Tales of the Old Town – where every sip tells a story!

The Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood today unveiled a new storytelling cocktail menu, Tales of the Old Town, created in collaboration with Bacardi. Inspired by the rich history of Scotland’s capital, the menu takes guests on a captivating journey through the tales, legends, and landmarks of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

‘Tales of the Old Town’ features eight signature cocktails that pay tribute to the mysteries and legends of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Each cocktail recipe, designed by Bacardi and the Hotel’s mixologists, reflect the essence of its namesake with every sip telling a fascinating story – from the Mercat Cross to Greyfriars Bobby and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – which was filmed in and around the Hotel’s neighbouring cobbled closes last month.

To elevate the new cocktail menu and create more of an experience for customers and guests, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood teamed up with social enterprise Invisible Cities to design a self-guided exploration tour of the famous landmarks and points of interest inspired by each signature cocktail.

This immersive walking tour takes in the city’s most intriguing historical sites, all of which are on the doorstep of the hotel, from Canongate Kirk and the legendary Royal Mile to Edinburgh’s eerie underground vaults. Along the way, guests will uncover the secrets of Mercat Cross, St Giles’ Cathedral, founded in 1124 by King David I, and encounter Edinburgh’s beloved Greyfriars Bobby, whilst exploring the wonders of Dynamic Earth and the majestic Arthur’s Seat.

Commencing from Canongate Kirk, a serene and historic site renowned as the final resting place of poets and kings, the Canongate Kir Royale presents a regal twist on this cocktail class:  Elderflower liqueur blends with British sparkling wine, crowned with a sprig of fresh thyme. A fitting drink for the nobility that once graced these hallowed grounds, with a touch of floral elegance that nods to the beautiful church gardens. Serve – Flute. St Germain elderflower liqueur, British sparkling wine, thyme

The next stop leads to the iconic Royal Mile, with its cobbled streets and historic landmarks, it is the beating heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Royal Mile Remedy is a classic cocktail with a Scottish twist. Blend of Scotch whisky, lemon, and ginger.  Serve – Rocks Glass with ice. Craigellachie 13, peated scotch, lemon juice, ginger & lemongrass syrup, orange bitters and candied ginger.

Moving to the historic Royal Mile, the menu taps into the hidden depths of Edinburgh’s mysterious underground vaults with The Enchanted Vault, a dark and seductive cocktail. Combination of rum, port, and a splash of blood orange liqueur, garnished with a twist of burnt orange peel. The deep, rich flavours of this drink are as complex as the stories hidden in the city’s chambers, perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail with depth and character. Serve – Martini Glass; Bacardi Ocho, Port of Leith White Port, Lucky Liqueur Orange, dash of Angostura Bitters and burnt orange peel.

After a fascinating journey through Edinburgh’s underground, head to the historic Mercat Cross, a proud symbol of the city’s ancient marketplace where merchants and townsfolk once gathered. The Mercat Mule channels this lively spirit! A robust blend of vodka, ginger beer, and locally made peach liqueur with bursts of fresh raspberries. The delicate notes in the ginger bring warmth to the drink, reflecting the bustling energy of trade and celebration that once filled this historic square. Serve – Rocks Glass. Grey Goose vodka, Lucky Liqueur peach, lemon, peach bitters, fresh raspberries, mint, ginger beer. (Also available as a mocktail)

From Mercat Cross, the Tales of the Old Town takes in one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, St Giles’ Cathedral, a notable filming location for the new Frankenstein movie. This historic site inspired the creation of the Mary Shelley cocktail with a dark and mysterious concoction of vodka, infused with the team’s own unique twist on classic Bloody Mary ingredients. Serve – Highball Glass. Grey Goose vodka, port, tomato juice, lemon, Worchester sauce, Chorrito hot sauce, peated whisky spritz.

A tribute to Edinburgh’s most loyal dog, Greyfriars Bobby, The Loyal Greyfriars is a heartwarming cocktail that blends Scotch whisky and a touch of heather honey. This drink is a celebration of friendship and loyalty, much like the little dog who guarded his master’s grave. The addition of heather, symbolic of Scotland’s rugged mountains and crags, adds a floral note that complements the whisky’s warmth. Serve – Rocks Glass with ice. Aberfeldy 12 YO, Heather honey syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters.

Two further stops include Dynamic Earth, a place of exploration, where the Earth’s dramatic past comes to life with the Dynamic Earthquake cocktail a bold and explosive creation, combining the punchy flavours of tequila with sweet Scottish rhubarb, a local favourite. The result is a cocktail that evokes the Earth’s power, with layers of flavour that evolve like the forces of nature. Serve – Flute. Patron silver tequila, rhubarb liqueur, lemon, orgeat & rhubarb soda.

The final cocktail, and destination is Arthur’s Seat, Arthur’s Elevation captures the exhilarating experience of standing atop Edinburgh’s most famous hill. A refreshing blend of gin, local bramble liqueur, lemon and bursts of coconut, this cocktail’s crisp flavours evoke the sweet and breathtaking views of the city from above. Serve – Martini Glass. Bombay Sapphire, Lucky Liqueur bramble, lemon, coconut syrup, egg white. (Arthur’s Elevation is also available as a mocktail)

Yubaraj Tiwari, Lead Bartender at Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, said:

“Each cocktail on the Tales of Old Town menu tells a story, connecting the rich tapestry of Edinburgh’s past and present. We are at the beating heart of the Old Town so what better way to pay tribute to the historical landmarks on our doorstep, giving all who stay or visit the opportunity to savour the experience, and allow the history and legends of the Old Town unfold with every sip and raise a toast to the city’s enduring tales.”

Zakia Moulaoui, Founder and CEO at Invisible Cities, said:

“Invisible Cities is excited to partner with the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood on this new exciting walking tour. As experts in the Old Town, we know each place quite well and are excited to have hotel guests discover these locations too.”

For more information about Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood visit www.marriott.com/edimh and to find out more about Invisible Cities please visit invisible-cities.org.

Exclusive offer: 

Members of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce can access 20% off our NEW COCKTAIL MENU – Tales of the Old Town over the month of October.

To redeem, please mention you are a member of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.