Autumn in London doesn’t just mean scarves and fallen leaves. It also means cocktails.

And the bigger, the bolder, the better.

To clear up any confusion, London Cocktail Week is back! It kicked off on the 9th October and runs to the 19th of October. For ten glorious days, the capital transforms into one giant cocktail shaker. Think signature cocktails in bars across the city, limited-edition serves that vanish quicker than you can say “Negroni”, and pop-ups, masterclasses, and bartenders pulling out all the stops to showcase their creativity.

For us, London Cocktail Week is the perfect excuse to celebrate our top picks. Because what’s a great cocktail without a great base spirit?

So, we asked our Knightsbridge retail team to share their favourite cocktails,  featuring their own Hackstons-approved bottles, naturally. The results? Surprising, occasionally audacious, and utterly delicious. No need to thank us. 

Get Into the Mix: A Quick Sip of London Cocktail Week’s History

So, what’s all the stir about? It all began in 2010, initially just seven days of shaken, stirred, and sipped creations. But, as you might expect from Londoners, a week wasn’t quite enough. Now, it’s an 11-day extravaganza, because why stop when the party is just warming up?

Over the years, London Cocktail Week has grown into the largest cocktail festival in town and arguably the world, attracting top bartenders from across the globe.

Here’s what you can expect if you’re planning a visit:

• Wristbands: Your golden ticket to £9 signature cocktails in hundreds of bars.
  
• Pop-up bars and secret menus: Hidden speakeasies, rooftop terraces, and a few “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” cocktail dens.
  
• Events and masterclasses: Learn everything from perfecting a martini to flambéing an orange peel without setting your eyebrows on fire.

What’s not to love? It’s a celebration of cocktail culture. It’s a chance to try wildly inventive drinks, see London’s bar scene shine on a global stage, and have a hell of a lot of fun while you’re at it.

Meet Our Retail Team (and Their Favourite Cocktail Picks)

Altogether, our retail team’s selections aren’t just random pours. Each cocktail has personality, a story, and a reason it works so well. In true Hackstons spirit, they suit different moods, from post-work solo sips to Friday-night with friends, or full-blown dinner party showstoppers. And the best part? You don’t need a dozen bottles to make something impressive.

So, without further ado, here are the favourites. 

Guillaume’s Favourite: Boulevardier (A Classic Negroni Twist)

“One of my favourite cocktails is the Boulevardier; a timeless classic from the 1920s, often described as the Negroni’s whisky-based cousin. By replacing gin with bourbon or rye, it gains warmth, depth, and a velvety richness. What I love most is its balance: the bittersweet bite of Campari, the aromatic elegance of sweet vermouth, and the bold character of Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye come together in a harmonious blend that is both comforting and sophisticated.”

Ingredients:

• 40 mL bourbon
  
• 30 mL Campari
  
• 30 mL sweet vermouth
  
• Garnish: orange twist

Method:

1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with plenty of ice, your friend in flavour dilution.
   
2. Pour in bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
   
3. Stir gently for 30 seconds to chill and marry the flavours.
   
4. Serve on the rocks, or for elegance, strain into a coupe glass.
   
5. Garnish with an orange twist, giving it a little squeeze to release those essential oils.

What to expect: The bourbon adds warmth and sweetness, balancing Campari’s bittersweet bite. Sweet vermouth rounds out the cocktail with richer notes. Perfect for a cosy autumn evening. 

Want to level it up? Try making your Boulevardier with Blanton’s Gold Edition Single Barrel Bourbon.

Mango’s Favourite: Whisky Sour

“My favourite cocktail is a Whisky Sour. It’s the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness that stood the test of time. Don’t skip the egg white, it gives a beautiful layer of foamy texture on top.”

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
  
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  
• 1/2 ounce egg white (optional)
  
• Garnish: Angostura bitters, cherry

How to make the syrup: Combine caster sugar and water in a small, deep non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear. 

Side note: Boiling sugar is extremely hot, so handle with care and cool completely before use.

Method:

1. Pour 15 mL of cooled syrup into a cocktail shaker.
   
2. Add bourbon, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters.
   
3. Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 8–10 seconds for that frothy texture.
   
4. Add ice and shake again for another 8–10 seconds.
   
5. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice using a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer. No strainer? A kitchen sieve works fine.
   
6. Garnish with bitters and cherry.
   

What to expect: This cocktail is balanced, smooth, frothy, and ideal for after-work drinks or dinner parties. The Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection adds extra richness.

Our bourbon recommendations? Hands down the Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

For an even more premium option, consider the Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection 123.6 Batch Proof Bourbon.

Jeffrey’s Favourite: Irish Coffee

“One of the greats for colder evenings, Irish Coffee is both comforting and sophisticated. Invented in the 1940s, it blends freshly brewed coffee with Teeling Single Malt and a silky cream topping.”

Ingredients:

• 45 mL Teeling Single Malt
  
• 15 mL brown sugar or stout syrup
  
• 90 mL fresh coffee
  
• 30 mL double cream
  

Method: It’s simple. Combine whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Float cream on top. Sip, savour, repeat.

What to expect: Think rich and warming, with the deep, earthy notes of coffee balanced by the malty sweetness of Teeling Single Malt. The cream? It adds a silky, luxurious finish, making each sip smooth and comforting.

James’s Favourite: Tequila Sour

“My Tequila Sour is bold but smooth. Sharp citrus meets mellow sweetness, and the egg white creates a creamy finish that elevates the whole drink.”

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 mL) tequila (blanco or reposado)
  
• 3/4 oz (22 mL) fresh lime juice
  
• 1/2 oz (15 mL) simple syrup
  
• 1/2 oz (15 mL) orange liqueur (optional)
  
• 1 egg white (optional)
  
• Garnish: lime wheel, orange twist, or bitters on foam
  

Method: Dry shake all ingredients, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass over ice, or serve up in a coupe. Garnish as desired.

What to expect: This is a cocktail that’s bright and zesty (thanks to the fresh lime), balanced by mellow sweetness and a hint of orange liqueur. The egg white adds a creamy, frothy texture, giving the drink a smooth, silky mouthfeel with a lively, refreshing finish.

How to Recreate London Cocktail Week at Home

Not everyone can hop on the Tube for London Cocktail Week, but you can bring the excitement home:

1. Stock your bar: Stick to your Hackstons spirits (bourbon, whisk(e)y, and tequila) and keep essential mixers like soda, tonic, and juices. Extras like bitters and syrups elevate your game.
   
2. Tools matter: Shaker, strainer, and a muddler. No shaker? A jam jar works surprisingly well.
   
3. Presentation: Proper glassware makes a difference. Garnishes can level up your cocktail.
   
4. Make it fun: Create a tasting menu, pair drinks with snacks, or play a cheerful music playlist.

London Cocktail Week isn’t just an event. It’s a way to explore parts of the city you might not otherwise visit and sample drinks you wouldn’t think to mix yourself.

Our word of advice? Pace yourself, eleven days of cocktails is a marathon, not a sprint.

Wrapping Things Up: Cheers to London Cocktail Week!

In our world, London Cocktail Week is the highlight of October for anyone who appreciates a cocktail or two. Thanks to our retail team’s top picks, you now have a handful of Hackstons-approved recipes to try at home or spot while bar hopping.

Cocktails are more than just alcohol. They’re an art form, a mix of flavour, atmosphere, and a dash of drama for anyone who loves a bit of theatre.

Here’s to London Cocktail Week: may your shakers be full, your pours generous, and your ice never run out!