Pickled onions take over Bar Swift
Garner’s Pickles will pop up at Bar Swift in Shoreditch this week, serving a ‘world-first’ menu built entirely around pickled onions.
The Garner’s Jar Bar is described as an ‘unhinged pop-up’ designed for people who believe the pickled onion deserves its moment in the Martini glass.
Garner’s Original is the UK’s best-selling pickled onion. The onions are traditionally hand-peeled and then pickled in a rich, malt vinegar, which packs 6% acidity compared with other pickled onion brands, which typically boast only 1% or 2% acidity.
At the one-night pop-up, taking place this Friday (5 December), drinks will be expertly mixed from jar to glass. Bar Swift’s mixologists will craft a new range of festive tipples using every element of Garner’s premium jars, from brine and pickled onion syrups to infused spirits.
Drinkers can expect sweetness and ‘a bit of festive spice’ from the surprise menu.
Elaine Miller, marketing director at Garner’s, said: “Garner’s is the gift that keeps on pickling. This Christmas, we are sharing our premium pickles in a way never seen before.
“The Garner’s Jar Bar is going to be open for lovers of cocktails – and of pickled onions, of course. The bar will take on some of the famous pickled onion cocktail serves, with one even served straight from a Garner’s jar in a luxury setting.
“Pickled onions have been adding a tang and crunch to sandwiches and stealing the show from cheeseboards for years, so it was only a matter of time before they crashed the cocktail party. Turns out, they mix just as well with gin as they do with Gorgonzola.
“Prepare for expertly mixed creations served straight from jar to glass – a one-of-a-kind experience for the most wonderful brine of the year.”
The menu for the evening has been crafted for a range of palates, ‘depending on how adventurous bar-goers are feeling on the day’.
Serves include the Garner’s Gibson, crafted with Garner’s original pickle juice, off-dry vermouth, and gin. It is served in a Martini glass with a pickled onion and additional chilled brine to adjust to individual taste.
Meanwhile, the Pickleback Buck sees Kentucky Bourbon infused with Garner’s sweet baby pickles, fiery fresh ginger syrup, and zesty lime Highball, served with a lime and pickle garnish.
Available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, the Pickelada is described as an instantly refreshing classic ‘with a secret pickle twist’. Fresh-pressed cherry tomato juice is combined with Garner’s original pickle juice and a homemade spice mix, topped up with pale ale. It is all served in a Garner’s pickle jar with a Garner’s Gilda and Tajín rim.
Finally, the Winter Spiced Cranberry Sour, which is also available as a non-alcoholic option, is a fluffy and festive Sour with notes of cinnamon, clove and pickled cranberries. The cocktail is made with London Dry gin infused with Garner’s sweet baby pickles, homemade spiced cranberry syrup and bright fresh lime. It is presented in a coupe with raspberry powders and a zest of lemon.
The Garner’s Jar Bar will open from 3pm to 11pm on Friday 5 December. It is available to book via Eventbrite.
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