, now available at Craft London.
Through the D1 International Cocktail Exchange, consumers will be able to taste internationally crafted cocktails which have been lovingly created by some of the best mixologists in the world.
Each bar and restaurant in the elite exchange has collaborated with a like-minded international venue to share techniques, knowledge and passion to produce a truly authentic array of cocktails.
Partner bars will serve a signature cocktail created by their ‘twinned’ venue that features D1 Potato Vodka or D1 London Gin as a base spirit, plus hyperlocal ingredients. The resulting drink offers the taste, ambience and drinking experience of its associated bar, giving guests a truly immersive experience.
D1 London Spirits has also created keepsake cocktail cards featuring the signature cocktail from their partner bar, detailing the character of that venue and the cocktail recipe, meaning bar goers can know that someone on the other side of the world is drinking that very same cocktail and build a collection of all 18 cards.
D1 London Spirits founder, Dominic Limbrey, comments: “At D1 London Spirits we have a passion for design, arts and culture. We’ve introduced the D1 International Cocktail Exchange to help bring a new way for cocktail connoisseurs across the globe to enjoy international craft cocktails. It’s about exploring and understanding the nuances and character of different places and very local flavours, which can be found in the carefully curated cocktails served with an element of theatre in these hand-picked world-class bars.
“We are facilitating a project where we partner up different venues with huge character and personalities, allowing guests the opportunity to experience something international in a local context. The project will also give mixologists from across the world the chance to take inspiration from each other, using luxury spirits like D1 London Gin & Vodka as the base – ultimately helping pioneer and push the boundaries of craft cocktail-making. Bibo, a bar in Hong Kong, is in fact giving Bourne & Co in Birmingham their top secret recipe for their citrus peel syrup, showing just how far bars are going to share knowledge and passion.”
Exceptional craft cocktails to try are CÉ LA VI’s (Hong Kong) ‘Elixir of Life’ at Tape London (London) which blends D1 London Gin with beetroot juice, honey syrup, kalamansi lime and raw liquorice powder.
Additionally, Samarkand’s (London) ‘Akkum Desert’ exchanged with Butler (Kowloon) is also one to experience in either London or Kowloon – this cocktail blends D1 Potato Vodka, Pu-her tea-infused Americano Cochi, Campari, Tuaca and Prosecco, served over ice flavoured with Aperol which has been cold drip percolated through desert sage.
Participating bars and restaurants in the 2016 D1 International Cocktail Exchange
Hyperlocal flavour trends go global this October, as 20 of the world’s top bars and restaurants from the UK and South East Asia prepare to pair up and swap signature cocktails as part of the world-first D1 International Cocktail Exchange. Discerning cocktail lovers in London, Manchester and Birmingham will be able to experience an authentic taste of South East Asian culture in their home town, with the bespoke cocktails containing award-winning D1 London Gin or luxury D1 Potato Vodka.
See the cocktails and bars below.
Craft London - London, UKCraft London, on London’s Greenwich Peninsular, is a new British restaurant, café and bar designed by Tom Dixon in collaboration with chef Stevie Parle. The bar has a fantastic 360 degree view and the cocktail list echoes Stevie’s influence in the kitchen. No fruit is used out of season, very little has been imported and the cocktails use honey, treacle or golden syrup instead of regular white sugar syrup. The back bar is full of an amazing selection of hand made whisky and gin, as well as the infusions, tinctures, bitters and shrubs we make ourselves. |
Hope & Sesame - Guangzhou, ChinaHope & Sesame, opened in March 2016, is the first “speakeasy” cocktail bar in Guangzhou. Tucked away behind a traditional Cantonese cafe in the quaint neighbourhood of “Dongshan”, an old military stronghold of South China, the bar is a joint venture between seasoned hoteliers - Bastien Ciocca & Andrew Ho - with the aim to push boundaries in craft cocktails by collaborating with local purveyors. |
Lanes of London by Marriott Park Lane - London, UKSituated on London’s prestigious Park Lane, Lanes of London is the ideal place to take comfort in the season’s bounty, set against unrivalled backdrops of Hyde Park and Marble Arch. Housed within Marriott Park Lane, formerly an Edwardian mansion block, the dining room and bar is an informal, modern space, complete with comfortable booths, snug inlets and private dining facilities. Upon entering Lanes of London from the corner of Park Lane, the bar causes a striking first impression. Relaxed and intimate, the bar area provides a charming spot for after-work drinks, pre-dinner cocktails and late evening nightcaps. |
Miaoqian Bingshi - Guangzhou, ChinaHidden in Guangzhou, in an area the equivalent to West Village in New York and home to one of the best fresh markets in Canton. Miaoqian Bingshi has a modern Chinese interior created in stark contrast with the traditional Cantonese surroundings. Using the finest local & imported ingredients available seasonally, cocktails are crafted to achieve a balance and flavour adored by our guests. |
Merchant House of Bow Lane - London, UKWith more than 300 of each, Merchant House is home to the largest assembly of gin and rum in London, if not the world. The surroundings are comfortable and relaxed, with live jazz performances and exquisite cocktails. Our cocktail menu is more than a drinks list. It comprises a series of snapshots, cumulatively telling a story: the story of Empire. Each occasion along the journey has inspired a cocktail, with the focus, naturally, on gin & rum. Every one of the 18 drinks references a particular historical event or period and is delivered in our own signature style. |
Blue Butcher & Meat Specialist - Hong KongLocated on Hollywood Road, Blue Butcher & Meat Specialist is one of Hong Kong’s newest steakhouses. Our chefs, in-house butcher and bartenders showcase their artistic licence through flavoursome bold cooking, craft butchery and classic cocktails with a contemporary touch, teamed with an exclusive meat selection that speaks for itself, including our signature 45 day dry-aged 12 to 16 year-old Rubia Gallega beef. |
Mint Leaf Lounge, City - London, UKMint Leaf Lounge is located near the Bank of England in the heart of the City of London. Creating a stunning visual impression on entrance, the 16 metre long Cocktail Bar is backed by a captivating feature wall of lights and river washed pebbles, highlighting the extensive array of drinks on offer. Over 500 spirits are served up by our mixologists with a varied selection of cocktails and a comprehensive wine list on offer. The elegant Lounge is separated into booths and is perfect for relaxing with friends at any time of day. |
Shangri-La Hotel - Guangzhou, ChinaNestled amidst 12 acres of landscaped gardens, overlooking China’s third longest ancient river, the Pearl River, this luxury hotel provides a city oasis in Guangzhou for your pleasure and relaxation. The lounge is an opulent setting to enjoy this decadent cocktail inspired by the renowned flora of Canton and bringing together other jewels of the region; lychee and the tradition of the tea ceremony. |
Samarkand - London, UKOffering a treasure trove of flavours from the historic Silk Road, Samarkand is the first Uzbek restaurant in London. Seamlessly blending the intriguing cuisine of Uzbekistan with an exquisite collection of more than 40 vodkas, the decadent restaurant, complete with mezzanine bar, is ideally located in London’s stylish Charlotte Street. Signature cocktails are inspired by exotic flavours of the Silk Road. Prospering from its location between China and the Mediterranean, Samarkand was once one of the greatest cities in the world and at the forefront of science, medicine and astronomy. |
Butler - Kowloon, Hong KongButler is a Japanese cocktail bar whose commitment to perfectly crafted, individually tailored drinks and impeccable service epitomises this venue in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui. Head here to meet Uchida and his small team, in their white dinner jackets, who bow often and will welcome you with Japanese greetings. Butler is ultra-exclusive, seating a maximum of 20 people, with an ambient background soundtrack of music from the 1940s. |
Tape London - London, UKTape London is an exclusive nightclub offering an elegant party experience for an elite, global crowd. With the best sets from internationally renowned DJs and artists attracting influential members of the music industry and music fans alike. Tape London has a strong unique concept and houses a private members lounge and recording studio in Little Tape. Tape London was voted Best Club at the London Bar & Club Awards 2016, with Rosco Nolan winning the award for Best Bartender. |
CÉ LA VI - Hong KongAt CÉ LA VI, we live to create unique experiences that stimulate the senses, elevate the spirit, amplify passion and fuel the Pursuit of Pleasure. Iconic rooftop Hong Kong location that commands breathtaking 360-views. Globe-spanning culinary adventures in a spectacular setting. Cocktails that concoct magical spells – transforming surprising ingredients into unexpected treasures. Legendary and stratospheric nightlife with a cult following; theme parties that are a magnet for the glitterati and jetset. This is CÉ LA VI. This is living. |
The Bar at The Athenaeum - London, UKNestled in the heart of Mayfair, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences - a local icon and one of London’s few family-run five-star hotels - boasts a proudly independent personality. THE BAR at The Athenaeum offers a carefully selected menu of craft spirits to create unique drinks and signature cocktails inspired and developed by world-renowned Italian bartender Giancarlo Mancino, in partnership with Michelin-starred chefs The Galvin brothers. |
On Dining Kitchen & Lounge - Hong KongPhilippe Orrico’s ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge boasts an elegant bar that offers spectacular views of the city, as well as a cocktail programme like no other. The expertly curated bar serves up a selection of innovative concoctions and timeless classics, alongside a selection of over 500 wines. A charming terrace makes for the perfect spot to enjoy an al fresco drink. The exciting and ambitious cocktail lounge is renowned for pours such as its ONegroni and the Martinez. |
Bourne & Co - Birmingham, UKBourne & Co is Birmingham’s first New York-style speakeasy cocktail bar. Through the prism of a cocktail glass, our small professional team creates a vibe - mixing remnants of the past with a more convivial era through the craftsmanship of bartending. An intimate drinking den located a stone’s throw from the New Alexandra Theatre, with killer cocktails and a kick-ass sound system. |
Bibo - Hong KongBibo is the embodiment of understated luxury; a dynamic, ground-breaking realisation of art in all forms – on the wall, on the plate and in the cocktail glass. Brought together in a space where street art meets fine dining, Bibo evokes a 1930s feel and its commitment to French Art Deco is unparalleled. |
Rosso Restaurant & Bar - Manchester, UKStep into a world where timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury...Rosso’s opulent marble and mirrored interior, housed in a grade II listed former bank, is a glamorous experience unlike anywhere else in the UK’s most up and coming city of Manchester. Set against the backdrop of one of the finest rare spirit collections outside of London, the menu boasts creative cocktails crafted by an experienced few who fuse classic concepts with new world execution; each with their own sense of Italian panache. |
Artesian at The Langham - Hong KongNamed after the iconic and award-winning bar in The Langham, London, the Artesian is a glamorous cocktail bar that resides within the sister hotel at The Langham, Hong Kong. The relative Artesian bar features brilliant interiors that combine nostalgic Art Deco romance with an alluring contemporary style as its extension to Asia on Canton Road. Expect original clever creations, the finest classic cocktails as well as masterfully crafted house-made infusions, shaken and stirred by the fashionable crew. |
Potato Head - Hong KongPotato Head Hong Kong is a multi-purpose space that houses retail, dining and bar concepts as well as a discreet audiophile listening room. At Potato Head Hong Kong, the interiors are an eclectic mix of custom Indonesian furniture and mid-century antiques, authentic elements of Indonesian culture, such as hand-crafted ceiling panels crafted by the Torajan people of South Sulawesi, pay homage to Potato Head's roots. Bringing a taste of island life to the city, the Megah Mule was chosen from the Kaum Collection - a part of the menu inspired by the Indonesian ingredients and techniques of Potato Head Hong Kong’s restaurant. |
Maybe Frank Sydney, AustraliaWelcome to Maybe Frank, a traditional Italian pizzeria with a little secret inside - our small cocktail bar “the maybe”. We are focused on aperitivo and digestive cocktails. Everything is done with a modern Italian twist and all created by our talented bartender, Andrea Gualdi with the help of Stefano Catino and the team. Our list is constantly changing according to seasonality and provenance. Always using the freshest ingredients, and peculiar Italian liquor that we can find on the market. Maybe Frank is a place for daily-dining, Sunday drinking, and for a little day-dreaming of your next adventure to our beautiful mother land... Eh la Madonna!!! |