Thursday, 15, October 2015

Written by
Nicola Brady

A Taste of India cocktails at The Kensington

A fabulous new cocktail menu with an Indian theme

Cocktails in The Kensington

There’s nothing as vibrant as the colours of India. From the bright and vivid saris to the hues of spices in the markets, India is a country that showcases every shade of the rainbow. The Victoria and Albert museum have just launched their festival The Fabric of India, a celebration of handmade textiles from the country. The exhibition explores the history of Indian fabrics, which dates back at least 6000 years. It features over 200 items, many of which have never been seen before, and looks at traditional techniques, historic dress, heirloom fabrics, and cutting-edge fashion today.

Cocktails in The Kensington hotel

In honour of the newly launched exhibition, The Kensington’s award winning Mixologist Alessandro Pizzoli has created six limited edition cocktails that complement the festival. Alessandro has taken classic recipes and given them a uniquely Indian twist, resulting in a menu of stunningly beautiful (and delicious) cocktails.

Two numbers use the excellent Ketel One vodka – the Mumbai Martini (with lime juice, sugar, fresh ginger and curry) and the Dry Gulab, a luxurious cocktail with champagne, dry roses and plum bitters.

Fabric of India inspired cocktails

There’s the Old Delhi Margarita, an aromatic and warming cocktail using Ocho Blanco tequila as well as Cointreau, saffron, lemon and chilli. A classic G&T is given a twist in the Kakdi Tonic, with Bombay Sapphire, coriander seed and cucumber.

The dark and sultry Badi Shape Julep features whisky, star anise, cinnamon and lime. There’s also a non-alcoholic option, the Adharak Sour, with passion fruit and lime juice, coriander seed, strawberry syrup and ginger beer.

The Taste of India cocktail menu is available now at The Kensington. You can read more about Alessandro and his mixology here. The Kensington has a Taste of India package, including one night’s accommodation for two in a beautifully appointed bedroom or suite, two tickets to the Fabric of India exhibition at the V&A, two ‘A Taste of India’ cocktails from Town House bar, a special cocktail spice kit and cocktail recipe card, and a V&A Fabric of India commemorative book. You can see more about the exhibition here

Fabric of India Cocktails in The Kensington, hotel