Why read a novel when you can experience it in liquid form? Experience a range of cognac cocktails at Gothic Bar, in collaboration with luxury Cognac house Camus. The brand is bringing the world of Jules Verne’s Voyages Extraordinaires to life through an exclusive, three-month Camus cocktail menu. Until 30 November 2024, London’s opulent Gothic Bar at the Midland Grand Hotel invites cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs on an adventure, celebrating both the craft of cognac and the literary genius of Verne.
A fifth-generation family-owned legacy, Camus is the largest family-owned Cognac brand and the biggest landowners of the Broderies area—historically the most sought-after cru. With a patent in ‘Intensity’ technology, Camus’s cognacs stand out for their aromas, which, combined with Gothic Bar’s Manager Jack Porter’s talent promise top-notch cocktails.
Not only does Gothic Bar prepare exquisite drinks, but their lavish decor and sophisticated ambience offer visitors an immersive experience, making them the ideal partners for this collaboration. Three cocktails inspired by the book collection will be featured, with one showcased during London Cocktail Week this October, highlighting only the best from London’s cocktail scene.
The Cocktails
Drawing from his experience at venues like the Booking Office 1869, Mezzanine Bar at the Stratford, and the Library Bar at The Ned, Jack Porter has honed his craft to create these three limited edition drinks named after Verne’s books: Five Weeks in a Balloon, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. To create these cocktails, Porter uses Camus VSOP, known for its deep floral aromas and vibrant notes of tropical fruits, oak, and spice; Camus VSOP Borderies, which adds a soft blend of vanilla, orange zest, and subtle woodiness; and Camus Ile de Ré, distinguished by lively notes of white fruits, a crisp, mineral-rich palate, and sweet nutty undertones. Don’t miss your chance to savour the Camus cocktail menu and hop by!
Five Weeks in a Balloon
Following a daring adventure across Africa in a hot air balloon, this cocktail features special ingredients from various parts of the continent. When your glass arrives, a smoke balloon will be sitting atop, waiting to be popped and spread a spicy ginger aroma throughout the drink. Inside, you’ll find peanut-enriched Camus VSOP paired with Ginger Liqueur, Banana Eau de Vie, and Oloroso Sherry, blending to create a striking flavour. This cocktail truly takes you on an adventure.
Journey to the Centre of the Earth
With lava channels winding through the characters’ journey in a volcano’s tunnels and caverns, the path is intense. If you order this cocktail, you’ll see a tall ice cube infused with lava-like red syrup. Drawing inspiration from terra firma (dry land), the drink offers earthy, herbaceous, and bitter notes, combining Camus Borderies VSOP with Lutéce Aperitif, as well as Roots & Spice Liqueur. To enhance the flavour, there’s also a citrus mix and London Essence Tonic Water.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
While the two other novels’ journeys take place on land and in the air, this one honours the sea. Featuring Camus Ile de Ré, the cognac is made on the island of Ile de Ré, where France’s westernmost vineyards are known for their rich iodine profile. Just as the novel’s characters explore the depths aboard the submarine Nautilus, this cognac’s maritime heritage also shines through. In the cocktail, you’ll taste the flavours of Kombu seaweed, oyster, and fresh salinity. The oyster shells get sterilised, then frozen and filled with layered ice and micro plants to create an aquatic appearance. Alongside Camus Ile de Ré, the drink includes Falernum, Pickled Dulse, and Cucumber.
Gothic Bar
Named to honour the building’s Gothic Revival style, Gothic Bar reinterprets classic cocktails for a modern audience, with drinks featuring bold flavours of Eau de Vie, signature serves, grand classics, and absinthes. Among their signature cocktails is Diablo’s Descent, combining Patron Silver, Noilly Prat, and London Essence soda. To elevate the taste, there’s also yellow tomato, sage leaves, juniper & chipotle, and agave syrup. Tart and sweet, Thirsty Gargoyle features Hopple Sloe & Hawthorn with Apricot Brandy, balanced by a citric kick from the bar’s special lime blend. On the side, you can also enjoy an impressive selection of dishes blending French tradition with modern interpretations, all created from fresh and seasonal ingredients.
To discover more, visit camus.fr and gothicbar.london
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All imagery courtesy of Camus Cognac and Gothic Bar.