BAR: Swift Upstairs

For part of my 30th birthday celebrations, some friends and I went to Swift Downstairs in Soho. As I had quite a few drinks that night and didn't really spend that long considering each of them, I've been intending to go back to Swift for a while. Well this Sunday I had that chance, as I got a walk-in at Swift Upstairs. With a slightly different menu and a more informal atmosphere than the Downstairs portion, Upstairs is no less well-served in the cocktail department.

I started with their signature pictured above, the Swift Irish Coffee, consisting of Jameson Caskmates, Send Swift blend coffee, Demerara, cream, and nutmeg. The whiskey is not overpowering, while the coffee bitterness is completely offset by the potency of the sugar. A warm dessert in a cocktail glass, one is plenty enough in one sitting.

I have yet to have a bad sour in London, and that trend continues with the next drink, the Rhubarb Sour, consisting of Belvedere vodka, dry vermouth, rhubarb, lemon and Peychaud's (bitters). Though it could have done with less foam, this was crisp, sharp and (of course) slightly sour. A winner.

The final drink I had of the evening took my interest due to the ingredients used. Namely, coriander and green bell pepper. The Chameleon consisted of these, as well as Del Maguey Vida mezcal, green chilli, pineapple eau-de-vie, and lime. Only slightly spicy, the main note coming through was earth from the bell pepper skin. A fine cocktail to finish on, neither too sweet, sour, or bitter, this was a balanced mix to see me gently towards soberness once more.

Swift Upstairs is well worth dropping into. I shall be back soon to try Downstairs once more.