Forget Quarantinis, Try These 12 Summer Cocktails From London’s Best Bars

Seymour’s Parlour

A visit to Seymour’s Parlour is like a visit to a country estate. The interiors are grand and whimsical, with every wall covered in portraits and paintings. As for the cocktails, these are always faultless. The menu has been designed with charm thrown in, expressed through the illustrated menu and the presentation of the cocktails as they arrive at your table. We love the Immunity – a mix of distilled lemon balm, pollen gin and bacchus fume cordial.

COYA Mayfair

The Mayfair hotspot celebrates the best of its Peruvian culture, from its vibrant decor to its iconic Pisco Library display. COYA Mayfair has become city renowned for its authentic version of Peru’s national drink, the Pisco. To make the drink even more summery (and delicious), they’ve started infusing their piscos by steeping fruits in the liquor for weeks at a time. Choose from delights like blueberry and lavender, peach and apricot, or go all out with their sweet strawberry Pisco. 

It’s the perfect alternative to enjoy if you’ve grown tired of the typical tequila tipples.

The Coral Room

Paint the town red when you enjoy a cocktail at The Coral Room, the all day restaurant renowned for its rosy red walls and velvet sofas. 

At the Bloomsbury hideout cocktails live up to their high regard too. We love the Bloomsbury Blush, a mix of Belsezar Rosé, Crème De Pêche, Muyu Jasmine Verte, Ridgeview Bloomsbury Sparkling Wine. Oh and their personalised ice cubes are a fun touch too.

Corinthia London

The Garden at Corinthia London has been transformed into a Mediterranean paradise. Expect ivy entwined beams overhead, as you cosy in at one of their dining tables and enjoy their summery take on the classic bellini. Their peach and raspberry bellini is made up of fresh peach puree, fresh raspberries and is topped with Prosecco. 

Their food menu has also had a Mediterranean makeover courtesy of executive chef André Garrett. Settle in for a summer’s afternoon in the English sun while you sip your pretty in pink drink.

Camino 

Helping to transport you to the sunny shores of Spain is Camino. Known best for housing some of London’s best Spanish tapas, we want to draw your attention to Camino’s drinks menu, notably their cocktail selection. 

Play it simple and try their Lola’s Passion, a twist on your favourite passionfruit number made with MM Blanc De blancs Reserva cava, Absolut Vanilla vodka, fresh passionfruit and pineapple juice, or go traditionally Spanish with one of their frozen sangrias. Once you’ve had one glass of their frozen fruits you won’t be able to stop yourself from ordering more. 

Fitz’s Bar

If you’re after fabulously flamboyant interiors (there’s literally a giant glitterball suspended overhead) and live music, Fitz’s Bar nuzzled inside Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel is the place to head. 

On the menu for a dreamy summer’s cocktail has to be the forty footstep fizz, a mixture of Clynelish 14yr Scotch, Somerset 5yr Cider Brandy, lemon, cream, egg white, poppy seed and plum soda, or go all out with their ‘spy princess’, a mix of sharp fruity flavours and vodka, topped with Champagne.

45 Jermyn Street.

45 Jermyn Street is one of our favourite spots in St James’s thanks to its cushioned red booths, contemporary cuisine and sensational cocktails. If you’re somebody who loves a cocktail with a bite or needs a hangover cure, their menu of Bloody Mary’s are both fiery and delicious. But come summer time, if you’re looking for something a little fruity and light, we’d recommend the oaxaca gimlet, a mix of Quiquiriqui mezcal, pink grapefruit, mint and green chartreuse.

Purl London

Marylebone speakeasy Purl London certainly knows a thing or two about innovative cocktails – they’ve literally got one that comes in a glass that’s shaped like a loo and another that comes floating with a balloon. 

Since opening in 2010, Purl quickly become recognised for its storytelling methods, helping to provide a multi-sensory adventure with every sip. Explain to the mixologists your taste preferences and they’ll soon whizz you up one of their mystifying concoctions.

Barts

With a claim to fame as big as London’s first speakeasy nuzzled inside an everyday Chelsea apartment block, Barts’ secret was soon revealed and it’s since become a go-to spot for classic cocktails and a cosy midweek drink. 

Barts has its reopening date set in stone for 23rd July, bringing with it the magic of cocktail making that we couldn’t quite manage ourselves during lockdown… 

Their classic menu is faultless but if you’re looking for something extra special take a peek inside their signature cocktail list. The ‘leading lady’ is a favourite of ours, concocted of Bombay gin, peach liquor, lemon and aloe vera, or for a refreshing hit try the ‘Osborne sour’, a mix Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, lemon, sugar, egg white and lemon verbena mist. 

Aqua Shard 

Enjoy your summer tipple alongside a breathtaking backdrop overlooking the River Thames and London’s iconic skyline. 

Venture up to Level 31 of The Shard and settle in for an unforgettable evening of cocktails at Aqua Shard. We love their ‘Dollis Brook’ cocktail, combining a mix of Ciroc Berry Vodka, Tanqueray gin, elderflower and English sparkling wine. It’s part of their River of Britain cocktail list, and this particular cocktail celebrates the best of the city here in London. It’s bright purple colour also makes for a great ‘gram cocktail moment too.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences have transformed The Courtyard into a luxury dining area for all to enjoy a light lunch or to spend the evening sipping on cocktails. The menu has been revived with summer small plates and protein rich options, but it’s their cocktails list we want to guide your eyes towards. 

If you’re missing your summer holiday, the stayin’ alive will give you the sweet, tropical burst you’re after, or if you’re wanting something a little lighter but still fruity, try their oh romeo, a mix of gin, Campari, orange, elderflower cordial, berry liqueur and Champagne.