Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London has launched a new cocktail menu at GŌNG Bar. Fittingly named the Director’s Cut, the menu is inspired by the greatest film directors of all time and their passion for storytelling. With a concoction for every taste, guests are invited to embark on a sensory journey and use imagination to create their own story while at the highest hotel bar in Western Europe.
A total of 16 cocktails and four mocktails span five themed categories: Adventure/Fantasy; Romantic/Sci-Fi; Thriller/ Drama; Crime/Action and Animation/ Superhero. The Adventure/ Fantasy category features light and refreshing cocktails, whereas Romantic/Sci-Fi explores drinks with fruity notes, flora and spices. Opposites attract in the Thriller/Drama section where sweet meets sour, while the creations are punchy and full of character in the Crime/Action category. The list closes with the Animation/Superhero section, which features herbal and earthy non-alcoholic flavors.
Mirroring the creativity and craft required to produce a film, each cocktail has its own unique method of invention; from the brewing of pineapple and coriander with cold coffee, to infusing a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with pine needles and honey.
Distinct flavors that excite the palate have been created by combining house-made infusions with rare ingredients and the finest spirits. Manzanilla sherry, tamarind tea, black sesame bitters weave in unexpectedly with unique liquors such as Gagliardo, Glacial Pastis and Root Herb Spirit. Meanwhile ingredients such as red rice wine, carbonated olives and chai tea foam create sensational touches and textures.
“We are thrilled to be sharing these adventurous, unique drinks with our guests,” said Christian Maspes, the head bartender at GŌNG. “The cocktails have been inspired by different film directors who are globally recognized masters of their craft. Just as a great film is a harmony of cinematography, sound and great acting, the same can be said for a truly fantastic cocktail through its blend of ingredients, technical skill and the atmosphere it creates.”
The signature cocktails are as daring as they are surprising. Fear The Jungle, inspired by the great Steven Spielberg, combines BarSol Quebranta Pisco, banana, pineapple skin sherbet, lime and chocolate in an ivy-covered highball. The cocktail is not for the faint-hearted as it comes complete with a real scorpion.
Guests are invited to Feel The Force when light and dark combinations of Grey Goose vodka, manzanilla sherry, clarified lime, Campari, chili and pomegranate, are pitted against aromatic coconut and blue ginger. Inspired by the legendary George Lucas, the cocktails are served in a levitating glass.
Dirty Business is inspired by the cunning Martin Scorsese. It combines Woodford Reserve bourbon, Mr. Black cold-pressed coffee liqueur, Fernet Amaro and a douse of stout to create smooth flavors of coffee and liquorice and satisfy late night cravings.