Fashion | Staying in for a virtual cocktail night

It’s been a while since I did an outfit post, or a fashion post, and even though we’re unable to go anywhere, it hasn’t stopped me from adding to my wardrobe. My friend Rebecca told me about Sosandar, and she always dresses immaculately, so I checked out the website, as well as signed up to the newsletter. Between Christmas and New Year (I think it was), there was an up to 75% off sale – and I couldn’t resist buying a few bits. I ended up choosing a denim jumpsuit, a nice top, and three dresses. I’ve been wanting to show them off for a while – although I’ve worn the top for work a few times and actually gone on camera. But what better reason than a virtual cocktail night?

I was torn between my green leopard print wrap dress and this gorgeous red number. I don’t ever buy or wear red, to be honest – but I just loved how the dress looked on the model and the style is so beautiful in reality, too. For me, it just gives off all the Spanish vibes – nicely fitted, with the fluted/ruffled sleeves and the most stunning tie back. I actually felt like the (flamenco) dancing emoji, while wearing it. I love the length, and it’s a classic pencil-style. Even though I teamed it up with tights (winter and lack of Vitamin D/time to fake tan), I cannot wait to wear it on a future summer holiday (probably not this year). My best friend also said it was a contender for the hen weekend… hopefully I don’t have to team it up with spanx then!

In lockdown, we’ve done it all… every quiz going, a couple of virtual escape rooms, movie date night, eaten plenty of local food – and now, cocktail making! It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a cocktail connoisseur, and now I’ve inadvertently ticked something off my '40 before I’m 40' list – learn how to mix cocktails.

We were given everything we would need: miniature spirits and mixers, garnishes, and a shaker; we just needed to provide the glasses and ice. We were making three different kinds of martini, and my mum even kindly gave us the glassware, so we could make the drinks in the correct glasses. Our expert mixologist was on hand to help us, especially when it came to the shaking. We made:

• French Martini: vodka, Chambord, pineapple juice 
• Breakfast Martini: gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, marmalade 
• Espresso Martini: vodka, patron xo café, nitro cold brew coffee

I love an Espresso Martini, but I usually make mine with Kahlua, and found this one strong – not to mention the aftertaste of tequila! But my favourite was the Breakfast Martini. I’d never had one before and it was so lovely and zingy. I’m actually obsessed with marmalade at the moment, and have a jar of Fortnum & Mason’s in the fridge – it’s divine. I wouldn’t suggest starting every morning with one, but if you’re having a boozy brunch, I can think of nothing better. I’d have one with some pastries and a plate of eggs royale. And now I’m looking forward to having a brunch with the girls soon-ish!

In fact, now we have our shakers and the recipes, Ash has suggested another cocktail night. And come to think of it, it’s a great idea when we can finally host again. I have a couple of friends who love gin, so a gin cocktail night sounds ideal. I don’t want to get too excited, but I feel as though the end is in sight and I’m feeling much more positive.

Love, Lucy xx