Apples and Pears – situated at the not-so-vintage end of Brick Lane – is the sort of bar you wish you’d known about ages ago. To mark the launch of their summer cocktail menu, we went along to try out their freshly-curated concoctions, expertly designed by their wonderfully knowledgeable head barman, Carlos.
Describing his cocktails as “fun, but with integrity,” Carlos has spent the last three years experimenting to ensure that all his drinks meet this faultless balance. The Fat Gobbler – which takes five hours of preparation before it reaches our lips – consists of Cocchi Americano, “buttered” Wild Turkey 101 whisky, sweetcorn, cinnamon and Orange Cream Bitters. The butter is used to replace egg white (more commonly found in cocktails of this kind) and gives the drink a distinct, nutty aroma and smooth consistency. A piece of toffee popcorn completes the composition. As Carlos points out, garnishing is an important part of “the whole experience.”
A blend of Colorado Bourbon, pepper and figs generates another of our favourite summer cocktails: the Tincup Rocky. Sweet’n’smoky flavours offset each other skilfully and, true to form, Carlos tops the drink with a delectable caramelised fig and almond garnish.
What makes Apples and Pears “East London’s hidden gem” is its carefully considered cocktail menu. If you’re in the mood for something unexpected this summer, you’ll fall for this place. It’s a five minute walk from Aldgate East and they run various music nights throughout the week too.
See the full menu here.
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- Tin Cup Rocky
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- Cocktails
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- Fat Gobbler
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- Apples and Pears
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- Palomino
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- Fat Gobbler
