When Carrie Bradshaw skips the bar circuit for just a few nights in Sex and the City (episode four, season two, for those playing at home), she misses the birth of a brand new cocktail trend: the tartini.
But this ain’t Manhattan. In Australia, we’ve been sipping espresso martinis for what feels like forever, but (luckily for anyone trying to curb their caffeine addiction) change is brewing – and it tastes delicious.
We spoke to LA-based mixologist and Bombay Sapphire global ambassador Raj Nagra to find out the biggest cocktail trends of 2017. Trust us – they were worth the wait.
RELATED: 3 Amazing Cocktails You Can Easily Make At Home
1/ It’s all about the aperitif
“Gin and Vermouth are still experiencing strong interest, being classic, aperitif styles of drink. Think the classic Negroni (Bombay Sapphire gin, Italian Vermouth (Martini Rosso), bitter, the garnish of fresh orange slice). Plus, we’re seeing bars continue to source high quality, fresh base ingredients and exaggerated garnishes like edible flowers served in beautiful glassware.”
2/ Bartenders are foraging for ingredients
“We’re seeing a lot of homemade seasonal ingredients like syrups being used. Foraged ingredients are playing a role, although sustainability and low impact bartending are replacing words like ‘craft’, with bartenders aspiring to reduce organic waste and its impact on our environment, by reusing material in various applications that would otherwise be discarded.”
3/ The classic G&T gets a luxe update
“Twists on the classic G&T continue to emerge and trend – indeed, they’re fast eclipsing espresso martinis as the drink of choice. Try one part Star of Bombay and two parts Fever Tree tonic water in an ice-filled glass with a large orange wheel – delicious!”
4/ Gin-based cocktails are having a major moment
“Adaptions of Gin classics, whether it’s a simple Gin Rickey (gin, soda and fresh lime), a wet Martini or a seasonal Collins, are back in a big way. For a flawless gin martini, try 60ml Bombay Sapphire, 20ml Noilly Prat dry vermouth, one dash of orange bitters and a lemon twist.”
5/ Just never, ever ask for this
“If there’s one cocktail order mixologists dread, it’s the ‘extra dirty martini.’ Any cocktail that has the word nipple or navel in it, or calls for cranberry juice or sour mix.”
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