Mix it up: Why the lazy cocktail drinker should consider pre-mixed
@philip_salter
The words “pre-mixed cocktail” are anathema to many self-respecting cocktail aficionados. The experience of consuming these fine, upstanding drinks goes far beyond simple taste – it’s about the knowledge that a great deal of work, expertise and even love has gone into making each and every one. The slogan “good things come to those who wait” may already be in use by a very different drinks manufacturer, but it could easily apply to the world of cocktails.
Having said that, I’m a member of a generation that thrives on taking shortcuts, so I’m pretty relaxed about the idea, provided I get a decent cocktail out of it. Here are three companies that will help you avoid the hassle of venturing out into the daylight in order to get drunk.
WORLD OF ZING WORLDOFZING.COM
Pritesh Mody has masterminded a cocktail collection to challenge your senses. It includes the remarkable pre-mixed Persian Lime and Nori Seaweed Margarita, which will be available at the end of this month. This cocktail is made with Ocho blanco and reposado tequilas and agave syrup, which is mixed with dried Persian lime macerate and then infused with Japanese nori seaweed. Before being bottled, the cocktail is rested to marry the ingredients (it’s the same science that makes your takeaway curry taste better the next day). Other cocktails available now include the Bordeaux Wine Cask Aged Negroni with Serenity Bitters and Tanqueray Gin, the Steel Aged Manhattan with Anaesthetic Brandy, Euphoric Bitters and Bulleit Rye Whisky, and the Blackberry and Tamarind Spiced Rum Punch with Honey, Chamomile and Pink Pigeon Rum. (Try saying that after a few Persian Lime and Nori Seaweed Margaritas.)
TASTE COCKTAILS TASTECOCKTAILS.COM
Taste is another subscription cocktail service. May’s kit makes six cocktails, including Last of the Oaxacans, All Betts Are Off and Other Word. All are spectacular mezcal based cocktails (my new favourite spirit) worthy of your attention.
SHAKEN SHAKENCOCKTAILS.COM
Shaken is a subscription cocktail service. Each kit contains enough for five drinks: two classic cocktails, two modern masterpieces and an extra shot of the neat spirit. You can choose between either gin or whisky introductory sets. The gin option means you can make the Aviation and the Last Word, two complex classics that have made a huge comeback in recent years, while the whiskey option makes a Manhattan and Boulevardier. The latter is a Negroni (gin, vermouth and Campari) that replaces the gin with whiskey.
Whether you go for tier 1 lazy (pre-mixed), or tier 2 lazy (the fool-proof kit), these options won’t disappoint. And you’ll have plenty more time to spend procrastinating; like I said, we’re the short-cut generation – it’s time to turn on, tune in, drop out, subscribe and pre-mix.