Famous Cocktails: Five Drinks Created in London

It’s no secret that London is home to some chic cocktail bars, boasting incredible drinks and spectacular views. But did you know that there are a few world-famous cocktails that were actually invented in London?

In this guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on some much-loved drinks created in the Big Smoke. From espresso martinis to Buck’s Fizz, read on to find out more.

Cocktails

The Bramble

This tasty drink was created in 1984 by bartender Dick Bradsell, who worked at Soho’s Fred’s Club. He wanted to design a drink to reflect his childhood memories of collecting blackberries on the Isle of Wight. And so, the Bramble came into existence.

Bradsell is a legend when it comes to London’s cocktail history and created many classic cocktails during his time. The Bramble is made from a combination of lemon juice, sugar syrup, gin, crème de cassis, a lemon slice, and the most important ingredient, blackberries. It has a balanced mix of sweet and sour tones and has become a favourite on cocktail menus throughout the UK.

Where can I try it?

Head to Bar Soho to try the Bramble for yourself. Featuring neon lighting and a buzzing atmosphere, this venue is the perfect place to kickstart an evening of celebrations.

The John Collins

The John Collins was created by a bartender of the same name during the 19^th century, when he decided to try a twist on the classic gin punch. Collins worked at a bar called The Coffee House, located within Limmer’s Hotel on Conduit Street. His drink gained popularity after he was mentioned in an 1892 book named Drinks of the World:

My name is John Collins, head waiter at Limmer's, Corner of Conduit Street, Hanover Square, My chief occupation is filling brimmers For all the young gentlemen frequenters there.

The John Collins is simple but effective. Made up of dry gin, lemon juice, soda water, sugar and ice, it’s a great summertime cocktails.

Cocktail masterclasses

Why not learn how to make this lovely drink for yourself at a cocktail masterclass? There are plenty to choose from across London.

 The Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is another of Bradsell’s fabulous creations. It was invented in the late 1980s when the bartender worked at Soho Brasserie on Greek Street. Legend has it that a well-known model (who was never named) came into the bar and requested a drink that would wake her up. Bradsell took inspiration from a coffee machine located nearby, and thus the espresso martini was born.

This drink is made with coffee liqueur, espresso and vodka. Needless to say, it’s become a firm favourite among cocktail-lovers across the globe.

Where can I try it? 

Visit The Cocktail Club on Goodge Street for a brilliant espresso martini. With an energetic vibe, this bar is a great place to stop off for a few drinks.

The Vesper Martini

Arguably London’s most famous drink, the Vesper Martini rose to fame after it was first made for James Bond author Ian Fleming in the 1950s. Fleming sampled the cocktail in the bar at the Duke’s Hotel and enjoyed it so much that he included it in his 1953 thriller, Casino Royale. It became Bond’s signature drink after the character named it after the beautiful Vesper Lynd.

Also known as the Vesper, this drink is made with gin, vodka and Kina Lillet (commonly substituted with Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth).

 How do you make a Vesper Martini?

A Vesper Martini is very easy to make. For ingredients, you will need:

• 3 ounces of gin
• 1 ounce of vodka
• 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth
• Lemon peel (for garnish)

The method:

1. Use a cocktail shaker to combine the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth).
2. Shake well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a slice of lemon peel.
4. Serve and enjoy!

The Buck’s Fizz

The Buck’s Fizz is believed to have been first served in 1921 by Malachy McGarry. McGarry was a bartender at the Buck's Club in London, and the drink is named after this venue.

This cocktail is thought to have been created to give customers an excuse to begin drinking early. It’s very similar to the mimosa, which was designed just a few years after.Some people assume that the Buck’s Fizz and the mimosa are actually the same drinks, but this is incorrect. The difference is that a Buck’s Fizz contains a 2:1 ratio of champagne to orange juice, while a mimosa has a 1:1 ratio.

Where can I try it?

The Buck’s Fizz is a popular brunch drink available in almost all bars across London. If you’re a big fan of the cocktail, why not enjoy an unlimited supply at a bottomless brunch?

Book a table at All Bar One Holborn and tuck into fantastic brunch plates alongside a range of Instagram-worthy cocktails.

Enjoy a Cocktail at NYX Hotel London Holborn

Looking for cool places to drink in London? If you fancy an evening of cocktails and music with your friends, our NYX Hotel London Holborn is the ideal location. With a choice of two fabulous drinks venues inside, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate.

Grab a bite to eat and choose from a huge drinks' selection at our Midtown restaurant, boasting plush interiors and vibrant mood lighting. Or head up to our Glasshouse rooftop bar and relax with a cocktail while watching the sun set over London.