ISSUE 27
SPRING 2018
BALANCING ACTS New thinking for modern drinking incorporating mind, body & spirits
ISSN 2052 0603
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IN-tro
WE'RE NOT HERE
TO TELL YOU
NOT TO DRINK ALCOHOL
Why would we? It’s what we do for a living. But we’re not here to lie either. A healthy relationship with alcohol means knowing when to stop – whether that's when you’re out for an evening or after one too many social occasions. Dry January is based on that premise. But 31 days of abstinence during the coldest, most miserable time of the year do not a realistic or enjoyable experience make. More attainable is the rule advised by health professionals: two to three consecutive days off the sauce every week. Which doesn’t mean staying locked in sipping water like Nelly or Nobby No Mates. These days every bar worth its salt is doing a mighty fine line in low ABV and non-alcoholic drinks thank you very much. And should you wish to drink at home, there are plenty of alcohol-free offerings on the supermarket shelves. Not all of them great, admittedly, but they’re getting there. This issue is about balance. So you’ll find features on everything from what exactly ABVs mean and insights from a worldrenowned nutritionist, through to details of the best wellness apps and lighter-style drinks. We talk to bartenders who are mixing up an array of tasty low- and no-alcohol cocktails, and our cover star, St~Germain Global Brand Ambassador Camille Ralph Vidal, strikes a few yoga poses for those aches, pains and, dare we say it, hangovers that can take hold on the days when you do go for something stronger. Like we said, it's all about balance. Please imbibe responsibly
Ms S & Mr G thecocktaillovers.com
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The Cocktail Lovers - 5
IN-gredients
7. IN-the know
28. IN-the spotlight The art of drinking mindfully
Jussi Tolvi from Club Soda on paying more attention to what, when and how you drink
32. IN-the spotlight 25 reasons to be a cocktail lover this season
Trying a new squeeze and paying lip service – just a couple of the things we're looking forward to in the next few months
12. IN-the hotseat Patrick Holford
Widely regarded as Britain's leading spokesman on nutrition, Patrick Holford BSc, DipION, FBANT, NTCRP talks booze and its effects
16. IN-spire ZERO PROOF Zero proof
Go low (or go home)
Ben Norum shuns the booze and seeks out the bars with clever, cool and low ABV options instead
36. IN-dulge Mind the app!
10 nifty apps to keep your wellness goals on track
38. IN-focus
Matt Whiley on making non-alcoholic drinks for cocktail lovers
18. IN-spire How low can you go?
How four bartenders are shaking up the low ABV drinks scene in New York, Athens, Malaysia and Milan
25. IN-the spotlight Know your ABVs
Ever wondered how ABVs are measured and what they mean? Jane Ryan has the answers
6 - The Cocktail Lovers
Strike a pose
Our cover star Camille Ralph Vidal guides us through essential yoga poses, whether you spend more time in front of or behind the bar
IN-gredients
44. IN-the mix The light touch
Low- and no-alcohol drinks on a supermarket shelf near you
50. IN-dependent spirits Mind, body, spirits
Three cool initiatives with bartender’s health and wellbeing in mind
54. IN-dustry greats Wonder woman!
Talking new approaches to drinking with Claire Warner, the Head of New Products at Seedlip
57. IN-sight No more mocktails!
Tap into Julia Momose’s spiritfree manifesto
60. IN-formed Mains and Martinis
Three restaurants with healthy food and non-alcoholic drinks on the menu
62. IN-formed Word up
News, views and interviews
66. IN-ternational Cocktails in Greece’s co-capital
Checking out the bar scene in Thessaloniki
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 and 2017
Editors: Sandrae Lawrence Gary Sharpen Sub-editors: Sally Briggs Laura Hill Creative Director: James Cheverton at Burnt Studio burntstudio.com Photography: Addie Chinn addiechinn.com Lawrence Watson lawrencewatson.com Contributors: Rebecca Milford Julia Momose Ben Norum Jane Ryan Jussi Tolvi Cover photograph: Camille Ralph Vidal, St~Germain Global Ambassador. Photographed by Lawrence Watson. Leggings and crop top, lululemon.com With thanks to: Metinee Kongsrivilai Selina Raggett Roberta Mariani For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact: mail@thecocktaillovers.com T: 020 7242 2546 thecocktaillovers.com Printed by Ancient House Press Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited. The Cocktail Lovers Issue No. 27 Spring 2018 The Cocktail Lovers magazine is published by The Cocktail Lovers Ltd. in London, UK PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
The Cocktail Lovers - 7
Contributors
Lawrence Watson
Julia Momose
Grace Jones, David Bowie, Morrissey, Oasis, Pulp, Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy, Isaac Hayes, Paul Weller, Pet Shop Boys, New Order – there are few famous musical faces that haven't been captured by photographer Lawrence Watson during his impressive career. His work extends to legendary artists too, including Andy Warhol and Peter Blake. When he's not travelling the world on shoots, Lawrence is staging exclusive exhibitions, featuring the likes of behind-the-scenes shots of Noel Gallagher, taken as he wrote and recorded ‘High Flying Birds’.
Julia Momose is curating a unique beverage programme of cocktails and spiritfree pairings at Oriole, the two Michelinstarred tasting-menu restaurant from Executive Chef Noah Sandoval in Chicago. In 2016, Julia was named one of Eater’s ‘Young Guns’, a prestigious collection of ambitious and talented rising stars. That same year, Food & Wine included her in its list of Best New Mixologists, drawing national recognition to her name. Looking ahead to 2018 and beyond, Julia is partnering with Noah and Cara Sandoval to bring Chicagoans a thoughtful bar experience, through which to share a deep appreciation and understanding for craftsmanship. In this issue she puts forward the case for banning the word ‘mocktail’ (p. 57).
For this issue Lawrence photographed our cover star and yoga session, as well as the portrait of Claire Warner (p. 54).
Jussi Tolvi
The Cocktail Girl
Jussi Tolvi is a former City boy who gave up financial services and binge drinking to become a Co-founder of Club Soda, the mindful drinking movement. Nowadays, he is a mindful drinker himself.
If you’re a regular in London’s bars, no doubt you'll have met her at some point. Mind you, she won’t tell you who she is. The Cocktail Girl prides herself on being undercover so she can give an honest appraisal of the best new and tried-and-tested bars in the capital.
He tells us how we can all moderate our drinking (p. 28).
Keeping with the balance theme for this issue she visited Bar III and also undertook a detox cleanse. Not at the same time we hasten to add. Read how she got on with both on pages 65 and 67.
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25
IN-the know
REASONS TO BE A COCKTAIL LOVER THIS SEASON Rapping up, keeping chill and rolling with it, just a few of the things we're looking forward to in the next three months…
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We can all learn a thing or two from Frida Kahlo A woman with a moustache and monobrow? Yeah, and? She didn’t give a damn about what people thought. In fact, she made her quirks her trademarks, as you can see in her many self-portraits. Get up close to them in ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up’ where you’ll get an insight into her world and many colourful outfits. Take time to raise a toast to her Mexican spirit with a tot of tequila. Only one of the very best, mind. Our tip: Gran Patrón Platinum Tequila – the lady herself would definitely approve. ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up’ runs at Victoria and Albert Museum from 16th June to 4th November. Sponsored by Grosvenor Britain & Ireland. vam.ac.uk
frida kahlo in blue satin blouse, 1939, photograph by nickolas muray © nickolas muray photo archives
Being more Frida
The Cocktail Lovers - 9
IN-the know
3
2
Cocking our pinkies
DRESSING THE PART
Didn’t get an invite? No matter, you can still toast Meghan and Harry’s nuptials in five-star fashion by ordering The Royal Flight – a collection of cocktails created for royal weddings past and present by the regal team at The Savoy. fairmont.com/savoy
There are two ways to go with cocktail dresses this season: pastel or bright. Ladies, what say you to this one? Barwick crepe dress by Roland Mouret, available from harveynichols.com
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…and guys, it’s time to man up to pink. If you’re not quite ready for a suit, try a shirt, from thomaspink.com natch.
05
Rethinking bottles
So long glass and plastic, we’re seeking out the revolutionary eco-friendly options. Like the cool paper bottles made from 100% compostable pulp at paperwaterbottle.com
No. six
…and Life Water cans, the 100% recyclable and BPA-free tinnies made from 70% recycled aluminium. Filled with locally sourced water from natural springs, even talking about them makes us feel virtuous. zeroplasticsolution.co.uk
8. Drinking pink Everything’s coming up rosé. Including glassware. Add more finesse to your bubbles with these. Champagne Gold Coupes, aprilandthebear.com
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9
Getting serious about tea
What better for a tea lover than an ‘altar’ that comes with streamlined pots and cups, as well as a beautiful lotus flower grill for discarding the leaves? Not much wethinks… Lotus Tea Set, designed by Chang Choi and Ju Young Kim.
Rapping up With Jay-Z and his new £1,650 Blanc de Blancs ‘Ace of Spades’ magnum in a limitededition run of 1,000 (available exclusively at selfridges.com) and A$AP Ferg doing a turn for hennessy.com, rhythm and (luxury) booze is definitely where it’s at.
IN-the know
10
11
…and coffee. S’long plungers, drips are the way to go. Add some glitz to your caffeine fix with a gold Coffee Drip Stand from beaumonde.co.uk
12
Shining a light
We can’t think of a better use for old bottles than refashioning them into funky lighting, can you? Bottle lights, booxbe.com
…but when time doesn’t allow, grab a can of Sandows Cold Brew Coffee for classy caffeine on the go. sandows.com
13. Enjoying wine on tap
Think of the simplicity of a wine box, dial it up to mega and you’ve got Plum, the portable wine dispenser. Not only does it look good, it keeps two bottles of wine chilled and fresh for you to enjoy one glass at a time for up to 90 days. Perfect! plum.wine
15
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Cooling off How’s this for a cool piece of kit to bring out at summer parties? Octopus ice bucket by theluxecompany.co.uk
Doing like aesthete William Morris and having nothing in our homes that we do not believe to be beautiful. Which is the perfect excuse for filling our fridge with streamlined bottles. Like these. museandmetta.com
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…and these. The exquisite Shaping Bottle Collection by volta.pt
SEVENTEEN Luxxing up vodka Caviar-infused vodka anyone? How about a hint of truffle? JCB do both. Made from a base of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, they're definitely aimed at the luxe set. jcbcollection.com
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IN-the know
19
18 Being travel ready
…and when only the real thing will do, there’s this. Leather Drinks Case theluxecompany.co.uk
Don’t go anywhere without your cocktail essentials. In toiletry form. Pack your Happy Hour Wash Bag from boozibodycare.com
Clearing space for one more gin The stats: 45 botanicals, two years in the making and 180 trial distillations; the result: Mr Kamm’s Gin. If it’s anywhere near as good as Kamm & Sons British Apertif, we want in! mrkammsgin.com
TWENTY Two
21
photograph: claire menery
20
More juniper news: Portobello Road Gin is expanding. The new two-floor restaurant, bar and event space in London’s Exmouth Market boasts a working still and the signature Gin and Tonic Plus. Check it out. tonica.london
23
Paying lip service
At the lip bar. Try the Cosmo, Whisky Sour or Baby Bellini – cocktail-tastic shades guaranteed to make you smile. thelipbar.com
TWENTY FOUR
Rolling with it Trollies these days are less tea lady more cocktail queen. Fancy an arty carty? Job done. poimiakukkia.com
Trying out a new squeeze Functional and rather fan-blooming-tastic to look at, what’s not to like about the Ubikubi Cactus Juicer? ubikubi.ro
25 25 Keeping chill Can we make a plea for the CupCooler to get funding? Who doesn’t want a clever piece of kit that keeps liquids cold to the last drop? Go to kickstarter.com for more details.
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Promotion
A QUESTION OF TASTE Peroni Nastro Azzurro takes pride in using authentic Italian ingredients in its locally brewed beers. Including the citrus that gives it its unique taste… Not all citrus fruits are created equal. A visit to Italy will confirm that. Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen captured it perfectly when he took pen to paper and, referring to the orange and lemon groves he encountered on his visit to Italy in 1833, exclaimed to a friend, “How unfairly we are treated in the north, here, here is paradise.” He was right of course. Not just about the scenery but the fruit as well. Forget the super-shiny, identikit stuff that you find in the supermarket – in this part of the world, fruit of the citric variety comes in all shapes, textures and sizes and has a character of its own. Take lemons for instance. Kissed by the sun, cooled by the sea breeze and hugged by the cliffside terraces of the Amalfi coastline, they take on all manner of guises, ranging from the lumpy, comedy-sized cedro, sometimes as large as footballs and best used for marmalade or pulp, through to the long, pointy, intensely fragranced Sfusato Amalfitano, lower in acidity and prized for the mellow taste they add to drinks.
orange, they pack a powerful punch and lend a distinctly bittersweet taste to aperitivo style cocktails. With such a bumper crop of goodies on its doorstep, is it any wonder that Peroni Nastro Azzurro seeks out the prized local citrus to add that clean, refreshing finish to its crisp-tasting beers? A hint of grapefruit gives an agreeable bite to Peroni Nastro Azzurro while recently launched Peroni Ambra looks to the zing from the chinotto to create a modernminded, sharp-tasting beer for the Aperitivo Hour. Garnish with a twist of orange to further enhance the citrus notes. Beautifully balanced beers made from authentic Italian ingredients – Peroni, for a true taste of Italy. Please drink Peroni beers responsibly
Then there are the limone found on the Sorrento coastline… not for nothing are they sought out by the best bars in the world to add that final flourish to the most exquisite Martinis. Again, a winning mix of sun, mountains and sea breeze combine to produce fruit of an infinitely superior kind. The skins are rich with oil and the fruit bursting with juice, much like the bumper crop of sweet and sour oranges, grapefruit, mandarins and clementines that Italy is rightly famed for. There are other treasures too like the rare chinotto harvested in Liguria, in the north west. Reminiscent of a tiny
The Cocktail Lovers - 13 PANTONE 403C
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