Exhibitor Insights: Cocktail Natives

Posted on November 21, 2014 at 11:25 am. by kiki. Categories - Drinks, Exhibitor Insights. Total of no comments in the discussion.

Ok so everyone loves a little tipple or five and believe me I am absolutely no exception. I have a particular passion for a well crafted cocktail and the speak easy’s that have popped up around London over the past few years really do offer that something that just appeals and proves the popularity and appreciation for great mixology.

So, when I heard of Cocktail Natives, I’m sure you can imagine my excitement! Not only is it an incredible talent to be able to mix a cocktail that doesn’t end up tasting like your average sickly sweet low cost alco-pop, its also rather clever to be able to encapsulate that taste and freeze it! Yes, freeze it - and as I know so well from my failed attempts at making a frozen cocktail, alcohol is not freezer friendly.

Its my absolute pleasure to introduce to you Crispin, half of the fab team behind Cocktail Natives and mixologist extraordinaire! The Cocktail Natives exhibited with us in Bristol in October this year and will be at our February fair also but after reading this, you may want to introduce yourself to them even sooner than that! And if these images don’t get your mouth watering, I really don’t know what will! xo

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Everyone enjoys a good party with friends and my wife and I are no exception. For us, nothing beats hosting a cocktail party and seeing friends enjoying themselves with cocktails you have created for that particular evening.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

My wife and I met several years ago when we worked for a large events company in London that organised elaborate events and weddings at some very prestigious venues. As the Head Barman, I created unique, one off cocktails for clients that would wow guests and get them talking. These cocktails not only had to catch the eye and taste great, but be a real experience.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

The cocktails went down really well but people kept asking for ice to keep their drink cool, but adding ice will alter everything about a cocktail. So I started to think what would be a great way to keep your cocktail cool, look and taste great, offer a unique experience to guests and contribute to an amazing and memorable party? And then it hit me………

A cocktail ice lolly!

Photo: Matt Lincoln

After a summer of putting all my mixology skills to the test, not only to find the perfect flavour combinations but also find a way to freeze the alcohol, our five classic cocktails were created and Cocktail Natives was born.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

So far we have five cocktail ice lollies, Caipirinha, Cosmo, Gin Fix, Margarita and White Russian with others in development.

Cocktail Natives cosm_06

Photos: Matt Lincoln

As a mixologist, I am very particular that the cocktail ice lollies must be made with the same care and attention as any cocktail should be. Quality spirits must be used with fresh ingredients. Nothing artificial is put into the cocktail, even to help the freezing process as it will alter the taste and texture. And to combine the flavours in the correct way, the cocktails are always made by hand; either muddled, churned, stirred or shaken before being frozen as an ice lolly.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

Once we launched, the response on social media to our cocktail ice lollies was outstanding, especially from wedding planners and in particular brides and grooms looking to express their character in their own unique way on their special day. A cocktail ice lolly does just that.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

My wife and I get a real buzz when our cocktail ice lollies are part of a couple’s big day. With the cocktail ice lollies being so easy to fit into a wedding, the choice is really up to the couple how they want them to be part of the day, and this is where our years of experience in the events industry is invaluable.

Photo: Captured By Katrina

For one wedding a couple had an honesty bar, so we simply delivered the cocktail ice lollies and our freezer to the venue, where they became part of the buffet and collected the freezer the next day – easy. For another wedding the couple really wanted our cocktail ice lollies but weren’t sure when would be the best time to serve them. They told us their ceremony was a slight walk away from the reception venue, so we suggested we could turn up with our bar and give each guest a cocktail ice lolly as they walked to the venue for drinks and canapés. It worked a treat, and made for some great photos.

Photo: Captured by Katrina

Other couples have served their cocktail ice lollies just before the speeches with the toast drink, so when the speeches are taking place, guests can enjoy a cocktail ice lolly and still have some champagne to toast with. We have done a tray service so the cocktail ice lollies are served to your guests rather than them coming to a bar; the choices are endless and you can be really creative with serving them, which is why they work so well at weddings.

Photo: Captured by Katrina

Perhaps one of the most eye catching and interactive ways to serve the cocktail ice lollies is to get an ice bar. For a start it looks amazing and offers a sense of occasion. Your guests will interact with it, each other and your wedding will be the stand out event of the year.

Photo: Matt Lincoln

For a personalised twist we can put bespoke packaging on the cocktail ice lollies, or even our bar and freezer, either a couple’s initials, or something to help us blend in with your theme. We also make mocktail ice lollies (non alcoholic), for those who may have to drive off a little later.

Photo: Crispin Shingler

Cocktail ice lollies are going to be the big thing for weddings in 2015, and we’re looking forward to meeting more couples and helping them to add a unique, great-tasting twist to their drinks offer on their big day.

www.cocktailnatives.co.uk

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