Hasta La Ideas

Barely a few weeks into launching, Reverend Berriman’s Heavenly Unorthodox Beverages’ chili-infused sodas (not to mention the company’s tongue-in-cheek marketing strategy) have already made global waves.

To start, John Berriman who founded the Cornwall, England-based company, is indeed a reverend. As the story goes, “divine inspiration” struck Berriman one evening as he pondered the results of infusing his homemade cola with freshly-picked chili peppers. After a year of product development, the final result is a soft drink imbued with the heat of chilis without the flavor, imparting a subtle “glow” in the back of the throat.

In addition to a cleverly understated logo (note the collar) and packaging by the U.K.-based firm Lowestudio, the company’s marketing team consists (no kidding!) of a Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Paul—further proof that the Powers That Be support a good side business. And, a portion of the proceeds go to charitable organizations like the
Turnaround Project.

Currently available in Cola (regular and Diet), as well as Sparkling Apple flavors, Reverend Berriman’s Heavenly Unorthodox Beverages sell at small grocers and gourmet shops throughout England. The company also offers flavorful “mocktail” alternatives to mixed-alcohol drinks on their site.

While Reverend Berriman’s spicy sweet beverages currently are only distributed in the U.K., they continue to gain attention for their innovative recipes. The sodas sell for £1.20 a bottle or £13 for a 12-pack from their online store.

Stockholm’s first and only members bar, the recently-opened Safiren Apt 606 serves up Bombay Sapphire-based drinks. Hidden within Stockholm’s stylish Story Hotel, Apt 606 offers members an urban retreat that even guests aren’t privy to.

A gin heavily focused on quality both in taste and design (the brand has its own award for glass design), Bombay compliments the club’s smooth aesthetic well. Members can choose from a variety of top-notch cocktails including the tempting Bombay Sapphire Rose, the classic Dry Martini (favored by the late Queen Mother), and a take on Robert De Niro’s tipple of choice, the Bramble—with all the recipes published (with downloadble PDFs) on the Apt 606 site.

The bar itself, a low-key affair, mixes vintage curiosity items with modern luxury for a casually sophisticated feel, accented by fabrics in rich tones of oxblood, maroons and deep turquoise.

In keeping with the air of secrecy surrounding most bars of its ilk, Apt 606 doesn’t take applications. Instead, selected members receive a key to access the private bar. Tucked away from the main drinking space of the hotel, the slightly protracted entry process only makes for an even greater feeling of seclusion and privilege.