What happens when some of London's best bars team up with one of the world's most best-loved and popular vodka brands? Well, it's time to find out, because this month sees the launch of a partnership between four of London's top venues and Grey Goose vodka.
From The Ned to The Berkeley Blue Bar, The American Bar at The Savoy's and Swift, each bar makes the most of the versatile base that is Grey Goose to put their own unique twist on the bloody mary.
And because it's Grey Goose, only the finest ingredients will grace these glasses. From olive leather garnishes at The Blue Bar to the 24 ingredients in The American Bar's spice mix, these carefully curated specials will take this classic cocktail to new heights.
Of course, it's not all about who can do it best (although we love a bit of healthy competition), these special serves are also about showcasing the subtleties of Grey Goose vodka.
When it comes to quality, Grey Goose is unmatched. Its begins with the very best French ingredients. It starts with single-origin wheat from Picardy, 'the bread-basket of France', and limestone-filtered spring water from Gensac-La-Pallue before a unique distillation process teases out the extraordinary flavour characteristics.
The result is a naturally rich and full-bodied vodka that tastes just as delicious swirled through dry vermouth and orange bitters to create an elegant martini as it does shaken up in a spicy bloody mary mix by one of London's hottest bartenders. It truly is a spirit like no other and now is your chance to try it. We'll see you at the bar.
The cocktails – in pictures
The Blue Bar at the Berkeley
The Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL
A beautiful bar at the Berkeley Hotel, The Blue Bar is one of Knightsbridge's best-loved venues for a mixed drink.
The bar
The drink
Its take on the Bloody Mary is built around Grey Goose with the addition of Tio Pepe Fino sherry alongside its house-made Blue Bar Spicy Mix, tomato juice and lemon juice. It's served in a highball glass and garnished with olives, leather and celery.
Blue Bar Bloody Mary, £18
Ned's Umami Mary at The Ned
The Ned, 27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
Located in what used to be the Midland Bank building in the heart of the City of London, The Ned is a hotel and members' club that is home to a plethora of exciting restaurants.
The Bar
The Drink
A combination of Grey Goose, Port Charlotte, tomato juice and The Ned's own bespoke umami mix, you won't be likely to find a more lip-smackingly savoury cocktail in the city. A garnish of celery, pickled onion and a pickled gherkin speared onto a bamboo pick merely add to the salty satisfaction.
Ned's Umami Mary, £10
Swift
Swift, 12 Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ
Located on Old Compton Street, Swift is trendy bar with a strong focus on a lengthy cocktail menu that perfectly captures the potential of spirits like Grey Goose.
The bar
The drink
The addition of freshly juiced vegetables like celery, carrot and pressed cherry tomatoes gives the bloody mary at Swift bar a swift kick of natural and fresh flavours.
Swift bloody mary at Swift, £10
American Bar
American Bar at The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ
The American Bar at The Savoy is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and one of the most renowned in the world.
The Bar
The Drink
Just like The American Bar itself, this bloody mary is a stone-cold classic. Made with Grey Goose, fresh lemon, The American Bar's homemade spice mix, and tomato juice – it hits every beat. Served in a highball glass with cucumber and a giant caper? Yeah, that's the dictionary definition of perfect.
Bloody Mary at The American Bar, £18
For more information, visit greygoose.com
