The Cocktail Lovers

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.

June 19th, or Juneteenth as it's known, is a recognised holiday in the US, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. With that in mind, we're focusing on some of the many talented Black voices and stories in the drinks world – past and present, home and away – that we feel people need to know more about.Such as our two chosen products: Uncle Nearest and its 1884 Small Batch Whiskey from Tennessee and One True Maverick, a triple-distilled, premium vodka from south London. And our book choice, which sees us rewinding back to the past and delving into the first first cocktail book written by a Black bartender: The Ideal Bartender, first published in 1917 and written by Tom Bullock. As for black-owned bars we've gone more contemporary, heading to Sly Augustin's award-winning Trailer Happiness in Notting Hill.Last but by no means least, our interviewee is Tamika Hall, author of Black Mixcellence, a book that celebrates the movers and shakers of Black bartending. Hear about the stories she was most inspired by, the bartenders whose recipes are featured and the importance of Juneteenth.What we’re mixing:V & TeaseRecipe kindly supplied by ms franky marshall1.5oz (44ml) Dry Vermouth*1.5oz (44ml) Bianco Vermouth*2 oz (60ml) good quality dry Tonic WaterMethod:Using a jigger, add vermouths to an ice-filled Rocks glass. Measure and add tonic water.Using the large end of a melon baller or teaspoon, add one scoop of lemon sorbet (such as Häagen-Dazs) to the glass.Stir once. Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig. Optional: Add 1 drop of chilli oil to the top of the sorbet.*Franky's tip: Herbaceous vermouths work best for this recipe, especially for the Bianco.For details of the people, products and places featured in this week’s episode, please find links to their websites below:Colin Asare-AppiahOne True MaverickTamika Hall/Black MixcellenceThe Ideal Bartender by Tom BullockTrailer HappinessUncle NearestThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis ‘T-Bone’ WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the first day of June, so naturally we're thinking easy sipping – whether we're heading out to bars or keeping things simple but stylish at the requisite picnics, barbecues and festivals.With that in mind, our first product review is the super tangy pre-mixed, non-alcoholic Sakura Paloma from Everleaf, followed by one of the most successful bottled cocktails in the past few years, the award-winning Mirror Margarita by Deano Moncrieffe from Hacha bars.For the perfect summer serves, we suggest heading over to Soda + Friends in London City Island, where deftly balanced highballs are the stars of the glass. And for mixing things up at home, we've picked out 'Easy Tiki' by Chloe Frechette – it's got all the tips you need for making the fabulous al fresco drinks.Then it's over to Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland to hear from Michele Mariotti on what's in store for summer, how to make the perfect highballs and why a pre-batched Negroni should be in everyone's fridge.What we're mixing:Sgroppino2 scoops lemon sorbet25 vodka75ml proseccoLemon to garnishMethod:Add all ingredients to blender and whizz through for 10 seconds. Pour into a chilled Flute glass, grate lemon zest over the top and serve.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:Easy Tiki by Chloe FrechetteGleneaglesMirror MargaritaSakura PalomaSoda & FriendsUnjiggered PodcastThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yes, it's World Whisky Day on 20th May but this episode isn't completely whisk(e)y flavoured. We're sampling a new non-alc botanical spirit! A brand new gin! A fabulous new bar in Hackney! And a few more bits besides.We kick things off by mixing up a Black Manhattan. No, we hadn't heard of it either but now that we've tried the delicious rye and amaro based cocktail, we're definitely keeping it in our repertoire. It sets us up nicely for our two tastings – the first of which is Botivo, a bitter and herbaceous non-alcoholic aperitif, the second is Renais, a gin distilled in England but inspired by Burgundy.Our bar review sees us heading East to the recently opened, oh-so fabulous Equal Parts in Hackney and as for our library pick, well, that takes us to the US for 'Bourbon: The Story of Kentucky Whiskey' , Clay Risen's beautiful box set.Then it's time to talk whisky without the 'e', with our very spacial guest, Colin Dunn, Whisky Ambassador at Diageo. Listen in for some fun facts, down-to-earth tips and the most engaging anecdotes from one of our favourite self-confessed whisky geeks of all time.What we're mixing:Black Manhattan50ml rye whiskey25ml amaro1 dash Angostura aromatic biiters1 dash orange bittersMaraschino cherry to garnishMethod:Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled Coupe glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:BotivoBourbon: The Story of Kentucky WhiskeyColin DunnEqual PartsRenaisThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian FoxCoupe glass. Garnish with the Maraschino cherry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To tie-in with the latest issue of our magazine, this episode sees us going unapologetically geeky on numbers. We start with our two products: Dewar's Double Double 21-Year-Old anda series of three gorgeous artisanal products from The London Vermouth Company.The five-star Atrium Bar at the Four Seasons hotel in Florence gets our thumbs up – not just because it fits the theme but because it's blooming gorgeous and definitely one you should have on your list if you're Florence-bound. We then explore Bloody Marys aplenty – 100 or so in fact – in Brian Bartel's The Bloody Mary, the lore and legend of a cocktail classic with recipes for brunch and beyond, which does exactly what it says on the tin.Our interview is with Giuseppe Gallo, founder of Ital Spirits, creator of Italicus and Savoia and the brains behind the Roma Bar Show. We talk to him about the show's success as it enters its third year, why Roma is the place to be if you're serious about cocktails, what it means to the Italian bar community and the addition of the Roma Bar Show Awards.For more from The Cocktail Lovers, visit thecocktaillovers.comFor the products featured in this episode, see websites below:What we're mixing:Corpse Reviver No. 230ml London Dry Gin30ml Lillet Blanc30ml Cointreau30ml freshly-squeezed lemon juice5ml sugar syrup (optional)5ml absintheOrange peel to garnishMethod:Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until very cold. Strain into a chilled Martini or Coupe glass, garnish with a twist of orange peel.Atrium Bar, Four Seasons FirenzeDewar's Double Double 21-Year-OldItal SpiritsThe Bloody Mary – the lore and legend of a cocktail classic with recipes for brunch and beyond by Brian Bartel'sThe London Vermouth CompanyRoma Bar Show (29-30 May)To nominate yourself or your favourite bar in any of the categories below, visit Roma Bar Show/awardsItaly's Best BartenderItaly's Best Cocktail BarBest New Cocktail BarBest Hotel Bar in ItalyBest Food ProgrammeBest Social Media PresenceThe Cocktail Lovers theme music is by Travis 'T-Bone' WatsonEdited by Christian Fox Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s something different and altogether rather special about this episode’s theme. It’s all about PATRÓN Tequila and more specifically about PATRÓN Perfectionists. As the name suggests it’s a celebration of the very best in tequila, education and cocktail creation.Once again the global final took place at the home of Patrón, the stunning Hacienda PATRÓN in Jalisco, Mexico. And we were fortunate enough to be there to follow the action and join the judging.We talk with previous global winners Giulia Cuccurrullo (2020) and Harrison Kenney (2022) about their experiences in the competition and what they were looking for as judges this year; taste one of the Challenge Champion drinks with Max Macauley and catch up with Lauren Mote, (title), who explains the aims of PATRÓN Perfectionists and what the program means for the competition’s bartenders and their guests.Along the way we share our tasting of a beautiful PATRÓN Tequila cocktail and mix up a lux version of a Paloma.Tune into join us at the Patrón hacienda. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.