Go on, ask me to recommend a bar in Chester? I guarantee I'll say The Botanist within my top three (the other two you'll have to ask me for another time). So I was really excited to be invited to their new cocktail menu launch on Tuesday*.
The menu was quite literally hot off the press having only launched a few hours previously so I was super impressed to see how quickly all the bar staff picked up the new cocktails.
The new menu focusses a lot more on botanicals (see what they're doing) and choosed fresh fruit and herbs over purees. It means the bar resembles a mini greengrocers and you know you're in for a super fresh cocktail.
For you gin fans, and who isn't? They've got a whole new gin list based upon different Living Ventures locations. I'm pretty excited to try the Alderley Edge & Knutsford gin on my next visit.
Throughout the night we tried a total of ten drinks and I even got to have a go at shaking some up (I didn't mention I did a brief stint as a cocktail waitress- I'm not sure Andy really captured me at my best).
Luke, our bartender was unbelievably knowledgable about all things alcoholic and drinks flavours and I think he might be my new best friend. You can totally see the passion and training (2 solid weeks) that goes into working behind the bar at any Living Ventures location.
We started the night with a homemade lemonade - available in a sweet or sour option and totally refreshing. Before moving on to the watering can cocktails - the perfect accompaniment to a girly catch up in the sunshine (The Botanist has a gorgeous sun terrace, perfect for the weather we're having at the moment).
On the night we tried:
- Homemade lemonade
- Watering cans: Rum featuring cherry and thyme, vodka featuring raspberry and sage and gin featuring apricot and basil
- Thai Chilli crush (my favourite)
- Pear & kiwi crush
- Blueberry and passion fruit martini
- Blackberry and mint julep
- Lemon balm tini
- Cinnamon and Oregon old fashioned (Andy's favourite)
- Rosemary Negroni
- English mojito
The full Cocktail menu can be viewed here.
The night was rounded off with some canapes and a fab manicure by Sian from Nailista.
With one final slurp of my Thai Chilli Crush (extra spicy, please) we ventured off home after a wonderful evening.
A huge thank you to Tamara, Luke, Rachel, Sian and everyone at The Botanist for a great evening. We will be back again very soon.
Have you visited The Botanist? What is your favourite cocktail?
*I was invited to the Botanist under no obligation to write a review, all my opinions are totally honest.
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