Last week I was invited down to TwoRuba to try out their new cocktail menu with my gal pal Rachel. This trendy bar and restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Hilton Tower Bridge Hotel, where upbeat music is played throughout the lounge, which was a finalist in the European Hotel Design Awards last year.
I loved how spacious the bar was with lavish gold and chrome furnishings, and huge comfy chairs which made us feel like we were in an Alice in Wonderland set!
Throughout the evening we tried six of TwoRuba’s latest creations that will be appearing on their drinks menu in the next couple of weeks. We were hosted by the lovely Bar Manager and Head Bartender who shared the inspiration and thoughts behind each cocktail as they were served.
Our first sample started with the Hemingway Special and the Storm. One thing I loved about the tasting was how we were able to try two very slightly similar cocktails at once, allowing us to compare and refresh our taste buds.
The Hemingway Special was a mixture of Havana 3, Havana 7 and Maraschino (an Italian cherry liqueur), served with the flavours of grapefruit and lime. It was described as a Cuban twist on a traditional daiquiri, mildly sharp but perfectly refreshing. I found that I enjoyed it more and more with each sip.
Alongside it came the Storm. Poured in a large tumbler, I loved the simplicity of its presentation, topped with dehydrated pineapple. Kraken Rum and Sailor Jerrys was blended with orange bitters, pineapple, almond syrup and lime, creating a punchy fruity drink that was a definite throwback to Tiki cocktail culture. If you’re big into your fruity flavours, than this drink is for you.
Our next round brought out the fizz, starting with a Red Set. Absolut Vodka, Cointreau, fresh raspberries and lychee juice was topped with champagne in a flute that was delightfully pretty. Unfortunately for me, I soon remembered that I’m not a huge lychee fan however personal dislikes aside, it would be a lovely drink for a special occasion.
Its summery partner was the Refreshed, and boy did it live up to its name. Flavours of kiwi and mint were blended together with Daffys gin for a refreshing tipple, with a large splash of champagne. Served in a small jug, this is a drink I would love to enjoy on a summers day, a fizzy twist on a classic mojito.
Our last round brought a variety of flavours, beginning with the Vanilla Killer; Absolut Vanilla Vodka, lime, sugar, strawberry and mint. If you love strawberries then you will LOVE this cocktail. It was super sweet and super refreshing, I really had to resist finishing the lot.
Completely different in every way, the Ruba Rose was just as delicious. I’ve normally stayed away from wine based cocktails but this glass of perfection has converted me. Pinot Grigio Rose, cinnamon and grapefruit were swilled together in a gorgeous glass, served chilled with orange peel and a cinnamon stick.
As soon as my nose reached the edge of the glass, the smell of Christmas hit me. It was like a refreshing, cool glass of mulled wine, making one of my favourite festive traditions a drink to be enjoyed all year round. For someone who doesn’t even really like Rose, this cocktail proves the point that you never know if you’ll like something until you try it.
The last sample of TwoRuba’s new menu was the a Dirty Mother – great name guys. My request for something to appease my love of whiskey was granted, with a chilled classic glass of Markers Mark bourbon, double cream and milk, passionfruit and butterscotch… topped with a cookie nonetheless.
I loved the sound of this drink and the flavours were perfection, however something in me just wanted to stick it in the microwave and enjoy it curled up on one of their amazing giant chairs. Maybe I’m just not a huge fan of cold milk, but I really hope they take my suggestion to try Dirty Mother hot.
The selection of cocktails above are just a few that will be available on TwoRuba’s new cocktail menu with prices around the £12-14 mark. Others that definitely take my fancy include a vanilla vodka and passionfruit martini, a gin, honey and lemon fizz, and a Johnnie Walker smokey cinnamon tipple.
TwoRuba also make each cocktail available as a sharer for two at £22, a fabulous idea for when you just want the same thing!
Thank you to TwoRuba for our complimentary cocktail tasting. As always, all views are my own.
