It’s London Cocktail Week! In celebration of the wonderful world of cocktails, we indulge in the best and most iconic cocktails around the world- and the best cities, hotels and bars to enjoy them in...
London is awash this week with parties, pop ups, masterclasses, tastings and live jazz, everywhere from stunning rooftop bars to clubs- and you can even watch the classic film Cocktail while being served cocktails throughout the movie. Why not make an event of it and celebrate in style at the decadent Langham hotel? If you book a Sunday night, you can enjoy complimentary cocktails and sharing platters in the award-winning Artesian bar- named the world’s best bar in 2014- and wake up to a full English breakfast on Monday morning.

Having a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles hotel (where it was invented a century ago) has become so popular that the waiters know what you’re going to order before you order it. But it’s popular for a reason- sipping on this delicious cocktail (a mix of gin, cherry brandy and fruit juice- usually pineapple) in the opulent surroundings, oozing colonial splendour and an oasis of calm in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, is truly memorable- and you can’t stop at just one...

Head to A21 in Helsinki’s trendy Kamppi district to stave off the winter chill- this is THE cocktail bar in Helsinki for those in the know (and also features high on the world’s best bars list). Relax by the fire in the cosy lounge and surrender your tastebuds to an array of flavours, using Finnish ingredients such as birch, sea buckthorn (a plant with bright orange berries) and cloudberry jam. If that’s not enough, there are regular tasting sessions and events where you can learn how to make these tasty concoctions for yourself, as well as a restaurant where you can feast on Scandinavian specialities- washed down with cocktails, of course.

The luxurious Peninsula, on the shores of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok, is going all pink this month in aid of breast cancer. Its dedication to the Peninsula in Pink campaign extends to its cocktails- the bartenders have created a special pink cocktail, the Pink Moon, for the occasion. Order this refreshing blend of Bacardi, lychee liqueur and lychee and pineapple juice, and you’ll do your bit for charity too.

The stylish Surrey hotel is a bit of a New York landmark, and its guests have included Hollywood royalty such as Bette Davis. At the Surrey, not only can you follow in the footsteps of royalty, you can also enjoy the exclusive cocktail programme. Cocktails featuring locally-distilled spirits such as Brooklyn’s Due North rum can be enjoyed in the bar or even brought to you in your suite- simply choose from your in-room cocktail menu (try the Dark and Stormy- Due North rum, ginger beer and fresh lime juice) and your personal bartender will make your drink of choice. That’s the kind of service we like...

Feeling inspired? Exsus can tailor-make your perfect holiday pretty much anywhere in the world (including cocktails). Call +44 207 337 9010 or enquire now