Elixir: Tonics, Treats, Drinks and Eats

I’ve finally made it to some of the bars that I’ve been trying to get to for months. It feels like months, it’s probably only weeks.

First on this little list is Elixir – situated on Deansgate, it’s been sorely needed for a little while – bridging a bit of a gap on the Manchester cocktail bar crawl.

The bar has a stylish, almost vintage feel to it, with lots of wood and a pared back feel, which appealed to me immediately.

Given it’s from the guys behind Escapade bars, I knew to expect theatre – they love dry ice, and spectacle – after all, they’re behind the ‘Vault’ and Roulette Wheel cocktails at Manchester 235.But style is one thing. What about substance? Will the drinks back it up?

My starter for ten, the Lavender Cascade (£8.50), was stunning even before the dry ice. Described as ‘a sensual blend’ it features Stolichnaya Vodka, pink grapefruit, jasmine tea syrup and lemon juice.

The dry ice serves to perfume the senses through the flowers and oils in the base glass, and it looks gorgeous. And the taste? Refreshing, tart, there’s sweetness, but not too much, and each flavour is there. Oh yes.

But things couldn’t stop there and, joined by the lovely Keeley and Ads, we moved onto something a little sweeter, and (with its roots in eggnog) perhaps a little more festive with Life is Sweet (£8). Chambord, Mozart white chocolate, Fraise and ice cream served in an ice cold Paris shaker with a mini cupcake garnish.

This was intensely sweet, but still full of flavour, the chambord and white chocolate are a great match, the ice cream tips it over the edge into toothsome territory. Too sweet for myself and Ads, Keeley got this little pretty all to herself.

Finally, we opted for a complete contrast, with the Earl’s Breakfast (£8.50). This is a twist on one of my personal all time favourites, the breakfast Martini, adding a distinctly savoury flavour with Chase smoked vodka, Earl Grey syrup, Briotett Triple Sec, lemon and a spoonful of finest marmalade. And if that smokiness wasn’t quite enough, it’s garnished with smoked cheese on toasted cracker-bread.

This was much more to my taste. I love anything smoky and the rich, almost fiery flavours of this intense Martini were gorgeous. And to be honest, anything with cheese is going to make me happy.

Of course, this isn’t all the bar has to offer – there’s a great beer and wine selection, some fab ciders and I haven’t even tried the food menu yet.

There’s a platter with a black pudding covered Scotch egg with my name on it.