We visited SOBR last year when it first opened its doors in Aberdeen, so we were thrilled to be asked back to sample the new cocktail menu: The Functional Edit.
When I visited SOBR for the first time last year, I remember thinking it was a great concept, being a totally sober bar and offering a new space for people who wanted to enjoy being out in a traditional cocktail bar setting, but without the exposure to alcohol. The venue definitely is a lovely space – and now, also, an award-winning one having taken home the Best Lo and No Destination award at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards.
However, what really took my interest was the section of the menu that featured functional spirits. Now, the cocktail portion of the menu has been fully rejuvenated by SOBR’s bar manager, Jane, to focus on these functional spirits and their use in cocktails. A choice made to focus on offering an experience that you can’t get elsewhere in the city.
As a reminder, functional spirits are no- or low-alcohol drinks – often built from the ground up rather than simply removing alcohol content – that go beyond just hydration and taste, usually including ingredients associated with wellbeing and provide additional benefits.
SOBR’s functional cocktails have been separated into three groups depending on what feeling or benefit you want from your drink: Energise, Elevate and Unwind.
Our first round consisted of the fabulous looking Discoball and Crimson Silk. Smooth and velvety thanks to the mascarpone the Crimson Silk also had wonderfully well-balanced flavours from the Everleaf, raspberry and coconut. It is a visually stunning cocktail too and the soft creamy taste really lends itself to a drink made to help you unwind.Â
The Discoball emulates a passionfruit martini for those who like a fruity vibe. Found in the Elevate section it certainly did feel like it lifted the mood. This cocktail came packed with flavour from Crosship, Everleaf, lime, passionfruit, pineapple, vanilla with some Love Mushroom Focus.
Unfortunately, since visiting the Crimson Silk is no longer available on the menu, however I felt it was still good to share to show the working of the new menu and the creative mixology. It has been replaced by what Jane says is her favourite offering on the menu: the Velvet Hour. I returned quickly to test this new cocktail out and I have to agree with Jane, it is my favourite of the ones we tried. Still sumptuously smooth, but with a punch, this cocktail is both bitter and sweet combining cherry, lemon, camomile tea and vanilla flavours with Anon.
Next up, we tried the Kilted New Yorker and Night Shift. The Kilted New Yorker was a smoky delight and arrived with a bit of theatre; the glass topped with a miniature barrel to capture any smoke until serving the cocktail. The combination of flavours made this a very punchy and complex tipple.
The Night Shift was a great alternative to an Espresso Martini. Rich and decadent, but also smooth and invigorating, the coffee flavour is the main star here while the vanilla and rum round it off nicely.
Moving away from the cocktails, it is great to see that SOBR’s shots are still present, all functional to fit the new menu, while they have maintained a great selection of no- and low-alcohol beers and wines also.
The new Functional Edit drinks are a perfectly delicious new focus for SOBR, and I can see myself returning to enjoy more of these very soon.
For more information or to book a table visit SOBR’s website.
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