Oliver Strekeisen, Simplon Bar Zurich

Established in the 1920s, the Simplon Bar ,in the heart of Zurich, delights its customers with beautiful hand crafted cocktails. In 1927 this location was the birthplace of the Swiss Barkeeper Union (SBU). Oliver Strekeisen is the Chief Barkeeper at the Simplon Bar. He combines a friendly approach with real attention to detail when preparing cocktails. We first met Oliver at the very well managed Swiss Cocktail Championship organised by the SBU in Lausanne in October where there were 4 Brockmans Gin entries. Sadly Oliver was too busy organising the event as an active member of the SBU to compete.


Oliver has developed the very delicious Brocklin cocktail prepared with Brockmans Gin, lemon and lime and maraschino served in a martini glass. It is totally delicious and a real credit to the bar. The recipe is as follows

3cl        Brockman's Gin

2cl        Maraschino-Juice

1.5cl     Fresh lime juice

2cl        Citron Lemonade

Shake and double-strain in a cocktail glass, top with citron lemonade

Deko: Maraschino Cocktail-Cherry.

The next time you are in Zurich, say hi to Oliver at Simplon Bar at Schützengasse 16 8001 Zürich (near the main station) and enjoy watching some great cocktails being made and try a Brocklin

Kronenhalle Bar - A 'must do' experience

Sometimes you come across a bar that has tradition, history, amazing decor, great drinks and a friendly and talented bar team. When you get all of that in abundance, it becomes a 'never to forget' experience.

I found myself in awe of all these things at the Kronenhalle Bar in Ramistrasse in Zurich last week. This a unique bar with exquisite mahogany panelling and marble top tables with legs designed by Diego Giacometti. Art by Picasso, Klee, Tinguely and Miro adorn the walls. The sheer majesty of the surroundings immediately tell you that you are in a special place. .

As you enter you feel like you have entered an expensive antiques shop, unnerved by the feeling that you might knock the odd piece of classic art over. After a while the ambience takes you over and you appreciate that this is a place where people have come to enjoy great drinks.

Then you meet the bar team, with Peter and Christian and their team creating wonderful drinks . Having expected reserved and stuffy tradition, you are greeted by an array of exciting cocktails served by a team that just look delighted to be working there.

Suddenly the art around the bar loses significance. The craft behind it becomes the focal point. Moreover, the decor misleads. This is not a place thats stuck in the past. This is a bar where professionalism and creativity work hand in hand. Peter Roth, a world renowned mixologist served us with a smile. He showed us a great repertoire of cocktails.

Finally we settled on one. 'Olio Nobile' as fine and logically named as it sounds. The name derives from the beautiful Tuscan olive oil that helps create it's delicious, smooth and refreshing taste. The dash of oil helps it go down easily, too easily. This wasnt quite spring or even summer when the drink would be even more appropriate. Even so we enjoyed a few. Our experience was complete except soon afterwards Peter Roth sent us his recipe. A true nobleman, offering a truly noble experience.

Olio Nobile:

4cl Brockmans Gin

1 Scoop Lemon Sorbet

1cl Olio Nobile 'Fruttato' Olive Oil

6cl Orange-Passion Fruit Juice

2 Tablespoons of Crushed Ice

Mix in blender.

Garnish with a Spring of Mint and a Green Olive

Enjoy!

Bob