The Cocktail Lovers

We're taking a trip down memory lane in this episode, looking back at some of our favourite bottles and bars that we've been fortunate enough to experience in the past year.But first, we add two new products to our list: Belle De Brillet, a delicious pear and cognac liqueur and Stonewashed Cosmo, one of a limited-edition, ready-to-pour range from Mr Lyan x Whitebox cocktails.What we're tasting:Tayer Studios x Maya NjieAmber + Sandalwood(Tayer Aquavit, Ardbeg 10yo, Americano Cocchi, Muyu Vetiver Gris, Sandalwood, Perique Tobacco + Cedarwood)Available from tayer-elementary.comFor more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comProducts included in this episode:Ardray Blended Scotch WhiskyBotivoCapreolus DistilleryThe Lost Explorer MezcalThe London Vermouth CoPod Pea VodkaRenais Gin Savoia AmericanoSeventy One GinBars included in this episode:Barro NegroBoadasThe Cambridge Public HouseDouble Chicken PleaseFloreria Atlantico BarcelonaFocoHandshakeHimkokIgiea Terraza BarKwantSastreria MartinezViajante87What we're looking forward to:AjabuThe SchmucksSip & GuzzleTokyo ConfidentialTwice ShyPortobello Star Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsored episodeIn this special episode we're joined by Victoria Symington, Brand Marketing Manager, Graham's and Alina Bazen, Graham's Blend Series Global Cocktail Competition 2023 winner. Victoria talks about working in the family business, the nuances of the two Graham's Blends Series ports and why the Graham's Blend Series Global Cocktail Competition was conceived, while, Alina shares her experience of the competition, exploring Porto and the Douro Valley and finding out about the versatility of port.Entries for this year's competition are now open. For more details and how to enter, visit: https://bit.ly/BlendComp24Each national winner will be invited to compete in the Global Final, taking place in Porto between 5-8th May 2024. The overall winner will receive a €1,000 cash prize, along with six months’ supply of Graham’s Blend Nº5 White Port and Blend Nº12 Ruby Port for their bar.Entries close on 23/02/2024. Alina's winning cocktail:Port de Caféwith Graham’s Blend Nº12, mezcal, cold brew coffee, saline solution, agave syrup and a touch of Fernet Branca. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alex Kratena, an innovative and inspirational drinks professional, talks about his time at Artesian bar, collaborations, and his latest project, Tayer Studios. Other topics include unique cocktail recipes like Falling Leaves, the design of the Shivering Mountain gin bottle, Atelier-Coupette bar in Soho, and a book recommendation for bartenders called 'Jeff and co welcome home'.

We've packed a lot into this week's episode, so sorry not sorry that it's a little longer than most…We start with a tasting of Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky from Wales and continue with Brugal 1888 Double Aged Rum from the Dominican Republic, while our pick of the week on the book front is 'Signature Cocktails' by Amanda Schuster.Instead of one bar review, we have seven from a recent visit to Venice. There's a mix of historic and modern, all recommended for the next time you visit The Floating City.From northeastern Italy, we head to the middle of the UK where we catch up with World Class GB winner Matt Arnold. We hear from him about why he's on a mission to put Birmingham on the global map and to recap on his experience at the recent World Class Global Finals in São Paulo.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Scorpion45ml Gold rum22.5ml cognac or pisco60ml freshly squeezed orange juice30ml freshly squeezed lemon juice15ml orgeat syrupMethod:Blend all ingredients with crushed ice and serve in a Collins glass. Garnish with a slice of orange and mint sprig.Recipe: diffordsguide.comAber Falls Single Malt WhiskyBrugal 1888 Double Aged RumPassing FanciesSignature Cocktails by Amanda SchusterItalian Bars:AmanArts BarExperimental Cocktail ClubBar Longhi at The Gritti PalaceHarry's Bar VeniceOsteria I RusteghiThe Library Bar at Nolinski VeneziaVenice Cocktail WeekThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're focusing on flavour in this episode, starting with apples which get a look in with our two featured products: Showerings, a 100% apple-tastic Dry Vintage Cider hailing from Somerset and Le Morton Calvados Domfrontais, comprising 70% pears, 30% apples, hailing from Normandy.Olly Smith takes us on a journey of flavours in his World Cocktail Atlas, and we check in to Sweeties at the Standard in London to check out Zoe Burgess’s favoursome cocktail list.Lastly, Juliette Larrouy takes time out from sharing the cocktail love in Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul to talk to us about how she uses the kitchen for inspiration in her drinks and why New York is where her impressive career in cocktails started, and continues to make a massive impact in her latest venture – Schmuck, the new bar she’s opening with Moe Aljaff in 2024.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Mezcal Negroni25ml mezcal25ml Campari25ml sweet vermouthMethod:Stir all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.Juliette LarrouyLe Morton Calvados Domfrontais CalvadosSchmuckShowerings Dry Vintage CiderWorld Cocktail Atlas by Olly SmithThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're born and bred Londoners so we make no apology for saying that London Cocktail Week is one of our favourite times of the year. To set the mood, we're opening two products raised in the capital: Jensen's Old Tom Gin and The London Essence Co, a range of premium mixers.Our bar review sees us going back to one of the original good-times spots– a bar that started life as the Covent Garden Cocktail Club back in 2008, before changing its name to the London Cocktail Club when it expanded to two further venues in central London. Now, with 10 bars in the capital under its belt and having taken the crowd-pleasing formula further afield to Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Reading and Exeter, it's no longer just a London thing – hence its new name: The Cocktail Club. But London is front and centre of our book choice which zones in on what is considered to be the true spirit of the capital, it's London Gin – The Gin Craze by Thea Bennett.All of which primes us for our interview with Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne, the brilliant minds behind London Cocktail Week. Tune in to hear what's in store in this year's packed programme, and their plans for the Michelin-star guide for cocktail bars, The Pinnacle Guide, launching in November 2023. #amazingFor more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:London Calling45ml London Dry Gin15ml Fino sherry15ml sugar syrup (2:1)15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice2 dashes orange bittersMethod:Shake all ingredients over ice. Pour into chilled Nick & Nora glasses. Garnish with grapefruit twist (optional)Recipe created by Chris Jepson, Milk & Honey, LondonMethod: Shake all ingredients over ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with an orange 'sail' (Luxardo or Maraschino cherry pierced through a slice of orange in the shape of a sail).Jensen's Old Tom GinLondon Cocktail WeekLondon Gin – The Gin CrazeThe Cocktail ClubThe London Essence CoThe Pinnacle GuideThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today is the day that Himkok in Oslo unleash their most ambitious project yet – a catwalk collection inspired by the 13 cocktails on their new menu. But before we hear from head of research and development at Himkok, Paul Voza about that, we have this week's bottles, bar and book recommendationsOur drinks reviews take in two products of the agave variety: the first is Patrón El Alto Tequila; the second, The Lost Explorer Salmiana Mezcal. On the bars front, we sample the cocktails and soak up the luxe but fabulously laid back vibes at recently opened Dover Yard, while our book choice is the excellent Modern Classic Cocktails – 60 Stories and Recipes from the New Golden Age in Drinks by Robert Simonson.Then it's over to Oslo where we hear from Paul Voza about the cocktail creativity at Himkok and the remarkable catwalk show taking place today. The clothes designed by Eline Dragesund are one-offs but the drinks will be available for the entire year. Make it your mission to try them.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Whisky Highball50ml Whisky100ml sodaMethod:Chill your whisky, soda and Highball glasses. Fill glassware with ice. Add your whisky, top with soda. Finish with a squeeze of lemon peel.Dover YardHimkokModern Classic Cocktails – 60 Stories and Recipes from the New Golden Age in DrinksPatrón El Alto TequilaThe Lost Explorer Salmiana MezcalThe Whisky Show (29 Sep-1 Oct) Old Billingsgate Market, London.For information and tickets, see hereThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've been saving opening our new stash of bottles for this season, so expect plenty of exciting tastings coming your way in the next few months. Starting with our two featured products in this week's episode: Hayman's Exotic Citrus Gin from London and the very recently released Vapoura Spiced Rum, made in the heart of England.Over to Paris for the day and to The Cambridge Public House, a trés chic bar inspired by a British pub. The two-and-a-bit Eurostar journey gave us plenty of time to pore over our book choice this week, a must for anyone who wants to make better cocktails, the aptly made How To Make Better Cocktails by Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge, Natalia Garcia Bourke and Andy Shannon.Then our big, and we mean 'big' interview this week is with the man, the myth, the modern bartending legend that is Erik Lorincz. Spoiler alert: he's got a LOT to say, including insights to his incredible work ethic, details of his fabulous new bar, Kwant Mark II and how he got to be on the set of Skyfall.(Apologies for the sound quality towards the end of the interview)For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Rum Punch45ml Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum30ml sugar syrup (2:1)15ml freshly-squeezed lime juice60ml chilled water2 dashes Angostura aromatic bittersMethod: Shake all ingredients over ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with an orange 'sail' (Luxardo or Maraschino cherry pierced through a slice of orange in the shape of a sail).Hayman's Exotic Citrus GinHow To Make Better CocktailsKwant MayfairThe Cambridge Public House, ParisVapoura Spiced RumThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of season six sees us focusing on all things new (or newish).Our pick of the new crop of products takes in Pod Pea Vodka from Manchester, and Ardray, a new whisky, blending the artistry of Japan with the traditions of Scotland.It’s over to the historic American Bar to check out the first menu by its newest head bartender, Chelsie Bailey, and our book choice is relatively new – it’s Doctors & Distillers The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cocktail by Camper English. We also highlight another book in this episode with our very special guest, Ryan Chetiyawardana who tells us about the soon-to-be released At Home With Mr Lyan & Friends, a new version of one of our favourite cocktail books: Good Thinks To Drink with Mr Lyan & Friends – our pick for cocktail lovers everywhere.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:New York Sour60ml rye whiskey or bourbon30ml freshly-squeezed lemon juice15ml simple syrup (1 part sugar, 1 part water)1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters1 egg white (optional)15ml red wine Method:Dry shake (without ice) all ingredients, except red wine, really hard. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a Rocks over fresh ice. Carefully pour the red wine over the back of bar spoon to create float on the drink. American Bar at The SavoyAt Home With Mr Lyan & Friends published later this month. See mrlyan.com for more detailsArdray Blended Scotch WhiskyDoctors & Distillers The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cocktail by Camper EnglishPod Pea VodkaFor more of Ryan and his bars, see Mr Lyan For more from Camper English, see AlcademicsThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our last episode in this current season sees us taking a vacay through the world of drinks. We start with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Californian Orange Citrus, before getting a taste of Mexico with Nocheluna Sotol.Italy is our destination of choice as we head to Palermo and to Villa Igiea for Salvatore Calabrese's Once Upon A Time cocktail menu at Igiea Terrazza Bar. When it comes to our book choice, it could only be Around The World 80 Cocktails, from Australian bartender and writer Chad Parkhill.Then it's over to New York City for a chat with Tako Chang, one of the team behind the award-winning bar Double Chicken Please to hear about the Coop, new merch and why the world can't get enough of their culinary cocktails. For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Air Mail30ml gold rum15ml freshly-squeezed lime juice15ml honey syrup*45ml ChampagneMethod:Shake the first three ingredients over ice. Strain into an ice-filled Highball glass. Add Champagne and garnish with mint.*To make honey syrup, add 3 parts honey to 1 part water and shake to combine.Around The World In 80 CocktailsDouble Chicken PleaseDrumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Igiea Terraza BarNocheluna SotolThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.