A traditional British happy hour may be better known for bold, strong ales and refreshing lagers, but England is also home to some classic cocktail recipes. These cocktails are distinguished by their use of traditional English liquors, flavorful fruits, and garnishes, and often feature unique twists on international favorites. Decide which English cocktail you’ll order with this helpful guide.

An Introduction to English Cocktails

1. Pimm’s® Cup

A summertime favorite in England, this cocktail is built on a base of Pimm’s, a gin-based fruit liqueur, which is then mixed with lemon-lime soda and garnished with fruit, cucumber, and mint. Common substitutes for the lemon-lime soda (or ‘lemonade,’ in British English) are ginger ale or champagne, which is used to create a “Pimm’s royal cup.”

2. Bramble

Invented by Soho bartender Dick Bradsell, who was once called “the cocktail king,” the bramble is a cool drink composed of gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup on ice. It has a pleasant aroma of blackberries and juniper, and is named after blackberry bushes, or ‘brambles.’

3. Black & Tan

This bold drink is a mixture of equal parts dark and light beer, most popularly Guinness® and Bass Ale®. It was named in tribute to black-and-tan hunting hounds.

The beverage has been popular since the 19th century and draws on a long tradition of blending beers in pubs. Because dark beer is layered on top of lighter ale, the black and tan has a surprisingly rich flavor that changes as you drink it and mix the two together.

4. Espresso Martini

The espresso martini is popular at happy hours across the U.K. This cocktail is another Dick Bradsell creation and is made with vodka, espresso, simple syrup, and coffee liqueur. The coffee and sugar take the sharp edge off of the vodka, which results in a pleasant drink that will perk you up.

5. Gin & Tonic

The gin and tonic is such a go-to cocktail that it’s sold in cans in British supermarkets. The freshly made version is a simple combination of gin and tonic water on the rocks, topped with a wedge of lime.

This drink originated with British officers in India, who drank tonic to combat illness and tempered the bitter flavor with gin. Variations include such ingredients as grenadine, pink gin, and tea.

Add a dash of English flavor to your next happy hour with these cocktails and more at Mad Dogs & Englishmen in Tampa, FL. This bar and restaurant features delicious English food, draft beers, refreshing cocktails, and live music. Make a reservation by calling (813) 832-3037 or browse the menu online. Follow the bar on Facebook to keep up to date with events and deals.