We’ve always been about the amazing creativity that runs throughout this industry – that goes for the people and products and of course, the drinks. We’re ticking all of those boxes in this episode, starting with our products, both of which show off their creativity by breaking convention in where they are made: the first is Outelier rum from the Isle of Man the other is Sogood sake made in California. Listen to our new episode on your favourite podcast channel or direct right here… Our book is practical creativity – it’s Freezer Door Cocktails, 75 cocktails that are ready when you are by JM ..read more

With just over nine weeks to go until the World Class Global Finals in Shanghai, we caught up with World Class GB winner Danilo Frigulti from Viajante87 in London to spell out the key moments of his World Class journey to date… W is for winning… What did winning World Class GB mean to you?  I entered World Class for the first time last year and consequently, winning has been my goal for the past two years. I believe that the work, organisation and care that the World Class team and Diageo as a brand put into the competition is very unique. The way they support you and are always there for ..read more

In keeping with the theme of the summer issue of The Cocktail Lovers magazine, we’re dedicating this episode to some of the many amazing people of colour in the world of drinks. Our first product is a rum, but this one is different. It’s Matugga Rum – rooted in Jamaica, with East African flavours but blended in, wait for it – Scotland! We then crack open another bottle with an equally surprising story: it’s the world’s first clear lassi gin from the husband and wife team behind the Crazy Gin Co. Listen to our new episode on your favourite podcast channel or direct right here… The history of B ..read more

Welcome to the Black Pride Issue – celebrating people of colour in the drinks world. We talk the past, present and future of people of colour in the drinks biz with Tales Visionary Award winner, Colin Asare-Appiah, while Ian Burrell tells us about his journey from good times bartender to advocate for rum and black history. We also share the influencers, educators, storytellers and entrepreneurs everyone should have on their radar, and give a shout out to the unsung heroes making a big impact behind the scenes. Plus, whisk(e)y expert Gabrielle Nicole Pharms shares the joys and challenges of bei ..read more

We have a glorious mish-mash of tastes and experiences in this episode and we’ve loved every one of them. Starting with our two featured products, the omnipresent Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur and the small batch Baba au Rum Special Edition Guyana Single Cask Rum. Listen to our new episode on your favourite podcast channel or direct right here… Our book choice sees us going back in time, to 1948 in fact. This is when David A. Embury first published The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, and it’s been one of the most revered books on cocktails and bar culture ever since. The Gaucho group of restau ..read more

It’s World Gin Day on 8th June, so what better reason to crack open not one, but two bottles of tasty gins? Our first is Citadelle Rouge from France, the other is Garden Swift, a deliciously crafted gin lovingly made in the Cotswolds. Listen to our new episode on your favourite podcast channel or direct right here… Jim Meehan is no slouch when it comes to writing ace cocktail books and in his latest The Bartender’s Pantry – A Beverage Handbook for the Universal Bar, he’s partnered up with Bart Sasso and Emma Jantzen to bring another cracker to add to your cocktail library. This one comes high ..read more

Are you one of those creative bartenders who fall into the ‘I-come-up-with-my-best-ideas-at-the-last-minute-camp?’ Then have we got a comp for you. Hapusa Gin are recruiting for their inaugural cocktail competition and you have just two, count them, two days to get your entries in. The pressure is worth it though: the winner of the UK final will to India for a four-night/five day experience foraging in the Himalayas as well as a guest shift in one of India’s coolest bars. WHAT’S THE LOWDOWN? It’s called The Forager’s Championships and it’s your chance to showcase the botanicals in Hapusa Himal ..read more

With founders Hannah Sharman-Cox, Siobhan Payne and Dan Dove… Foodies have Michelin stars, and now, thanks to Hannah Sharman-Cox, Siobhan Payne and Dan Dove, the drinks world has an equivalent with the long-awaited launch of The Pinnacle Guide. But before we catch up with the terrific trio we have some business to tend to, in the form of our usual reviews. On the agenda, our pick of products… The first is Ramsbury Raspberry and Wildflower Honey Gin, a delicious, summery spirit highlighting ingredients sourced from the Ramsbury Estate. The second has very much been created with travellers in mi ..read more

If we know anything about Director of Bars at Caprice Holdings, Xavier Landais, and his thinking behind a new Sexy Fish menu, it’s that he and his team never do anything by halves. Last year they revealed it to great aplomb in six cities across six continents on one day for goodness sakes.  It was a feat even Landais concluded nearly broke him. “Logistics, time zones, the planning – it was insane. I was having meetings with Sydney at midnight and Seoul at 6am and doing everything else in between. The whole thing was off the charts but we did it and it was the proudest day of my career. Bu ..read more

I didn’t know Lexie (Lecsie) well. But that doesn’t matter. Having had the pleasure of spending four days with her in Havana with her for the first Havana Club Club Cocktail Maestros competition, I was drawn to her beautiful smile, gentle spirit and beautiful soul. Everyone was. You couldn’t help it. She had an inner beauty that shone through and touched everyone she came in contact with. During the time we spent together she was happy, positive and brimming with enthusiasm for the competition and her fellow competitors. She was excited and really looking forward to spending a few extra days i ..read more