Summer spritz menus, cocktail masterclasses and five-star service in Dublin, Cork and Belfast …
Bar 1661, Dublin 1
Already known for putting poitín back on the modern-day drinks map, this independent powerhouse is now turning its attention to summer sipping, with a brand-new Summer Spritz menu that’s as bold and brilliant as the bar itself. The menu is five drinks strong, with each serve a vibrant twist on the classic spritz, featuring seasonal fruit, layered botanicals and pure craftsmanship. Highlights include Sú Talún, a strawberry number with Killahora Pom’O and tonic; Silín, a cherry-chai concoction with Berrissimo and osmanthus; and Anann, an unapologetically tropical mix of pineapple, pandan and coffee. Ideal for sipping on their suntrap terrace overlooking leafy St Michan’s Park. It’s all part of their wider ‘We Call This Power’ movement, a celebration of Irish drinks, done differently. Serious cocktail enthusiasts should also book their place now for September’s ‘We Are Power’ tasting events. A ten-course cocktail tasting menu? No bother.
Balfe’s at The Westbury, Dublin 2
If your summer moodboard includes linen trousers, oversized sunnies and a Parisian playlist, Balfe’s has your back. The Harry Street brasserie is a city favourite for alfresco people-watching, and this season they’ve gone full French fancy with La Vie en Rosé, a new cocktail collection that channels all the best elements of a French girl summer. Kick off with the Rosé Rêverie, a sorbet-topped stunner made with Lillet Rosé and Crémant, ideal for long, languid afternoons. Or, for a botanical twist, try the Belle Époque with tarragon and pear liqueur. Feeling more beach buzz than city slicker? The Mûre Sauvage is a juicy blackberry and coconut combo that smells as summery as suncream, which is no mean feat. Pair your drink of choice with Balfe’s signature all-day menu featuring pan-fried gambas, croque monsieur or steak frites, and you’ve got yourself an afternoon escape without leaving the city.
Stillgarden Distillery, Dublin 8
Tucked away in Inchicore, Stillgarden is a unique concept – part distillery, part cocktail lab, part community garden. Their whole ethos revolves around “social botanicals” with hyper-local ingredients, grown right there, and their drinks reflect that DIY-meets-distilling spirit. The Cocktail Masterclass (€35) is a great, hands-on experience where you will learn to create two signature drinks, hear about the history of distillation and see a demonstration of the state-of-the-art equipment used within the distillery. It’s the ideal way to perfect your perfect summer sundowner, and the price includes three cocktails per person, making it excellent value to boot.
Cask, Co Cork
Cask continues to prove why it’s one of Ireland’s most innovative cocktail bars. With a drinks list that changes constantly based on what’s in season (and what’s growing nearby), the summer cocktails are anything but predictable. Recent summer sippers include the Gourd Vibes Only with Rebel City pomelo vodka, spiced pumpkin, French marigold, and Prosecco. The courtyard is buzzy, the staff know their stuff, and the snacks are a notch above your usual bar fare. Great food and excellent drinks? That’s the dream, and this is the place.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
If your ideal spritz/fizz/cocktail experience comes with five-star service and a touch of old-school glamour, The Merchant is calling. The swish Belfast hotel has just announced dates for their Prosecco Festival, with a lavish selection of prosecco-related events and curated experiences. Enjoy prosecco dinners in Bert’s Jazz Bar, battle of the bubbles, prosecco picnics, prosecco and paint, prosecco passeggiata and, of course, tasting flights with unique prosecco cocktails. Phew … take a drink every time you hear prosecco!