It’s Cointreau’s final Rendez-Vous event tonight, packed chock-full of fun and frolics and it’s going to be epic. I know it’s going to be cool (no, I don’t own a crystal ball), because I went to the Manchester event a few weeks ago. And it totally rocked. Held at the luxe Épernay Champagne Bar, it really was an awesome evening to remember.
The ultra-glam speakeasy atmosphere was inspired and I found myself mesmerised by the mixologists performing intimate master-classes on the art of cocktail making. Me and my gal pal were Cointreau Converts by the end of the night, because the French liqueur was so deliciously simple to drink; on the rocks for an intense heady burst, or mixed for a subtle undertone of oranges.
Pretty hostesses mingled with the fashion savvy crowd (the clientele always seem to be well heeled at Épernay anyway, which coincidentally is one of my favourite places in Manchester), whilst pop-up manicure booths took up the inner bar section.
Now, I have to say this. There are parties, and parties. The Cointreau Rendez-Vous evenings fall into the latter, purely because they’re well thought out and have a certain twist that make them stand out from the crowd. Cointreau is such a fashionable cocktail, that it made sense to incorporate fashion into the evening. On hand to up the glam quotient were Wish Want Wear, an online fashion emporium that allows you to hire this season’s designer dresses. (Seriously, what an ultra cool idea and an absolute god-send for those fashion conscious fashionistas out there!) With rails bursting with gorgeous frocks to rent, they also dispensed bespoke fashion advice, which gave the evening a swish of sophisticated chic.
We started the night sipping complimentary Cointreau cocktails on the balcony whilst the sun set. I know it may sound a little corny (OK, cheesy too), but it was really pretty! I love al fresco drinking and dining, and the weather certainly decided to play fair by rewarding us partygoers with a warm, clement evening.
We couldn’t get enough of the MargaDita, a refreshing take on its original namesake, mixing silver tequila with rose syrup for a truly divine concoction. There were a number of cocktails to choose from (the Cointreaupolitan was another winner, with the tang of cranberry juice expertly mixed with delectable Cointreau) and I had an absolute blast. Cointreau is such a delicious, versatile spirit, that it goes with virtually anything and should be a staple in any self-respecting bar. The limited edition goody bags were the icing on the cake, which included a pretty martini glass, mini Cointreau and thoughtfully included cocktail recipe card. It’s little wonder that the divine Dita Von Teese has aligned herself with Cointreau and is the brand ambassador of this elixir. Both are beautiful and intoxicating (if I woke up looking like Ms Von Teese, I’d be a very happy bunny). I’m sipping a MargaDita as we speak and I think it’s great how it takes a few minutes to make. For those unfortunate to have missed the fabulous evening parties thrown by Cointreau, here is the recipe for my cocktail of the month, the magical MargaDita:
25ml Cointreau + 25ml Silver tequila + bar spoon Monin rose syrup + 1 pinch chipotle spice + 25ml fresh lime juice. Simply mix all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously and pour into a chilled glass.
To go all out (it’s amazing how a simple touch just gives it that va-va-voom), garnish with floating organic yellow rose petals and serve in a Coupette glass. I sincerely hope that Cointreau have more events up their stylish sleeve – they certainly know how to throw a party.