Five Must-Try Cocktails at Cocktails in the City This July
Set in a leafy private garden in Bloomsbury, Cocktails in the City is London’s ultimate alfresco celebration of cocktail culture—an open-air oasis where the capital’s finest bars craft exclusive signature drinks just for the occasion. From bold reinventions to delicately layered sips, these five festival serves represent a small selection of libations that will be available this July. Which one will you enjoy first?
The Mexican Sour – Created by The Guards Bar and Lounge at Raffles London
Tequila Enemigo 55 Blanco, mango lassi, sour pear juice, angostura bitters, golden syrup.
Rooted in Raffles’ legacy of cosmopolitan luxury, this shaken sour fuses traditional English flavours—sour pear and golden syrup—with tropical bursts of tequila and mango. The result: a decadent and playful cross-cultural cocktail worthy of its stately setting.
Bijou N.16 – Created by Quaglino’s
Renais Gin, house white vermouth, chamomile liqueur, saline.
An elegant stir-down that whispers refinement, echoing the sophistication of Quaglino’s with a touch of floral finesse. Bar Manager Jonathan Ecca mentions, “At Quaglino’s we sell a lot of Martini’s, this is adapted to be more approachable in a summer garden party environment, to be enjoyed in the sunshine, we make our own vermouth with chardonnay, vodka and cinnamon. A sharp citrus note, that softens out with layers of complex flavour. The name Bijou in French means ‘jewellery’, and it is our Jewel in the crown. No. 16 is the address in Bury St, St James.
Frais (Fresh) – Created by Brasserie Zédel
Rinquinquin à la pêche, Axia mastiha, basil & lime cordial, soda.
A sparkling French-inspired spritz with delicate peach and herbal notes—light, bright, and perfect for sipping in the summer sun.
Carajillo – Created by Viajante87
Licor 43, Mr. Black, Solo Coffee.
The Latin sibling of the espresso martini, the Carajillo is making waves across Mexico and beyond with its bold yet balanced blend. Sweet citrus and vanilla from Licor 43 meet the rich, roasted depth of cold brew and coffee liqueur—a velvety pick-me-up served with flair, straight from Viajante87’s innovative drinks lab.
Gallery Tonic
Created by Gallery Bar at The Savoy for the Local Luxury collective
Asterley Bros English Dry Vermouth, champagne cordial, Fever Tree Light Tonic, mint sprig garnish.
Effortlessly elegant, this British twist on a spritz spotlights hyper-local craftsmanship—combining fragrant vermouth with sparkling citrus notes and a crisp tonic finish. A showcase of modern refinement, poured from one of London’s most iconic establishments.
Let the garden be your guide, and the cocktails your compass.
