Vermouth cocktails
Vermouth has been having a moment, mainly thanks to 2014’s love affair with the Negroni and all things Italian. But this year it’s stepping out on its own and vermouth aperitif cocktails are set to take centre stage. Even cocktailing maestro Ali Reynolds from Hawksmoor says so, so it must be true. This aromatised wine not only has a low ABV, but vermouths were once used as medicinal tonics due to their complex flavour palate packed full of botanicals. Expect to see old favourites like Martini Rosso having a moment on menus and in classics like the Martinez and Negroni, as well as standing out as sippers and being used as a base in new creations.
Craft beer cocktails
In 2014 you were a nobody if you didn’t have a bottle of craft beer in hand. In 2015 we’re seeing things get boozier with craft beer making it’s way into cocktails. The flavours and ‘notes’ in artisanal ales make them perfect cocktail mixers, so whether it’s sipping shandy cocktails at London’s Made In The Shade or seeing original ale mixed with Bacardi Oakheart in tikitastic twist the ‘Heddon Street Grog’, get ready to see craft beer in a whole new (boozy) light.
Pre-batched
Waiting at the bar is so last year. Since London phenomenon White Lyan hit town and won ‘Best Bar in the World’ with their innovative bottle clad back bar, bartenders across the globe are shaking up and bottling their cocktails so they’re ready to pour, garnish and serve quicker than you can say Mai Tai. Even better - if you like what you’re tasting, bars are even starting to batch them up so you can take them home. Tomorrow night you’ll be on the sofa sipping a perfect Old Fashioned, no cocktail stirrer required.
The Champagne comeback
This year bubbly means business. Sure Champagne and Prosecco are not always the cheapest but a sexy little glass goes a long way and it has fewer calories than wine. Bubbly cocktails will reign supreme in bars, so get a taste of class with a twist on a classic sparkling cocktail; the French 77 is made with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, fresh lemon and Champagne and tastes ridiculously good.
Coffee & booze
An Espresso Martini has always been BarChick’s favourite pick-me-up, and in 2015 your caffeine fix is getting serious. With bars like Tony C’s hot off the press Termini in London serving sexy Italian espressos by day and coffee cocktails by night, as well as London Grind tipped as one of the year’s hottest openings, coffee without booze is boring. Espresso Martinis are also getting a freshen up with the traditional vodka getting swapped for dark rum or a kick of tequila. Making them at home? In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake up 1 shot of espresso and 1 shot of coffee liqueur with either Grey Goose to keep it classic, Bacardi Oakheart for a sweeter flavour or Cazadores Tequila if you’re feeling a bit loco.
For ace cocktail recipes you can make at home, head over to Mixed Cocktails.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
How To Turn A Bottle Of Martini Prosecco Into Five Separate Drinks
Quiz Time! It is Time To Put Your Noughties Pop Culture To The Test
View From The Bar: So What's A Bartender's Foolproof Hangover Cure?
Follow Barchick on Twitter @HotBarChick
Picture: Feasting Freds
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.