In any creative project I undertake, my first step is always to ask, “What is the essence of this?” This question serves as my guiding principle, helping me dive deeper into the heart of the work.

When it comes to The Daffodil the essence is particularly rich and layered. This isn’t just about a vessel; it’s a captivating piece of Liverpool’s history. The Daffodil represents not only the city itself but also the River that has cradled her for decades. She has been a conduit for countless passengers, each with their own story, boarding her and her sister vessel, embarking on journeys that ranged from daily commutes to leisurely day trips. I find myself reflecting on where these people were headed, the experiences they sought, and the work of the crew who operated her.

When I was invited to write about my creative process regarding our team’s work on The Daffodil I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. It was an opportunity to explore and articulate the deeper significance of this project.

One concept that struck me was to imagine The Daffodil as a cocktail. If she were to embody a drink, I envision her as a classic cocktail—sophisticated yet approachable, timeless in her appeal. She would be visually striking, perhaps with vibrant colours, yet offer a refreshing and complex flavour profile that invites exploration. This cocktail would capture the essence of her history, the stories she carries, and the enduring charm of Liverpool itself.

In this way, The Daffodil transforms into more than just a vessel of the past; it becomes a symbol of connection, community, and the enduring charm of Liverpool.

The Yardarm – presenting one of Brendan’s creations on the new cocktail menu. A nod to the nautical term “the sun is past the yardarm”, which is a traditional saying to indicate that it is time for a morning drink. It was generally assumed in northern latitudes the sun would show above the foreyard of a ship by 1100hrs, which was about the time in many ships of the forenoon ‘stand-easy’, when many officers would slip below for their first drink of the day. Containing rum, apple and mint – it’s reminiscent of a refreshing Mojito which also finds its roots in maritime history.

“The Daffodil”

A cocktail that was created to celebrate not only what a Daffodil represents in the literal, but also palatably, giving a refreshing, clean and floral cocktail.

Here’s a run-through of how to make the drink, or feel free to enter our opening giveaway and come and taste one made by our expert bartenders instead…

INGREDIENTS

Beefeater Dry Gin – 40ml
Lemon Juice – 25ml
Passionfruit Puree – 20ml
Blossom Water – 2ml
Edible green paint

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Deep Coupe

METHOD

Prep your Glassware – take your paint and brush it in a diagonal line, from the base of the coupe, in a swirl up to the edge.
Make the Drink – add all ingredients into your cocktail shaker. Add ice to the shaker and shake the ingredients vigorously until cool temperature is achieved. Discard the ice in your glassware and strain the cocktail into the glass.

Sipping History: The Daffodil Cocktail – a toast to Liverpool’s Legacy

“The Daffodil”

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