Press release - Mint Hotel

Skylounge at Mint Hotel Leeds has launched a selection of ‘wet martinis’ for guests to enjoy, following hot on the heels of bartender Dean Railton’s success at the Welcome to Yorkshire Cocktail Competition 2011. With a lower alcohol concentration than their dry equivalents, these martinis offer a smoother and more balanced drink. Skylounge’s wet martinis are stirred, not shaken – James Bond didn’t know what he was missing.

Dean has been hard at work in the Skylounge at Mint Hotel Leeds creating a collection of inventive cocktails to accompany his award-winning beverage – the Sage and Onion Gibson. Head to the Skylounge to be wowed by the views and sample Dean’s creations - The Yorkshire Blossom and Berry Triangle, only £8.95 each.

Ten mixologists from across Yorkshire assembled in Skylounge at Mint Hotel Leeds to battle it out in the competition on 1 August. The rules stipulated that finalists must use at least one local ingredient and Dean won over the panel of judges with the innovative addition to his Sage and Onion Gibson - vinegar.

Dean sourced Womersley’s Lemon Basil, Bay and Juniper-infused Vinegar from St. James’s Market in Bradford for his winning concoction. This vinegar - a slightly unusual souring agent, serves to liven up the classic cocktail. Dean explains, “The vinegar endows the cocktail with an unusual savoury edge.”

The Yorkshire Blossom, another of Dean’s new creations, is a blend of lemongrass, Sipsmith London Dry Gin, Noilly Prat, Bitter Truth Lemon Bitters and Out of the Woods elderflower cordial, made in Granary Wharf only a stone’s throw away from the hotel. This extremely elegant cocktail, which is served in a martini glass, is garnished with elderflowers.

Dean’s Berry Triangle, also served in a chilled martini glass, is made of fresh Yorkshire strawberries, Brockmans Gin, Giffard Wild Strawberry Liqueur and Raisthorpe Manor Sloe liqueur, made from Port in Malton, Yorkshire.

Lastly, Skylounge’s 50:50 Martini, made up of equal amounts of gin and vermouth, is rumoured to be Prince Charles’ preferred tipple and is another must-try.

The Sage & Onion Gibson
Inspired by Yorkshire, created by Dean Railton from Sky Lounge @ Mint Hotel Leeds

Contains:
50ml Chase Premium Potato Vodka from Herefordshire, England
A few sprigs of fresh sage from Herbs Unlimited in Sandhutton, Thirsk
15ml Dry Vermouth
15ml Womersley Bay Leaf, Lemon, Juniper and Basil infused Yorkshire Vinegar
For the Garnish
A twist of Red onion from Delifresh Yorkshire supplier of fresh produce at St James Market in Bradford
A Sage leaf

Method:
Chill a martini glass
Add sage, Womersley Vinegar, and dry vermouth to a Boston glass
Muddle the sage into the vermouth and vinegar, ice up the Boston glass
Add the vodka
Churn and stir for a minute and a half, fine strain
Rim the glass with a sage leaf dipped in vinegar
Add the onion twist and sage leaf to garnish
Enjoy after a full Yorkshire roast, or on any occasion!
 

-Ends-

About Mint Hotel

Mint Hotel is a dynamic, innovative and award-winning city-centre hotel brand. Co-founded in 1995 by Sandy Orr, Executive Chairman, Donald McDonald, Vice Chairman, and David Orr, Chief Executive, with Bill Crerar, the company became the first joint venture with Bank of Scotland in 1998.

Mint Hotel offers seven UK hotels – in London (Westminster and Tower of London), Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow - and one international property, Mint Hotel Amsterdam, which opened in June 2011. The group has 2,783 rooms and around 1,500 employees in total.

City Café is Mint Hotel’s award winning destination restaurant, serving contemporary British dining using locally-sourced ingredients. All eight restaurants have outside terraces for al fresco dining in the city.

Mint also offers modern, versatile meetings and event rooms with unique spaces for private dining, including its rooftop Skylounge* bar, with outdoor terraces and exclusive private dining.

Mint Hotel is the only hotel brand offering iMacs in guest rooms as standard and has free Wi-Fi throughout. All guest rooms are ergonomically designed and embrace natural daylight from floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened.

*Skylounge is available at Mint Hotel Amsterdam, Mint Hotel Leeds, Mint Hotel Tower of London, Mint Hotel Westminster, Mint Hotel Manchester.