Pérola, the art deco-inspired cocktail bar on the 15th floor of art’otel Battersea, will launch a new cocktail menu titled ‘Not As It Seems’ on 20 October.
Led by Bar Manager Michela Castiglioni, the menu takes eight recognisable cocktails and recreates their appearance while introducing different flavour profiles through alternative ingredients and techniques including clarification.
Each drink takes the name of the classic cocktail it resembles, while its ingredients offer a different interpretation.
Not an Espresso Martini combines Lost Explorer Tequila, pineapple, Earl Grey and coconut, replacing the traditional coffee-led flavours with tropical and tea notes.
Not a Piña Colada is made with Altos Silver Tequila, Ojo de Dios Mezcal, Fair Cucumber, Padrón pepper, green gazpacho and sea buckthorn, creating a smoky and savoury alternative to the original.
The menu also includes Not a Dirty Martini, combining ABA Pisco with pecan, peach and sage, while Not an Old Fashioned brings together No.3 Gin, plum sake, ginger, pear and black pepper.
Every cocktail on the ‘Not As It Seems’ menu will be available in both full-strength and low or no alcohol versions.
Michela Castiglioni said: “We wanted to create a menu that entertains guests without relying on props or theatre. Clarification and modern techniques have already changed the way cocktails look, so we wanted to take that a step further and play with what people expect, so you might see an Espresso Martini but taste tequila, pineapple and Earl Grey. Every drink works just as well without the alcohol, and I can’t wait for guests to experience the moment their cocktail arrives.”
Launching alongside the cocktail collection will be a new Golden Hour bar snacks menu from the JOIA kitchen.
The food menu includes JOIA Fried Chicken JFC served with peri peri mayo and jamón papada croquettes, alongside two interpretations of patatas bravas.
One version is served with truffle mayo and Idiazabal smoked cheese, while another combines white crab, brown mayo, lemon curd and chives.
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