Kosmonaut is one of Manchester's thriving bars. Each weekend, more people pour in and out, and they've just launched a new, summer drinks campaign, which should keep this trend going all the way to September and beyond.
Taste dropped in a few weeks ago for a sampling session. Highlights includes Paloma, a grapefruit and bergamot liquor and salt-infused whisky cocktail, sprayed with a smoky flavour. There's also a well chosen range of wines from England, Italy, New Zealand, France and Spain.
The French rosé, Rosé d'Une Nuit, is a stylish drink, packed with fresh berry fruits, a herbal tang and floral fragrance. A perfect apéritif when served very chilled. The Italian red organic Ottavio, imbued with flavours of blackberries, bitter cherries and chocolate is hand-made by a tiny co-operative and perfect with grilled meats. Another Italian highlight is Ca Lojera Lugana, packed with yellow plums and pineapple, tropical fruit, gooseberry, flint, apples and cream. A rare gem from the shores of Lake Garda. One of our all time favourite wines is also on the list too - at only £18 a bottle - which is Juan Gil Monastrell. A proper, punchy badman of a wine, designed to make you fully forget the horrors of the day.
We particularly like the British award-winner, Gusbourne Vintage Sparkling, too. Although a bit pricey, the orchard fruits with blossom, nectarine, plum and apricot are worth the £40 price tag.
Presentation is a bit of a thing with cocktails and The Clover Club (gin, vermouth, lemon raspberry) served in champagne saucer glass, while others betray the venue's trademark humour. Crying at the Piscotheque for example is served long and includes hits of pisco, marmalade, lime and apricot.
There are also takes on the Old Fashioned like Dale Cooper (cognac and chartreuse served on a big rock) and inventive charmers such as The Yokohama Flip (Japanese Whisky, rhubarb ale, nutmeg and salt). Prices are around £6.50 for a cocktail.
Kosmonaut, 10 Tariff Street, Manchester, M1 2FF, www.kosmonaut.co.uk