As a blogger, I receive many invites to store openings, product launches and promotional events. I also receive several invites centred around bars and what they have to offer. Naturally, I’ve turned most of these down because I don’t drink and feel my presence would be pointless.
However, I’ve had a change of heart recently. Why should I turn down opportunities just because I don’t drink? I can still have a good time and enjoy the atmosphere! That’s what I would do anyway in a social situation. So why not do it from a teetotal blogger’s point of view?
With that in mind, I’m hoping to accept more collaborations with bars from now on. Of course, I will only consider brands which fit my blog, otherwise it would feel false. And understandably, I will have to mention alcohol at some point from the bar’s perspective.
Anyway, I digress! I’m here to tell you all about the vegan cocktails at Dirty Martini. In Cardiff’s City Centre, the bar is known for a bespoke range of martinis, signature cocktails and glamourous interiors. If I wanted swanky night out, it would be my first port of call.
So, the menu includes five vegan-friendly cocktails showcasing a range of gorgeous flavours and ingredients (matcha anyone?) and they’re all limited edition. Also, just look how beautiful they are! Tell me that you wouldn’t want to take a snap of them for Instagram?!
For disclosure, I didn’t drink the alcoholic versions of these cocktails so I can’t comment on the taste myself. You’ll have to try them for yourself! But as someone who admires veganism and a plant-based lifestyle, it’s fantastic to see ingredients such as almond milk, matcha, turmeric and beetroot shrub included in alcoholic drinks.
Saying that, my boyfriend Luis kindly stepped in (it’s a tough job, huh?) and sampled the alcoholic versions. His favourite was the 24 Carrot Gold featuring Havana rum, green Chartreuse, carrot, mango, ginger and turmeric. Zingy and punchy! He also loved the Lemon and Ginger Collins with Beefeater gin, elderflower, ginger and lime. He commented that it was a lovely twist on the original Collins and was as fiery as you’d expect.
Dirty Martini further spoiled us with a sharing platter each. Luis had the “Distinctively Dirty” meat platter while I had the vegetarian. They were the perfect accompaniment to our lovely drinks and the rugby game on TV (England v France FYI). I could have eaten a bowlful of the mac and cheese bites while Luis couldn’t get enough of the beef and cheese sliders.
All in all, we both had a brilliant time at Dirty Martini and the vegan creations are well worth trying while they’re around. I highly recommend a round of cocktails and a couple of sharing platters next time you fancy some tipples and nibbles in a sophisticated and photo-worthy environment.
The service was beyond excellent too. Luke G couldn’t do enough for us and made sure my non-drinking needs were catered for. Thank you! Please note that this was a press visit and I was under no obligation to write about it but I wanted to as it was a fabulous experience.