You are cordially invited to join us at the Sipsmith Sipping Garden. Hosted by Le Méridien Piccadilly, the garden will welcome visitors to settle in for summer gindrinks from our opening day on 21st June all the way through to September. Join us beginning this Sunday at noon for beautiful and refreshing cocktails befitting of the season, a leafy hideaway that's ideal for warm, lazy days, and a menu of gourmet nibbles that's been crafted to perfectly pair with each sip.
Can't wait until then? (We understand the feeling). To tide you over in the meantime, we've spoken with Le Méridien's Head Chef, Michael Dutnall, to learn more about his delightful food pairing menu. Read those titbits below. You'll also find two cheeky summer gin cocktail recipes that you can mix up yourself all season. Keep reading, then, and don't forget to come along on the 21st to take part in the festivities!
An Interview with Le Méridien Piccadilly's Head Chef Michael Dutnall
Sipsmith: What are some of the advantages of pairing cocktails with gourmet dishes, in lieu of wine?
Michael Dutnall: 'In the cooking world, we're currently seeing new interest in pairing high-volume spirit cocktails with food. The advantages of cocktails are their diverse and broad flavours - it gives us chefs the freedom to let our creativity to run wild.'
Walk us through the menu you've created for the Sipsmith Sipping Garden. How did you devise the dishes to match the custom cocktails?
'In developing the menu for the Sipsmith Sipping Garden, I was careful to avoid bold flavours and overpowering elements - it was more about taking subtle tones or hints from the gin-based cocktails and creating complementary food pairings. For example, the juniper & chili sausage rolls are matched with the Negroni Three Ways: the juniper in the sausage rolls and the aromatics from the Sipsmith London Dry Gin go perfectly hand in hand.'
Just as food is seasonal, do cocktails also have a seasonality? What are your preferred summertime sips?
'Without question, yes! My favourite summer tipple used to be a traditional G&T - that is, until I discovered Sipsmith Summer Cup! Now I can't wait for the sunshine to hit so I can dust off the barbecue and break out the jugs of fruit-topped Summer Cup.'
How would you characterise the British dining and cocktail culture today?
'British food and drink culture is heading in the right direction, with great focus from top-tier producers placed on seasonality and provenance. People - myself included - want to know where their food and drink come from, and the stories behind what we eat and drink, in order to feel a tangible connection. I love the buzz and energy around London's bar and restaurant scene - there's always something exciting happening.
What makes Le Méridien the perfect backdrop for the Sipsmith Sipping Garden?
'What really sets the Le Méridien apart? It's one of the only outdoor roof spaces along Piccadilly. With the hustle and bustle of one of London's busiest streets down below, the garden becomes its own oasis. The space is designed with British summer garden parties in mind - it's a lovely atmosphere for sipping away during those balmy summer evenings!'
Two Summer Gin Cocktail Recipes to Get You in the Spirit
The Sipsmith Three Ways Negroni
15ml of Sipsmith London Dry Gin
15ml of Sipsmith Sloe Gin
15ml of sweet vermouth
15ml of Campari
3 fresh raspberries
A splash of Sipsmith V.J.O.P.
1 dehydrated orange wheel
Muddle raspberries in a chilled rocks glass. Fill with very cold ice before pouring in all ingredients. Stir lovingly for 30 seconds. Add a splash of Sipsmith V.J.O.P. to enhance the sensational juniper flavour. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.
The Dainty Damsel
English sparkling wine, Champagne, or Prosecco
Pour Sipsmith Damson Vodka into a pre-chilled flute. Top with sparkling wine and serve!
17TH JUNE, 2015
thanks to :http://www.sipsmith.com/blog/events/summer-sipping-summer-gin
