World Cocktail Day is today, Thursday 13th May, and the expert mixologists at The Lakeside, a hospitality, wedding and events venue, have pulled together a selection of their favourite cocktails, coupled with a few interesting facts about each one. For any cocktail lover, World Cocktail Day is one of the best days in the social calendar, especially now bars and restaurants are reopening, it is the perfect time to read up on a new cocktail you are eager to try! The mixologists at the Lakeside have done all the hard work for you, so simply sit back, relax and fall in love with a new cocktail from the list below...
Mojito Legend has it that the Mojito originated in Cuba and was traditionally used as a medicinal drink to curb the diseases on the island. Now one of the most popular cocktails on the market, the original moon shine, rum-type alcohol was mixed with mint, lime and sugar cane to ward of illness, but is now enjoyed as a refreshing drink all year around. White Rum | Lime Juice | Mint Leaves | Soda Water | Granulated Sugar
Passionfruit Martini (Pornstar Martini) A surprise to many that this well-known cocktail, the Pornstar Martini, was officially christened as the Maverick Martini in 2002 by bartender, Douglas Ankrah. There aren't many places you can go without seeing this modern cocktail on the menu, made from Vanilla Vodka, Passionfruit Liqueur and a shot of champagne or prosecco served on the side. Vanilla Vodka | Passoa | Lime Juice | Sugar Syrup | Champagne or Prosecco | Ripe Passion Fruits
Espresso Martini A firm favourite among many who enjoy a cocktail created to "wake you up." Creator of this wonderous cocktail was bartender Dick Bradsel, who back in the 80's was asked by a model in the Soho Brasserie where he was working to create her a drink that would "wake her up" and so, the Espresso Martini was born. Vodka | Coffee Liqueur | Espresso Coffee | Coffee beans
Sangaree Similar to Sangria, Sanagree is a Spanish tipple enjoyed by many and its origins date back to 1774. The two drinks have similarities, they both encompass the Spanish root word: sangree, meaning "blood." Unlike Sangria, Sangree is made up from mainly Spanish Brandy, Spanish Liqueur, Spanish Shiraz, seasonal fruits as well as fresh orange and lemon juice. Whereas, Sangria mainly used red wine, citrus and sugar – whichever you prefer, be sure to serve chilled and garnish with a sprig of mint, for that extra special touch! Spanish Brandy | Orange Liqueur | Spanish Shiraz | Fresh Orange & Lemon Juice | Soda | Seasonal Fruits
Apple Toddy In 1933 Captain J. E. Alexander, an English Military man, wrote down in his memoir 'Transatlantic Travels' a few exciting new drinks he was offered on his American excursion adventure. A traditional Apple Toddy is very involved and uses a wide range of ingredients. Whereas many places now offer a similar more modern take on the traditional drink. Apple Brandy | Baked Apple | Pimento Dram | Honey | Christmas syrup | Lemon | Cinnamon
Berry Blazer The perfect summer cocktail, created by American bartender, Jerry Thomas back in the 19th-century. A pioneer of his time, Thomas wrote one of the first books to be published on how to mix drinks and put his efforts into popularising cocktails. Cognac | Orange Liqueur | Fresh Berries | Plum Bitters | Cinnamon | Orange Slices
The A/W 2026 wedding trends: softer tailoring, richer tones and seasonal florals
From chocolate and camel tailoring to dahlias and trailing amaranthus, autumn/winter weddings are embracing richer colours and softer styling. As the autumn/winter wedding season gets underway, couples are moving away from rigid, perfectly matched styling in favour of looks that feel more relaxed, personal and connected to the season. Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, shares the key tailoring and styling trends shaping A/W 2026 occasionwear, alongside Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, who reveals the flowers, colours and textures set to be popular for bouquets and displays this season.
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What to do now to get your finances ready for 2027
Aileen Robertson, Tesco Bank's Head of Savings, has shared ways soon-to-be-wedded couples and newlyweds can build healthy savings habits and step into 2027 feeling more confident about their shared futures! Aileen Robertson, Head of Savings at Tesco Bank, comments: "The start of a new year often feels like the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, with people embracing resolutions and looking to turn over a new leaf. But creating new habits can take time as people settle back into their routines, and sometimes those good intentions never quite get off the ground. "If you're trying to stay on top of your finances in 2027, taking small steps now can make that journey much easier. It's important to remember that it's never too late, or too early, to start working towards your goals. Setting them is the first step, whether they're big or small, so think about what you want your money to do for you. From here you can start to work towards your goals, building good savings habits along the way, and see your money grow over time."
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Bluewater's Signature Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events
We live and breathe weddings at CWM towers, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Bluewater on Sunday 18th October 2026! It's one of our Signature Wedding Shows of 2026's Spring wedding show season; and a must-visit for all those that got engaged over the summer months. The event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
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Bradbourne House Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Bradbourne House, Kent, for inspiration on Sunday 1st November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
