If we can’t go out for cocktails, why not let cocktails come to us?
This great idea is now a reality, thanks to the enterprising work of Adam Johnson.
He owns and runs two bars on the top floor of Spark:York – the Bohemian and Shack 360.
They have been mothballed throughout the lockdown. But now you can enjoy them in spirit – thanks to his home-delivered cocktail kits.
“Because the outlook for the hospitality industry is looking bleak, but the desire for great quality drinks and support for local business is high in York, we wanted to keep our customers happy by delivering the same great quality cocktails they usually enjoy at the bars – but instead in the safety of their own homes,” Adam told YorkMix.
“Last week we successfully started to deliver draught beer, cans and bottles as well as cocktail kits, through Deliveroo using local taxi firm Fleetway’s to deliver.”
Espresso Quarantini, anyone?
What gave him the idea for the cocktail kits?
“I love making cocktails and it’s a great exercise for family and friends to do for fun! I’m currently living with my family and girlfriend, and we have been regularly making cocktails at home on the weekends.
“Knowing how much fun we have making them, I thought it would be nice for other people in York to be able to experience making cocktails themselves.”
The kits can be personalised depending on individuals tastes. Each cocktail comes with a ‘how to’ card which takes the customer (aka the mixologist) through a step-by-step guide on how to make the cocktail.
Cocktails on offer have included the brilliantly named Espresso Quarantini, plus Raspberry & Rosemary Spritz, Long Passionfruit Martini & a Mojito.
At the moment they are only operating Friday and Saturday 5-9pm, “but this will hopefully increase as demand does”, Adam said.
Cocktails can be purchased as one, two, four or ten, from £5 per cocktail when bulk buying.
“The cocktails come with all the spirits, mixers, syrups and garnishes needed to make the cocktail,” Adam says.
“We just ask the customers to have their own ice as well as a cocktail shaker or household alternative and, for some cocktails, a sieve. Empty jam jars or protein shakers make great alternatives!”
About the Bohemian
Music-inspired the Bohemian Bar serves a wide variety of draught beers, gins and cocktails.
Adam said: “We regularly hold acoustic music events in partnership with Audioplants, a local collective of musicians and artists.
“With this in mind the vibe and clientele focus heavily around the local music scene, where customers can enjoy their drinks in a very relaxed environment.”
What are Adam’s hopes for the future?
“I hope to be open as soon as it’s safe and for the York residents and visitors to enjoy a drink on one of the terraces at Spark in the sun this summer.
“Hopefully next year we will be able to provide our bar services at the festivals and weddings we were supposed to be this summer but due to Covid-19 got cancelled. “