Some people want to go their own way: lead not follow, innovate not imitate. Look back through history and you’ll find countless examples of pioneers and free spirits who have chosen to do their own thing – and often made life better for the rest of us while doing it. And one of those free spirits is a name every cocktail lover should know: King Edward VII (pictured below).
The eldest son of Queen Victoria, Edward was crowned king in 1901 – a brand new monarch for an exciting new century. Change was in the air and the new king embraced it. Known as a trailblazer, he was the first member of the royal family to buy a car and loved it so much that he bought seven Daimlers in 1905.
Edward loved zipping along the roads in his new ‘horseless carriage’, but his enthusiasm for motoring was a concern for the Royal Physician. Worried that exposure to the brisk British weather would be bad for the king’s health, he asked Berry Bros & Rudd to create a reviving tonic that would warm and energise Edward on his drives.
And so The King’s Ginger was born…
Created by master distillers in Holland, The King’s Ginger is made by macerating the highest-quality fresh ginger root and lemon oils with molasses spirit. The result is a rich and zesty liqueur, with instantly warming aromas of ginger, lemon, sherbet and golden syrup. Take a sip and enjoy the initial taste of sweetness, followed by a bite of spicy ginger and zingy lemon tart. That deliciously satisfying and warming taste lingers in your mouth long after the first sip.
The King’s Ginger makes a splendidly uplifting tonic on its own or in warming drinks such as a hot chocolate (pictured above) – simply add 35ml of King's Ginger to 200ml of your favourite hot chocolate. However, it also works brilliantly in cocktails. Try it in simple mixes like The King’s Fizz with Champagne or sparkling wine; or with a dash of Angostura Bitters and tonic water in a King’s & Tonic. Add lemonade and cranberry juice for a refreshing King’s Ginger Summer Cup or add it to mulled cider and mulled wine for a spicy winter kick.
But our favourite mix is the King’s Negroni (pictured top), a rather regal twist on the classic Negroni, The King’s Ginger adding gentle spice and honeyed sweetness to this bitter aperitif:
King's Negroni
Glass: Rocks
Garnish: Twist of orange
Method: Stir all of the ingredients together in an ice-filled rocks glass to mix. Garnish with a twist of orange and serve.
30ml No.3 Gin
30ml The King’s Ginger
30ml Lustau Vermut Rojo (red vermouth)
Why not try making one at home? Or ask for a King’s Negroni when you visit any one of the Boisdale Group venues across the capital…
Boisdale of Belgravia
With its tartan upholstery, trad decor and evening jazz sessions, this popular Belgravia spot combines the classic look of a gentleman’s club with the cool vibe of a 1940s jazz bar. The Macdonald Bar serves up oysters, Scotch eggs, beef from Buccleuch Estate and seasonal game. Tuck in, then settle back with a King’s Negroni as you listen to the lively jazz music.
Boisdale of Bishopsgate
Located down an assuming courtyard opposite Liverpool Street Station, Boisdale of Bishopsgate is something of a hidden gem in the City. The Champagne and oyster bar is perfect for celebrations, while the seasonal British menu includes Scottish smoked salmon, chargrilled lobster and truffled macaroni cheese. Known for its outstanding whisky selection, the bar is also a great place to order a King’s Negroni.
Boisdale of Canary Wharf
With a great selection of live music, overseen by ‘sommelier of sound’ Jools Holland, the Canary Wharf branch of Boisdale is an antidote to the serious financial business of the surrounding offices. Wind down after work with a King’s Negroni (or two), then dig into the grill menu of steaks and burgers, alongside Welsh rarebit, salt and pepper squid and sweet potato chips.
Boisdale of Mayfair
Like its siblings elsewhere in the capital, the fourth restaurant in the Boisdale clan boasts a seafood bar, restaurant, cigar terrace and live music every night. With its generous Sunday roasts and bottomless Prosecco brunches, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. The buzzy Old Fashioned Bar specialises in classic cocktails from the 1920s and 1930s, so where better to order a King’s Negroni?