IT’S hard to credit the upcoming Cocktails In The City held this time in New Century Hall, has now been running for six years, a period in which the Manchester cocktail scene has exploded with creativity.
That’s reflected in the roll call of bars jostling in pop-up form under one roof this Friday and Saturday (November 2 and 3) – including The Ivy, 20 Stories, Tattu, Cottonopolis, Science + Industry, Harvey Nichols Second Floor Bar,, Liars Club, The Loft, Lost in Tokyo, Manahatta, Revolución de Cuba, School for Scandal, The Alchemist, The Anthologist, Fika, Flight Club, Grafene, Guilty By Association, Tast, Arcane, Vesper, The Washhouse, Wood and Co, Hula and The Fitzgerald (though the latter duo’s presence may be in doubt.
OUR TIPPLE PICK
There are some amazing signature cocktails created especially for the event. Here are three that particularly tickle ToM’s palates:
Red Ribbon – Arcane Bar
30 ml Grand Marnier, 15ml Bulldog Gin, 10ml Cinzano Bianco, 3.5ml Absinthe, 3 dashes Peychauds Bitters. ‘A semi dry and boozy riff on the classic Martinez and balanced with the richness of the oranges and oak influence of Grand Marnier. Finished with layers of complex spices from the Absinthe and Peychauds Bitters.’
The Wise Monkey – Cottonopolis
35ml Monkey 47 Gin, 20ml sour element, 15ml sweet element, 4 dashes bitter element, 50ml soda water. ‘Patrons will pick their cocktail based on the three wise monkeys: 6 images will represent the three sour and three sweet elements; the images will try to capture key elements of the ingredient, tropical looks, dark forests, English countryside elements… Having picked their sweet or sour element they then listen to three short pieces of music (maybe folk, tropical, funky/ pop) and pick track a, b or c. The third element will be three haikus and they will be read out to choose their favourite to complete the drink. The drink gets a quick shake, top with soda and a garnished according to the ingredients meaning the guests can keep coming back and get a different drink every time, up to 27 different drink combinations.’
Cure for All – Science & Industry
Take your pick from these three restorative revivers: Cure-All – Old Forester / Barley Sugar / Aromatic Bitters; Antibiotic – Old Forester / Islay Malt / Ginger / Honey; Freshener – Mint-Infused Old Forester / Mint Leaves / Sugar. ‘Pre-bottled and batched in their 1920's apothecary ready to cure you of all your ailments.' On both evenings guests will also be able to book into tasting table sessions, immersive drink experiences hosted by 31Dover.com, explore 30 hand-picked brands and enjoy an array of street food. Oh and take part in espresso martini masterclasses with Tia Maria & The Coffee Project. Cocktails on the night cost £6.50.
Cocktails In The City, New Century Hall, Sadler’s Yard, Manchester, Manchester, M60 4ES. Fri Nov 2-Sat Nov 3, 6pm-11pm. Tickets cost £12 per session, inc one free cocktail and a booklet. Buy them here.