Unbelievably it is now 6 months since this blog started. In that time we have had over 50,000 views and are still growing. As ever I would like to thank my Roving Reporter for all his contributions, as well as my proof reader. Most importantly I would like to thank all my readers, especially those who have written reports, taken the time to comment or subscribe to the blog or my social media.

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BA lounge cocktails

In honour of the 6 month anniversary, I thought it would be appropriate to share 5 cocktails you can easily make in a BA lounge. For those of you that know my Roving Reporter, you will know that his favourite tipple after Champagne, is an Espresso Martini. Together we have improvised ways to make this in places all around the world. We have done this using water bottles and paper coffee cups, amongst other things, as a mobile cocktail shaker. Our most memorable one was probably in Hawaii, sipping espresso martinis out of paper coffee cups one night in the hot tub. Stylish, no, but surprisingly delicious!

Are you ready to take the lounge cocktail challenge? Either create one of the recipes shown or invent your own BA cocktail. Send me your photos via email at [email protected] or on social media #loungecocktailchallenge. It doesn’t have to be a BA branded lounge, any airport lounge qualifies. I will feature the best ones on this blog.

All the ingredients should be available in the main UK lounges at Gatwick and Heathrow.

Espresso Martini

We will, of course, start with the Espresso Martini. The trick with an espresso martini is lots and lots of ice for the shaking. A vigorous shake is also necessary to perfect the froth on top, but could be tricky in the lounge. You may get a few strange looks!

Ingredients

• Grey Goose Vodka – 1 shot
• Kahlua -1 shot
• 1 small espresso coffee (ideally allowed to cool for a bit)

Fill a glass with ice as above. Add the ingredients and cover with a bowl. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into recommended glass minus the ice.

Recommended glass: wine glass or tumbler

Variation: An easier version is a Flat White Martini as it doesn’t need as much shaking. It uses Baileys instead of Kahlua.

Email readers can view the recipe and video here.

Pretty Woman

This is one of my favourites cocktails served at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, which of course was the setting for the film Pretty Woman. Here is the BA lounge version.

• 1 shot of Cointreau
• 2 shots of cranberry juice
• Top up with champagne (rose if available).

Recommended glass: Champagne glass

Pimms Royale

This is a very simple one, perfect for summer

• 1 shot of Pimms
• if there is any fruit salad in the lounge add a small spoonful
• Top up with champagne

Recommended glass: Champagne glass

Long island ice tea

For the serious drinkers, here is a lounge version of a Long Island Ice tea. Use very small equal measures of the spirits or they will be chucking you off the plane!

• Lots of ice
• Slices of lime and lemon crushed with a spoon
• Vodka
• Gin
• Barcadi
• Tequila
• Cointreau
• Top up with coke

Recommended glass: Highball

Cosmopolitan

For something a little more refined, why not try a Sex and the City style Cosmopolitan?

• 1 shot Vodka
• 0.5 shot Cointreau
• 3 shots cranberry juice
• Big squeeze of lime
• Lime slice to serve

Fill a large glass with ice as above. Add the ingredients and cover with a bowl. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Pour into recommended glass minus the ice.

Recommended glass:  wine glass or tumbler