Cocktail Culture: Learn the rules like a master, break them like an artist
Style is not about turning up to a destination to be viewed as a statue, style adds value. Being able to mix up a cocktail at home with a story to romance you into the drink is a fantastic way to be adding that value. As is always the case, mastering the simple things in life is key to elegant living, but the basics also provide you with the platform to break the rules like an artist.
Here are three classic cocktails that every man should master, and a twist on each to allow a little more personality to intoxicate your guests.
MANHATTAN
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. Those that know have heard the rumour that the recipe was invented by Dr. Iain Marshall in the early 1880's for a party by Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. I make mine “over perfect” with rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth & a suggestion of maraschino. It's a simple but sophisticated drink that's perfect for after hours.
To make a Manhattan, you'll need:
50ml Sazerac rye whiskey
25ml Cocchi di Torino sweet vermouth
25ml Noily Pratt dry vermouth
5ml maraschino syrup (from the cherry jar)
Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
As a twist the Rob Roy is a variation of the Manhattan that's made with scotch instead of rye whiskey. The world of single malts adds a layer of variety, & I love using smokier spirits, for something a little more evocative & complex.
To make a Rob Roy, you'll need:
50ml Balvenie 14 Year Old - The Week of Peat
25ml Cocchi di Torino sweet vermouth
25ml Noily Pratt dry vermouth
5ml maraschino cherry syrup
To mix either drink, add the ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a Manhattan.
NEGRONI
The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that's made with gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The Negroni was created by Count Camillo Negroni, when he requested bartender Fosco Scarselli at Caffè Casoni to create a stronger version of his favourite cocktail, an Americano. Legend has it Count Negroni requested for the soda the be replaced with gin. The negroni is a masterclass of balance and patience, the perfect bitter refreshment pre lunch.
To make a Negroni, you'll need:
25ml Tanqueray 10
25ml Martini Rosso
25ml Campari
Orange peel (for garnish)
A lighter, fresher riff on the Negroni ideal as a poolside drink is the Negroni Bianco. The Negroni Bianco is a twist on the classic Negroni that uses the incredible Lillet Blanc instead of sweet vermouth and Suze as the bitter element.
To make a Negroni Bianco, you'll need:
25ml Tanqueray 10
25ml Lillet Blanc
25ml Suze
Orange peel(for garnish)
To mix either drink, add the ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled, then strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel.
MARGARITA
The Margarita is a classic cocktail with a muddled history that's made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. It's a refreshing drink that's perfect for a warm summer evening.
To make a Margarita you’ll need:
60 ml Ocho tequila
30 ml lime juice
30 ml Cointreau triple sec
Despite its mysterious beginnings, one can imagine the margarita in a previous reincarnation as the Brandy Daisy. As a more elegant take on the margarita and taking modern influence from the infamous Soho House creation the Picante de la Casa, try this warming riff:
To make a Picante Brandy Daisy:
60 ml Seven Tails Brandy
30 ml lime juice
30 ml Cointreau triple sec
1/2 a red chilli, deseeded
For both drinks fill a shaker with ice, add tequila or brandy, lime juice, and triple sec (and chilli for the Daisy) to the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice garnish the margarita with a lime wedge and the Brandy Daisy with 1/2 a chilli.
The key is balance and dilution. The one thing you cannot do when making a cocktail, is appear flustered. Go with it, mix, taste, rebalance. And if in doubt, pre batch all of your cocktails, have them sat in your biggest champagne bucket filled with ice and simply pour as needed. Above all things, a cocktail, should be effortlessly stylish.
