BarChick's drink of the week: Birthday Sex at The Shelter at Big Easy
The drink: Birthday Sex
What’s in it? Absolut vodka, cranberry liqueur, Briottet triple sec, Bitter Truth peach bitters, lemon juice, soda water – plus a birthday candle for decoration.
Why should we try it? It’s an even more playful twist on the classic Sex on the Beach. Big Easy’s version uses peach bitters in place of schnapps, cranberry liqueur instead of juice, and comes complete with a burning candle for you to blow out before drinking (recommended).
Where do we get it? In The Shelter, aka the downstairs boozer in Big Easy, Covent Garden’s brand new debaucherous drinking and dining destination. The weekly-changing menu is a booze lover’s dream – when we visited they were churning out slushy Sazerac Frappes, but nothing quite came close to the bartender saying ‘happy birthday’ with a wink as he handed over a glass of Birthday Sex. Have one before moving to a table and donning a bib for some soul food, or just hang at The Shelter’s bar and work through the cocktail and bar bites menu.
Who do we ask for? Nathan Merriman runs things down here, and he’s well qualified after stints at the Savoy’s American Bar and the Ivy Club. He’ll also win you over with his Aussie charm and mind-blowing cocktails.
How much is it? £9
Info: 12 Maiden Lane, London, WC2E 7NA (020 3728 4888, bigeasycoventgarden.co.uk)
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