​BUB

In the mid 1800’s in a bar in New York a drunken Londoner was trying to explain what kind of beer he wanted. He wanted something bitter and smooth if it meant mixing their beer to get it. No one quite knows why but he scribbled on a receipt the word ‘cocktail’ and the word was invented. Or so the bar manager at the Hawksemoor would have you believe. Whatever it’s etymology, there are a variety of beer cocktails to be found on the menu in London.

 

Hawskmore Spitalfields Bar offers a range of craft beer, unique cocktail recipes with funky names and three different beer cocktails. We start with the first drink on the menu - Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, named after the barman who created it.

We were pleasantly surprised with our choice as it tasted smooth and delicious. It is served in an ordinary beer glass without any fussy distractions and has a sweet gingery taste. It reminds me more of a healthy smoothie than beer but only in a good way cause you can hardly taste alcohol but feel the soft flavour of ginger. It is a light and mild drink to start the evening - original and tasty.

 

We lucked out here. Not only did Hawskmore have one of the only beer cocktail menus in London, they also have the nicest staff who loved telling us about their creations. Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew consists of locally made ginger syrup, a splash of lemon juice and gin and, of course, beer. Apparently it is usually ordered by anyone. Men, women, different ages, shapes and sizes; this is an indiscriminately tasty drink.

 

Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew ticks nearly all the boxes and we would give it 4 stars out of 5. There was nothing really missing but for me, it was slightly too filling for a cocktail. Would we have it again? Absolutely. Would we have a second one straight after? I’m not sure we could handle it.

 

The next beer cocktail is called Hops and Glory. The name comes from the gin included in the cocktail. It is locally made in the Hops and Glory pub in Islington. Essentially, this means that Hops and Glory is the love child of two London pubs. You can’t get more ‘craft’ than that.

It is served in a Martini glass and is made of gin, syrup, beer and lemon juice. Initially, it reminds me of a Margarita cocktail by its yellowy colour and thick texture, later on by its taste as well. There was a strong flavour of dark ale, which to some extent is nice. However, some of us were not sure about the tropical fruit taste and smell that it was mixed with. We were really not sure. We blamed the lemon taste and would give it 3 out of 5. Maybe it just was not my cup of tea (or pint of beer, should I say?) but I would not have it again.

 

The third option for a beer cocktail is Pumpkin Ale. Halloween may be over but this appeals to everyone who doesn’t want to let it go of that cosy, autumn feeling… or just loves the taste of pumpkin. We were not disappointed. Containing pale lager, whole pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon and variety of hops and other spices, it has a mild nutty and oaky taste, we loved this pumpkiny creation. It is served in small beer bottle with a specially made label. I gave this a strong 4 out of 5 with a smile on my face, not perfect but seizes the momen.

It seems that the secret of a good beer cocktail is simplicity. All the delicious flavours that go well with beer can be blended in to a drink that is unique, crafted and eminently drinkable.

 

One more thing is needed to mention. The bill which was supposed to be around £70 in total came at £16 instead, huge Thank You to the bar staff. Guys did not only help us with their opinions and sharing information about the drinks but also were generous enough as our cocktail tasting was all for the good cause. We don‘t think that affects our objectivity in any way besides making us think of karma and power of being nice and curious. Cheers!