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!
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
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