Gleneagles has unveiled a new cocktail menu for its American Bar that features ingredients sourced from the estate. Named the “Book of Berries” menu, it was created by Michele Mariotti, the Scottish countryside hotel’s head of mixology.
Inspired by “the decadence and grandeur of the bar’s 1920s-themed décor – reminiscent of the hotel’s beginnings in 1924,” the Book of Berries is a homage to the botanicals found on the surrounding Perthshire hills. It features 18 cocktails with each being dedicated to a sole botanical berry. The menu itself offers up detailed descriptions and illustrations and is designed to tell a story.
While creating the menu, the Gleneagles beverage team have developed three gins in partnership with Edinburgh’s South Loch Distillery specifically for its martinis. Menu highlights include Blueberry (Grey Goose vodka, Blueberry Muffins, camomille), Papaya (Bacardi Superior rum, papaya, mezcal), and Pomegranate (Macallan 12 Sherry Cask whisky, pomegranate skin, Champagne).
Mariotti also worked with British designer Richard Brendon to create custom glassware for particular beverages, including designs for Blueberry, Pumpkin, Papaya, and Avocado.
“Over the last year or so, we have made real strides in developing innovative, ingredient-driven drinks menus,” said Mariotti. “That is what the American Bar is all about – showcasing the amazing ingredients which are found on our doorstep and using them in new ways to create a unique drinking experience for our guests. Developing the new offering for the American Bar has very much been a team effort. Each member has crafted different drinks, mixes and combinations, with immense detail. We believe that even the most experienced of cocktail connoisseurs will find something interesting and unique when they visit the American Bar, whether that be an innovative new mix or a contemporary twist on a classic.”
The American Bar is open every Wednesday through to Sunday from 5:30pm until 1am.
For more information or to make a reservation, head over to the bar’s official website.