Viajante87, the neighbourhood gem of Notting Hill, unveiled its brand-new cocktail menu, developed by some of the very best mixologists in London. The menu is split into sections representing the journey a traveller takes from tourist to local when exploring — immersing themselves into new cultures. The sections, titled Be Comfortable, Be Curious, Be Courageous, Be Present and Be Involved, are designed to take guests on a journey, whether looking for comfortable classics or more innovative and experimental serves.
Led by Bar Director Pietro Collina and Brand Manager Veronica Di Pietrantonio, the menu is inspired by the duo’s travels through Latin America, paying homage to the diverse cultures of the region, with drinks designed to honour traditions and local ingredients through a playful yet sophisticated West London lens.
Beginning the journey at Be Comfortable, guests can expect familiar classics with simple yet intriguing touches to ease them into their cocktail journey. The Spicy Margarita is a peppery and vivid take on the classic, made with Tapatio Blanco, lime, a house citrus liqueur, and a choice of three different pepper tinctures. Choose “Green”, made with jalapeño, mint and coriander for an herbaceous kick; “Yellow”, made with tropical habanero, mango and passionfruit for a spicy and tropical twist; or “Red”, made with smoked chipotle, arbol pepper, and toasted corn for a warming and fragrant finish. Those looking for a martini need look no further than the Glacier Martini, which, is served at -18 degrees, and is one of London’s coldest. A combination of Apostoles Gin, Barsol Perfecto Amor, vermouth bianco, and “Plum, I Suppose”. Garnished with charred olives, it is fresh, minerally, and bracingly chilled with gentle savoury notes.
Onward to Be Curious, this section invites guests to delve deeper into the flavours of Latin America with cocktails utilising more unusual ingredients. However, they are made with familiar, classic structures. The Vino Tropical is an elegant, floral and fragrant carbonated mix of Ica Valley Chardonnay, kiwi cordial, jasmine and pox. In the drink is also an ancient Mexican liqueur made with yellow, red and purple corn, wheat and sugarcane. A take on off-dry champagne, this sophisticated serve showcases the incredible wine of the Ica Valley, Peru’s most important wine region. For a perky and bold twist on a classic, opt for the Carajillo, a Latin Espresso Martini made with coffee and Licor 43. The staple drink of Mexico City, it is silky, spiced, and bittersweet.
Travelling to Be Courageous, the cocktails in this section celebrate the ingredients and flavours found in the lesser-known corners of Latin America — representing the moment when a traveller truly embraces the sense of adventure. More obscure but utterly delicious, guests are invited to challenge themselves with unexpected flavours and sensations that will surprise and delight. The 90210 is a celebration of the Argentinian classic of Fernet & Cola and is a bright and punchy combination of Fernet Branca, house cola, Discarded Cascara Vermouth, Ayuuk and lemon. For a striking yet neat treat, the Mole Manhattan is a mix of Lost Explorer Salmiana mezcal, Cacao Licor Criollo, fig, and Cynar. Utilising flavours found in Black Mole, it is subtly smoky with bright bitterness and vegetal notes, creating the ultimate sipper to enjoy throughout the night.
Be Present represents a home away from home after a long adventure immersing oneself into the true culture of the destination. A selection of sharing cocktails all paired with food, everything is served family style and invites guests to serve each other as they would around the table at home, celebrating the feeling of community. Drinks include a pitcher of the sweet, yet tart Caipirinha, provided for the table with a selection of fruits and muddlers, allowing guests to enhance their cocktails with their own fruity additions, or to simply enjoy it as is. For an agave fix, a 500ml pitcher of tequila or mezcal is available, and served with fruit slices, chilli salt and sangritas, paired with Viajante87’s signature guac and chips.
Lastly, Be Involved is a unique and playful cocktail adventure for guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. A collaborative “bartender’s choice”, the guest and bartender will discuss every element of cocktail creation to result in a wholly unique drink made solely for them in that moment. Everything from the glassware, the flavours, and style of cocktail all the way to the garnish will be explored and drinks will be kept on file should guests wish to revisit their bespoke cocktail another time. An experience unlike any other in London, Be Involved is the ultimate part of the traveller’s journey as they explore this unique menu designed to celebrate the cultures, traditions and ingredients of Latin America.
Part of the Thesleff Group, Viajante87 embodies curiosity, a genuine love for travel, and the belief that the journey is as vital as the destination. Translating to “traveller”, the menu mirrors stages of exploration, guiding guests on a transformative experience. Cocktails range from £15-£17, and the menu includes a variety of bar bites such as creamy guacamole, Pato Teriyaki Crispy Rice, and Taco Makis — a celebration of Mexican tacos and maki-rolls.
To discover more, visit: viajantebar.com
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All imagery courtesy of Viajante87.