Fruits, plants and botanicals from as far afield as China, Thailand and Japan are the inspiration for a new range of cocktails at a leading Newcastle venue.

The Muddler, at Grey Street, has taken its pan-Asian menu to the next level by introducing ingredients, such as yuzu, pandan and calamansi, to its drinks menu.

So not only can customers enjoy some familiar tipples with a Far Eastern twist but they can also try out new cocktail combinations created specially by the venue’s drinks team.

These include Szechuan Peach Cooler, made with haku vodka – from the highest grade sushi rice – and Szechuan peppercorn syrup and Umesh-Who, a blend of Toki Whisky, Umeshu Sake – made from plums steeped in wine – and Martini Riserva Rubino.

The East Asian citrus fruit yuzu forms the basis of the Yuzu Coconut Royal; a combination of yuzu sake with coconut and Prosecco, while the Mabuhay Margarita contains another Asian citrus, the calamansi – also known as a Philippine lemon – along with Altos Resposado tequila and lime leaf.

And, in a twist on the popular Espresso Martini, The Muddler’s version also contains pandan – a South Asian plant with fragrant leaves – while the Lychee Ginger Collins, contains ginger ale, lychees and Japanese Roku gin made from botanicals.

There is also a special treat for those wanting to combine Asian influences with the flavours of a traditional British summer.

Zen Garden is a subtle mix of Korean Strawberry Soju – a fruit flavoured liqueur – with elderflower tonic and liqueur, Green Chartreuse – made with 130 plants and botanicals and peach caviar.                                                                         

And, in a nod to late summer, Braemble Gin Fizz combines Braemble Gin Liqueur – made with ripe blackberries – Tanqueray, lemon, ginger ale and raspberry powder.

Robert Firth, general manager at The Muddler, who also created the cocktails, said the drinks perfectly complement the venue’s widely acclaimed restaurant menu.

“It makes perfect sense for our cocktails to echo the flavours of our food,” he said. “And we are excited to be able to offer customers the chance to try ingredients they may never even have heard of before.”

The Muddler is open from 11am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and from 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday and cocktails are priced from £8.50.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.themuddlernewcastle.co.uk/