Birmingham is known for some of the coolest cocktail bars, serving up some of the most creative concoctions. But few are doing it as crazily as The Alchemist. Stunning, dazzling, bonkers, captivating – there aren’t enough adjectives in the world to describe its creative cocktails.
These Willy Wonka-esque creations reallyshould be seen in person to be believed. But we’ll try our best to explain here. Absinthe syringes, dry ice, sunflower lecithin and citric acid, some of these ingredients read more like a science lesson than a cocktail bar. All are perfectly safe to consume though. They only help The Alchemist combine chemistry and theatre together for some of the most show-stopping cocktails in Birmingham.
Of course, The Alchemist would be nothing if it’s creations didn’t also taste spectacular. The Bubblebath cocktail froths and foams as it’s presented, but perfectly balances Tanqueray Gin, Aperol, lemon, apple, Chambord and, curiously, “Fairy Liquid” – although we’re a little dubious about this final ingredient. While The Edible One is arguably the most sustainable cocktail ever made. Served in a cup you can eat, it combines Sipsmith Lemon Gin, King’s Ginger, carrot cake orgeat, marmalade and white choc foam.
But there are tonnes of mesmerising cocktails to discover from these “masters of molecular mixology.” If you prefer your drinks served a little more traditionally, however. The Alchemist has also perfected cocktail classics like a negroni, margarita, daiquiri and pina colada.
It should be said The Alchemist, which has two locations in Brindleyplace and on Colmore Row, also doubles up as a brilliant brunch spot. On Saturdays and Sundays, choose a brunch dish and three cocktails for £28 – which you can turn bottomless for another £10.
Enjoy anything from pancake stacks to full English feasts and a breakfast burrito. While your choice of cocktails is between the previously mentioned Bubblebath, the smoking Lightbulb Moment and magical Colour Changing One. It’s not exactly rocket science, but The Alchemist is doing something super special in Birmingham.
To learn more head here.
The Grand, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BS
10F-12F The Water’s Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham B1 2HL