La Fée Bus Shakedown – London – 28th October 2008
What better way to spread the word about La Fée’s Absinthe Cocktail Grand Prix than with a trip round London in the La Fée Absinthe Bus? On a night of freezing temperatures and heavy snow, the team was joined by resident bartenders from two of London’s hottest drinking establishments the Hoxton Pony and the OXO Tower.
Our first pick-up of the night was the Hoxton Pony, where joining us were Fabien Marcault and Ivan Simonetti. Fabien was the first to get involved at the on-board bar creating a delightful absinthe and coffee cocktail as we crossed the Thames (recipe below). Next stop was the OXO Tower – picking up Agne Krasauskaile and Janek Ambrozewicz. As the snow started to fall at a heavy rate our route took us on to Soho. On the way, all bartenders took their turn working some creative magic behind the bar. Agne came up with a lively sour that we particularly enjoyed (recipe below). After our tour of London we then began the journey home, dropping off our attendees at their respective bars and then heading back to La Fée’s Hertfordshire HQ.
The quality of the drinks conjured on the bus was fantastic, especially considering the less than ideal conditions provided by the moving bus not to mention the cold! We are very excited to see what these guys enter into the La Fée Absinthe Cocktail Grand Prix under more traditional conditions and given a full bar and time to perfect the recipes. The Cocktail Grand Prix offers the winners a chance to be profiled with their drink in the first definitive absinthe cocktail guide (in association with diffordsguide) a great incentive to come up with something special. The event is open to all bartenders globally, and the book will be a valuable tool for both absinthe drinkers and cocktail fans everywhere- whether at your home or behind the world’s best bars.
A great evening was enjoyed by all, and judging by the success of this first La Fée Absinthe bus tour we are looking forward to planning more events like this in 2009. Our thanks go to Ivan, Fabien, Janek and Agne for joining us on the night and coming up with some inspired creations.
Attendees
Ivan Simonetti – The Hoxton Pony
Fabien Marcault – The Hoxton Pony
Janek Ambrozewicz – OXO Tower Bar
Agne Krasauskaile – OXO Tower Bar
Agnes’ Cocktail
- Fresh Mint (torn)
- Equal parts La Fée Parisienne + Apple Juice
- 3 dashes of Peychauds Bitters
- 1 Egg White
- 1 teaspoon of Sugar
Method: Shake and Strain. Would work in a highball garnished with a slice of apple and/or mint leaves.
Fabien’s Cocktail
- Fresh Strawberries
- 2 shots of Orange Juice
- 3/4 shot La Fée Parisian
- 1 shot Kahlua
Method: Muddle Strawberries, add OJ, La Fée and Kahlua. Shake and Strain. Would work in a Martini glass garnished with sliced strawberry.
