Events | Orchid Winter Menu Preview...

With Orchid being seen as one of Aberdeen's most exciting cocktail venues, it was with no hesitation that I headed along to their Winter menu preview event along with some other Aberdeen bloggers.

At the event, Orchid had set up 3 different stations for us to experience: Gin Tasting, a Mixology Class and an introduction to their new Cocktail concept. Each station had a limited number of spaces so we were divided up into smaller groups to experience them all.

Cocktail Concept:

Orchid's new menu features 8 new Cocktails...but not just any Cocktails! Each Cocktail on the menu is associated with an area of Aberdeen which in turn leads to something fun to do. When you purchase a cocktail, you will be given a badge to take a selfie with at the place where the cocktail is associated with. Collect all 8....and something special will happen!

We had the opportunity to try 3 of the 8 cocktails that will be available on the menu. These were Religious Robbery, Honey Rider and Beerlini.

Religious Robbery 

'Porters Gin, spiced Pineapple Syrup, Coconut Juice & Teapot Bitters'

Honey Rider

'Mango infused Rum, Grapefruit Oleo Saccharum & Orinoco Bitters'

Beerlini

'Grapefruit cordial, Salted Campari & Lager'

My favourite cocktail that we tried from the Cocktail Concept station was Religious Robbery as I love anything that has Gin and also anything that has Pineapple. It's a winner all round if you ask me!

Mixology Class:

Next up on the agenda was a mini Mixology class. Matthew first took us through the basics of a good cocktail. After that it was our turn to create our own cocktail. My group went for a coconut rum base with strawberry cordial and something Peachy (I can't remember what it was!) and nicknamed it the 'Peachy Queen'. There was a competition between all groups to create the best cocktail. My group won the challenge and we each received a mini bottle of Porter's Gin to take away. In addition , we also got to create the classic Pink Orchid Cocktail which is Vanilla Vodka, Raspberry Liqueur, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Sugar Syrup and, to make it all nice and frothy, some egg white.

'Peachy Queen'

'Pink Orchid'

Gin Tasting:

I love Gin and I'm not afraid to admit it. The more unusual the better so needless to say I was really looking forward to this portion of the event. Sean took us on a journey through the history of Gin, the distilling methods used and how Porter's Gin started. If you're unfamiliar with Porter's, they are the first gin to be distilled in Aberdeen in over 100 years and unbelievably they have only been around officially for less than a year and they already have a fantastic reputation. Absolutely inspiring.

Thank you Orchid for arranging a fabulous evening of  taste experiences.