ISSUE 23
SPRING 2017
ISSN 2052 0603
HOW DO YOU TAKE YOURS? Diving into the world of drinks experiences
With some of the brightest, most inspiring minds in the biz…
of the Cocktail + Tales on Tour Edinburgh Guide
The Art of Flavour
www.giffard.com
Product of France
GIFFARD – Chemin du Bocage - Z.A. les Violettes - BP 30037 - 49240 Avrillé (Angers) - FRANCE / Tel: + 33 2 41 1885 00 – Fax: +33 2 41 1885 05 – contact@giffard.com
IN-tro
THOUGHT-PROVOKING
H E A D -T U R N I N G
AT TENTION - GR ABBING,
WELCOME
TO THE WORLD OF
THEATRICAL
DRINKING Specially commissioned vessels and trollies, fantastical venues, arty menus and ever inventive serves. No one has a plain old drink in a regular setting any more, we’re all thirsty for experiences. Which is not a bad thing. It certainly keeps bars, brands and events companies on their toes. Social media doesn’t do too badly from the ex-factor either. After all, what’s the point in visiting the latest pop-up or sipping that showstopper of a drink if the experience doesn’t get shared around the world? We talk to four experience makers about curating those ‘wow’ factor moments (p. 16), and Ben Norum checks out what’s getting Instagrammers all a-flutter (p. 28). Who better than former bartender, author and master of Cocktails in the Country gaz regan to compile a top 10 drinks experiences to try before you die (p. 32)? and the Cocktail Trading Company come under the spotlight for their wittily named, attentiongrabbing serves (p. 34). And just in case you thought all of this experiential malarkey was something new, Professor Charles Spence cites it back to the Futurists from the 1930s (p. 22). There’s also a distinctly Scottish flavour to this issue, that’s down to Tales of the Cocktail on Tour, taking up residence in Edinburgh from 1st-5th April. See our supplement for all the details. We look forward to seeing you there!
Happy imbibing! Ms S & Mr G
thecocktaillovers.com
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The Cocktail Lovers - 3
IN-gredients
7. IN-the know
28. IN-the spotlight The Ex Factor
Ben Norum looks at how cocktails and bars got their Instagram moment
32. IN-the spotlight
10 cocktail experiences to try before you die
gaz regan shares the list of bars that every cocktail lover should have on their bucket list
25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season
Honouring Q, puckering up to a porn star and getting our botanics on – just a few of the things we're looking forward to in the next few months
12. IN-terview
In the hotseat – Ann Tuennerman
Talking Tales and awards for spirited individuals
16. IN-spire
Adventures in wonderland
Inside the fantastical minds of the curators of your favourite drinks experiences
34. IN-the mix
Bring on the lols
With pun-tastic serves from the Cocktail Trading Company
36. IN-dulge
How to elevate your drinks game
Tap into the zeitgeist and create your own drinks experiences at home
40. IN-style Redefining whisky
Whisk(e)y is no longer the domain of old duffers, we highlight a few of our faves who are breaking the mould
22. IN-the spotlight Back to the futurists
Experiential drinking and dining is nothing new, says Professor Charles Spence, it all started with the Futurists
46. IN focus Roll with it
Zeroing in on the hotel trolley, the ultimate five-star drinks experience
IN-gredients
48. IN-focus
Editors: Sandrae Lawrence Gary Sharpen
Going the extra mile
Bars and brands that stand out from the crowd
Sub-editor: Sally Briggs
50. IN-dependent spirits
Greg Saunders of experiential marketing agency White Label talks to Rebecca Milford about keeping brands ahead of the pack
56. IN-formed
Word up
The Cocktail Girl strikes a pose at Untitled; Matt Whiley gives us an insight into his new bar SCOUT, José Luis León Martinez sends a Postcard from Mexico and ice trays that make us go 'ooh!'
60. IN-sider's guide Focus on Edinburgh
Edinburgh bartender Sian Buchan on the best bars in the granite city
Creative Director: James Cheverton at Burnt Studio burntstudio.com Illustrations: James Cheverton Katie Rose Johnston katierosejohnston.com Photography: Andrew Penketh andrewpenketh.com Contributors: Sian Buchan Rebecca Milford Ben Norum gaz regan Jane Ryan Professor Charles Spence With special thanks to the Edinburgh massive, in particular Ian McLaren, Duncan McRae and Shervene Shahbazkani For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact: mail@thecocktaillovers.com 020 7242 2546 thecocktaillovers.com Printed by Stones The Printers Limited on FSC accredited paper Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited.
PLUS Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Edinburgh Guide The Cocktail Lovers are proud winners of Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication, Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2016 and The London Evening Standard Progress 1000 – London’s Most Influential People 2015
Cover: By Andrew Penketh Hand model Olga Klimova
The Cocktail Lovers Issue No. 23 Spring 2017 The Cocktail Lovers magazine is published by The Cocktail Lovers Ltd. in London, UK PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
The Cocktail Lovers - 5
Discover the finest contemporary silver and jewellery from over 300 designer-makers. www.thegoldsmithsdirectory.co.uk
Cocktail set: Martyn Pugh
25
IN-the know
REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON Redefining Happy Hour, sitting pretty and saying tray bon, just three of the things we’re looking forward to in the next few months…
N1 o
That’s Q for queer, as in Queer British Art 1861-1967, a major exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales. It’s a biggie, featuring works by David Hockney, Cecil Beaton and Francis Bacon, covering themes from same sex desires in 1864 to love and lust in sixties Soho. We think Dick Bradsell’s Pink Chihuahua should be the signature drink. In fact, we may well suggest it… Queer British Art 1861-1967 is at Tate Britain from 5 April-1 October. tate.org.uk
SOLOMON SIMEON 1840-1905 SAPPHO AND ERINNA IN A GARDEN AT MYTILENE 1864 WATERCOLOUR ON PAPER 330X381MM TATE. PURCHASED 1980
Honouring Q
The Cocktail Lovers - 7
IN-the know
3
02
Sounding off
Defying Dorothy Ms Parker said that two Martinis were about just right. We disagree. So do the good folk at Hawksmoor. Hence the arrival of the Three Martini Lunch, on the menu until end of April. thehawksmoor.com
4
So you thought you didn’t have space in your life for another pair of headphones? Wrong! Chivas Regal have partnered up with LSTN to rock your world on the audio front. And it gets better: proceeds from each limited-edition pair, crafted from recycled whiskey casks, go to Starkey Hearing Foundation. lstnsound.co
05
Getting our botanics on What’s hot in cocktail dresses this season? Statement florals, that’s what. This flower-powered number from Dolce & Gabbana measures up just nicely. harveynichols.com
eight
Puckering up to a Porn Star Admit it, we’ve all had one – in Martini form we mean… Douglas Ankrah’s modern classic is now available in a D.I.Y. version. Go on, make out! Available at gerrys.uk.com
N7 o
Drinking in season Get fresh to grapefruit, rhubarb, pomegranate (April); apricots, nectarines, strawberries (May); and blackcurrants, gooseberries, watermelon (June) – seasonal ingredients = better tasting drinks.
…And the award for prettiest floral packaging goes to Kew Organic Gin – bold, beautiful and bursting with botanicals. The same can be said for the contents, created by Darren Rook of Dodd’s Gin – 46% abv of absolute lush. londondistillery.com
06
…Speaking of plants, have you tried the fourth chapter in the Dandelyan menu series yet? Exploring the Vices of Botany, it features drinks inspired by Faith, Lust, Money and Rock n’ Roll. Too cool! morganshotelgroup.com
09 Saying bonjour to the swanky new Eurostar Club Lounge at Gard du Nord. Talk about a French fancy, it’s now been revamped to include a stunning sunken bar with cocktails designed by the London Cocktail Club exclusively for Eurostar. eurostar.com 8 - The Cocktail Lovers
IN-the know
12
11
Redefining Happy Hour
10. SWIGGING
FROM A BOTTLE
If you must do a pre-mix on the fly, try these. Just add a mini bottle of the requisite spirit, shake it up and you’re good to go. swigandswallow.com
Be better, not cheaper is the mantra at The Suffolk Arms in NYC. Hence the reason why, between 4 and 7pm, they’ve introduced The Cocktail Hour. On the menu: 100 modern and forgotten classics to prime your palate perfectly for dinner. suffolkarms.com
Keeping it green When life gives you used lemons, do like 42 Below and make a sustainable hand wash. So squeaky clean it should come with a halo. 42below.com
thirteen
Smelling like a beatnik If groovy 1960s bars were captured in fragrance form, they’d smell like this: cognac, leather and a soupçon of tobacco, beautifully blended in Beat Café by JUSBOX. selfridges.com
14
Drinking like a pro
Literally. Discover the top spots from those in the know in Where Bartenders Drink – The Last Word On The Glass, published by phaidon.com
15
Sitting pretty
Whisk(e)y lovers rejoice! Gareth Neal has designed a streamlined oak and leather throne for modern minded drinkers to enjoy their favourite dram. #livingthedream. thenewcraftsmen.com
17
16 Why stop there? Accessorise the look with this handsome duo. Alba whisky bottle and glass by Joe Doucet. nudeglass.com
…and for the budget version of both, there’s this. Couch Coaster, totally-funky.co.uk The Cocktail Lovers - 9
IN-the know
18
19 …or get chewing on these. Prosecco Gummies, firebox.com
Licking our lips Prosecco Lip Gloss, too good not to. thebathhouseshop.com
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TWENTY ONE
Hydrating in style
Joining up the dots
Resealable lid, smart looks and the fact that when this can is recycled it could be back on the shelves in as little as six weeks. That’s why we love canowater.com
Cocktail bar, specialist liquor store and venue for cocktail making classes, tastings and events, TT Liquor is your one-stop shop for all things drink. Go discover. ttliquor.com
Turning heads
22. Saying tray bon And meaning it. The Bulgari Negroni is so good, it comes on its own custom-built, mahogany tray for guests to tailor their perfect serve. Swanky! bulgarihotels.com
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Pull up a stool at Hershesons Blow Dry Bar. Nope, this bar doesn’t do cocktails but it’ll make you look the business when you do. hershesons.com
Bringing the party to the room
Disco ball? Check. Sound system? Check. Personal bartender? Check. The Mega Bar has good times written all over it. Available for guests staying in W London suites. wlondon.co.uk
Blowing the budget
Fancy one month of sheer luxe, visiting the world’s most alluring secret bars? Of course you do! For £75,000 (per couple) you’ll visit 10 cities, including New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, and get your own luxury bar for the home. Start saving! veryfirstto.com 10 - The Cocktail Lovers