The Toronto is one of those drinks that quietly signals a bartender’s confidence. Built on Canadian whisky and fernet, it’s a study in contrasts: the whisky provides grainy warmth while the amaro brings a sharp, mint-driven bitterness that can easily dominate if handled without precision. When balanced correctly, the result is unexpectedly elegant—aromatic, dry, and
Lush Life Podcast, Season 10
How to Celebrate 15 Years of Nightjar with Roisin Stimpson & Edmund Weil
Some birds sing at dawn to wake us up, but today we’re celebrating the birthday of a certain nocturnal songbird whose award-winning cocktails, wonderful hospitality, and sultry nightly soundtrack have been keeping London warbling for 15 years. Today we’re turning our attention to Nightjar, the Shoreditch bar that rewrote London’s late-night playbook. Joining me are
Some twists feel unnecessary; others make you wonder why they weren’t part of the original. The Cardamom Espresso Martini falls firmly into the latter. The fragrance of cardamom lifts the entire drink, adding warmth, depth and a quiet touch of spice without disturbing the clarity of the classic profile. It’s still your beloved Espresso Martini—just
Some drinks don’t just taste seasonal—they feel seasonal. The Smoked Apple Bourbon Smash is one of them. Fresh apple, good bourbon, and a soft hint of smoke come together in a way that immediately suits cold evenings. It’s warming but never heavy, aromatic without tipping into sweetness, and it has the kind of presence that
Most winter cocktails lean heavy — spice, smoke, heat. This one takes a different approach. The Chamomile & Lemon Gin Sour is quietly restorative, balancing soft floral notes with the clean brightness of citrus. It’s a drink designed for the end of a long day: calming, refreshing, and structured enough to feel intentional without being
There are holiday cocktails that demand ceremony — and then there are ones that simply deliver. The Pomegranate Rosemary Martini is the latter: bright, jewel-toned, and beautifully aromatic without adding any kitchen chaos to your festive plans. It’s the ideal balance of sharp, sweet, and herbal, with enough visual flair to feel celebration-ready the moment
Some drinks whisper. This one smolders. The Smoky Maple Old Fashioned takes the bones of a timeless cocktail and enriches them with the depth of smoked aroma and the quiet sweetness of real maple. It’s the kind of drink that feels intentionally slower — a warm contrast to the rush of cold evenings and one
Recently I was lucky enough to be introduced Ragnaud-Sabourin Cognac at a tasting here in London. Found into the heart of Grande Champagne, this family-run estate has been distilling, aging, and pouring over Cognac since 1850. Their Cognac is made up of two grapes: 90% Ugni Blanc Grapes and 10% Folle Blanche. What sets them
Top 500 Bars announced its rankings from 100 to 1. The gala took place at the Palazzo Borghese, Florence’s most important example of neoclassical architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Florentine residence of Prince Camillo Borghese, now used for private events. With the support of Destination Florence and City Councillor Jacopo Vicini. The
When the last of the summer spritzes fade and the evenings call for something cozier, the Spiced Pear Collins steps gracefully into the spotlight. It’s the perfect bridge between light, citrusy refreshment and the deeper, warming flavors of fall — crisp pear, cinnamon, and a whisper of spice that lingers just long enough to make