I confess I’ve been a total scrooge about the Olympics until now (rocketing rent prices and recommendations that we walk to work don’t equal fun); however Olympic fever is building in London and as I’m going to watch the men’s football team at Wembley Stadium this weekend I am starting to get caught up in the excitement.  So when I was invited to London’s Malmaison to sample their new Olympic cocktails, I accepted to show my support to Team GB (it’s the taking part that counts).

It was recommended that we start with the Silver Martini, a concoction of Bacardi Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon, presented in a Martini glass coated with edible silver.  Needless to say it was incredibly refreshing and just perfect for the warm summer nights we’re (finally) experiencing – in fact it was so good I had two.

My other favourites were the patriotically-presented Team GB (which features layers of red Grendadine, white Absolut Vanilla, and Blue Curacao, with a dash of lime) and the Olympic Flame (made with Bacardi Gold Rum, Amaretto, pineapple juice and Grenadine).

Tucked away in the fashionable streets surrounding Smithfield Market, the Mal is a great place to experience a part of London that’s steeped with history and has a really relaxed atmosphere.  It’s usually a relatively-quiet area so heading there for an Olympic-themed drink is a perfect way to get into the spirit of London 2012 yet avoid the crowds.

Thanks very much to the Malmaison for having us, we had a great evening!