Cocktail Corner

Bar: Baghdad Cafe and Whisky Lounge Address: Corner of Long and Bloem streets (above Capello) Contact: 081 046 6658 Cocktail: The Fred Collins Fizz Price: R55 Ingredients: Buffalo Trace bourbon, triple sec, splash of lemon, ginger ale BAGHDAD Cafe has had a major facelift and has moved up, literally.

Once a ground floor hookah lounge, the establishment has moved to a spot with a wide corner balcony with sweeping views of Long Street.

They have also made a major addition to their offering... all things whisky. The restaurant has developed a menu of whisky cocktails which showcase the unique whiskies they now stock.

Barman Thabo Qoboka makes a Fred Collins Fizz with Buffalo Trace bourbon.

It is shaken and strained into a martini glass and then garnished with an orange peel.

It had a smooth taste as the cocktail managed to squeeze out some of the rough edge of the bourbon.

Baghdad’s Kevin Ellman said they have tried to adapt classics for their new whisky cocktail menu. In this case, the ginger ale adds a fizzy element to the drink.

The intention of the cocktail menu is to introduce whisky to those who don’t usually drink it.

Baghdad has been a part of Long Street for 10 years. Ellman says they moved because they needed more space. They went from 70m2 to 300m2.

They have launched an exclusive whisky club. Members get discounts on bottles of whisky, a locker for 10 bottles, whisky tasting invitations and a members’ area.

Membership is R6 000 a year and is vetted by the owner.

Baghdad is still a hookah lounge and offers a good pipe. Ellman describes it as their core business.

Pipes cost R60 and come in a variety of flavours. For those with deeper pockets, there are Cuban cigars.

They now also have a kitchen with a menu offering meat and fish dishes. It is open until 2.30am.

Baghdad is open Mondays to Saturdays from noon to 4am and on Sundays from 6pm to 4am. – WendylMartin