Gaucho revives Buenos Aires cocktail culture

Gaucho launches a new cocktail menu this month, inspired by classic serves from the Americas.

The 16-strong list has been put together by the Gaucho team in collaboration with Tato Giovannoni, who has won Argentina’s Bartender of the Year award for the past 10 years.

Divided into three sections, the first draws on Argentine terrain and culture. Las Cumbres, a mix of Sauvignon Blanc, cucumber-infused Cinzano Bianco and apple juice, takes its inspiration from the Andes mountains.

The second section, “Bloody & Rare”, draws on the popularity of the Bloody Mary in Argentine culture. Three variations include local twists on the classic, with ingredients such as chimichurri sauce, red peppers and roasted plum tomatoes.

The final part of the menu is dedicated to “Buenos Aires Classics”, inspired by the old glamour of the city from 1930-1960, when it was considered one of the cocktail capitals of the world. Mar del Plata is just one of the cocktails revived from this heyday, a blend of Plymouth gin, Noilly Prat, Benedictine, Grand Marnier and orange zest.

The new menu is available across all Gaucho’s London venues, as well as Manchester and its recently opened Leeds restaurant.

Gabriel Savage, 10.08.10