Hidden within the heart of London lies Hokus Pokus, an apothecary-style cocktail bar that brings history, magic, and mixology together under one spellbinding roof. The establishment takes inspiration from the eccentric Victorian “quack doctor” James Morison, who in 1828 founded his “British College of Health” just a few doors away. Morison, a man of curious adventures—from the Baltic trade routes to the vineyards of Bordeaux—believed in the power of potions and elixirs. Today, Hokus Pokus revives that spirit, but with a modern twist—where its summer drinks menu celebrates not medicine, but mood and mastery.
Rather than promising cures, Hokus Pokus offers concoctions that soothe the senses and elevate the spirit. Each creation on the summer drinks menu feels like a page torn from an alchemist’s diary—crafted meticulously with house-made infusions, aged vermouths, and smoked botanicals. Here, every drink has a personality, and every sip tells a story.
A Tribute to Alchemy and Imagination
Stepping into Hokus Pokus is like walking into an old-world apothecary that’s collided with a modern speakeasy. The walls echo with whispers of scientific rebellion, and the air carries the aroma of infused herbs and slow-aged vermouth. It’s in this setting that the summer drinks menu unfolds—a poetic collection of potions crafted to charm the palate and delight the senses.
The bar’s philosophy echoes the adventurous nature of its namesake. Where Doc Morison experimented with ingredients for healing, the bartenders at Hokus Pokus experiment for pleasure. Each cocktail combines precision, creativity, and storytelling—offering guests not just a drink, but an experience that lingers like a well-told legend.
Signature Prescriptions: A Modern Take on Vintage Potions
Under the section aptly named Prescriptions, Hokus Pokus presents an eclectic mix of contemporary cocktails infused with heritage. These creations are not merely drinks—they are liquid narratives that celebrate craftsmanship.
The Wagyu-Washed Bourbon sets the tone for the list, blending Michter’s US*1 Original Sour Mash with house-made barrel-aged vermouth infused with apple chicory and cherry wood smoke. Garnished with British bresaola, this potion embodies smoky luxury and artistry.
The Flamed Cherry follows—a sensory spectacle where cherry, cinnamon, and star anise-infused cognac meet house-made plum compote. Flamed tableside, it delivers both theatre and warmth, a perfect toast to a summer evening.
For those who crave something fruit-forward, Fruity Fusion captures the essence of the season. With strawberry-infused vodka, house-made strawberry wine, and elderflower liqueur, this cocktail is bright, floral, and refreshingly whimsical. The addition of a molecular mixology sphere turns every sip into a moment of surprise—an ideal centerpiece of the summer drinks menu.
Smoky, Floral, and Bold Creations
Innovation shines further in cocktails like Blueberry Tequila & Mezcal, a balance of Tapatio Blanco Tequila, blueberry puree, and a hint of elderberry smoke. The result is a smoky yet fruity blend that plays with contrasts, delivering a sophisticated finish.
The Hokus Pokus Negroni offers a modern twist on the Italian classic, substituting tradition with creativity. Using Boatyard Gin and a house-aged vermouth blend, it exudes complexity while staying refreshingly familiar.
For the explorers of the unknown, The Drift reimagines the gin cocktail with poppy liqueur and coffee essence trapped within a hollow ice sphere—a mesmerizing touch that slowly reveals itself with time. It’s these small but intricate details that make Hokus Pokus’ summer drinks menu an adventure worth savoring.
A Symphony of Color and Flavor
When it comes to color and presentation, The Ember Bloom and Lavender Sunset are standout highlights. The Ember Bloom, featuring Beluga Vodka and watermelon, gains heat from a chili-infused tequila tincture, merging refreshment with spice. Lavender Sunset, on the other hand, embodies a romantic aura—mixing Caribbean rum, peach, and house-made lavender oil for a serene yet tropical finish.
Each drink feels seasonal, yet timeless—crafted for warm evenings, casual laughter, and elegant indulgence. And for those who prefer a touch of nostalgia, the Coffee & Orange Chocolate creation indulges the sweet tooth, layering house-made coffee, orange, and white chocolate liqueurs finished with popping candy. It’s playful yet refined—a dessert in disguise.
Beyond Cocktails: Wines, Beers, and the Art of Pairing
No summer drinks menu would be complete without fine wines and premium spirits. Hokus Pokus offers an elegant selection, ranging from the crisp Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc of New Zealand to the luxurious Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve Champagne from France. The Château La Coste Rosé from Provence adds a blush of sophistication to any gathering, while the Isole e Olena Chianti Classico from Tuscany invites deeper, richer conversation over candlelight.
The Beluga Gold Line Martini, however, stands as the crown jewel—a symbol of craftsmanship and purity. With its six-time filtration process, this martini is minimalism perfected, served with a simple twist of lemon zest to enhance its clarity and flavor.
For the casual drinker, craft beers like Megaro Lager and Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted provide lighter, easygoing alternatives. The menu even includes Estrella Galicia 0.0%, ensuring that the experience remains inclusive without compromising on taste.
Where History Meets Hedonism
What makes the summer drinks menu at Hokus Pokus truly special is not just the flavor—it’s the philosophy. Every element pays homage to the experimental spirit of the Victorian age while embracing modern mixology’s elegance and precision. Guests are invited to experience the joy of discovery, to taste history remixed for the present, and to revel in the blend of science and art that defines each glass.
Doc Morison’s legacy may have revolved around health, but at Hokus Pokus, wellness takes a different form—one measured not by cures, but by contentment. Here, the elixirs heal the spirit, ignite curiosity, and turn an ordinary summer evening into something extraordinary.
Conclusion: A Magical Escape in Every Sip
For those seeking an unforgettable summer experience, the summer drinks menu at Hokus Pokus London offers more than refreshment—it offers an escape. Each cocktail, wine, and spirit is a tribute to the imagination, inviting guests to step beyond the ordinary and embrace a touch of alchemy.
Whether enjoyed chilled over ice or sipped slowly at room temperature, these handcrafted elixirs promise not health, but happiness—a delightful reminder that magic, much like good taste, never truly goes out of style.
