Take a swig of Bristol’s booming drinks scene with Schweppes 1783

From the plush leather furniture to the exposed floorboards, this discerning Clifton Village spot does the whole gastro-pub thing in seriously class style. Their Sunday roasts, which use local produce, are incredibly popular with Clifton locals, and they preside over a distinctly self-respecting drinks list – which extends all the way to their sophisticated spin on the G&T. The ingredients? Martin Miller’s gin, Schweppes 1783 Cucumber Tonic, a garnish of cucumber ribbons and, then, ruby grapefruit zest for that extra citrus-laden kick. A respectful yet utterly distinct take on a venerated classic.

Princess Victoria St, BS8 4BX. www.somersethouseclifton.com

Had Mr Schweppe ever visited Bristol, he could have sought out this establishment: the Grade II-listed Albion dates back to the seventeenth century. (Although, we highly doubt the chic exposed-brick decor, plush furniture and gastro menu would have been around back then.) Alongside the real ales and beers, The Albion also stocks an impressibly sizeable wine list – and a decidedly forward-thinking line of cocktails. This one uses gin with Schweppes 1783 Salty Lemon Tonic Water and is topped with a garnish of fresh thyme and lemon zest, with the saltiness of the tonic perfectly matches the bitterness of the gin and the acidity of the lemon.

Boyces Avenue, BS8 4AA. www.thealbionclifton.co.uk

Bristol has a deservedly earned a repution for a booming party scene, and these two sister cocktail clubs  – one on Whiteladies Road; one just off Rupert Street – are two definite reasons. Both boast intimate lighting, vintage-inspired decor, snappily-dressed staff – and one of the most impressive cocktail lists in the city. This particular creation, the Totally Tropical Tonic, has a touch of the exotic about it, taking Schweppes 1783 Grapefruit Tonic and blending it with vermouth, pineapple oleo-saccharum and served over ice with dehydrated pineapple and pineapple leaf. Honestly, a sip of this and you’d be half-forgiven for thinking you were in Barbados, not Bristol.

Flipside: Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PB. Faraway: Small St, BS1 1DE. www.fccbristol.com

Another drink with a hint of the Caribbean – but what else would you expect from a bar of this name? The Cuban, a high-tempo little restaurant-bar in the revamped Canon’s Marsh area, has added some serious pizzazz to the 1783 line. Their Crisp Passion mixes Bacardi Carta Oro, passionfruit purée, lemon juice, simple syrup and Schweppes 1783 Crisp Tonic to bring some seriously punchy flavours together.

Harbourside, BS1 5SZ. www.thecubanbristol.co.uk

Find out more at www.the1783club.co.uk.