Tipples and Tunes at the Botanist

It's been six months now since the Botanist arrived and it seems like we just can't get enough.  Here in Newcastle we're very well settled with our new bar and I'm sure by now we all have our favourite cocktail from the extensive menu.

Well, it may be about time to rethink your choices as the Botanist has just added a few sneaky extra additions to the menu in time for the Summer months.

Last week I was invited to an intimate night of Tipples and Tunes with fellow bloggers Sam and Rachel to try out a few bits from the menu and have a taste of the new drinks on offer.

We were greeted with a drink each - Sam was handed the Rose Cosmo (Green Mark Vodka shaken with Cranberry, Lime, Rose Syrup and Rose Liqueur) and Rachel had everyone's favourite The Botanist (I will never get tired of the gorgeous mix of Elderflower, Mint and Jasmine).

I had my first try of the Botanist Porn Star (Black Cow Vodka and Passoa shaken with Passionfruit, Strawberry Puree, Rose Syrup, Pineapple Juice and Lemon, served with a shot of Prosecco).  Deliciously refreshing and perfect for a Summer evening.

Along with our cocktails we also had a "Number One" from the Brewers and Botanist collection to try.  Picking out a favourite drink from the mammoth cocktail and beer lists can be tough work so this collection is a great solution - a perfect pairing of ale and a miniature cocktail. 

Number One featured a cocktail of Mint, Lime Juice, Passionfruit and Pineapple Juice with a splash of Wray and Nephew served with a bottle of Innis and Gunn Rum Finish

Next came a table full of dishes from the Starters and Nibbles Menu to try. I've only ever dined from the Home Comforts Menu so I was keen to tuck into the little bits on offer.

I always find this kind of eating experience so enjoyable when I'm out with friends.  Gossiping over cocktails, swapping and sharing food and getting to try out lots of the menu. 

I was the first to dive into the Goats Cheese and Tomato Quiche.  I absolutely love quiche and have a slice every day with my salad for lunch.   The Botanist's creation is delicious, and I was particularly impressed with the buttery pastry.

This was swiftly followed by some gooey Camembert.  I'm a bit of a cheese fiend and had to stop myself hogging all of the bread to scoop out every last bit for myself.

I let Sam and Rachel Polish off the Pork Crackling. I could claim this is because I'm an awesome friend but it's got more to do with not liking crispy pork.  They certainly enjoyed it though, the mini wheelbarrow was empty in no time.

Whilst Rachel was distracted with the pork I was quick to whip the Scotch Egg away from her. I love scotch eggs and the Botanist version was home made with a perfect runny centre. 

Next I attacked the Sardines in a Tin, served with toast, it was a little messy to eat but absolutely delicious.

All that food meant we were more than ready to try out a few more new cocktails.  

First up was the Passionfruit and Basil Crush, I actually ordered this at the Roof Bar when I was there last weekend, it's a fruity mix of Amaretto and Drambuie churned with Basil, Passionfruit, Orange Juice and Lime, and it's amazing!  Something tells me it's going to be a very popular addition to the cocktail list.

We also tried the Apricot and Ginger Sling (Beefeater Gin, Apricot Liquer, Fresh Ginger, Vanilla Syrup, Apricot Puree, Apple Juice, Lemon and Lime Juice) - I loved this and it's now my new Botanist favourite.

Our girls night out was complete with the addition of some top tunes.   The Botanist have live music every night and we were treated to the Musicians Machine, travelling musicians who visit monthly to perform anything you fancy!   We were presented with a little sheet of paper to request songs to be played, such a lovely idea.

Next time you're planning a cosy night out with a group of good friends, why not head to the Botanist for some tipples and tunes?

Want more?  Read my previous blog posts about The Botanist Roof Bar, Date Night at the Botanist and Cocktails at the Botanist -