Tucked inside the Beaumont Mayfair sits the seductive Le Magritte bar. Named after the Surrealist artist whose Le Maître d'École masterpiece is perfectly framed behind the rows of glistening spirit bottles, it's the kind of place where chilly winter evenings are best spent relishing festive cocktails and soaking up the congenial atmosphere.
Today, thanks to Le Magritte's effervescent bar manager and head sommelier, Sicilian-born Antonio Lo lacono, there are plenty of expertly curated classic and signature cocktails to tickle the taste buds. But Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a tumbler, or two, of warming mulled wine. The drink of the season will be served throughout December as part of Le Magritte's Christmas cocktail menu. Alternatively, why not recreate the cocktail maestro's recipe in the comfort of your own home?
For the most festive of tipples, you'll need the following:
- 1 bottle of red wine, preferably a full-bodied wine such as Bordeaux
- 100ml of Grand Marnier
- 1 large orange
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 75g of brown sugar or more, depending on how sweet you like it
- Half a lemon and half a lime, optional.
Method:
Use a sharp knife or speed peeler to remove large chunks of the orange peel then cut the oranges into slices, and save a slice of orange for the garnish.
Pour the bottle of red wine into a large pan, along with the orange slices and peel, cloves, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks.
Allow the mixture to infuse over a medium-high heat.
For an extra zesty layer, cut half a lemon and half a lime into slices and add to the mixture, though this is optional.
Add the brown sugar in small increments, tasting each time until it reaches your desired sweetness and stir.
Let the mixture cook until it almost begins to bubble. Be careful not to boil the mixture as this will result in a bitter flavour.
Turn the heat down to a simmer.
Add 100ml of Grand Marnier to the mixture.
Stir the mulled wine for a further 5 minutes.
Pre-heat your serving vessel of choice with hot water, serve and garnish with a slice of fresh orange.
Finally, with the aroma of spices gently wafting around your home, channel a little piece of Le Magritte's sophisticated aperitivo hour vibe by dimming the lights and turning up the Christmas spirit with friends and family. You could also, of course, ladle the spiced ruby red liquid into your favourite tumbler or mug, add the final flourishes to the tree, and find a quiet spot to mull things over. Cheers!
Le Magritte at The Beaumont London, 8 Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF