I’m going to let you in on a secret: I’m not that much of a drinker. I’m not that person who hankers after a glass of wine, or craves a shot of brandy after a hard day at work. My parents have always drunk when they are happy and in the party mood, and that is something I tend to follow in my everyday life. I am someone, however, who likes the taste of alcohol, particularly a cheeky cocktail…or two. So I grabbed Chris, threw on a new dress and we decided to partake in a different kind of cocktail evening.
Cocktails in Company (CIC) is a mobile bar hire service, run by the charismatic Leslie Smallings.
Leslie had the idea to create a one of a kind cocktail bar hire company, with first class service that he likened to having a butler in your home. CIC will take your guests coats, provide waiting staff to ensure your drink is always full and have bartenders full of flair to mix and shake your favourite cocktails to drink. They can even help you create your own cocktails themed to your event!
We went to Chez Vous restaurant, to sample Leslie’s cocktail taster menu* in a night he holds every other month.
On the night there was a set menu which Chris and I indulged in. Chris loved his Rhubarb Mojito and I drunk my Champagne Avenue (champagne with pomegranate and passion fruit) like it was water. Hence the empty glasses, they were super yummy!
Leslie loves to use ingredients that are different, seasonal and try to create something that is a break from the norm. At Christmas, the Amaretto Cream went down a treat. It looks almost like a dessert doesn’t it?! The attention to detail that the bartenders put in is astonishing.
For our next cocktail Chris went all James Bond on me and tried his first ever Martini, which he really enjoyed. Then I opted for a delicious Bramble; Bombay Sapphire Gin shaken with fresh lemon and layered with crème de mure (blackberry liquer).
We had a lovely chat with Leslie who told us all about the drinks packages he can provide that include beer and wine along with cocktails.
He can also provide you with canapés (delish), an ice luge or even an A-list arrival via helicopter to your own party if you so desire! Having met Leslie and getting to know the warm, personable, chatty and funny guy that he is, I would be very comfortable inviting him into my home to look after my party guests.
Although what Leslie really wants you to do is just start having a party for the sake of it, without the need for a special occasion. I second this, staying in is the new going out after all. What’s better than having great cocktails in fabulous company, with your bed just a stair climb away… not much I reckon.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
Levanah
xoxo
*Complimentary cocktails
