The good people of Ireland have been known to drink a little stout on St Patrick’s Day. While revered in Ireland, stout was first brewed in London in the 1730s, just as the city’s ‘gin craze’ was in full swing. As such, Alex Kratena, Head Bartender of the Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel, London, has created a most unusual drink to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland on 17th March. After all, had it not been for the stormy days of early eighteenth century London, the ‘black stuff’ may not have been the tipple of choice amongst Irish today.

The use of Irish stout in this cocktail highlights one of the eleven botanicals found in Hendrick’s Gin – the earthy, chocolatey tones of angelica root. Each month, Hendrick’s releases a new cocktail inspired by one of the seeds, fruits, flowers or roots found in Hendrick’s Gin. Botanical Imbibing Day falls on a day of particular note in that month and heralds a new recipe for mixing with Hendrick’s Gin.

London Stormy
Created by Alex Kratena, Head Bartender at The Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel, London

Ingredients
50ml Hendrick’s Gin
15ml quinine cordial
15ml fresh lime
2 dashes of celery bitters
125ml Irish stout

Method
Stir all ingredients together and pour over ice into a highball glass. Garnish with a wheel of lime, rose bud and gherkin all on one cocktail stick.