A Toast to the New Year

Is there anything more special than enjoying a sophisticated cocktail overlooking the bright lights of your favourite city? For me, not much beats it, and so when I was invited a toast to the New Year with a Lambrini Skinny Original special at Cloud 23, I popped on my glad rags and took the sky-scraper’s lift up to the soaring Cloud 23 bar on the 23rd Floor, ready to sip on the ‘Brini Bliss’ cocktail.

Cloud 23 is the epitome of luxury. Right in the centre of the city, it’s the highest point in Manchester and truly unique venue with panoramic views of our beautiful hometown. From one window, you can see planes landing in the distance at Manchester Airport and from another you get views of the entire city with little ant people going about their day. The bar itself is highly exclusive, accessible by one lift with only one button to floor 23. The interior is decked out with opulent decor and a strict dress code and guest list. It seemed the perfect location to try out a brand new, special skinny cocktail.

I was invited along to try a brand new cocktail, created by head mixologist, Matthew. Created with low-calorie drink, Lambrini Skinny Original, the cocktail aims to provide all the enjoyment of a traditional cocktail without being quite as harsh on your waistline. A minute on your lips, a lifetime on your hips – trust me ladies, I know! There’s nothing wrong in indulging every now and again, but with only 29 calories per 125ml serving, Lambrini Skinny Original feels like a great alternative for a calorific glass of wine (and way tastier than a gin and tonic!).

Matthew was so welcoming and with two girlie guests in tow, he was more than happy to talk through each step of the cocktail should we want to recreate it ourselves at home. But, let’s face it, Cloud 23 is way more fun and we relished the experience! Made with a combination of citrus flavours and a base of cucumber water (the main ingredient of course being Lambrini Skinny Original) the ‘Brini Bliss’ cocktail reminds me of summer nights. It’s refreshingly fruity and not like your standard Cosmo’s or Martini’s – plus, it has a has a low ABV of just 3.5%.

After a quick stir, a sip of a taste and a flurry of cucumber garnish, the Brini Bliss cocktail was complete! We loved seeing how a cocktail had been made just for us, but it was time to pick up our drinks and enjoy the view. So, we each grabbed our Brini Bliss’s (that’s tricky to write) and sat down in the best seats in the house. Hello, heaven.

I have been to Cloud 23 once or twice before, but it never ever stops feeling special. I was also able to bring two gal pals who had never been before, which felt really good to treat them. We all popped on our best New Year’s outfits especially for the occasion; if you are wondering, I am wearing the beautiful Black Diamond Swing Dress from Want That Trend.

I know a lot of people enjoy fancy dinners or club nights, but there’s nothing I love more than dressing up and sipping on a cocktail for an hour or two. It’s my idea of a special treat and gazing across the Manchester skyline at night was really like nothing else.

Speaking of fancy dinners, the Brini Bliss is not just as much as a treat, but a lot better for into your fav pair of skinny jeans. Some cocktails can have the same calorie content as a slice of cake with numbers as high as 800 calories, but thankfully the Brini Bliss is really low calorie. Which makes it perfect for fitting in with our classic eat less/move more New Year’s Resolutions, don’t you think?

If you fancy trying the Brini Bliss cocktail yourself (perhaps without the price tag) then you can give this one a go at home. Lambrini Skinny Original costs from as little as £1.99 from most supermarkets, which is a right bargain if ever I heard one. A Starbucks coffee costs more than that! But of course, only drink responsibly guys and only if you’re over 18 and all that jazz.

2016 is set to be a good’un and so it was an absolute delight to be able to start January is such a special way. It was a wonderful experience and I am grateful that I was able to fulfil a Toast to the New Year with Lambrini Skinny Originals at The Hilton.