I like cocktails. I find that they lighten the mood and stimulate the senses and are an ideal way to start an evening, or a lunchtime flirt or just to revel in being alive. The Mango Tree in Belgravia, behind Buckingham Palace, is a top Thai restaurant that also has a Thai Cocktail bar. So when passing, I just had to drop in.
The bar area is a square area, with comfy seats as well as tall seats and tables, with a well stocked bar to one side. I don’t think I ever saw less than two barmen mixing cocktails, each taking time to prepare and then present each drink to its full glory. The cocktail menu is about 10 pages long, full of fruity and exciting cocktails with a Thai or a beach theme, lots of summer ingredients and most that you have never had before. Obviously you could just order a vodka martini, but with so many new drinks to try who would?
My eye was caught by the Thai Martini; Wyborowa vodka, Gabriel Boudier lychee liqueur, fresh lemon grass, Thai red chili, lychee fruit and sugar syrup. The idea of a chili cocktail made me curious. Beautifully presented with a long slim chili, it tasted initially of the cooling lychee fruit. Slowly the warmth of the liqueur comes through and then gradually, initially just a hint, the peppery hotness of a chili. The heat and spice at the finish is an ideal preparation before going through to the Mango tree restaurant for a meal. This is definitely one to have if you like spicy food.
My Date decided on the Mango Tree Fizz, a signature drink from the Mango tree, being a champagne cocktail of Amaretto, fresh Mango juice and champagne. It was presented in a tall glass in layers, and tasted as good as it looked. Bright and uplifting, this is the way to have cocktails.
Before rushing off we decided to stay for another. My Date deciding on a Mango Tree Thai Sunrise Cocktail. Casco Viejo Tequila, Cointreau, tanqueray Gin, fresh orange juice, lime juice and mango juice. It arrived over ice and was full of the mango aroma with hints of gin. Smooth with a fruity warmth, one was enough to put a big smile on her face.
Keeping in the Thai spirit mood, I went for a Mekhong Comfort; Mekhong Thai Liqueur, Southern Comfort, passion fruit juice, lime juice and sugar cane syrup. Poured long over ice this was a great refresher.
Whilst we were there the barstaff were trying out new cocktails preparations and making up a range of drinks for visiting drinkers. The tray of four cocktails looked amazing – the camera just doesn’t do the colours credit. Note also the curved glass stems, a variation on the classic Martini glass. Something I must try next time I am there.
The Mango Tree is the place to go for great cocktails that are really different from the regular ones served in chain hotels. Take a friend with you and you will really impress them. Watch out for some up-coming Valentines Day cocktails.
Mango Tree
46 Grosvenor Place
Belgravia
SW1X 7EQ
020 7823 1888
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