I was there to taste creations from their new dessert cocktail menu, designed by bar manager and cocktail maestro Ben Manchester.
On arrival I was greeted with the bar’s signature cocktail – the Kensington Champagne Cocktail (£12.50), Perrier Jouet Grand Brut, Calvados, Sugar, Rhubarb Bitters, fizzy and wonderfully refreshing. Through sips (gulps!) and dim lightening I took in my surroundings; deep grained oak panelling with integrated bookcases combined with soft blue seats to sink into. It’s how I imagined my library would look like should I not be living in a Kennington one bed.
The bar had quite the laid-back vibe, perfect for an evening of cocktail tasting.
First up for the dessert cocktails was the indulgent Jerry’s Chocolate Orange, made with Sailor Jerry Spiced rum, Mozart chocolate liqueur, Grand Marnier, orange juice and double cream. I wanted to like it, I really did, but sadly I wasn’t a fan – for me, the orange juice just had too much bite. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t dreadful, just not to my taste buds.
Up next was the Rum Harvard, a punchy mix of Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, Antica Formula vermouth and Crème de Cassis. Labelled as the most alcoholic of the dessert cocktails I was keen to try it. It didn’t disappoint, the Rum Harvard was delightfully alcoholic, with the cassis giving it just the touch of sweetness it needed.
That was followed by the Crème Brûlée Martini, a sinfully good mix of Vanilla infused Havana Club Especial rum, caramel syrup and double cream. Around the table this received the most laudable ‘happy’ sounds. If you’re a fan of the dessert the cocktail does it justice.
Crème Brûlée Martini
As with all dessert menus, even the cocktail variety, there was a chocolate option in the form of the luxurious Chocolate Elit, made with Stolchinaya Elit vodka, Mozart chocolate liqueur, Antica Formula vermouth and chocolate bitters. Imagine liquid alcoholic dark chocolate and you will be close to the taste sensation that was the Chocolate Elit.
Last but certainly not least was the The Lemon Tart Flip is a citrusy mix of Ketel One Citroen & Stolchinaya Vanilla with a touch of lemon juice, Monin Lemon Pie Syrup & an egg. I’m always slightly suspicious of cocktails that contain an egg, almost to the point of reticence. However, time and time again I am proven wrong. The Lemon Tart Flip was a pleasure to drink and my second favourite of the evening.
All dessert cocktails are priced at £10.
For me the winner of the menu was the Rum Harvard and I’m looking for any excuse to go back for one (or three!).
The K Bar, The Kensington Hotel, 109-133 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5LR