One element strongly associated with 007 is his drinking, with “shaken, not stirred” almost guaranteed to recall the world’s most famous secret agent in the mind of anyone in the English speaking world. While his vodka martinis have become something of a cliché, at least Daniel Craig got to drink something else in Casino Royale, with the introduction of the Vesper.
The James Bond Dossier recently sent two agents to infiltrate the launch of “License to Swill”, a Bond inspired cocktail class run by Barz8 Events at the Radisson Hotel in Bloomsbury Street. The aim of the class is to both teach participants how to mix one of a number of cocktails, including the Vesper, Americano, Mint Julep and the Stinger, as well as the background to each drink.
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The class on Wednesday evening included the Vesper from Casino Royale (book and film) and the 2008 film Quantum of Solace, the Mint Julep, which was enjoyed by Sean Connery in Goldfinger, and the Stinger, which 007 shared with Tiffany Case in the novel Diamonds Are Forever. Attendees were split into three smaller groups and following the class was a Bond-themed create-your-own competition using 007’s favourite spirits.
The evening provided first class entertainment, with the drinks well mixed and the instructor was clear and interesting and demonstrated good knowledge of the subject. All in all it made a totally different night out that was fun, educational and social and is thoroughly recommended by us.
The first public “License to Swill” cocktail class will take place near Leicester Square on Friday 26th October, coinciding with the release of Skyfall in the UK. In addition to the “License to Swill” classes, Barz8 Events can provide mobile cocktail bars and professional bartenders throughout the UK.
Classes are currently scheduled for Friday 26th October at 5.45 pm and 8.00 pm at the Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel, 13 Bloomsbury St, WC1B 3QD.
For more details contact Barz8 Events on 07792428801, quoting discount code Moneypenny to get 10% off the standard price. You can also visit their website for more details.
Thanks to David T Smith and Simon Leigh for attending the event. Photos copyright Simon Leigh.
