The Cocktail Lovers Magazine Issue 4 Summer 2012

ISSUE 4

SUMMER 2012

ON THE COVER Urban elegance on the Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols

THE ART OF DRINKING One man’s mission to capture the craft of classic cocktails

IN THE HOTSEAT 20 questions for Andy Mil, World Class GB 2012 winner

BUBBLING WITH CREATIVITY Tony Conigliaro gets fizzical with Perrier

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Ketel One has been inspired by 300 years of Nolet family distilling tradition. Its softness and richness come from distillation in the copper pot stills, while the crispness, freshness and silkiness come from the Ultra Wheat Spirit. ÂŽ

A member of the Nolet family personally approves every final production run.

The KETEL ONE words and associated logos are trade marks. KETEL ONE Š 2012.

So we’ve taken the al fresco theme and run with it. Dominic Jacobs, Fatos Gashi, Corinne Wilkinson and Maggie Galka get the ball rolling in our style shoot, setting the scene for a summer of urban elegance with delicously fragrant cocktails and stylish fashion on the terrace in the bar at Harvey Nichols (p. 26).

The al fresco vibe continues with a look at portable kit for impromptu picnics (p. 24), five destinations with cocktail lovers in mind (p. 12) and simple summer infusions to mix up at home (p. 22).

We’ll be honest though, one of us is slightly pessimistic about the sun making too much of an impression between now and autumn. Find out who in our Inside vs. Outside debate (p. 18). And if the weather really does get the better of us, we suggest heading over to Oslo for a change of scenery (p. 44).

We also catch up with Andy Mil, World Class GB Bartender 2012 (p. 10), Tony Conigliaro injecting fizz into Perrier (p. 33) and discover the art of the cocktail as seen through the eyes of Matt Talbert (p. 14).

Our next issue will be published to coincide with London Cocktail Week from 8 October. Be sure to book up for your wristbands asap.

Happy imbibing!

Ms S & Mr G

THE WORLD’S MOST AWARDED RUM RANGE

IN-gredients

The Gold Standard of Rum

Angostura’s premium rum range picked up a total of 7 gold medals at the Rum Masters Competition 2012, in the categories of Tasting and Design and Packaging.

But the story doesn’t end there... over the past 7 years our rums have received top honours around the globe, earning the title of the World’s Most Awarded Rum Range.

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IN-gredients

6. IN-the know 25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season Making alco-popsicles, getting busy with the fizzy, blinging up our cocktail cabinet and 22 other things we’re looking forward to doing in the next three months.

10. IN-terview In the hotseat – Andy Mil The recently crowned World Class Best Bartender in Great Britain discusses his recent dreams, Zacapa 23 rum and his resemblance to Leonardo Da Caprio.

12. IN-the spotlight Away Days Five day trips with cocktail lovers in mind.

14. IN-spire The art of drinking The craft of classic bartending, captured in oils

by Matt Talbert.

18. IN-focus Inside vs. Outside 18. Playing it safe by staying indoors or embracing the elements and going out? It’s a tough choice when it comes to British summers…

Summer infusions made easy 20. Gardening and cocktails are a match made in heaven as Nicky Fabbrini reports

26. IN-dulge Cocktails on the go Essential kit for making drinks al fresco.

28. IN-style Get the drinks in at Fifth Floor Bar, Harvey Nichols Dominic Jacobs, Fatos Gashi, Corinne Wilkinson and Maggie Galka show off the latest fashion collections at Harvey Nichols on its outdoor terrace and inside bar

35. IN-dustry greats Bubbling with creativity EXCLUSIVE FILM: Watch Tony Conigliaro adding a sparkling molecular twist to Perrier.

37. IN-dependent spirits The Impeccable Colonel Fox Meet Colonel Fox, the new gin with old-fashioned charm.

39. IN-the mix This season it’s all about… Tequila!

Say bye, bye to cheap shots and bad hangovers and hello to quality tequila.

41. In-formed 41. Mains and Martinis.

Restaurants where the cocktails are as good as the food.

42. Word Up. Last orders from Ben and Tom, The Thinking Drinkers; music for cocktails from Supreme Beings of Leisure, The Cocktail Girl heads to Dirty Martini, and notable nibbles for drinks.

44. IN-sider’s guide Cocktails in the Granite City If you thought the best cocktails in Scotland could only be found in Edinburgh and Glasgow, think again. Adrian Gomes lifts the lid on Aberdeen’s bustling bar scene.

46. IN-ternational

On the cover: Maggie wears Erdem floral dress, £910; Iosselliani crystal gem drop earrings, £200; Iosselliani coloured stone bracelet, £710.

Corinne wears Peter Pilotto dress, £615; Victoria Grant light up Martini glass hat (price on request). All available from Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com Styling by Emma Lindhorst at Harvey Nichols; Make-up by Martin Carter at Stila Cosmetics.

Hair by Nicole Crush at Jo Hansford.

Editors Sandrae Lawrence, Gary Sharpen; Sub editor Susannah O’Grady; Contributors Nicky Fabbrini, Adrian Gomes, Lauryn Tomlinson Designer Luisa Maraffino www.be.net/luisamar Photography Johnnie Pakington www.johnniepakington.com Video Travis Watson at T Bone Productions traviswatson@hotmail.com With thanks to: Maria Ballester, Monica Berg, Martin Carter, James Cheverton, Nicole Crush, Duncan Green, Hanne Knudsen, Emma Lindhorst, Visit Oslo For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact mail@thecocktaillovers.com 020 7242 2546 07801 932 941/07816 202 547 www.thecocktaillovers.com Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited.

Oslo – ranked number one in terms of quality of life in European cities.

We check out what Norway’s capital has to offer.

44. In-vite only Snapshot

Issue No. 4 | Summer 2012 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Pictures from our favourite parties, competitions and events from the past three months.

CLICK THE LINKS THROUGHOUT THE MAGAZINE FOR DETAILS ON THE PEOPLE, PRODUCTS AND PLACES

You can read the Cocktail Lovers Magazine on your iPad and iPhone, as well as other tablets and smartphones.

The Cocktail Lovers | 5

Making alco-popsicles, getting into the disco groove and drinking in the 24-hour Floating Cocktail Lounge... Just a few of the things we’re looking forward to in the next three months

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NAILING OUR ADDICTION

with the fab nail art by Emma Zentner at Boom Nails. Ask nicely and she’ll whip you up a personalised set of boozy-based designs in no time. www.boomnails.co.uk 6 | The Cocktail Lovers

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Keeping our Martinis ultra-cold Just the way they should be.

Fill the base of the Arctic iceberg glass with ice, rest your cocktail on top et voilà, perfectly chilled drinks to the very last sip.

WWW.CAROLINEMCGRATH.CO.UK

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FEELING THE 1980S VIBE WITH ONE OF THE DISCO MIXES ON THE MENU AT THE ARTESIAN BAR

03. Putting our windowsill to good use by brightening it up with these nifty personalised crates, filled with cocktail enhancing goodness.

WWW.PLANTABOX.CO.UK

Five Stocking up on cool cocktail clobber

Try a Sex on the Beach, Pina Colada, or really get into the retro groove with a Bubble Tea Blue Lagoon. Cheesy and cool in equal parts.

Ms S will be tapping into the fab selection of dresses available from

WWW.ARTESIAN-BAR.CO.UK

WWW.BLACKDRESSHQ.COM

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…and Mr G will be sharpening up his wardrobe for the season ahead With the new streamlined collection from WWW.JAEGER.CO.UK

07. WELCOMING THE PLEASURE DOME aka the London Pleasure Gardens at Royal Victoria Dock.

With 20 acres of arts, entertainment, a 24-hour Floating Cocktail Lounge and drinks from the fabulous mixology masters at Soulshakers, we may never leave…

WWW.LONDONPLEASUREGARDENS.COM

08. INDULGING OUR PASSION FOR ICE CREAM WITH THE PUNKTASTIC VERSIONS AT THE ICECREAMISTS As well as the Sex Bomb ice cream cocktail, the menu includes a Vice Lolly made from 80% La Fee absinthe and Holy Water from Lourdes.

WWW.THEICECREAMISTS.CO.UK The Cocktail Lovers | 7

Ten

Being inspired by the Notting Hill Carnival and ordering totally tropical cocktails Our fave? The creamy Nuclear Banana Daiquiri on the menu at Hawksmoor.

WWW.THEHAWKSMOOR.COM

09. Spelling out the important things in life

11. ACCESSORISING OUR COCKTAIL GLASSES

Nuff said. Scrabble rings available from

With mini paper umbrellas (making a welcome change from the full-sized, water-resistant ones we’ve been sporting of late). Stock up at :

WWW.GINMONKEY.CO.UK

WWW.DRINKSTUFF.COM

12. Heading to Hyde Park and straight to the pop-up Gin Bar at the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

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On sunny days, the restored 1950s Citroen H van serves G&Ts and Pimm’s to enjoy from beanbags and deckchairs on the lawn.

WWW.SERPENTINEBARANDKITCHEN.COM

Fourteen Getting busy with the fizzy

Taking our lead from the refreshing sodas on the menu at the Bassoon Bar, we’ll be creating a few of our own. Cue one SodaStream and a helluva lot of carbonated drinks.

WWW.SODASTREAM.CO.UK

15 CHECKING INTO THE BULGARI HOTEL, LONDON TO CHECK OUT THE MINIBARS

SERVING UP SIMPLE SUMMER DRINKS TO ENJOY BY THE BARBIE Sunshine stapes like the Caiprinha work every time.

Muddle one quartered lime add 2 tbsps of granulated sugar. Fill glass with crushed ice and add a generous pour of Cachaca per person.

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The recently opened five-star hotel has gone for drop-dead luxury, modelling its design on the glamorous steamer trunks of yesteryear. Classy.

Ordering cocktails from the trolley

WWW.BULGARIHOTELS.COM

WWW.THEPARLOURBAR.CO.UK

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While watching the Olympic and Paralympic Games from the giant screens pitched outside at The Parlour Bar.

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17 COMING OVER ALL DELIA-LIKE AND MAKING ALCO-POPSICLES Add 1 dessertspoon of grenadine to each mould, top with 600ml chilled orange juice mixed with 3 tbsp of tequila. Pop in a slice of orange and freeze. Easy-peasy.

ZOKU LOLLY MOULDS FROM WWW.LAKELAND.CO.UK

Playing our new favourite game ‘identify the smell’ with the wondrous Gin Aroma Kit A beautifully packaged nose training system from Aroma Academy.

WWW.AROMA-ACADEMY.CO.UK

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KEEPING OUR EYES PEELED

Blinging up our cocktail cabinet

for stylish pitchers and retro jugs for serving drinks al fresco.

We’re rather partial to the sleek model in the Riviera collection from

By making space for a set of Crystalline Martini glasses from Swarovski dahling.

WWW.DAVIDLINLEY.COM

WWW.SWAROVSKI.COM

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21. UNLEASHING OUR INNER DIVAS AT THE TOO-TOO FABULOUS NATIONAL THEATRE PROPSTORE CAFÉ BAR With props from previous productions providing the décor and a bar fashioned from a snooker table and a collage of rehearsal notes, this pop-up is the perfect place to enjoy a range of Sipsmith cocktails and Meantime beer.

WWW.NATIONALTHEATRE.ORG.UK

Playing with scale With these dramatic oversized champagne corks. Use them as side tables or chairs, indoors or in the garden.

WWW.THEWINEJOURNAL.CO.UK

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COUNTING DOWN TO COCKTAIL O’CLOCK By checking on the face of this little beaut from Jaeger-LeCoultre.

File under ‘way-too-cool-forits-own-good’.

WWW.THEWATCHGALLERY.CO.UK

25. Rehydrating in style We’re loving the posh non-alcoholic beverages from Peter Spanton.

Choose from cardamom with extracts of cucumber; lemongrass with a hint of ginger and mint and bitters with a touch of dark chocolate.

WWW.AQUA-MORE.COM

INVESTING IN VINTAGE SPIRITS such as Jim Beam Bowling Pins dating back to the 1950s and Marie Brizard Crème de Menthe from the 1930s. Very quaffable but very collectable too. Available from

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WWW.MASTEROFMALT.COM

The Cocktail Lovers | 9

IN-terview

Andy Mil

10 | The Cocktail Lovers

IN-terview

IN THE HOTSEAT He makes exquisite cocktails in record time, gives good banter and absolutely loves a pink drink; what’s not to like about Andy Mil of the London Cocktail Club?

Fresh from representing Great Britain in Rio as World Class GB 2012 winner, we caught up with him to talk treasured possessions, his aversion to cats and embarrassing moments on the dance floor…

Three things that make you happy ?

What is your most treasured possession?

Bartending, eating and my wife – not necessarily in that order.

My wedding ring.

Who or what was your first love?

Head or heart?

Probably drawing. I absolutely loved drawing at school.

Head.

What did you last dream about?

What is success?

My last dream was about paintballing, I don’t know why I was thinking about it but somehow paintballing popped into my head.

For me, success is waking up in the morning and not having anything to worry about.

What is your greatest fear?

Describe your proudest moment.

Being buried alive for sure – that’s probably most people’s greatest fear and definitely top of my list.

Winning my first cocktail competition. It was a Jose Cuervo comp back in 2010, it was the first ever competition I’d entered. It was my birthday and I won. That was a pretty good feeling.

What is your biggest regret?

Not keeping in contact with my friends from school.

What would be the theme tune to your life?

Where is home?

I was having this conversation the other day; it would be Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin. That’s a pretty cool theme tune.

Camden in north London.

What is your favourite smell?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky is one but I guess my all time favourite smell would have to be vanilla. It’s nostalgic, it reminds me of vanilla ice cream when I was a child and of whisky now that I’m older; it just reminds me of lots of different stages of my life. All of them good.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Coffee. About a pint of Nescafe usually does the trick!

Your preferred nightcap?

That would definitely have to be rum, something sweet, rich and smooth like Zacapa 23. The Zacapa XO is also pretty stunning.

Your favourite drinking spot?

London Cocktail Club Great Newport Street. It’s one of ours but it’s the place where I truly fell in love with the art of bartending .Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Ah, Leonardo Da Caprio obviously! Not because he’s devilishly handsome, more like because he’s short and blonde!

What can’t you live with?

Cats. I’m allergic to them; me and cats just don’t get on.

And live without?

Tequila – I don’t know what I’d do without tequila!

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I used to be a painter decorator.

And something you don’t want us to know.

Oh, I guess that would be the time I threw a bottle onto a crowded dancefloor. I promise it was an accident and it was very, very embarrassing.

You can drink cocktails made by Andy Mil, World Class GB 2012 winner and official best bartender in the country at the two branches of London Cocktail Club at 224 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2H 8EB and 61 Goodge Street, W1T 1TL www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk For professional cocktail kit at wholesale prices, check out Andy’s brand new website www.homecocktailshop.com launching in August.

The Cocktail Lovers | 11

IN-the spotlight

Away Days Five destinations with cocktail lovers in mind.

Fancy an away day? Not the fight for a space on the beach, dip your toes in the water, followed by stress-inducing queues on the motorway home kind of thing, more of an extended cocktail hour. Leave the car at home, get on a train and head out to one of the following locations, all of which are an hour or so away from London and most importantly, take their drinks extremely seriously.

The gin-tastic selection at The Feathers

The Feathers 16-20 Market Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1SX. T:01993 812291

You can do this one in a day but given that it’s 65 miles out of London and has a dedicated gin bar, you may well want to book in for an overnight stay. That will give you time to do the main attraction: strolling through Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and home of 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland and formal gardens as well as giving the menu at the Courtyard Gin Bar in The Feathers the respect it deserves. Having notched up a Guinness World record for the largest collection gins in the world (161 varieties), the 66-page menu includes all manner of gin-tastic delights, including the ultimate Gin & Tonic. If you really want to push the boat out, book up for The Gin Experience, a degustation menu matched with a gin for each of the seven courses.

The Beach House

Crazy Bear

16 East Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex.

T: 01273 440902

Old Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1LX. T: 01492 673086

Avoid the crowds in Brighton and get your seaside fix nearby on the Sussex Coast. ‘Do’ the beach, awarded Local Nature Reserve for its unique vegetated shingle habitat, and if you want to pack more into your visit, head to the Marlipins Museum to check out the architecture and the history of the area. However you choose to spend your time, don’t miss a meal and cocktail at The Beach House. The vibe is informal, the food is locally sourced, well-priced and extremely tasty and the cocktails definitely hit the spot.

Unless you’re a fan of model villages and railways, there’s not much to do in Beaconsfield. Which isn’t such a bad thing as it gives you plenty of time to take in the delights of this sumptuous hotel.

A destination in its own right, it’s a decadent place to refuel and relax. Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch choosing from the extensive English, Thai or Italian menus, then ease into the evening with cocktails in the glamorous bar.

www.beachhouseshoreham.co.uk

www.feathers.co.uk

The Cerise Bar at The Forbury

12 | The Cocktail Lovers

www.crazybeargroup.co.uk

IN-the spotlight

The Bingham 61-63 Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6UT .

T: 020 8949 0902

If you don’t want to get out of town proper, try this away day lite. While it’s close enough to London to be accessible by tube, the riverside location and verdant scenery make it feel like its a million miles away. Take a stroll through Richmond, enjoy a spot of shopping in the centre then head to The Bingham for lunch, tea or dinner in the acclaimed restaurant. Next it’s cocktail time in the beautifully designed bar – make sure you’re dressed in your Riviera chic finery. www.thebingham.co.uk

The Bingham, a hidden gem in Richmond

The Forbury 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ. T: 0118 952 7770

A little further afield but still fairly accessible from London, Reading offers plenty of visitor opps. ‘Ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the flora at The Forbury Gardens, wander through the ruins of Reading Abbey leading to the Kennet and Avon Canal, take in the Oscar Wilde gates, visit the Riverside Museum and/or take a riverside cruise. After all that activity you’ll have worked up quite a thirst – be sure to schedule in an expertly mixed drink in the award-winning Cerise bar. With over twelve pages of cocktails, including an inventive section of nonalcoholic tipples, you’ll find plenty to tickle your tastebuds. www.theforburyhotel.com

The Beach House in Shoreham

The Cocktail Lovers | 13

IN-spire

The art of drinking Like the crafting of a fine cocktail artist, Matt Talbert uses traditional techniques and high quality materials to create his paintings 14 | The Cocktail Lovers

IN-spire

The Cocktail Lovers | 15

IN-dulge

Cocktails on the go Wine and champagne in a cooler is one thing, cocktails on the go is another altogether: it’s sophisticated, sexy and cool. There’s planning involved though.

Which is where well chosen kit comes in. Here’s our pick of the essentials you need for making fabulous drinks al fresco FOR HIP DUDES AND DUDETTES

FOR MAKING A STATEMENT

6OZ HIP FLASK IN LEATHER CASE

THE GOURMET TROTTER

Slim enough to slip into your handbag or briefcase for impromptu picnics. £59 each | www.pickett.co.uk

FOR A CRAFTY SHOT TO KEEP YOU GOING 4OZ STAINLESS STEEL CUPS IN LEATHER CASE Pocket-sized cups for those who take their spirits straight. £75 | www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk

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The Rolls Royce of hampers, this one includes linen napkins, china plates and bowls, corkscrew, wine glasses and tumblers, plus plenty of storage space. £995 | www.harveynichols.com

IN-dulge

FOR SPACE-CONSCIOUS EXECS

FOR MARTINIS AL FRESCO

TRIPLE DECANTER IN SMOOTH COGNAC AND ESPRESSO SUEDE.

THE MAGNIFICENT MARTINI COCKTAIL KIT

Containing three 6oz glass decanters, each with a different coloured neck so you can easily identify the spirits.

With half a bottle of Sipmith Barley vodka, dinky sizes of vermouth, stuffed olives, lemon and shaker, this kit does exactly what it says on the tin.

£165 | www.aspinaloflondon.com.

£42.40 | www.whiskhampers.co.uk

FOR NEAT FREAKS AND CONNOISSEURS PICNIC TIME GREEN BAY PACKERS MANHATTAN COCKTAIL CASE. All the kit you need for Martinis on the go, including invaluable space for storing your bottles. £132.33 | www.overstock.com

FOR BONDS ON A BUDGET PORTABLE COCKTAIL SET Well-priced cocktail set, neatly packed in one handy leatherette case. £39.99. | www.drinkstuff.com.

The Cocktail Lovers | 27

IN-dependent Spirits

36 | The Cocktail Lovers

IN-formed

®

TANQUERAY No. TEN™ has a crisp and smooth finish with refreshing citrus flavours. The distinctive flavour profile is created by the citrus heart, which is added to a small pot still, the ‘Tiny 10’, during the fifth distillation.

40 | The Cocktail Lovers

®

TANQUERAY No. TEN™ was launched in 2000 and was voted the best among all white spirits for three years running at the San Francisco International Spirits Awards. Inducted into the World Spirits Hall of Fame.

The TANQUERAY and TANQUERAY No. TEN words and associated logos are trade marks. © Charles Tanqueray & Co. 2012.