Tonight we headed to Dakota bar in the elegant Dakota Deluxe Hotel to try out some of their extravagant new high society cocktails inspired by iconic celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Ava Gardner. The cocktails were carefully crafted to fit each of the celebrity’s personalities and personal stories.
We aren't big drinkers, and so we were a little apprehensive about the event. However, when we got to Dakota we were instantly amazed by the decor- very cool, with a sophisticated feeling. Then, once we entered the bar area for the cocktail event we loved hearing about how the cocktails had been developed, and enjoyed seeing how the cocktail garnishes and glassware fitted with the celebrities that they had been designed to commemorate. We also enjoyed sipping our way around the cocktails - trying to taste everything that had been so carefully added.
The 'Apples and Pears' cocktail inspired by Sir Michael Caine CBE was sweet, with an interesting foam. The bartender serving the drink was fab- talking us through the ingredients and flavors. We were amazed by the amount of work it took to mix the drink - all that shaking must have been tiring! We also loved the look of the finished drink - the dried apple garnish finished it off perfectly! The paired blackberry macaroons were delicious, although a little thick and chewy if we are going to be honest. However, the cocktail itself was well balanced and tasty - one of our favorites!
The 'Monrose' cocktail, inspired by the curvaceous Marilyn Monroe, was created with Dakata champagne syrup (to make use of leftover champagne to reduce wastage) and Fentimans rose lemonade. The cocktail itself was smooth, sweet and very easy to drink - a little dangerous, but I guess that is also reminiscent of the lovely lady herself. We loved the playful rose decorations. We also really loved the raspberry chocolate truffles that were served along side - an incredible chocolate experience!
'Box Office Poison', created in memory of Fred Astaire, was served over ice, with slices of fig. The drink itself was sweet, but slightly bitter thanks to the ginger ale. I really enjoyed the combination of flavors, and loved munching on the figs after they had soaked in the heady liquid. Served alongside this cocktail was tuna tartar on squid ink crackers - so good that we had to have more than a couple!
Overall we had a great evening in a wonderful setting. We loved trying out the new cocktails but also were interested to learn more about the celebrities that the drinks had been designed to emanate. We are excited to go back to Dakota bar to try more of the cocktails, and are also keen to head to Dakota grill as the menu looks fab - and the small morsels that we tried at the cocktail event were delicious.
If you have been to Dakota bar and tried the new cocktail range then get in touch with us and let us know what you thought! You can get in touch by commenting below, or by messaging us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Eat (and drink) well,
Leeds Food Guide
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