Cocktail classics with a sophisticated Italian twist

We’ve given her a bit of a break recently, but the other day Keeley, our #MCRCocktailGirl headed over to Rosso at the top of King Street to check out their new cocktail menu.

As usual she’s issued them with our challenge  – to create a cocktail which embodies Manchester woman in a glass.

It’s that simple!

Over to you Keeley ……

Address: Rosso Restaurant & Bar, 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BG

Bar description and ambiance

You’d have to be blind not to notice Rosso situated at the top of King Street. Part owned by Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand it is the place to be seen for most of the local celebrity crowd but, thanks to its friendly and efficient staff, this really is a place for anyone.

It is important to emphasise that Rosso is more than just a restaurant. Their bar area exudes opulence and is the perfect place to meet after work on a Friday afternoon for a few cocktails. Launching soon is Rosso Nights promoting Rosso as a venue – not just somewhere to grab some decent Italian food.

Attention to detail is the name of the game here with the bar taking on a stylish and sleek theme complete with gold cocktail shakers. The fashionable theme is complimented by a ‘collection’ of menus ranging from the food to the drink.

They boast an impressive back bar that the management team believe is amongst the best in Manchester even commenting that it could rival some of the best in London. You will find regular favourites but for those who prefer a particular spirit, I am pretty sure you could find it here.

Mixologist

Manager Sasha has input from the entire bar team. He is keen that the cocktails available at Rosso aren’t just average, but that they can compete with the best in the City.

Most of the drinks are formulated from a concept rather than an ingredient and this gives the menu a unique edge. The bar team at Rosso are well established with long term staff who like working here so much that they rarely move around. This certainly helps the staff to work together as a team both on shift and on menu development.

Menu & signature drinks

The extensive cocktail menu is more like a manual with all your favourite classics as well as modern creations.

The five at five collection of cocktails is Rosso’s answer to good quality and well priced drinks after work. A collection of winter to spring drinks that give an Italian twist to classics the menu is named after Rio’s famous ‘5’ United shirt. 5 drinks, £5.00, starting at 5pm.

And what a collection of drinks they are!

Fine tuned with an Italian twist my favourite is the Il Corto for a spin on the classic Long Island iced tea. This concoction is made with spirits sourced from Italy.

Recipe: Cherry dessert wine, aperol, St Germain elderflower liqueur, Edmond Briottet crème de bergamote, punt e mes, cocchi Americano and lemon.

A shorter drink to the norm this fruity number is truly different to anything else you will ever try.

Another favourite is La Fusione which can be adapted to suit your palate. Having a slightly sweeter tooth my base drink of cocchi Americano rosa, aperol, Edmond Briottet fraise de bois, strawberry and prosecco also had added sugar to take the edge of the bitterness but is also perfect without. Fruity, fresh and fizzy. The perfect combination.

Manchester woman in a glass

Like the rest of the menu, the Manchester woman in a glass cocktail was a classy spin on a classic, and a favourite of mine at that.

The ‘The’ is Rosso’s version of the popular Porn Star Martini. Being one of the most popular cocktails on their menu Rosso reckon they make the best one in the City and are willing to be challenged to that title!

This sophisticated drink uses rose champagne (classic) rather than the normal prosecco to give a feminine edge to the drink. It is served in a high glass to reflect the high heels Manchester ladies like to wear and is fun like Manchester women.

The main drink contains vanilla with the foam top being spiked with raspberry to give the red colour that depicts not only a Manchester woman but also a Rosso woman.

The drink is fruity, loud, proud and instantly noticeable, just like a Manchester woman!

Rosso Restaurant & Bar, 43 Spring Gardens, Manchester, M2 2BG

Tel: 0161 832 1400

Email: ENQUIRIES@ROSSORESTAURANTS.COM

Facebook:facebook.com/RossoRestaurants

Twitter: @RossoRestaurant

Website: rossorestaurants.com

Keeley x  (#MCRCocktailGirl)

Photographs: Rosso

Keeley writes her own personal blog – Phat Cupcake

Other cocktail bar reviews

The winners – Manchester woman in a glass cocktail competition

New cocktail menu at Violet Hour – West Didsbury

Cocktails at Proof – Chorlton

Cocktails at The River Bar, The Lowry Hotel – Salford / city centre

Cocktails at The Bubble Room – Alderley Edge

Cocktails at Room – King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at The Whim Wham Cafe – Whitworth Arches, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at Liquorice – off King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails in the City reviewed

Cocktails at Lock 91 – Deansgate Locks, City Centre

Cocktails at Neighbourhood – Spinningfilds

Cocktails at Southern Eleven – Spinningfields

Cocktails at The Violet Hour – West Didsbury

Cocktails at Beluga – Bramhall

#MCRCocktailGirl Keeley chooses her favourite creation from the last 12 months

#MCRCocktailGirl Keeley spent many a tough evening last year checking out some of Manchester’s favourite cocktail bars.

On her travels she challenged them to devise a bespoke cocktail which portrayed the essence of Manchester women in a glass.

Here’s a round up with Keeley’s winning creation.

Proof – Chorlton

Address: 30a Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PH
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatproofchorlton
Mixologist: Linda
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Fox Force Five

Inspired by mythology and the strength of women, this cocktail gets it’s name as a reference the kick ass women of Pulp Fiction.

A bitter-sweet mix of pomegranate infused Aperol and beautifully aromatic Lillet Blanc.

Churned with pomegranate seeds and laced with the delightfully delicate yet complex botanicals that make up Blackwoods vodka.

This cocktail is served tall with a refreshing dash of Prosecco in a cucumber dressed glass.  

The River Bar – The Lowry Hotel

Address: 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, City Centre, M3 5LH
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatriverbarthelowry
Mixologist: Tom
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Watermelon Martini

This cocktail is vibrant, colourful and refreshing. Just like a Manchester woman!

Two wedges of watermelon are muddled with Ish gin and Cointreau giving a rich and luxurious feel to the drink.

It’s then shaken with lemon, sugar syrup and cranberry juice before serving with a wedge of watermelon.

Rich and luxurious with an irresistible cheekiness – it’s one to stand out from the crowd.

The Bubble Room – Alderley Edge

Address: 47 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JT
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatthebubbleroom
Mixologist: Tom
4Manchester Women Cocktail: The Annie Walker

Inspired by Annie Walker, the first landlady at the Rovers Return – volatile and feisty, like many a Manchester woman…!

Wild hibiscus syrup is mixed with elderflower liquor and champagne with a dash of sugar.

Because it was hot on the day we visited, Tom blended the cocktail with ice to make a delicious frozen version of the drink. Wonderfully sweet the champagne gives this drink a posh ‘edge’ with more floral notes for an elegant twist.

Room – City Centre

Address: 81 King Street, Manchester City Centre, M2 4AH
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatroom
Mixologist: Amir
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Vintage Rose

This cocktail was inspired by the lovely vintage tea shops popping up in Manchester and how us ladies also enjoy a good gin.

A vanilla black tea syrup was mixed with No3 gin, rose liquor, bitters, lemon and egg white. Served in a vintage style tea cup it was garnished with a rose petal and sprayed with gin from an atomiser.

The spritz of gin means that it is the first thing you smell when you taste this cocktail, a feast for all the senses!

Whim Wham Café – City Centre

Address: Arch 64, Whitworth Street West, Manchester City Centre, M1 5WQ
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatthewhimwhamcafe
Mixologist: Alix
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Vintage Vimto Garden

Alix’s cocktail starts with bloom gin which is the only gin made by women.

He took inspiration from an English country garden and this gin does have a lovely floral nose.

Plum sake is added (we can be sarcastic, humorous and sweet) and vimto (a favourite among Manchester women in Alix’s experience) with lemon to tone down the sweetness.

It’s served in a ½ pint tankard for a feminine but quirky touch.

Liquorice – City Centre

Address: 50 Pall Mall (off King Street), Manchester City Centre, M2 1AQ.
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatliquorice
Mixologist: Hank
4Manchester Women Cocktail: It’s Complicated!

There is lots of creativity in our city – with this in mind Hank says that Manchester women have multiple layers.

We are soft and gentle with underlying authority. We are sophisticated and elegant which all brought together shows we are very expressive whilst being balanced and held together well.

His cocktail focuses on something that he’s loved from a young age – lemon curd.

Added to this is basil and cracked black pepper to compliment with a glug of lemon juice. Portobello Road gin gives this cocktail an alcoholic edge mixed with homemade lemon curd bitters and vanilla syrup.

The whole thing is topped with a lemon infused toasted Italian meringue.

Lock 91 – City Centre

Address: 9 Century Street, Manchester City Centre
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatlock91
Mixologist: Andi
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Smokin’ Scarlett

The first Manchester woman challenge cocktail to have a whiskey base.

Made from Red label Johnny Walker with Southern Comfort Cherry, Canadian maple syrup, lemon juice, orange zest, cranberry and lots of ice.

Shake all of the above in a jam jar before adding cocktail cherries and a curl of orange rind to garnish. Andi thinks that this cocktail is just like a Manchester woman. You can’t rush it, and as you enjoy – it gets better.

There are many layers, which makes it very complex!

Neighbourhood – Spinningfields

Address: The Avenue North, Spinningfields, City Centre
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatneighbourhood
Mixologist: Matt
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Posh Jager Bomb

Matt took inspiration from all types of women rather than one personality type.

He combined Tabasco, gomme and prosecco in a sugar rimmed glass. Following that by adding a separate shot of orange bitters (dark), martini rosso (sweet but posh) and Sailor Jerry.

This was then shaken with ice and topped with a dash of overproof rum (strong) before being lit (fiery) and poured into the main glass.

As Matt described; It’s a bit spicy, a bit sweet and a bit fizzy – just like Manchester women!

Beluga – Bramhall

Address: Bramhall Lane South, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1AF
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsatbeluga
Mixologist: Ross
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Cream of Manchester

Ross took his inspiration from the Manchester icon that is / was Boddingtons to make his cocktail.

But with a bit of an elegant twist.

Consisting of amaretto (one of the most popular spirits with the ladies of Bramhall), southern comfort, tea, lemon, a flamed orange zest shaken with egg white to give it the Boddingtons cream top.

This was very special.

Violet Hour – West Didsbury

Address: 236 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchcester, M20 2LW
Review: 4manchesterwomen.co.uk/cocktailsattheviolethour
Mixologist: Rebecca
4Manchester Women Cocktail: Manchester Lady

A modern twist on the white lady. Strawberry and rosemary are muddled together before adding 6 O’clock gin (Manchester women are always busy hence the ‘6 O’clock’ name).

Lime and egg white are then added to gently thicken the cocktail.

A sprinkling of black pepper provides a savoury twist. Before topping with a heart shaped strawberry. Manchester women are, of course the heart of the city!    

Drum roll please …………

And the winners are

After much consideration, scoring each creation for:

• Taste
• Look
• Creativity
• Back story

Keeley has decided on her top three Manchester Women in a Glass cocktails.

3rd place

Alix at Whim Wham Café for the use of a firm Manchester favourite – vimto and an inventive use of Manchester women flavours.

2nd place

Hank (then at) Liquorice for the tour through his childhood with lemon curd but also the gin infused strawberries!

1st place

Matt at Neighbourhood for describing each of the ingredients to be like a regular woman but, when mixed together, form the ultimate Manchester woman in a glass.

And so the hunt is on now for the this year’s Manchester Woman in a Glass Cocktail winner. Any nominations?

Keeley x

Photographs: Keeley Watts, Gareth Davies, Jenny McAvoy, Adele on Flickr, Narita Savoor Photography, Mike Warren

Creative kitsch cocktails from Susie Wong

The Violet Hour on Burton Road in West Didsbury was one of our first cocktail bar reviews almost 12 months ago (read here). So we were thrilled to be invited back to the launch of their new cocktail menu. We all agreed that it was something rather special.

Our resident cocktail bar reviewer Keeley (she has the toughest job in the land) cast her expert eye over the menu (and sampled a few) and gave it a resounding thumbs up!

And ps. see if you can spot Queen of Madchester, Rowetta in the slide show below!

Address: The Violet Hour, 236 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchcester, M20 2LW

Visited: 8pm Thursday 6th March 2014

Over to you Keeley ……

The cocktail menu at the Violet Hour on Burton Road in West Didsbury has always been inventive and enticing.

From the vanilla flip served with a piece of shortbread to the Penelope pitstop dressed with hundreds and thousands, I have regularly left my city centre surroundings to sample more.

The Violet Hour are keen to keep things fresh and modern so recently employed the amazingly talented Susie Wong to create a cocktail menu with a difference.

The menu is presented in ‘old school’ style childrens’ story books with dainty handwritten menus on tracing paper within. This is where Susie excels, her fashion student days being evident in the beautiful drawings to accompany the individual cocktails listed inside.

You won’t find a bog standard cosmopolitan or daiquiri here. Instead, your senses will be whisked away to different climes, most cocktails being accompanied by a side such as homemade marshmallows and fruit caviar. This cocktail menu (click here) is perfect replacement for a dessert if you are after something a little more elegant.

The drinks we tried…..

The Ruby Woo containing Finlandia vodka, Blossoms sour cherry syrup, aloe vera, lemon and rose water with a double cherry pop garnish. This is fruity yet balanced with the aloe vera and lemon. I knew I would love this one the second I saw it on the menu and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Tony’s Tipple containing Appleton 12yr old rum, crème de banane and frosties rinsed milk served in an old school style milk bottle. I think this is the most inventive drink I have ever come across and I have tried a few in my time! Frosties rinsed milk is the future, I swear.

Rum n Raisin Nice Dream mixing my personal favourite Appleton VX rum, fig, vanilla and cream with a dusting of chocolate served straight up. This is boozier than it sounds with the rum being the predominant flavour and the chocolate dusting providing a hint of sweetness. The cream isn’t heavy so this is more milk like than cream like, if that makes sense!

The menu is well worth the trip out of the city centre to sample this competition winning bartender’s delights. I can’t wait to work my way through Susie’s other creations including the Penny Lane and the Not So Fuzzy.

You’ll have to pop in to see what is in them and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I’ll see you at the bar.

The Violet Hour, 236 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchcester, M20 2LW

Tel: 0161 434 9521

Facebook: facebook.com/theviolethourdidsbury

Email: info@theviolethourdidsbury.co.uk

Twitter: @theviolethourUK

Keeley x  (#MCRCocktailGirl)

Photographs: Carl Sukonik, The Vain Photography

Image of Keeley by Mike Warren

Keeley writes her own personal blog – Phat Cupcake

Other cocktail bar reviews

Cocktails at Proof – Chorlton

Cocktails at The River Bar, The Lowry Hotel – Salford / city centre

Cocktails at The Bubble Room – Alderley Edge

Cocktails at Room – King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at The Whim Wham Cafe – Whitworth Arches, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at Liquorice – off King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails in the City reviewed

Cocktails at Lock 91 – Deansgate Locks, City Centre

Cocktails at Neighbourhood – Spinningfilds

Cocktails at Southern Eleven – Spinningfields

Cocktails at The Violet Hour – West Didsbury

Cocktails at Beluga – Bramhall

Villagey sophistication – shaken not stirred!

We’ve sent Keeley, our #MCRCocktailGirl out to the ‘burbs this week.

She’s been checking out Proof – the winner of the ‘Favourite cocktail’ crown at Cocktails in the City earlier in the year.

As usual she’s issued them with our challenge  – to create a cocktail which embodies Manchester woman in a glass.

It’s that simple!

Over to you Keeley ……

Address: Proof, 30a Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PH

Visited: 7.00pm Wednesday 14th August 2013

Bar description and ambiance

Proof is on one of the main roads through Chorlton and within striking distance of the metrolink, so you have no excuse for not visiting!

The ambiance is relaxed and chilled out with light background music – the perfect place to grab a book and spend the day to yourself.

Proof has a real ‘villagey’ feel – you will find a lot of regulars in here, in fact, most of its visitors are residents of Chorlton. Service is always with a smile and at your table, so you don’t even have to get up and go to the bar!

You will find a regular DJ on Saturday nights and a Liquid Brunch menu at weekends for the ever important hair of the dog when you need it. You will also find a regular tasting night called Lips That Touch Liquor as well as cocktail classes to show you how to shake your own like a pro.

Mixologist

Linda started her bartending career at Revolution where her love for cocktails was born. She has since worked at Room and Bluu before going travelling and ending up in Proof.

She believes customer service is key to the best bars in Manchester and loves that you can mix up/change the cocktails in a little bar like Proof.

Fresh from a win at Cocktails in the City with their ‘Any Port in a Storm’ cocktail; a twist on the classic Dark and Stormy, Linda has high hopes for this year’s competition with potentially another interesting spirit to work with and hopefully more fancy dress.

Menu

The cocktail menu at Proof uses fresh ingredients and premium spirits giving a sophisticated edge.

As with any good cocktail bar you can ask for something off menu and they will be happy to mix and shake it up for you. For the residents of Chorlton, knowing you can get your favourite drink on your doorstep sounds like heaven.

You will find some classics on the menu such as mojitos and daiquiris with some interesting specials such as the brunch martini and the holy guacamole.

It has to be tried to be believed…

Signature drink

Linda’s most popular cocktail is the lotus blossom.

Recipe: Bombay Sapphire is mixed with Briottet lychee liquor and St Germain elderflower liquor before being muddled with kiwi, lime, lemon, sugar syrup and apple juice.

The result is a wonderfully fresh tasting drink with a delicious floral base from the elderflower …… very delicate but beautifully balanced with the kiwi giving an interesting lightness.

MCR Women in a glass

Linda was inspired by mythology and the strength of women for her cocktail, calling it Fox Force Five to reference the kick ass women of Pulp Fiction.

Here is her write up to explain her drink:

“The concept behind the cocktail is the representation of the various personae and attributes of Manchester women, depicted through various iconic women from history. Each ingredient has been specifically chosen to represent the identity of four pivotal female figures.

“This delectably different twist on the à la mode Aperol Spritz is a bitter-sweet mix of pomegranate infused Aperol and the beautifully aromatic Lillet Blanc. Churned with pomegranate seeds and laced with the delightfully delicate yet complex botanicals that make up Blackwoods vodka, served tall with a refreshing dash of Prosecco in a cucumber dressed glass.

“The pomegranate infused Aperol was inspired by the Greek goddess Persephone who took the fruit from Hades thus binding her to the underworld and was only released for two seasons per year. She represents vulnerability, optimism and hope.

“Blackwoods vodka with its Nordic heritage represents Freya, the goddess of love, sexuality and beauty.

“Lillet Blanc is my French component, characterised by Simone de Beauvoir; the strong, intellectual, feminist who caused a stir through her controversial, avant-garde philosophies.

“So that leaves us with the fizz: Prosecco. My Italian constituent embodies Shakespeare’s Juliet – the lover, the amorous, the rebel.

“Women are multifaceted, complex creatures. It was important for me to put forward the idea of these multi-layered psyches. I wanted my drink to look feminine and sophisticated, taste complex and unusual but, most importantly, leave you wanting more.”

And leave you wanting more it does, you really need to pop into Chorlton even if it is just for this drink. Tell her I sent you ……

Keeley x 

Proof, 30a Manchester Road, Chorlton, M21 9PH

Tel: 0161 862 9333

Email: info@proofbars.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/ProofChorlton

Twitter: @ProofChorlton

Website: proofbars.co.uk

Keeley x  (#MCRCocktailGirl)

Photographs: Gareth Davies, Mike Warren

Our cocktail reviews are not sponsored

Keeley writes her own personal blog – Phat Cupcake

Other cocktail bar reviews

Cocktails at The River Bar, The Lowry Hotel – Salford / city centre

Cocktails at The Bubble Room – Alderley Edge

Cocktails at Room – King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at The Whim Wham Cafe – Whitworth Arches, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails at Liquorice – off King Street, Manchester City Centre

Cocktails in the City reviewed

Cocktails at Lock 91 – Deansgate Locks, City Centre

Cocktails at Neighbourhood – Spinningfilds

Cocktails at Southern Eleven – Spinningfields

Cocktails at The Violet Hour – West Didsbury

Cocktails at Beluga – Bramhall