London Calling Cocktail

The London Calling is made with precision and a keen understanding of flavor dynamics, this cocktail is a composition of gin, Fino sherry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange bitters.

The London Calling cocktail was first crafted in 2002 by Chris Jepson at the Milk & Honey bar in London, England.

The cocktail’s creation was initially motivated by a competition held by “Drinks International Magazine”, a challenge that sought to elicit the most ingenious and refined contributions from the global cocktail community

The foundation of the cocktail is gin, a spirit known for its complex botanical nuances, which provides the cocktail its base layer. To this, Fino sherry is added, introducing a dry, nutty profile that complements the gin’s botanicals while lending the cocktail a unique depth and character. Fresh lemon juice is incorporated to impart a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the spirits, ensuring a refreshing clarity in each sip. Simple syrup is included to subtly enhance the cocktail’s sweetness, and creating a balance with the tartness of the lemon. Finally, two dashes of orange bitters is added, offering a citrusy complexity and a refined bitter finish that rounds out the cocktail’s flavor profile.

The London Calling cocktail not only exemplifies the art of cocktail creation but also symbolizes a moment of innovation within the mixology field. Its development for a “Drinks International Magazine” competition underscores the cocktail’s originality and its contribution to the evolving cocktail culture. The competition provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge mixology techniques and flavor combinations, with the London Calling standing out as a testament to the creativity and skill of its creator.

Chris Jepson’s contribution through the London Calling extends beyond the boundaries of a single competition, influencing the broader spectrum of cocktail design and inspired the future generation of mixologists. This influence is so profound that, in 2018, the enduring legacy of the London Calling was celebrated through the creation of a riff known as the Banana Calling. This adaptation, made by Cameron Attfield at Dandelyan, London, not only honors the original recipe but also demonstrates the enduring relevance and adaptability of Jepson’s creation in the ever-evolving world of mixology.

London Calling Cocktail Recipe

1. 45 ml gin

2. 15 ml Fino sherry

3. 15 ml fresh lemon juice

4. 15 ml simple syrup

5. 2 dashes orange bitters

6. Ice

7. Garnish: grapefruit twist