Lush Life

How to Drink at the St Regis Venice with Ludwig Negri, Bars Manager

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

At the St Regis, it’s two, two bars in one. Our guest is well aware of that fact - preparing a perfectly executed Negroni at noon on a sun-drenched terrace… and then later that evening a Warhol-worthy cocktail set in a bespoke glass.

Today I’m sitting down with Ludwig Negri, Manager of The St. Regis Bar and the Arts Bars at the St Regis Venice.

He’s been there since it was reopened in 2019, after honing his craft in London. We’ll talk Lake Garda beginnings, Venetian lagoon botanicals, and what it really takes to build two distinct bar identities in one of the most visited hotels in the city

You can also read about the St Regis Venice in my new book — yes, it’s finally happening. A Guide to Drinking in Venice lands in April 2026. I’ve been hinting at it for years, and it’s now available for pre-sale. Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Our cocktail of the week is the Doge’s Tipple.

INGREDIENTS

45ml artichoke-infused Mancino Amaranto
45ml Venetian bitter (we are using select, but we are gonna change soon with Bitter dei Sospiri)
10ml Amaro Cadello
Lemon Essence spray from Essentia
1 globe artichoke

METHOD

You will need to infuse your vermouth with artichoke first. To do that, you need to remove the outer leaves and trim the stem of one globe artichoke, keeping only the tender, light-green leaves and heart. Then slice the artichoke into very thin pieces. Add these to the jug and then add 750ml of Mancino Amaranto, which is what the St Regis Venice uses, or any vermouth. Then let it rest 24-48 hours.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir until well chilled
Strain into a rocks glass with ice
Mist with a spritz of Lemon Essence spray

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/st-regis-venice-with-ludwig-negri/

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New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink at the Experimental Cocktail Club Venice with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Paris has taken Venice by storm but this time round, unlike Napoleon in 1797, they’ve arrived with shakers not soldiers. Our guest today is leading the charge!

I’m sitting down with Pietro Lorefice, Bar Manager of Experimental Cocktail Club Venice, one of the bars that changed the cocktail conversation in this city.

Experimental Cocktail Club conquered Paris in 2007 with its innovative ideas, sparking Europe’s modern cocktail revival and growing into an influential group of bars and hotels around the world.

In Venice, Pietro is at the helm and we’re talking craft, culture, and what it really takes to run one of Venice’s most exciting bars.

You can also read about Pietro in my new book - well almost. I HAVE A NEW BOOK COMING OUT in April 2026 - A Guide to Drinking in Venice! I've been talking about it for what... three years now? I can't wait for you to see it at last for pre-sale!

Go to alushlifemanual.com/book for more details.

Now let’s join Pietro!

Our cocktail of the week is the Isola Di Pino

INGREDIENTS

40 ml Vodka
20 ml Coffee liqueur
10 ml Amaro
Salted Sugar Syrup* to taste

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake until well chilled and frosted.
Fine strain into a coupette glass
Add 3 coffee beans for good luck and enjoy.

*Salted Sugar Syrup: Combine equal parts (by weight) of sugar and water. Add 5% salt based on the total weight. Stir until completely dissolved.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/experimental-cocktail-club-venice-with-pietro-lorefice/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

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New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink New Riff with Mollie Lewis, President

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In music, most of us are attracted to a song’s continually repeated musical rhythm, "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones, or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, but once those were new to us. Our guest today is here to remind us of the pleasure we get when discovering a new riff.

Sponsored by Visit Cincy, I am thrilled to introduce you to Mollie Lewis, the President of New Riff Distilling, which took Kentucky’s leitmotif of bourbon and sprinkled in a few eighth-note surprises to create a liquid that is winning awards not only at home but around the world. Her story proves there’s always room for a new tune in town.

Not only am I excited to introduce Mollie to you, but also the whole Cincy Region — where North meets South and Ohio meets Kentucky. Just a bridge apart, Cincinnati’s German heritage and urban energy connect with Northern Kentucky’s Southern charm.

While you are there, you can sip bourbon, sample craft beer, and savor award-winning cuisine. There are tons of vibrant street art, historic landmarks, and stunning architecture to explore — all along a riverfront that’s buzzing with festivals year-round.

You can plan your trip at visitcincy.com.

Our cocktail of the week is the New Fashioned:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
3 dashes Orange Bitters
1/4 oz. Rich Demerara Syrup*

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice and then stir until chilled
Strain over a large rock in a rocks glass or coupe
Garnish with an orange peel

*Rich Demerara Syrup - In a large pot, mix 12 oz of water and 24 oz of demerara sugar together on low heat. Use a spoon to slowly stir as the mixture heats up. Heat through until sugar dissolves, never allowing the mixture to come to a boil. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/new-riff-with-mollie-lewis-president/

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Celebrate 15 Years of Nightjar with Roisin Stimpson and Edmund Weil

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Some birds sing at dawn to wake us up, but today we’re celebrating the birthday of a certain nocturnal songbird whose award-winning cocktails, wonderful hospitality, and sultry nightly soundtrack have been keeping London warbling for 15 years.

Today we’re turning our attention to Nightjar, the Shoreditch bar that rewrote London’s late-night playbook.

Joining me are the brilliant duo behind it: Roisin Stimpson and Edmund Weil. Long before Nightjar became a fixture on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, the Top 500 Bars, and every other list, Rosie and Edmund had a dream and the drive to create a place that brought together all their passions.

All their bars, Nightjar, Oriole, and Swift, hold a special place in my heart, and you will see why. I don’t want to reveal too much of their story in this intro, so let’s get right into the episode and have them guide us through the story of Nightjar.

But before that, if you love Lush Life, we would so appreciate your support by signing up for our newsletter. You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, and even your very own Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

Now grab that Martini and let’s join Rosie and Edmund!

Our cocktail of the week is the Toronto:

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Woodford Reserve
12.5 ml Fernet Branca
7.5 ml Maple syrup, infused with roasted coffee beans & pecan nut

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice and then stir until chilled and
Strain it into a rocks glass.
Garnish with cotton candy

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/nightjar-with-roisin-stimpson-edmund-weil/

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Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Read The Whiskey Bible with Noah Rothbaum

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest has ventured from the Arctic Circle to Kentucky’s rickhouses to Scotland’s distilleries in pursuit of one singular spirit. Now he’s sharing his wisdom with the world.

This week, the legendary Noah Rothbaum joins me to crack open The Whiskey Bible and pour out the secrets and stories of one of the world’s greatest spirits.

Noah is not only a leading authority on cocktails and spirits, but also a James Beard Award winner, the author of many acclaimed drinks books and the associate editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails, which won the Dartmouth Medal for the best reference book of 2021 and the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award for Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits.

Who better to guide us through the world of The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit, a staggeringly comprehensive, entertaining, and approachable book including not only a history of whiskey, but an in-depth analysis of every major whiskey distilling region, general and practical whiskey facts, and 60 classic and modern whiskey cocktail recipes from top bartenders.

But before that, if you love Lush Life, we would so appreciate your support by signing up for our newsletter. You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, and even your very own Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

Now grab that dram, let’s join Noah!

Our cocktail of the week is called Penicillin:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Scotch
¼ oz Islay Scotch
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz honey syrup (3 parts honey, 1 part water)
¾ tablespoon sweetened ginger syrup (4 parts ginger juice, 3 parts sugar)
Garnish: candied ginger

METHOD

Combine all of the ingredients except the Islay Scotch in a shaker and fill with ice.
Shake and then pour into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Using a bar spoon, gently pour ¼ oz of Islay Scotch over the back of the spoon to create a float.
Garnish with the candied ginger

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/the-whiskey-bible-with-noah-rothbaum-author/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How To Find the Spirit of Cincy

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Add a splash of bourbon, a hint of hops, and a generous pour of local pride, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for today’s episode.

Sponsored by Visit Cincy, we’re diving into the drinks, history, and experiences that make Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a true destination for cocktail lovers.

First up, we have Maija Zummo, the Senior Communications Manager for Domestic and International Communications for the Cincy Region, and of course, a proud Cincinnati native.

Maija is a former journalist who now channels her storytelling skills into showcasing the city she loves. Her mission is to educate others about this hidden gem of a destination and invite them to discover the unique charm of the Cincy Region.

Next up, we have Bill Whitlow, the Brand Ambassador of Wenzel Distillery. Bill started behind the bar at the age of 16. After a varied career, including winning the Woodford Manhattan Experience twice and the best Mint Julep in Kentucky for 2019 and 2022, he helped open the Wenzel Distillery in Covington.

Wenzel Distillery is a boutique personal blending experience and has expanded into a fully operational distillery. Wenzel has won Best Finished Bourbon in the World, Best Under 12 Year Limited Release, and other Gold and Silver Medals.

I am so excited to introduce them and the whole Cincy Region — where North meets South and Ohio meets Kentucky. Just a bridge apart, Cincinnati’s German heritage and urban energy connect with Northern Kentucky’s Southern charm.

You can plan your trip at visitcincy.com.

Our cocktail of the week is called Blueberry Chocolate Julep.

INGREDIENTS

3 oz Wenzel Distillery Wheated Bourbon
½ oz Blueberry Syrup
2 Dashes Bourbon Barrel Foods Chocolate Bitters
6-8 Mint Leaves

METHOD

Add mint and blueberry syrup to your julep cup and lightly muddle
Add Wenzel Bourbon and bitters
Add crushed ice and mix
Garnish with a mint sprig, blueberries, and powdered sugar

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/spirit-of-cincy/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Open a Pub in Paris with Hyacinthe Lescoët, Co-Founder of The Cambridge Public House

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

How does someone from Brittany end up in Britain, only to return to Paris and open—of all things—a pub? Don’t be surprised, though: this pub comes with a touch of oh là là.

I’m joined by Hyacinthe Lescoët, whose journey began in France, where his love for hospitality was first sparked while helping out in his mother’s pizzeria at just 12 years old. After earning his master’s degree in advertising, Hyacinthe made his way to London, igniting his passion for the craft of the cocktail.

He returned to Paris, where he championed seasonality, sustainability, and innovation. With this wealth of experience, in 2019, he teamed up with friends to open their own bar, The Cambridge Public House—a space that brings his philosophy of flavor, creativity, and hospitality to life. Today, he’s here to tell us how it all began!

We would so appreciate your support by signing up to our newsletter. You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, and even your very own Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

Our cocktail of the week is called Cigarette After Sex.

INGREDIENTS

25 ml Siete Misterios Mezcal
15 ml Sloe Gin
90 ml Agua de Jamaica
10 ml Verjus
Garnish: Lapsang souchong tea rim

METHOD

Prepare the trim by making the side of a wine glass wet and dipping it into the tea
Fill a wine glass with ice
Pour in all the ingredients and stir well
Add more ice if necessary
Serve

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/hyacinthe-lescoet-cambridge-public-house/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Enjoy Barcelona Hotel Bar Week with Bianca Grisolia, Founder

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’m not the only one who can’t resist a good hotel bar—London’s are bursting at the seams most nights. Now, thanks to our guest today, Barcelona’s stepping into the spotlight with 25 of its best great hotel bars teaming up for the first-ever Barcelona Hotel Bar Week from September 22nd - 28th!

The brains behind it all is Bianca Grisolia, who decided it was high time Barcelona’s hotel bars got the spotlight they deserve. Not only is she Founder and Organizer of Barcelona Hotel Bar Week, but a communication strategist, international PR expert, and founder of BG PR & Communication, an agency working globally with cocktail bars, chefs, premium brands, and hospitality realities.

With years of experience in strategic communication and mixology events, Bianca is a passionate advocate for the cultural value of hospitality and a driving force in building community and connections within the hospitality industry, plus she is my friend!

Our cocktail of the week comes to you directly from the Cotton House Hotel - Batuar Bar & Restaurant, created for Barcelona Hotel Bar Week by their amazing Bartender: Alberto Melis.

INGREDIENTS

60 ml Gin - they use 100&NOMORE, which is local to Barcelona
200 ml of homemade tonic

METHOD

Toast 8 grams of fennel seeds in a dry pan until they release their aroma.
Infuse 1 liter of water, the toasted fennel seeds, 0.8 g white cassia, 20 grapefruit skins, and 5g kaffir lime leaves at 70°C for 20 minutes, then filter through a strainer.
Heat the 250 ml oat milk to 80°C (no boiling), pour in the infusion and add 50 ml of lemon juice. Leave to cool in the fridge for 60 minutes then filter with a coffee filter or cotton filter.
Now that you have the two infusions done, combine 1 part of the water with one part of the clarified oat milk
Mix 200 ml of homemade tonic for every 60 ml of gin and serve on the rocks in a Collins glass, and garnish with a grapefruit zest.
If you have one, then place the mix in a soda siphon, let the mix cool in the fridge for about 60 minutes and load with two cartridges of CO2. Once gasified, serve on the rock in a Collins glass and garnish with a grapefruit zest.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/barcelona-hotel-bar-week-with-bianca-grisolia/

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Serving up Season 10 of Lush Life

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

How can it be that this is my 10th Season? Did all that time really go by?

Yes, next Tuesday, I will bring you the first episode of Season 10 of Lush Life. As the year before, this season, we’ll have even more great conversations, enjoy more great cocktails, and visit a few more great places to enjoy a sip or two.

Just a note if you are new to Lush Life - you can find out more information on everyone I’ve interviewed on my blog alushlifemanual.com! And you can also watch most of the interviews on my YouTube channel, which, not to confuse you, is youtube.com/lushlifemanual without the A!

And if you want any more Lush Life, you can sign up to my newsletter at alushlifemanual.substack.com!

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Buck & Birch with Tom Chisholm, Co-Founder

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, you don't realize that all paths have led you to where you end up. Think about it - it could be true for you. It is for our guest - he’s right where he was meant to be all along.

For Tom Chisholm, all those dead ends and missed starts made sense when Buck & Birch was born. Founded in 2016 by Tom and his partner Rupert Waites when they joined forces to share a deep bond created back in their respective childhoods growing up in nature, surrounded by exhilarating wilderness landscapes.

The duo began hosting pop-up dining events in the 2000's, with a focus on wild and foraged Scottish ingredients. Their wild elderberry liqueur proved insanely popular with all and Buck & Birch was on its way.

Follow along with us on Tom’s path from Norway to Scotland and how he found himself the co-founder of a drinks company!

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

Also If you love the show, we would so appreciate your support! You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, plus a Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

The cocktail of the week is the Birch Forest Martini:

INGREDIENTS

60ml BIRCH Premium Botanical Vodka
15ml white vermouth
Garnish: lemon twist

METHOD

Add the ingredients to an icing glass
Add ice and stir
Strain into a Martini glass
Garnish with a lemon twist.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/buck-and-birch-with-tom-chisholm

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink At Archive & Myth with Laurie Howells, Head Bartender

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

How many cocktail competitions are you doing this year? Our guest has challenged herself to do a number you won’t believe! It’s not as if she has nothing else to do, she is busy at one of the most exciting places in London.

Laurie Howells might sound like a Brit, but she don’t let her fool you. She was born and lived in the USA until she was whisked to her new hometown of Bury St. Edmunds. How did she find herself heading up Archive & Myth, one of London’s newest bars? She will have to tell you that.

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

The cocktail of the week is the Archive & Myth Bee’s Knees:

INGREDIENTS

40ml Gin (they use Renais Gin)
10ml Everleaf Forest
5ml Tio Pepe Fino
25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
20ml Bay Honey Syrup

METHOD

First, make the bay honey syrup by bringing water to a boil and infusing bay leaves into it for 10 minutes to steep. Filter them and then whisk together a 3:1 ratio of honey to bay water to make an incredibly tasty and herbaceous honey syrup.
Shake all ingredients together with ice
Fine strain into a coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/archive-and-myth-with-laurie-howells

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Woodford Reserve with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For someone who is passionate about horses and bourbon there is one position that would be a dream to have and our guest has got it!

When you think of horse races, there is only one: the Kentucky Derby. When you think of cocktails at horse races, there is only one - the Mint Julep. And what bourbon do you find in that Kentucky Derby Mint Julep? Woodford Reserve.

As Vice President and Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Elizabeth McCall calls the shots when defining the quality sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply. What does it take to become the third Master Distiller ever at Woodford and one of the youngest distillers in the United States? I will let her tell you!

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

The cocktail of the week is the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
.5 oz demerara simple syrup
3 dashes of Angostura bitters
large ice cube
orange peel

METHOD

Pour Woodford Reserve Bourbon into your favorite glass
Add sugar syrup and bitters
Add ice
Stir for 10 seconds
Express orange oils & garnish with the orange peel

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/woodford-reserve-with-elizabeth-mccall

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink at the Stockton Inn with Brian Miller

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Have you been to the small hotel with a wishing well and now a fabulous new bar helmed by today’s guest? I’m pretty certain that if Rogers and Hart had taken even one sip of any of the new cocktails, their famous song may have turned out very differently.

If you are a Sinatra fan, you might be aware of his rendition of the song There’s a Small Hotel written in the 1930s by Rogers and Hart for the musical On Your Toes.

This sweet ditty was inspired by Hart’s stay at the Stockton Inn in Stockton, New Jersey, a place also dear to my heart. My family has had a house nearby for the past 30 years. When new folks had acquired the inn, we held our breath.

Then I discovered Brian Miller was in charge of the bar, and I knew there was nothing to fear!

Brian is a veteran of the New York bar scene having worked in some of the most famous bars in the world like the Pegu Club and Death and Company.

He has a special penchant for tropical cocktails, which culminated in the creation of Tiki Mondays with Miller - a Polynesian & pirate-themed pop-up bar. And his own bar, The Polynesian, which was nominated for Best New American Bar at Tales of the Cocktail and recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of America’s Best Bars.

So how did this self-described pirate find himself in that small hotel with the wishing well in the woods of New Jersey?

You’ll have to listen in to find out.

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

Also, if you love the show, we would so appreciate your support! You can get our advice on anything to do with home bartending, where to drink in every major city, special recipes, plus a Lush Life mug! Just head to alushlifemanual.substack.com and sign up!

The cocktail of the week is the Jack Rose:

INGREDIENTS

2 dashes orange bitters
½ oz lime juice
½ oz lemon juice
½ oz grenadine
¼ oz cane syrup
¼ oz Jacoulot crème de framboise liqueur
1 oz Laird’s bonded apple brandy
1 oz Domaine de Montreuil “Selection” calvados

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and add ice
Shake until chilled
Strain into a coupe glass

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/stockton-inn-with-brian-miller

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Mount Gay Rum with Trudiann Branker

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Can you feel the heat on your face? This episode we want to transport you right to the sunny island of Barbados. Anyone’s guess which rum we’ll be exploring??

If you haven’t guessed already, it’s Mount Gay, not only the oldest rum in Barbados, but the oldest rum in the world!! I’m thrilled that Trudiann Branker, the trailblazing Master Blender, is joining us.

Starting at the distillery in 2014 as Quality Assurance Manager, Trudiann rose to prominence with her unique ability to merge scientific expertise and creative intuition.

Under her guidance, Mount Gay has unveiled award-winning innovations like the Master Blender Collection and the Single Estate Series!

We met at the launch of the Single Estate Series 2, and I couldn’t wait to have her on the show! Single Estate is super special, and it’s great to have her explain how it all came to be

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

The cocktail of the week is the Cocohill:

INGREDIENTS

60ml / 2oz Mount Gay XO Rum
1 Coconut water ice cube

METHOD

Pour Coconut Water into a silicone mould 3-3.5cm high or regular ice cube moulds and freeze.
Once frozen, place the coconut ice cube(s) into an old fashioned glass
Add XO and serve

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/mount-gay-rum-with-trudiann-branker

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Prioritise Inclusion with Equal Measures’ Vicky Ilankovan

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

We are exploring a very important issue and, even if you aren’t in the drinks industry, it’s something you need to address if you have a business - how are you prioritizing inclusion in your workplace?

Vicky Ilankovan, the Executive Director of Equal Measures UK, is with me to help you answer that question. Equal Measures is the award-winning non-profit spearheading the delivery of intersectional inclusivity in the drinks & hospitality industries.

She has a proven track record of promoting companies, developing and restructuring systems, diversifying services, and building communities of engaged stakeholders. As her career spans everything from editorial, marketing, PR, and events, to global distribution, business development, project management, drinks consultancy, and spirits awards judging, she has a panoramic understanding of the hospitality and drinks industries, its networks, and operation.

I am honored to have her on the program.

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

The cocktail of the week is the Bajan Divorce:

INGREDIENTS

40ml Foursquare Nobiliary (or Doorly’s XO as this is hard to find now)
10ml Corte Vetusto Ensamble II mezcal
10ml Pensador Ensamble mezcal
15ml Gonzalez Byass PX Nectar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish with an orange twist

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a glass with ice and stir to mix and dilute (around 6 rotations).
Garnish with a freshly cut orange peel, being sure to spritz the fresh orange oils around the glass.
Sit back, and enjoy the rich flavours.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/iequal-measures-with-vicky-ilankovan

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink SoGood Sake with Meryl Kennedy & Ken LaGrande

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Most people know that sake is made with rice, but did you know that rice might be grown in California?

This is the 250th episode of Lush Life Podcast, every week I have been inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the guests who have been kind enough to join me and I am sure I will continue to be inspired by those who are yet to be on the program.

Thank you everyone for your support, especially Evo Terra and his team, that’s my producer, and thank you for listening.

Now, back to that 250th episode!

I was shocked, too. I had just assumed the rice was all grown in Japan. That’s just one of the many things that Ken LaGrande revealed about sake over cocktails at the Connaught. In fact, those aforementioned cocktails had all been made using SoGood Sake.

Why create a new sake and one whose pedigree is purely American?

Joining me today to explain everything is Ken himself and, one of the other co-founders of SoGood Sake, Meryl Kennedy.

The cocktail of the week is the Sake Sunset:

INGREDIENTS

40 ml SoGood Sake
20 ml Dark rum
60 ml Solo Coldbrew
20 ml Miso Caramel (1:9 White Miso to Caramel)
Garnish: Dark Chocolate

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and add ice
Shake until well diluted and cold
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
Garnish with Grated Dark Chocolate

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/sogood-sake-with-meryl-kennedy-and-ken-lagrande

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Take Venice Cocktail Tours

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, we are back with the 9th - how is it possible - season of Lush Life! Where best to begin? Venice, of course!

How is it that there weren’t already Venice Cocktail Tours before now? Well, I don’t want to reveal the whole story in this intro, you can now enjoy two different cocktail tours in Venice!

Let’s just say that great minds were thinking how best to introduce you to not only the role that Venice played in bringing you some of the greatest drinks ever, but also to how amazing the cocktail scene is.

I happened to meet Monica Cesarato by chance during Venice Cocktail Week two years ago. Not only did Monica create the first cicchetti tours in Venice, but she is also the author of two books, food & travel blogger, podcaster, and producer.

Our Co-Founder, Romena Brugnerotto, leads all different types of tours throughout the city, like art, culture, and cicchetti, as well as being a sommelier! Together, they had a brilliant idea to create cocktail tours, just as I was also thinking the same. Our worlds collided, and the rest is history, but there is so much more to it than that!

The cocktail of the week is the Cinico:

INGREDIENTS

30ml prosecco
30ml cinico (Italian cinnamon liqueur)
30ml soda water
Garnish: lime, mint and a cinnamon stick

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a rocks glass with ice
Stir gently
Garnish with lime, mint, and a cinnamon stick

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-take-venice-cocktail-tours

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to be Philip Duff

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Philip Duff, a true icon in the industry, is on Lush Life. He is a renowned expert on everything drinks related and has a passion for the craft.

Thank goodness our guest was not one of the Skerries-born citizens who kidnapped St. Patrick's goat and was cursed to bleat from then on, cus that would make for an awkward interview.

Today we have a true icon in the industry. Philip Duff is not only an internationally renowned expert on cocktails, spirits, and bars, but also a sought-after consultant, a dynamic educator, and a captivating speaker who has traveled the globe sharing his vast knowledge and passion for the craft. Plus he’s also the founder of Old Duff Genever and lucky for me my friend!

We’re chatting about the past, the future and the stuff that happened along the way.

The cocktail of the week is the Holland House:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Old Duff Genever
20ml dry vermouth
15ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
7.5ml maraschino liqueur
Garnish: lemon zest

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Fine strain into a martini or coupe glass
Garnish with a lemon zest

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/philip-duff

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to be the London Boozehound with Sam Gilani

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Did it ever occur to you to ask your friendly bartenders where they like to drink? Because you know they know the best places in town. Well, don’t worry, our guest has. And lucky for us, he’s sharing that info.

Sam Gilani was making Sazeracs when he was at university - that should tell you that he was bound to become The London Boozehound. He is not only a journalist with a massive Instagram following but also the founder of the Bartender’s Edit - that list of every bartender’s favorite hangouts.

You’d be surprised what made the list, but I’m not going to tell you, Sam is.

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

The cocktail of the week is the East 8 Holdup:

INGREDIENTS

45 ml Vodka
15 ml Aperol
20 ml Pineapple Juice
15 ml Fresh Lime Juice
15 ml Simple Syrup
5 ml Passionfruit Syrup

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Fine strain into a rocks glass with ice
Garnish with half a passionfruit and a mint sprig

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/the-london-boozehound-with-sam-gilani

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How To Drink at the Lansdowne Club with David Herbert and Marco Caglià

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Who doesn’t want to enjoy a tipple or two in a gorgeous setting? Today, I bring you to one of the most historically important homes in London, which held and is still holding some of the best parties the city has ever seen.

On today’s episode, you’ll meet a power player in Georgian society, the Lansdowne House, constructed in the 1760s by the celebrated architect Robert Adam.

Not only did it see the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American War of Independence, in its Round Room, but also the negotiations for the Entente Cordiale between Britain and France. But let’s not forget: Thanks to some of its famous residents, Lansdowne House was the first stop on the party circuit.

I don’t want to ruin the fun by revealing all here, but let me just say they could throw one great shindig after another!

Currently, it is home to The Lansdowne Club, the first club in London to accept both male and female members, shocking in 1935. Here to tell us all are CEO and Club Secretary David Herbert and then Head Bartender Marco Caglià.

The cocktail of the week is the Pink Duke:

INGREDIENTS

35 ml Hendrick's gin
25 ml Kwai Feh Lychee Liqueur
25 ml fresh lime juice
25 ml Raspberry and rose cordial
Prosecco

METHOD

Add all ingredients except the prosecco to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Fine strain into a coupe
Top up with the prosecco
Garnish with an edible rosebud

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/lansdowne-club-with-david-herbert-and-marco-caglia

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Use seasn with Ben Branson

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Remember a time when asking for a non-alcoholic beverage meant getting a soda or an apple juice? Well, thanks to the brain behind Seedlip, there are now stores filled with No-ABV and Low-ABV spirits. It’s not often one can invent a whole new category of drinking, but our guest did, and now he is coming for bitters, watch out.

My friend and former Lush Lifer Ben Branson was on the program more than 5 years ago and since that time, he is not only the Founder of Seedlip - the first ever non-alcoholic spirit, but also the Pollen Projects, the non-profit The Hidden 20% & the host of The Hidden 20% podcast. He is also the genius behind the new drinks flavoring, seasn.

There are two seasns right now in the UK (and coming soon to the US) LIGHT and DARK - each born to make your drinks even tastier. LIGHT brightens up your lighter drinks and DARK adds a rich spicier note to your darker drinks. But I don’t want to give it all away. But I don't want to give it all away. The story of seasn is Ben’s to tell.

The cocktail of the week is the seasn Margarita:

INGREDIENTS

40 ml Blanco Tequila
20 ml Fresh Lime juice
10 ml Cointreaul
3 dashes seasn LIGHT
2:1 sugar syrup as needed

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Fine strain into a coupe or rocks glass with ice
Garnish with Maldon sea salt rim and a lime wedge.

OR make the non-alcoholic seasn Margarita:

INGREDIENTS

40ml Seedlip Garden
20ml Fresh Lime juice
3 dashes seasn LIGHT
Agave syrup as needed

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Fine strain into a coupe or rocks glass with ice
Garnish with Maldon sea salt rim and a lime wedge.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to most of the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/seasn-with-ben-branson

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to https://substack.com/@alushlifemanual

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Discover More About Sustainability at the Paradiso Sustainability Summit 2024

Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This March, I was blown away by the creativity of some of the best bars in the world. Not only were they making cocktails, but they were saving the planet.

On the 17 and 18th of March 2024, the third edition of the Paradiso Sustainability Summit, organized by Giacomo Giannotti and his team, in partnership with Ketel One Vodka through their Garnished with Good program was held.

Giacomo’s bar Paradiso is ranked one of the best Bars in the world, and he established the Summit three years ago as an exchange of ideas and tools with the aim of raising awareness and making the industry more sustainable.

This year, the event took place at Palo Alto - an indoor and outdoor space chosen for its approach to helping local communities. There were two stages for masterclasses, seminars, and workshops, a marketplace where local organizations showcased their sustainable projects and products, and, of course, pop-ups of all the invited international and local bars serving cocktails all day long!

While I was there I caught up with not only Giacomo, but a few of the other speakers who are my guests on the program today.

Riccardo Rossi and Michele Filip from Rome’s Freni e Frizioni, Paul Voza from Oslo’s Himkok, Vasilis Kyritsis and Dimitris Dafopoulos from Line in Athens, Alexandros Tselepis and Konstantinos Theodorakopoulos from The Bar in Front of The Bar also in Athens, Partick Howley from So Let’s Talk, and last but certainly not least Timothy Etherington-Judge of Avallen Calvados and Healthy Hospo who gives us the place to start with sustainability to have the greatest impact.

It was truly an eye-opening event, and they will most definitely inspire you to do more.

But before I begin, make sure you check out a sampling of all the activities from the summit on my YouTube channel! www.Youtube.com/@lushlifemanual

Up first is, of course, Giacomo our host and founder of this important initiative.

The cocktail of the week is Paradiso’s The Voyage:

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Ketel One Vodka
25 ml Amaro Santoni
25 ml Italicus
Yogurt blueberries
Yogurt raspberry

METHOD

Mix the following ingredients together in a container
Infuse it for 24 hours in the fridge
Filter it all through a cheesecloth.
Then pour it into your chilled martini glass
Garnish with a jam-filled white chocolate if you have one

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/paradiso-sustainability-summit-2024

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Make Never Say Die Bourbon with Brian Luftman

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The butterfly effect is the idea that small things can have non-linear impacts on a complex system. The concept is imagined with a butterfly flapping its wings and causing a typhoon. Our butterfly, in this case, is one small sip of bourbon.

That specific sip of bourbon started off a chain reaction that would see not only the world of drinks but the world at large change forever and I am not exaggerating!

But I am not going to ruin the story. You will have to hear it from one of the co-Founders of Never Say Die Bourbon. Brian Luftman is here on Lush Life to tell you a story that is pretty incredible. You don’t need to be a marketing genius to know that every brand needs a story, but this one you just couldn’t make up and its at the heart of Never Say Die.

Now feet in stirrups, hands on the reins, the gate is about to open with Brian leading the pack!

The cocktail of the week is the Epsom Derby!

INGREDIENTS

40ml Never Say Die Small-Batch Bourbon
30ml pink grapefruit juice
15ml honey syrup
Garnish: 8-10 mint leaves

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
Shake for 15 seconds
Strain into a Nick and Nora glass and garnish

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, plus links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/never-say-die-bourbon-with-brian-luftman

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Serving up Season 8½ of Lush Life

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I think relaunch is the word of the moment. It is Spring, after all.

Not only will I be relaunching Season 8 of Lush Life, bringing you exciting episodes about sustainability, horse racing, the Beatles, absinthe, and so much more!

But the big news is I have just re-launched my cocktail tours in London’s Soho- Long story but I first started them in Nov 2019 and well we know what happened then.

Now, I am thrilled to say that they are up and running! So next time you are planning a trip to London, check out londoncocktailtours.com!

So, let’s toast to all this relaunching.

Since this time of year is all about apples - this is one of my favorite autumn cocktails (and one I always start the season with!)

It’s the Avallen Autumn Old-Fashioned:

Ingredients

30ml / 1 oz Avallen Calvados
1 teaspoon honey
1 dash orange bitters
Top up with champagne

Method

Add all of the ingredients (except the champagne) to a cocktail glass
Give them a quick stir with a teaspoon to dissolve the honey
Top with champagne
Add a small orange zest on the side for extra dazzle

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com.

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How to Drink House of Suntory Spirits with James Bowker

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Few people would have the courage to leave a very secure future in academia for a very uncertain life behind the bar. Our guest did, and he has never looked back.

Are you crazy for Thomas Shelby and also have a passion for Japanese Whisky? Do you have no clue who Thomas Shelby is but love your Japanese whisky? Or do you not know either about Thomas Shelby or Japanese Whisky but just want to meet one of the greatest guys in the spirit industry? Then this episode is for you!

James Bowker is a proud Brummie; that is someone from Birmingham, England btw, just like Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, one of my favorite programs.

His early love of Japanese whisky grew into a role as the first House of Suntory Global Advocacy Manager. I met James many years ago when he was one of the ten finalists for the Diageo World Class UK, and have just now finally had him on the program.

It was kismet as I was just about to step on a plane to Japan. He taught me so much, which made the experience a billion times better. Even if you are not headed to Japan, his knowledge is invaluable.

The cocktail of the week is the Kyoto Club!

INGREDIENTS

50ml Suntory ROKU Gin
25ml Green Tea (Chilled)
25ml Lemon Juice
15ml Raspberry Syrup
(Sugar + Raspberries if not available)
Garnish: Raspberries

METHOD

Fill the glass with ice.
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
Shake for 15 seconds.
Strain into glass and garnish.

You’ll find this recipe, more gin cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/house-of-suntory-spirits-with-james-bowker

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Make Mr Lyan’s Cocktails at Home with Ryan Chetiyawardana

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

You asked for it, and you got it - all of you kind people who filled out my survey asked for more interviews with more legends. Our guest is the world's most-awarded bartender & bar owner. If Mr Lyan isn’t a legend, I don’t know who is.

If you call yourself a cocktail connoisseur, then you will have come upon the name Mr Lyan in your travels. Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan opened White Lyan in London in 2013. It was a moment that will go down in cocktail history as the first cocktail bar in the world to use no perishables, no fruit, and even no ice, an innovative approach to sustainability, with much lower waste and a use of pre-made cocktails and never before seen ingredients.

This focus on a ground-breaking approach remains in the evolution of White Lyan, Super Lyan, Dandelyan, Cub, Lyaness, Silver Lyan, and Seed Library.

Ryan’s with me to discuss his new book, Mr Lyan’s Cocktails at Home: Good Things to Drink with Friends, but we go into so much more -

How his relationship to flavor evolved, how his studying Fine Arts at Central Saint Martins as well as Biology at Edinburgh University spurred him on to get behind the bar, and why the need to write a book at all.

You have no idea how excited I am to finally have Ryan on the show!

Before we begin, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual

The cocktail of the week is Ryan’s Barlay Champagne!

INGREDIENTS

4 shots (100ml/4oz) water
6 shots (150ml/6oz) lemon barley water cordial
8 shots (200ml/8oz) fino sherry or dry vermouth
12 shots (300ml/12oz) London dry gin
10 dashes Tabasco
Rosemary sprigs, to garnish

METHOD

Add the water, cordial, sherry or vermouth, and gin to a jug, then add the Tabasco
Stir and then decant into a clean wine bottle and chill well
To serve, add a shot and a half (40ml/1.5oz) of the chilled mixture to a flute, then top with bubbles.
Add a sprig of rosemary and serve

The Magic is that “you can make lemon barley cordial at home (it's a very old-fashioned British cordial of pearl barley and lemon), but this recipe works great with any store-bought cordial that brings sweetness and acidity. Elderflower, blackcurrant, or even more regional ones such as redcurrant or gooseberry also work-although there's a richness to the barley addition that works wonderfully. Tabasco adds a background heat, but try adding other accent spices such as gochujang or sriracha - just sieve it after mixing to remove any particulates, as they will interfere with the fizz. Plus, you just want a hint of fruity warmth. else you’ll throw the balance of the drink.”

You’ll find this recipe, more Champagne cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/cocktails-at-home-with-ryan-chetiyawardana

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Asolo Prosecco

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Throughout history, artists and writers have been drawn to the Northern Italian hill town of Asolo; some say it’s because it’s the “city of a hundred horizons,” I think it’s because it’s the home of Asolo Prosecco!

At one time, you might have caught a glimpse of poet Robert Browning, actress Elenora Duse, or writer Freya Stark sitting enjoying a glass of bubbly at one of the cafes in this Pearl of the Veneto; I can almost guarantee the liquid in their glass was Asolo prosecco!

In this episode, I’m taking you with me to Asolo to meet a few people who are making Asolo Prosecco what it is! We‘ll begin with a masterclass led by Wine Educator and Journalist Gianpaolo Giacobbo, who will explain what Asolo prosecco DOCG is exactly.

Then Ugo Zamperoni is next. He is the President of the Conzorio of Asolo Prosecco - which is the association of producers and grape growers.

Then we are off to meet a few producers of Asolo Prosecco: Dennis Bordin from the Tenuta d’Asolo Progress Country & Wine House, Ermenegildo Giusti of Giusti Wine, and then we finish with Tenuta Baron’s Andrea Sbrissa.

I interviewed them all in situ, so alas, there is no video podcast this week, but you can find a video guide to the town of Asolo and a selection of the vineyards and historical sites you can visit when you are next in town. You can find it on my YouTube channel, youtube.com/lushlifemanual.

Our cocktail of the week comes straight from master mixologist Samuele Ambrosi, owner of Cloakroom Cocktail Lab and Knowledge Hub in Treviso. We met at Venice Cocktail Week last year, and I am thrilled to include one of his cocktail creations. It's called the Made in Italy and is a little different from what you might think of as a prosecco cocktail - because it’s savory!

The cocktail of the week is Samuele Ambrosi’s MADE IN ITALY.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Basil and "datterino" tomatoes cordial*
150 ml Asolo DOCG Prosecco extra Brut

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a champagne glass
Garnish with a tomato basil cracker

*Basil and "datterino" tomatoes cordial*

In an electric blender, add 500gr cherry tomatoes and 10/12 fresh basil leaves and blend everything for a few minutes
Leave the liquid all together for 10/15 minutes in the fridge.
Then strain all and put 1 tsp white sugar
Keep the cordial in the fridge
Best before 10/12 days
You can use the leftovers (tomato peel, basil leaves, etc.) to make the garnish!

You’ll find this recipe, more prosecco cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asolo-prosecco-podcast

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Serving up Season 8 of Lush Life

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

School is back, and a new season of Lush Life commences! How exciting!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is the Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Yes, next Tuesday, I bring you the first episode of Season 8 of Lush Life. This season, we’ll have even more great conversations, enjoy more great cocktails, and visit a few more great places to enjoy a sip or two.

We’ll be delving into prosecco, horse racing, and absinthe, plus meeting even more legends of the industry, and that’s just the beginning! Of course, I will also be bringing you the latest cocktails of the week!

Just a note if you are new to Lush Life - you can find out more information on everyone I’ve interviewed on my blog alushlifemanual.com! And you can also watch most of the interviews on my YouTube channel, which, not to confuse you, is youtube.com/lushlifemanual without the A!

I can’t leave you without a pre-season cocktail of the week.

Since this time of year is all about apples - this is one of my favorite autumn cocktails (and one I always start the season with!)

It’s the Avallen Autumn Old-Fashioned:

Ingredients

50ml / 1.5 oz Avallen Calvados
10ml / 1 tbsp Amontillado Sherry
5ml / 1 tsp Maple Syrup
1 Large Barspoon Fig Jam

Method

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass: Stir to dissolve jam (10-15 seconds)
Then add ice, and stir, stir, stir.
Double strain into a rocks glass with ice filled to the top
Garnish with a slice of fig or apple or a fig and an apple

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find almost all the ingredients in our shop.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Select Aperitivo with Rudi Carraro

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Just when you thought my season was over, I’m surprising you with a little mid-summer episode dedicated to a place and spirit I love.

If you’ve been listening to Lush Life for a while, you would probably know that I love Venice. If you are a first-timer to Lush Life, I'll say it again I love Venice!

So how excited am I to be joined by my friend Rudi Carraro, Global Brand Ambassador of the very Venetian Select Aperitivo?

I’ll let Rudi tell you how Select and Venice go hand-in-hand while I sip my Select Spritz dreaming I’m on a terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.

Before we begin and for the last time this season, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Now let’s join Rudi!

Our cocktail of the week is the Select Spritz:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Select Aperitivo
3 oz Prosecco
1 splash Soda
1 Green olive

METHOD

Fill a wine glass with ice
Pour Select Aperitivo into the glass
Add the prosecco and then the soda
Stir very gently
Garnish with a green olive - truly Venetian!

You’ll find this recipe, more Select Aperitivo cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/select-aperitivo-with-rudi-carraro

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Celebrate the World's 50 Best with Mark Sansom

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What a great way to start the summer by celebrating with a guest whose job it is to celebrate the best of the best.

Mark Sansom has been Director of Content at The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best Discovery, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and soon to be the World’s 50 Best Hotels for the past 5 very momentous years!

Today he guides us through a bit about the history of World’s 50 Best, but mostly we get to what’s been happening since Covid and how the site and events have changed since Mark joined the team.

Before we begin and for the last time this season, you can always watch this episode on Youtube, plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is one of Mark’s favorites, the Mezcal Negroni!

INGREDIENTS

50ml Campari
50ml sweet vermouth
50ml gin
10ml super smoky mezcal
orange half-wheel

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a rocks glass with ice
Garnish with an orange half-wheel

You’ll find this recipe, more mezcal cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/worlds-50-best-bars-with-mark-sansom

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Jensen's Gin with Christian Jensen

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Join Christian Jensen, Founder of Jensen’s Gin on a journey to create a gin that harks back to the vintage gins he revered.

Who would have thought that sitting in a bar in Tokyo you might sip a gin that reminded you why you fell in love with the spirit in the first place?

Christian Jensen dreamt about gins gone by until the fateful sip….and upon returning to London he decide he needed to create a gin just for himself. That gin is Jensen’s and thank goodness he decided to share it with others.

Today he talks us through the journey he took to create that special gin he was dreaming about.

Now let’s join Christian.

Our cocktail of the week is the CJ Collins:

INGREDIENTS

70ml Jensen's Old Tom
25ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
12.5ml Simple syrup on a 1:1 ratio
70ml Soda water

METHOD

All ingredients directly in glass with large junks of ice,
Give it a stir
Garnish with a 1/2 lemon wheel and lemon zest.

You’ll find this recipe, more rum cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/jensens-gin-with-christian-jensen

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Outcast Brands with Jason Kidd

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Are you ready to be comfortable with discomfort? Our guest was. Now after nearly 25 years in the Guinness and beer space, he’s making a name for himself in the spirit world.

Jason Kidd, founder of Outcast Brands, spent most of his career trotting around the globe working with beer; now he’s home in Ireland making Blood Monkey gin and Two Shores Rum. Both prove that, in Jason’s words, “interesting drinks are always on the margins of the category that we work in.” Find out why his two liquids are not only breaking the mold but Irish through and through.

Before we begin, you can always watch this podcast on Youtube, where you’ll find a video of this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is the Two Shores Golden Mojito:

INGREDIENTS

3 Limes
6 Mint leaves
60ml Two Shores Single Malt Finish
1 teaspoon of Golden Demerara Sugar
Soda water splash

METHOD

Grab a highball glass and muddle two cut-up limes and about 6 leaves of mint.
Add 1 teaspoon of golden demerara sugar or light brown sugar and crush it with your muddler
Add the 60ml Two Shores Single Malt Finish Rum
Stir to mix everything, and then add crushed ice and a splash of soda water.
Add more crushed ice if needed.

You’ll find this recipe, more rum cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/outcast-brands-with-jason-kidd

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Organize London Cocktail Week with Hannah Sharman-Cox & Siobhan Payne

Tue, 09 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

As if organizing the biggest cocktail week in the world isn’t enough, my two guests have created the Michelin guide for the drinks industry!

More than 10 years ago, Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne joined forces and made London Cocktail Week what it is today. Every cocktail lover’s favorite week of the year, including mine!

It’s been running continuously every year since it began - they didn’t even let a small thing like a global pandemic get in the way. Now, in addition to that, they have co-founded the Pinnacle Guide, which will be championing excellence in bars around the world. How did it all happen? That’s what they're here to tell me!

Our cocktail of the week is the Wet (ish) Vodka Martini:

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1 dash orange bitters
Garnish: a lemon twist

METHOD

Add the vodka, dry vermouth, and orange bitters to a mixing glass
Add ice
Sir, stir, stir
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist

You’ll find this recipe, more Martini cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/hannah-sharman-cox-and-siobhan-payne

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Be More Sustainable, According to Some of the Best Bars in the World

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What cocktail combines three days of activities, collaborations, guest shifts, and seminars in Barcelona and bar industry legends from some of the most famous bars in the world with one serious message? That would be the Paradiso Sustainability Summit 2023.

On 21, 22, and 23 March 2023, I was fortunate to attend the second edition of the Paradiso Sustainability Summit, organized by Giacomo Giannotti and his Team in partnership with Ketel One Vodka through their Garnished with Good program.

For those who might not know, Giacomo’s bar Paradiso was ranked Best Cocktail Bar in the world for The World's 50 Best Bars 2022, and this summit was established as an exchange of ideas and tools with the aim of raising awareness and making the industry more sustainable.

Also at the Summit and joining us today on Lush Life is not only Giacomo but also Matthew Dale from Re in Sydney, Agung and Laura Prabowo and Saan Dhakal from Penicillin in Hong Kong, Paul Voza from Himkok in Oslo; Tato Giovannoni from Floreria Atlantico in Buenos Aires, Alex Francis from Little Red Door, Paris, and Dennis Tamsa from Ketel One.

It was truly an eye-opening event, I know they more than inspired me to do so much more to be sustainable!

The cocktail of the week is Paradiso’s The Cloud:

INGREDIENTS

40 ml Mezcal Union
40 ml Amaro
10 ml Fino sherry infused with hibiscus
20 ml xilitol cordial
1 piparra
Sparkling water

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice
Top with sparkling water
Garnish with a nasturtium leaf and a coffee cloud

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/paradiso-barcelona-sustainability-summit-2023

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Oxbow Rum with Olivia Stewart

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

How many of us can’t wait to leave home, but then circumstances involving a global pandemic sent us right back to where we began.

Joining on this episode, sponsored by Louisiana Tourism, is Olivia Stewart, President of Oxbow Rum Distillery. After a childhood surrounded by sugar cane, she thought her future was in the big city. Now she is helming her family’s rum distillery in Louisiana. How did she get there? You’ll have to hear it from her!

Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.

As the Capital City of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is the heart and soul of the state’s eclectic culture. With over 300 years of history, Baton Rouge, affectionately known as the Red Stick, has a colorful story to tell, which can be tasted in its cocktails and restaurants, seen through the picturesque views of the Mississippi River, historical landmarks and the vibrant arts and culture scene.

If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets! Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none. Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail.

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting louisianatravel.com

Now let's hear all about that journey from NY to Louisiana.

You can also find a video of this episode, just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is the Hand Shaken Daiquiri!

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Oxbow Rhum Louisiane
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 oz sugar syrup

METHOD

Add everything to a cocktail shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into a coupe glass

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/oxbow-rum-with-olivia-stewart

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Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every other Tuesday, usually!!

How to Write about Drinks with Millie Milliken

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Do you remember Plato’s work, Symposium? Yep, that took place at a drinks party. Philosopher David Hume said that drinking was an antidote to philosophical depression, and Kierkegaard wrote an entire treatise on wine. Our guest today is another student of philosophy who found her calling in the drinks industry.

I am so pleased to have my friend and fellow drinks journalist, Millie Milliken, on the program today. Not does she have nearly 10 years of food, drink, and events writing experience in print and online, but in 2022 she won both the IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year award as well as The Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year Award. Needless to say, she is a great writer.

How did she become specialized in drinks? Well, I will let her tell you.

You can always find a video of this episode, plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

Our cocktail of the week is the Savoury Martini:

INGREDIENTS

5 parts Capreolus Garden Swift gin
1 part Noilly Prat Vermouth
Citizens of Soil Olive Oil

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a martini glass
Garnish with Citizens of Soil Olive Oil

You’ll find this recipe, more Gin Martini cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/drinks-writing-with-millie-milliken

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Master Drinks PR with Alex Chatwin & Alex Irving

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

You’ve finally done it - opened your bar, launched your spirit, won your first cocktail competition. So now what do you do? Time to call today’s guests!

Since the moment I met them, Alex Chatwin and Alex Irving, Co-Founders of LX PR, have been Lush Life’s number-one fans, and it is such a privilege to have them on the program with me.

These women have grown their company to be one of the most respected drinks PRs not only in London but all over the world.

Today, they share the story of how they became LX, as well as give some great tips for anyone starting a new brand. So if you are a new bar or a spirit, this episode is for you!

As they are both named Alex, you can always see who is who on Youtube, where you can find a video of this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more; just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Since we have two guests, we have to have two cocktails of the week. I asked them to name two of their favorite cocktails, and they both picked classics. Alex Irving picked the Gin Martini with a twist, and Alex Chatwin picked the French 75!

Here is the French 75:

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce Cognac or Gin
½ ounce Lemon juice
½ ounce Simple Syrup
3 ounces Champagne

METHOD

Add the gin or cognac, sugar syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker
Add ice and shake
Strain into a flute glass and top with Champagne
Stir gently
Garnish with a lemon peel

For Alex Irving’s cocktail, the Gin Martini, you can find it here: https://alushlifemanual.com/classic-gin-martini-recipe

You’ll find this recipe, more classic cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/master-drinks-pr-with-alex-chatwin-alex-irving

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Benriach with Charlotte Coyle

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today introduced me to a job title I had never heard of before - the maltster. She works for one of the very few distilleries that still floor malts its barley - thus the need for a maltster.

In short, a maltster is a maker of malt for use in brewing or distilling, but Charlotte Coyle goes into way more detail about the maltster at Benriach Distillery.

Charlotte is the Brown-Forman UK Malt Whisky Ambassador and sat down to tell me all about the history and the Scotch Whisky that is made up in the Speyside distillery of Benriach, plus what goes on in Warehouse 13.

But before we explore maltsters, you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is Benriach Boulevardier. The Negroni is a blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. In this case, we take out that gin and replace it with Benriach.

INGREDIENTS

20ml Benriach The Twelve
20ml Campari (or other bitter aperitif)
20ml Sweet vermouth
10ml Cherry syrup

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
Stir until cold and slightly diluted
Strain into a rocks glass over cubed or block ice
Garnish with a cherry and orange zest

You’ll find this recipe, more whisky cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/benriach-with-charlotte-coyle

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink ISH Spirits with Morten Lee Sørenson

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Before our guest launched his first non-alcoholic spirit, his mission was to make it easy to be a mindful drinker. Now six years later, thanks to his hard work, it is definitely getting easier to be a mindful drinker!

Morten Lee Sørenson gave up drinking alcohol for 100 days. He found that it wasn't difficult not drinking alcohol, but it was quite difficult to find good alternatives. At that moment, he decided he was going to create products that made it a whole lot easier to be a mindful drinker, and ISH was born.

Now you can find ISH spirits and wines not only in some of the best restaurants in the world but at your local and online! Today on Lush Life, we explore his journey from concept to 11 Madison Park!

But before you get to meet Morten, I’m sure you know already that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is Mindful Margarita:

INGREDIENTS

60 ml ISH Mexican Agave Spirit
30 ml Lime juice
30 ml Orange juice
20 ml Simple syrup

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into a cocktail glass

You’ll find this recipe, more alcohol-free cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/ish-spirits-with-morten-lee-sorenson

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Suyo Pisco with Alex Hildebrandt and Ian Leggett

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

On February 4th, the world will be celebrating International Pisco Sour Day, and it’s a great cocktail. Our two guests reveal why Pisco should be enjoyed for more than just one day and in way more than just one cocktail.

Suyo Pisco was truly meant to be. Alex Hildebrandt and Ian Leggett, co-founders of Suyo Pisco, happened upon each other while working in the same office. Both are half-Peruvian and half-American, and both had the vision it took to create something that bridged both worlds. That something is Suyo Pisco.

It’s great to have them both with us today to explore the journey it took to bring the liquid to bottle.

But before we get to it, do you want to enjoy a tasting of Suyo Pisco? Well, buy yourself a bottle and then tune into Lush Life YouTube Channel. Yes, Alex and Ian led me through a tasting, but you can only find it on my youtube channel, where you can also watch this entire episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes, as well as a whole lot more! So heck out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is El Capitàn:

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz SUYO Pisco No. 1 Quebranta
1.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
Orange peel

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a coupe glass.
Express orange peel for aromatics and garnish.

And don’t worry; you can find a recipe for the Pisco Sour, more pisco cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/suyo-pisco-with-alex-hildebrandt-and-ian-leggett

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Glen Moray Whisky with Iain Allan

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Behind the doors of Warehouse 1, up north in Scotland’s Speyside, there is something brewing that we are all going to want to sample. Especially after you’ve heard it all from my guest today!

Here to reveal the wonders of not only in Warehouse 1 but also the entire Glen Moray range is Iain Allan, Global Brand Ambassador and Visitor Center Manager for Glen Moray Distillery.

An Elgin local, who traveled all over the world but chose to settle in his hometown due to all the wonderful whisky found on his doorstep, Iain’s 18-year reign at the distillery has seen the whisky world grow and change! Today, we’ll find the hows and whys!

But before you get to meet him, I’m sure you know already that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our cocktail of the week is Glen Moray Elgin Fizz:

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Glen Moray Fired Oak
10 ml ginger liqueur (such as King’s)
Sparkling apple juice
A cinnamon stick & orange twist

METHOD

Fill a glass with ice.
Stir in the whisky and the ginger liqueur.
Top up with the sparkling apple juice.
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a twist of orange.

You’ll find this recipe, more festive cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/glen-moray-whisky-with-iain-allan

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Banks Rum with Jim Meehan

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Say his name in any bar around the world, and most bartenders will immediately whip out a well-worn copy of his eponymous bible of bartending. Today we meet the legend who not only authored that classic but so much more!

If you didn’t know it already, our guest today, Jim Meehan, is one of the most celebrated bartenders and bar operators, as well as the author of The PDT Cocktail Book and the one and only Meehan’s Bartender Manual. He has worked in nearly every capacity in the hospitality business since 1995.

Today, he serves as Beverage Director of an outdoor lifestyle brand called Snow Peak, which has a restaurant in Portland, Oregon called Takibi. If that isn’t enough, he is also co-founder of Banks Rums, a collection of fine rums that are unique blends from the East and West Indies, which we are here to talk about today. But since it's Lush Life, you know we're going to talk about a whole lot more.

Our cocktail of the week is The Planter Punch

INGREDIENTS

60 ml / 2 oz. Banks 7 Golden Blend Rum
22.5 ml / .75 oz. Pineapple Juice
22.5 ml / .75 oz. Cranberry Syrup (equal parts fresh cranberry juice and simple syrup)
15 ml / .5 oz. Orange Juice
15 ml / .5 oz. Lime Juice
1 dash of Angostura Bitters
Cranberries & Mint

METHOD

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a terracotta cup filled with pebble ice
Garnish with a mint sprig and three cranberries

You’ll find this recipe, more festive cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/banks-rum-with-jim-meehan

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Cordusio with Chris Tanca & Daniela Garcea

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

When making cocktails, do you ever feel like something’s missing? One of our guests today did, and he made it his mission to fill that void.

Chris Tanca, Founder of Cordusio, was that man. He was trying to make a cocktail and could find the spirit with the exact flavor profile he was looking for. So he created it, and now Cordusio, the world’s first red berry aperitif, is hot off the presses.

In fact, I met Chris at Venice Cocktail Week at the end of September for the first official launch of this new spirit. He’s here with me now with Daniela Garcea, the Global Brand Activator, to reveal what it took to produce this gorgeous liquid and what their plans for it are.

But before you get to meet him, did you know that you can now watch this episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our Cocktail of the week is the Cordusio Tonic, their deceivingly simple & surprisingly delicious signature cocktail. A classic reimagined with a twist.

INGREDIENTS

1 part Cordusio
3 parts premium tonic
1-2 raspberries

METHOD

Generously fill glass with ice
Pour Cordusio & top with tonic
Carefully mix with a bar spoon
Garnish with 1-2 raspberries

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/cordusio-with-chris-tanca-and-daniela-garcea

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Altamura Vodka with Frank Grillo

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Did you ever look at a loaf of bread and see a bottle of vodka waiting to happen? Our guest today did, and now that bread has become the vodka that took Venice Cocktail Week by storm.

Frank Grillo, the co-founder of Altamura Distilleries, wasn’t just looking at any old slice of bread when he saw a bottle of vodka, but one he had made with Altamura wheat.

If you haven't already heard of Pane di Altamura, as it's called in Italian, you have been missing something special. They’ve been talking about it for centuries. Even Horace, the classical writer, said it was the best bread in the world, and that was in the 1st century.

Pane di Altamura is an Italian bread from the Altamura area of Puglia, Italy. In 2003, Pane di Altamura was granted PDO status in Europe, which means that, for it to be called Pane di Altamura, it must be made in a heavily regulated way. As I said, this is not just your supermarket bread.

In turn, Frank’s Altamura Vodka is not just your regular run-of-the-mill vodka but one made with this very special wheat. How did he come by this bread living in Atlanta? Well, I’ll let him tell you that story!

But before you get to meet him, did you know that you can now watch Frank’s episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual that's youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Our Cocktail of the week was created by Antonio and his team at the Aman Venice, especially for Altamura Vodka. It’s called the Seven Pillars!

INGREDIENTS

40 ml Altamura Distilleries Vodka
40 ml Fig Liqueur
20 ml Select
Dried Tarragon
Dried Fig

METHOD

RIm half of a rocks glass with dried Tarragon
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain it into the rocks glass with ice
Garnish with a dried fig

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/altamura-vodka-with-frank-grillo

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink 52 Martinis with Forest Collins

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

How is it possible that you move to one of the chicest, if not the chicest, cities in the world and not find an even passible martini? Today’s guest is living proof that anything is possible!

Today joining me is the inimitable Forest Collins, founder of 52martinis.com, which chronicles her search for the best cocktail bars in Paris as well as loads of other cocktail news from all over France.

She is the creator of the iOS app Paris Cocktails and host of the radio show and podcast Paris Cocktail Talk. As a freelance writer, she has written for Drinks International, Serious Eats, the World’s Best Bars site, PUNCH drinks, and so many other publications about the Paris cocktail scene. Forest is the Academy Chair for France for the World's 50 Best Bars and President of the France chapter of the Les Dames d’Escoffier.

We met during Venice Cocktail Week, and now I can’t imagine a time when I didn’t know her.

But before you get to meet her too, did you know that you can now watch Forest’s episode plus all the other Lush Life episodes as well as a whole lot more on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual!

Now here is Forest.

Our cocktail of the week is Forest’s own favorite Martini:

INGREDIENTS

1 part Dry Vermouth
4 parts London Dry Gin
3 dashes Orange bitters
Preserved lemon rind

METHOD

Add all the vermouth gin and bitters to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain it into a Martini glass
Garnish it with the preserved lemon rind for a citrus/briny pop!

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/52-martinis-with-forest-collins

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Like a Venetian…Again at Venice Cocktail Week 2022

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Do you remember me talking about Venice Cocktail Week earlier this year? If you are an avid fan of Lush Life, you might recall I was there for the launch of what has become one of my favorite weeks of the year.

The city of Venice has always had a special place in my heart. The introduction of a week celebrating Venice’s drinking establishments was genius, and I am so thankful to Paola Mencarelli and Bianca Grisolia for including me again this year for the second annual edition of Venice Cocktail Week, which took place from Sept 25 to Oct 2, 2022.

In attendance were so many of my friends and former Lush Life guests: Giorgio Bargiani, Daniyel Jones, Facundo Gallegos, and Martin Hudak. Plus, I met even more greats, including Giulia Cuccurullo, Emanuele Balestra, Patrick Pisolesi, and the Maestro himself, Salvatore Calabrese, who made his signature Breakfast Martini in a gondola!

In this episode, I’m taking you with me back to Venice to meet a few of the many participants who make cocktail week happen!

You can also watch all the fun we had on Youtube in our Lush Life Goes To Venice Cocktail Week!

Up first is Bianca Grisolia, the PR and Communications Director of Venice Cocktail Week 2022, to update us on some of the changes from this year to last.

Then we head to Caffè Florian for a bit of coffee talk with Cristiana Rivolta, then the San Clemente Palace Hotel bar where perfume and gin collided with Paul Rabanser, and then onto the Experimental to discuss how art and cocktails are a match made in heaven with Dan Nevsky.

The cocktail of the week is Caffè Florian’s Red Sighs:

INGREDIENTS

60 ml Gin dei Sospiri
20 ml Select
Tè Florian Venezia 1720 in infusione or Chai Tea

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain it into a martini glass
Garnish with an orange peel

You’ll find this recipe, more Venetian cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find some of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/venice-cocktail-week-2022

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Edwards 1902 Vodka with Emma Hamilton

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Have you ever described the potato as lowly? Well, the heritage variety of potatoes that is at the centre of today’s episode is anything but. In fact, it’s regal.

Today on Lush Life, Emma Hamilton, the co-founder of Edwards 1902 Vodka, will attest to the fact that the King Edward potato should be respected, not only for being a tasty tuber but for being at the heart of an award-winning vodka.

She and her founders have gone on to create a coffee liqueur, a rhubarb vodka, and so much more from the King Edward potato. Today on Lush Life, we’ll be earthing up the story of how it all came to be…that’s potato-growing lingo, by the way!

Before we do that, did you know that you can now watch the podcast on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! Just head to youtube.com/@lushlifemanual.

Now on to Emma and Edwards 1902!

Our cocktail of the week is the Edwards 1902 Rhubarb and Ginger-Tini, and this recipe makes two gorgeous cocktails.

INGREDIENTS

3 parts (75ml) Edwards 1902 Rhubarb Vodka
3 parts (75ml) The King’s Ginger
1 part (25ml) Dry White Vermouth (They love In The Loop Vermouth from East Sussex, England)
A Lemon (for zest)

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker
Add ice.
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into two Nick and Nora glass
Grate lemon zest over the top of the drink

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/edwards-1902-vodka-with-emma-hamilton

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to patreon.com/lushlife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Your Grandfather's Manhattan with Abigail Gullo

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It was her grandfather’s Manhattan that inspired our guest to love the art of making cocktails, but what was it about that Manhattan that would lead her to New Orleans?

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Joining us today on our episode sponsored by Louisiana Tourism is the fabulous Abigail Gullo. Creative Director, Loa Bar in the Beaux Arts wonder that is the International House Hotel which won the best Hotel Bar in America in 2019.

She was the First winner of the Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year and a legend in the business. Originally a New Yorker, she has found her home in the Big Easy.

If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, not only the Sazerac, gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets! Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none. Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail.

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting louisianatravel.com

The French 75 is a New Orleans classic and our cocktail of the week. This is how we make it the Loa way.

INGREDIENTS

1 ounce Cognac or Gin
1/2 ounce Lemon juice
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
3 ounces Champagne

METHOD

Add the gin or cognac, sugar syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into a Champagne glass
Top up with Champagne
Stir gently
Garnish with a lemon peel

If using gin and making it the Loa way, Abigail suggests garnishing it with fresh herbs from your garden, like Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Lavender, or Thyme.

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-your-grandfathers-manhattan-with-abigail-gullo

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Asian Rice Wines & Spirits with Marie Cheong-Thong - Part 2

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

First up! This is a 2 parter, so for those of you who missed part 1, go back to the previous episode and start there! If you are ready to join us for Part 2 of Asian Rice Wines and Spirits. Then let’s go!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

We’ve discussed Sake, Shōchū, and Soju, now it’s time for Baijiu! Our trusty guide has been no other than the wonder that is Marie Cheong-Thong, one of only eight spirit committee members of the IWSC, Chairman of the British Sake Association, a Council Member of the Association of Wine Educators, a member of both the Circle of Wine Writers and the Guild of Food Writers, Educator on Asian Rice wine and spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and so much more.

By the way, did you know that you can now watch the podcast on Youtube, so check out the Lush Life Youtube Channel!! All of the past episodes are there, but also Season 7 - where you get to see us talk! How exciting is that!

Almost as exciting as our episode today. China, here we come!

Our cocktail of the week is the Fenjiu Bee’s Knees.

INGREDIENTS

50ml of Fenjiu Fen Chiew 10-Year-Old 53%
25ml lemon juice
20ml honey

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice, then shake, shake, shake
Strain into a coupe or bird glass!

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asian-rice-wines-and-spirits-with-marie-cheong-thong-part-2

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Asian Rice Wines & Spirits with Marie Cheong-Thong - Part 1

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What a way to begin Season 7! By attempting to tackle the category that is Asian Rice Wine and Spirits? We would be truly destined to fail if we didn’t have such a spectacular leader to guide us through.

How can I describe Marie Cheong-Thong? She is not only one of eight spirit committee members of the IWSC but also Chairman of the British Sake Association, a Council Member of the Association of Wine Educators, a member of both the Circle of Wine Writers and the Guild of Food Writers, Educator on Asian Rice wine and spirits at the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and so much more - including my friend and our guest today.

I cannot think of anyone better to be our leader as we head into this massive category. Think of this episode of Asian Drinks 101 - at a glance!

If you live for Lush Life, would you consider supporting us... Just go to patreon.com/lushlife, and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday. You could get Lush Life Merchandise, personalized bar suggestions, exclusive content, and so much more! Go check it out at patreon.com/lushlife.

Now let’s dive in!

The cocktail of the week is the Grapefruit Chuhai!

INGREDIENTS

1 measure of your favorite Shochu
Juice of 1/2 grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
Soda water
Grapefruit slice

METHOD

Fill your glass with ice
Add the Shochu
Add the grapefruit juice
Top with soda water
Stir gently
Garnish with a piece of grapefruit

You’ll find this recipe, more highball cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/asian-rice-wine-and-spirits-with-marie-cheong-thong

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Serving up Season 7 of Lush Life

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Is it that time already…the leaves are falling, there is a chill in the air, and I’m back with a new season to keep you company.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, where every week, we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Yes, next Tuesday, I bring you Season 7 of Lush Life. This season it’s more of the same - great conversations, great cocktails, and a few bar suggestions from around the world, plus some bar news added in for good measure!

We’ll be delving into Asian rice wine and spirits, Edwardian vodka, American whiskey, and that’s just the beginning!

Just a note that I have set up a new Patreon account, so if you love Lush Life, please consider supporting us - you could get Lush Life Merch, personalized bar suggestions, exclusive content, and so much more! Go check it out at patreon.com/lushlife.

And join me next week when class is in session.

I will also be learning how to read again - opening those dogeared cocktail books I’ve been devouring in the past year with the geniuses who wrote them.

So join me next week when class is in session.

I can’t leave you without a pre-season cocktail of the week or my pre-tail:

Since this time of year is all about apples - this is one of my favorite autumn cocktails.

It’s the Avallen Autumn Old-Fashioned:

Ingredients

50ml Avallen
10ml Amontillado Sherry (I used Lustau)
5ml Maple Syrup and
1 Large Barspoon Fig Jam

Method

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass:Stir to dissolve jam (10-15 seconds)
Then add ice, and stir, stir, stir.
Double strain into a rocks glass with ice filled to the top
Garnish with a slice of fig or apple or a fig and an apple

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Highball Brands with Fabrice Limon

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

During lockdown, I received cocktails from some of the world’s best bars delivered right to my door. Who should cycle them over to me at a moment’s notice? None other than the drinks legend who is my guest today.

Many of you who filled out my Lush Life survey, asked for more interviews with industry legends; well, here you go. Fabrice Limon is at your service. He has too many titles to list here, and most of them are Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Scotch+Limon, Highball Brands, and The Drinks Drop, to name a few.

How did it happen that he was delivering those cocktails to me? Well, you’ll have to listen to the episode, won’t you?

For those of you who haven’t completed my Lush Life Survey, head over to alushlifemanual.com/survey-2022, and please fill it out. But wait until after this ep!

If you live in the UK, you can get this amazing Apricot Sazerac from Manchester's fabulous bar, The Daisy, via The Drinks Drop! Anywhere else in the world, you are lucky that they shared the recipe with us!!

INGREDIENTS

26ml Fanny Fougerat Petit Cigue
26ml Rye Whiskey
12ml Briottet Apricot
3.5 ml Demerara Syrup
4 dashes Jade Absinth (Dashes)
1 dash Angostura (Dash)

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a rock glass with ice

You’ll find this recipe, more stirred cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/highball-brands-with-fabrice-limon

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Sugarfield Spirits with Andrew Soltau

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is the saying, when life hands you sugar cane, make rum, right? Well, my guest today is making way more than white rum, aged rum, and rhum agricole down south in Gonzales, Louisiana, that’s for sure.

On Lush Life today, sponsored by Louisiana Travel, I am thrilled to have Andrew Soltau. Co-Owner and COO, of Sugarfield Spirits to guide us through how he and his brother found their way to Gonzales Louisiana in the middle of a whole lot of sugar cane and started to produce their award-winning spirits.

Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State, offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.

Gonzales is midway between the state capital Baton Rouge and the crescent city, New Orleans. It's also known as the Jambalaya capital of the world – so it's no surprise that there is a wealth of delicious food and drink to try here!

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting www.louisianatravel.com.

Here’s one of our favorite cocktails made with Sugarfield Spirits Aged Rum - the Banana Daiquiri!

Andrew says: “Classic Daiquiris are where it’s at. That being said, this is not a classic daiquiri. It is a classic Banana Daiquiri, though. We use real fruit because I hate fake Banana flavoring. I love real bananas, though. This is light and refreshing, and it screams summertime.”

Sounds good to me!

INGREDIENTS

2oz. Sugarfield Spirits Aged Rum
½ oz Coco Cream
½ Banana
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz simple syrup

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a blender
Blend
Drink!

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/sugarfield-spirits-with-andrew-soltau

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink at Le Syndicat with Thibault Massina

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Have you tried to find Le Syndicat bar on Rue Faubourg Saint Denis? They don’t make it easy. Our guest today explains what’s going on behind all those posters and why it’s not to miss on your next trip to Paris.

I think we need to toast to the father of Thibault Massina, the Creative Director at the one and only Le Syndicat bar in the 10th arrondissement in the City of Lights. Thanks to his introduction to wine’s merits at an early-ish age, Thibault has become the wine connoisseur he is today.

He has brought all his know-how to his role at Le Syndicat, changing up what we think of as a wine cocktail. After this episode, you might be rethinking all you know about wine in cocktails and I don’t just mean vermouth.

Our cocktail of the week is Appolin’Air. For those who might not know, Guillaume Apollinaire was one of the most famous French poets of the early 20th century - if Le Syndicat were around back then I am sure it would have been his local. I know he would have loved this cocktail, it’s hard not to.

INGREDIENTS

40ml Grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
25ml Simple sugar syrup (1 sugar to 1 water)
15ml Eau de vie de Framboise
30ml Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley
10ml Egg white

METHOD

Put all ingredients in your blender with 3 big ice cubes
Put ice cubes into a chilled lowball glass
Fine strain into the glass
Add a grapefruit zest on the top of the foam.

You’ll find this recipe, more cocktail recipes using wine - at least vermouth, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find most of the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/le-syndicat-with-thibault-massina

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How to Drink Cardrona Spirits with Sarah Elsom

Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today fell into distilling after years of being a self-proclaimed Pinot chaser. What is it exactly that drew her over to the spirit world?

Sarah Elsom, Master Distiller of the Cardrona Distillery on the South Island of New Zealand, knew she wanted to work in wine from the age of 16. That passion took her all over the world and back again.

When she returned home, she was lucky enough to walk into the fledgling Cardrona Distillery, and she has never left. Cardrona has grown over the years to produce not only award-winning whisky but also vodka, gin, and liqueurs.

Thanks to the miracles of modern science, I was able to chat with Sarah, who guides us through Cardrona’s approach to spirit making while she was in New Zealand and I was home in London!

Here’s the Cardona Raspberry Cooler, perfect for the summer!

INGREDIENTS

40ml The Source Gin
20ml Lemon
10ml Sugar
4 Raspberries
Garnish: more raspberries and mint sprig

METHOD

Grab your highball glass
Drop your raspberries and sugar into the glass and muddle them together until crushed
Add the gin and lemon
Stir well
Add crushed ice
Garnish with raspberries and a mint sprig

You’ll find this recipe, more summery cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/cardrona-spirits-with-sarah-elsom

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How to Drink Mahala with Danielle Schoeman & Paul Scanlon

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What to do when your country bans alcohol sales during the height of covid, and you own a distillery? Create a non-alcoholic spirit, and then find the perfect partner to help you introduce it to the world.

Danielle Schoeman used her distilling know-how to produce Mahala Botanical, then she sent it to Paul Scanlon to see what he thought. After years working for a drinks company, he was ready to bring one of his own to market. It was kismet, and they have not looked back.

I was lucky enough to meet them both at the launch of Mahala in London a few weeks ago, and am delighted to have them here on Lush Life to let them tell you their story!

Thanks so much to Danielle and Paul for not only introducing us to Mahala but also sponsoring the transcription for the hearing impaired!

I know I’m thirsty after all that chat about cocktails…Which brings us right to our cocktail of the week!

Here’s one of Paul’s favorite cocktails made with Mahala - the Mahala Mule:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Mahala Botanical
150ml Ginger beer
15ml Lime juice
Limes

METHOD

Add the Mahala over ice in a Mule cup or rocks glass
Top up with the ginger beer
Add the lime juice
Stir gently
Garnish with lime

You’ll find this recipe, more non-alcoholic cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/mahala-with-danielle-schoeman-paul-scanlon

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How to Drink the Wildcat Brothers Rum with Tait Martin

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I have a penchant for wild cats; one, in particular, go tigers! Now there is another cat begging for my attention, and I just can’t ignore it. Who could when these cats are distilling rum?

On Lush Life today, sponsored by Louisiana Travel, I am thrilled to have Tait Martin, Ph.D., President & CEO of Wildcat Brothers Distillery who is with us to recount the story of how a cocktail made with their rum found its way to being THE official cocktail of the city of Lafayette, Louisiana and so much more.

Lafayette is the heart and soul of Cajun culture, a party to be found every night filled with live Cajun and Zydeco music, authentic gumbo, and of course, cocktails.

Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State, offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.

If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, and gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets! Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none. Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail.

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting www.louisianatravel.com.

Now, let’s go to Tait, one of the Wildcats himself!

Here’s one of my favorite cocktails made with Wildcat Brothers’ Noire rum, The Jungle Bird:

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz Noire Rum
¾ oz Campari
1 ½ oz Pineapple juice
½ oz Fresh lime juice
½ oz Demerara syrup

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake.
Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with pineapple leaves and a dehydrated pineapple slice (optional).

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/wildcat-brothers-rum-with-tait-martin

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How to Drink like The Cocktail Lovers

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

If you already call yourself a cocktail fan, then I will take it for granted that my two guests are already known to you. If not, I am proud to introduce you to The Cocktail Lovers!

Who are the Cocktail Lovers? Just the industry icons who launched the award-winning The Cocktail Lovers magazine 11 years ago.

Individually they are Sandrae Lawrence and Gary Sharpen. They’ve been listed on the London Evening Standard’s The Progress 1000 of London’s Most Influential People, the Bar World Top 100 people in the drinks industry, and too many other lists to list here!

They are also my friends, and finally, after ages of trying, we were able to schedule a moment to sit down and have a chat.

Our cocktail of the week is the Gin Martini - now Gary likes his super dry, and Sandrae likes it less dry - so I leave the amount of vermouth up to you.

This recipe is slightly on the wetter side.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 oz gin
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
Optional: 1 dash orange bitters
Lemon Twist

METHOD

Add the gin and vermouth to a mixing glass with the bitters if you wish
Fill with ice and stir until chilled
Strain into a martini glass
Express the lemon over the cocktail and add to the drink

You’ll find this recipe, more gin recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find most of the ingredients in our shop.

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Spring Catch Up with Your Drinking Companion, Susan Schwartz!

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The daffodils are out and as some of you may know from previous episodes that when the daffodils come out, I get behind the mic for a short chat.

I need to thank all of you for being so patient with me. It’s been kind of a crazy year. In between traveling and covid and other life stuff, I know Lush Life has been a bit sporadic!

I also want to thank all of you who have helped me by filling out the Lush Life 2022 survey. If you had no idea I even had a survey, I would really appreciate your checking it out and filling it out. You can find it at alushlifemanual.com/survey-2022!

So far, it’s been really interesting to hear what y’all think and what more you want out of Lush Life, both on the podcast and on the blog.

Thank you all who said it was good as it is, but we can always improve! Overall, so far, you've suggested more industry icon interviews, more international bar reviews and booze travel, more easy-to-follow drink recipes, more basics for home bars, and even more Susan. Someone even asked for free drinks - which, unfortunately, I cannot provide.

I assure you I am on the case, and many of your requests will be answered in the next few weeks! I promise. Industry legends tick, more international bar reviews tick. More basics for home bars and even more Susan coming your way!

I’ve been busy writing up what I call the Lush Guides - what to drink and where to drink in a destination. For London, I’ll be finishing up South Kensington, the City of London, and adding to my favorite hotel bars in London after visiting Mr. Lyan’s new bar, The Seed Library, in the brand new hotel One Hundred Shoreditch. Many others are coming as quickly as I can write them!

Please don’t forget to head to alushlifemanual.com to find loads of easy to advanced cocktail recipes and everything you need to set up that home bar.

Remember to check out the survey if you haven’t already filled it out, and you know you can always show your support by buying me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/lushlife

Well, that’s all from me.

Now, did you think I would leave you without a cocktail of the week? Never!

Since April 9 is Gin and Tonic day, I guess that is my cocktail of the week!

Spring is upon us, and I thought I would go Pink and make it the Pink Gin and Tonic. There are so many pink gins, I leave it to you to choose, but I am going with Gordon’s as my Dad’s name was Gordon and his birthday is in April.

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Gordon’s Pink Gin
150 ml Fever-Tree Tonic
Strawberries

METHOD

Fill your glass with ice
Add the gin
Top up with the tonic
Stir gently
Add strawberries

You’ll find this recipe, more recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find most of the ingredients in our shop.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink like Romans in the City of London with Francis Grew, Museum of London

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Hidden away under the Bloomberg Building in the City of London lies the remains of the Roman Temple of Mithras, which you can visit. So what does that have to do with drinking? Our guest today is definitely the one to answer that question!

Francis Grew, one of the fantastic curators of the fabulous Museum of London, knows all about the Romans in London and more specifically what the Romans were drinking in London when it was known as Londinium. He’s our guest today on this episode sponsored by the City of London.

Did you know the City of London is just one square mile and forms the oldest part of London and was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago? And already back then, it was a major trading port with goods including wine coming from all over Europe – how little the change! It even has its own mayor, the Lord Mayor, and government and is run independently from London?

The City has so many things to see and do, before and after work, from quirky independent cafes to internationally-renowned cultural institutions, world-class modern architecture to historic heritage sites. From high-end shopping to vintage stalls, from street food to Michelin-star restaurants, and of course, from small boozers to glitzy wine and cocktail bars, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.

The City of London today is a vibrant part of London with its own unique atmosphere, culture, and history just waiting to be re-discovered, but let’s head back in time with Francis to when the Romans ruled the roost!

The “Square Smile '' campaign is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of returning to the City of London and face-to-face interaction as firms increasingly give their staff more flexibility on where they locate through hybrid working. It showcases the City’s vibrant offerings – ranging from world-class culture, heritage, cuisine, entertainment, retail, architecture, BARS, and so much more. Visit www.squaresmile.london for great ideas of places to visit, to see, discover, and drink.

Francis’s favorite cocktail is the Old fashioned, but we’re going to mirror the Romans. They brought wine to London from afar just like The City of London Distillery makes their Old Fashioned by using a Blackpool-born sweet mash and sweets that might be popular here but were created elsewhere first!

Our cocktail of the week is the City of London Distillery’s Werther’s Original Bankhall Old Fashioned:

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Bankhall Sweet Mash
10 ml Werther’s Original Sugar Syrup
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Garnish: Orange Zest

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into rocks glass with one gorgeous piece of ice
Garnish with the orange zest

To make the Werther’s Original Syrup - you need 100 ml of water and 10 candies. Just add the water and candy to a pot and heat it over the stove. When the candies have melted, you have Werther’s Syrup! I don’t add extra sugar as I find it sweet enough, but you can always add more.

You’ll find this recipe, more City of London Distillery recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find most of the ingredients in our shop.

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How to Drink From a Work of Art with Adriano Berengo & Facundo Gallegos

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

What is a work of art? That question is so subjective. Yet I truly believe that my two guests have made it possible for us to drink every cocktail we have at the St. Regis Venice in a work of art.

My first guest is Facundo Gallegos, the Bar Manager at the St. Regis Venice. The second is Adriano Berengo, the President of Berengo Studio 1989 and Fondazione Berengo.

On my way to Venice last year, I happened to ask the Bar Manager of the Berkeley Hotel in London what was the one bar I shouldn’t miss. Without taking a breath, he said the St. Regis Venice. What made it so special, I asked, and he said, Facundo Gallegos.

Adriano Berengo, on the other hand, was introduced to me by a random encounter in a coffee shop in Cannaregio. I was lucky enough to meet this cultural entrepreneur who established Berengo Studio thirty years ago with the goal of restoring glass to its rightful place in the world of fine art.

Just by chance, I discovered they had collaborated on a project for the new Arts Bar at the St. Regis Venice. So, of course, I had to interview both of them.

We are super lucky that thanks to the generosity of Facundo we have the singular sensation that is the recipe for the Santa Maria, the St Regis Venice’s own take on the Bloody Mary as our cocktail of the week. It’s a doozy, but hats off to those who try:

INGREDIENTS

125 ml I 4.2 oz Clarified Tomato Juice
45 ml /1.5 oz Horseradish-Infused Absolut Elyx Vodka
25 ml I 0.8 oz Verjus du Perigord
3 drops Homemade Salt Solution
3 drops Homemade Spicy Tincture
100 gr Cayenne Pepper
50 gr Black Pepper
Poli Grappa to spray on top

METHOD

The Clarified Tomato Juice: Blend tomato juice with agar-agar. Let it rest for 1/2 hour and then strain to get the clarified juice
The Horseradish-Infused Vodka: Infuse a bottle of vodka with 100 gr of fresh horseradish chunks for 2 hours and strain
Salt Solution: Blend 1 teaspoon of sea salt into 100 ml/ 3.3 oz of still natural water
Spicy Tincture: Infuse 1 liter/ 33.8 oz of vodka with 100 gr of cayenne pepper and 50 gr of black pepper for 48 hours and strain
Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and throw 4-5 times.
Serve in a coupe glass with a crystal-clear chunk of ice

You’ll find this recipe, more Bloody Mary cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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How to Drink Alla Veneziana at Venice Cocktail Week

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

My cocktail of the week is made up of masterclasses, bar takeovers, tastings, and overall fun and festivities, plus is served in a city that I love. Confused?

Did you guess what’s on the table? This week's episode is its own cocktail whose ingredients come from Venice, Italy, and is called Venice Cocktail Week. From Dec 13 - 19 last year, Venice was host to a slew of cocktail lovers, distillers, bartenders, and anyone who could shake or stir.

So in this episode, I’m taking you with me to Venice to meet a few of those cocktail greats.

Up at bat is Bianca Grisolia, the PR and Communication Director of Venice Cocktail Week, who is here to tell us how it all came about.

And don’t worry, here is the usual cocktail of the week!

The cocktail of the week is the Select Spritz:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Select Aperitivo
3 oz Prosecco
1 splash Soda
1 Green olive

METHOD

Fill a wine glass with ice
Pour Select Aperitivo into the glass
Add the prosecco and then the soda
Stir very gently
Garnish with a green olive - truly Venetian!

You’ll find this recipe, more Venetian cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

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How to Drink Amaro Nostrano with Luca di Vita

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It wouldn’t be fair to say I have a favorite restaurant in Venice, but my guest today runs the one spot that is nearest to my heart. Now he’s not only wowing them with his world-class Venetian cuisine but he’s created an amaro that makes the gondoliers sing.

I’m not the only one who Luca di Vita has welcomed into Alla Testiere, the wonderful restaurant he owns with chef Bruno Gavagnin. London’s Russell Norman of Trattoria Brutto, a former Lush Lifer, is also a dear friend and colleague. Out of this friendship, Amaro Nostrano was born.

And one sip of an amaro that is a tribute to Venice and its lagoon is all I needed to love it, but it seems I am not alone. To bastardize John Ruskin’s quote, “Venice is now – a splendor of one amaro.”

During my stay in Venice, I was thrilled to sit down with my friend Luca to hear how and why Nostrano came to be.

The cocktail of the week is the Bacan.

INGREDIENTS

30ml Amaro Nostrano
20ml Gin
Tonic water
Lemon slice

METHOD

Add the Nostrano and gin to a highball glass
Add ice
Top up with Tonic Water
Garnish with a lemon slice!

You’ll find this recipe, more Venetian cocktail recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Gin in the City of London with William Borrell, City of London Distillery

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Heading to the City of London is like going home! Fleet Street, one of its most famous addresses, was always the denizen of journos who were known to enjoy a tipple or two. My guest today welcomes me back with a Gimlet that’s pure London through and through.

Very few businesses are allowed to use the livery of the City of London and William Borrell, the Director of the City of London Distillery and Founder of Vestal Vodka, explains how it all happened plus so much more on today’s episode, sponsored by the City of London.

Did you know the City of London is just one square mile and forms the oldest part of London and was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago - it even has its own mayor, the Lord Mayor, and government and is run independently from London?

The City has so many things to see and do, before and after work, from quirky independent cafes to internationally-renowned cultural institutions, world-class modern architecture to historic heritage sites. From high-end shopping to vintage stalls, from street food to Michelin-star restaurants, and of course from small boozers to glitzy wine and cocktail bars, there is a little bit of everything for everyone.

The City of London is a vibrant part of London with its own unique atmosphere, culture, and history just waiting to be re-discovered.

The “Square Smile '' campaign is designed to raise awareness of the benefits of returning to the City and face-to-face interaction as firms increasingly give their staff more flexibility on where they locate through hybrid working. It showcases the City’s vibrant offerings – ranging from world-class culture, heritage, cuisine, entertainment, retail, architecture, BARS, and so much more. Visit www.squaresmile.london for great ideas of places to visit, to see, discover, and drink.

The cocktail of the week is Grapefruit Gimlet:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Whitley Neill Connoisseur's Cut
20ml fresh lime juice
15ml fresh grapefruit juice
15ml simple syrup (gomme)

METHOD

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
Add ice
Stir, stir, stir
Strain into a coupe glass

You’ll find this recipe, more City of London Distillery recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Bankhall Sweet Mash with Vince Oleson

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

It might be known for rock, ballroom dancing, arcades, and even The Cure’s Robert Smith, but one wouldn’t automatically think of Blackpool, England as the home of Sweet Mash. Thanks to the efforts of our guest today, you will now.

Moving from New York City to Blackpool England is only a small step if your goal is to redefine what an English whiskey can be. Vince Oleson, Distillery Manager of Bankhall Sweet Mash, has taken that step. He is bourbon bent and hell-bound, to co-opt the title of the famous song by Hank Williams, Jr.

Although, on their way to having liquid in the barrel for 3 years in oak casks, Bankhall’s Sweet Mash was just too good not to share. Vince is here with me today to chat about what makes it so good and what will be waiting for us when those 3 years are over already!

FYI we do say whiskey and bourbon interchangeably in the ep when describing Bankhall, but it is a sweet mash, bourbon style liquid technically!

The cocktail of the week is ‘From New York to Blackpool’

INGREDIENTS

50ml Bankhall Sweet Mash
25ml Lemon Juice
15ml Simple syrup
1 egg white
10ml Red Wine
2 dashes Angostura

METHOD

Add Sweet Mash, Lemon Juice and simple syrup to shaker tin and shake hard with ice.
Strain and remove ice from shaker and add egg white. Shake hard.
Strain shaker into glass over rock ice. (Preferably a Tumbler)
Pour red wine over back of a bar spoon slowly.
Garnish with 2 dashes of Angostura, Lemon wheel, Brandy Cherry

You’ll find this recipe, more whiskey recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Use the 20 Pillar Plan with Jason Williams

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Thinking of opening a new cocktail bar or planning a fabulous cocktail party? Thanks to our guest today we don’t have to start from scratch. He’s given us the tools to hone every facet of the guest experience!

How lucky are we that Jason Williams, Creative Director of Proof & Company and head of Proof Creative, their bar and beverage consultancy program, has shared his 20 PIllar Plan with the rest of the world.

He could have kept it a secret. But in the spirit of community and collaboration, the 20 Pillar Plan, designed as a holistic guide to opening and launching a bar, can be found right on their website. These include drinks, of course, concept, food, uniform, and 16 others.

Proof and company is one of the world’s most awarded drinks agencies. They’ve launched more than 100 bar projects since opening their doors in 2014, including some of the world's best bars 28 HongKong Street, Atlas Bar, Manhattan and so many more.

Today Jason walks me through each and every one of the 20 Pillar Plan.

Our cocktail of the week is the ATLAS martini. Jason created this martini for ATLAS bar currently 16th on the list of the world's 50 best bars. If you're in Singapore, do not miss it.

INGREDIENTS

60ml London Dry Gin
15ml Bianco Vermouth
2dsh Orange Bitters
5dsh Champagne Bitters

METHOD

Stir all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.
Long pour strain neat into a frozen Martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist

You’ll find this recipe, more Martini recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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How to use Bitters with Lauren Mote & Jonathan Chovancek

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

For those of you who listened to the very, very end of my ep last week, you were expecting this week to be all about the City of London, well, due to unforeseen circumstances with which I won’t bore you.

Instead, this week we will be answering all your questions about bitters with two who have been in the bitters biz for almost 10 years.

I’ve had many eureka moments in the over 200 episodes of Lush Life I’ve done, but never so many in one episode! All to do with bitters.

Who should be here to answer all my questions about bitters, and there were many, but my friend and former Lush Lifer Lauren Mote & her partner in business and life Chef Jonathan Chovancek, Co-Founders of Bittered Sling Bitters, Canada's award-winning cocktail bitters brand.

To hear all about Lauren’s background, check out my two eps dedicated to her career.

Jonathan has had more than 20 years of experience creating local, sustainable fare for some of Canada’s most celebrated, establishments, plus he has contributed to many magazines, been on telly, and was the chef/host of CBC TV’s groundbreaking documentary Village on a Diet, which was watched by more than a million people coast to coast.

With those two at the helm, let’s see how many eureka moments you have!

The cocktail of the week is Times They Are A-Chain-Gin:

INGREDIENTS

1.50 oz | 45 mL Tanqueray Ten Gin
1.00 oz | 30 mL Rose Vermouth
0.25 oz | 10 mL Verjus Cordial (*equal parts 1:1 simple syrup to white verjus)
0.25 oz | 10 mL Campari
2 dashes Bittered Sling Orange & Juniper Bitters

METHOD

Stir all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.
Strain neat into a chilled cocktail glass.
Express orange oils over the top of the cocktail and around the glass.

You’ll find this recipe, more gin recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur with Thomas Lester

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I wish I had known my guest sooner. Every dinner party he has ends with a round of homemade liqueur. The liquid was so good that he was convinced to bottle it for the whole world to enjoy. Now everyone’s dinner party can end with one more sip!

Thomas Lester was busy doing other things when he realized what he was making was just too yummy not to share. Thus, Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur was born. It took a few twists before he had the perfect recipe, but now you just can’t miss its colorful bottle everywhere you look. Who is Reverend Hubert and how did his picture end up coloring the iconic label?

Well, you’re just going to have to listen in.

The cocktail of the week is Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur Negroni:

INGREDIENTS

30ml Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur
30ml Sweet vermouth (e.g., Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Cinzano 1757 Rosso)
30ml Campari
Garnish: A twist of clementine zest

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker
Add ice
Shake vigorously
Strain into a chilled glass over ice (a thin layer of foam will form like a winter’s frost on the surface)
Garnish with a slice of clementine zest, twisted to release the oil.

You’ll find this recipe, more Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Latin American Spirits with Lynnette Marrero

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, it’s a biggie. My 200th episode, and who should join me but one of the biggest names in cocktails and my constant companion during the lockdown, Lynnette Marrero.

199 episodes ago, I had a mic and “bottom’s up” to end the show. Now we have reached the 200th episode - I have a mic, bottoms up, and 199 episodes of Lush Life Podcast!

This is due to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with A Lush Life Manual and Lush Life podcast, especially my producer Evo Terra who was with me when Lush Life was in the idea stage and who has remained my work partner throughout my Lush Life Journey.

Everyone who sat across from me has become part of the Lush Life family. I’ve been inspired by all their stories and lucky enough to have tasted some of the best drinks in the world thanks to their time and generosity.

Of course, there would be no show if you didn’t listen to it, and I thank you for tuning in every Tuesday!

Planning my 200th episode was easy; I spent my lockdown with Lynnette Marrero. For those of you who don’t know her. Where do I even begin? Her bio is longer than this entire podcast. She began her career working at the Flatiron Lounge in NYC alongside Julie Reiner and has worked as a bartender, senior bartender, bar consultant, and Rum Ambassador for Diageo.

She is now the Bar Director at Brooklyn hotspot The Llama Inn and the newly opened Llama San. She’s won tons of awards for her work, including the James Beard Award as one of America’s Leading Female Mixologists in 2009. She’s received the Tales of the Cocktails’ Spirited Awards for World’s Best Bar Mentors and the inaugural Philanthropy Award with co-founder Ivy Mix for their work in Speed Rack.

She most recently won the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2021. The award is voted for by a group of bartenders who are asked to name one peer who pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a great bartender.

How did I spend lockdown with her - well, Marrero launched the Masterclass.com Mixology platform in March 2020, just as the world went insane, helping home bartenders live life one cocktail at a time. How could I not have her on the program?

Our cocktail of the week is Lynnette’s Clara Bow:

INGREDIENTS

½ ounce Grenadine
½ ounce St. Germain elderflower liqueur
¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ½ ounces bourbon
5–6 mint leaves
Mint sprig, for garnish

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Double strain into a coupe glass
Garnish with the mint sprig

If you want to make the grenadine from scratch, then head to this recipe at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find even more recipes and all the ingredients in our shop.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Sing Gin with Richard Thompson

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Yorkshire is known for its turbulent weather and wildly romantic hills and dales, which influenced not only the Bronte sisters but our guest today.

We have Richard Thompson, Co-Founder of Sing Gin, with me today on the program. When his father brought home a still, they were not sure what would come of it. Throwing caution to the wind, he and his family produced an award-winning gin that comes from and is tied to the Yorkshire landscape.

He is here to tell us what transpired. In the words of Emily Bronte, kind of, we’ll discover: “It was not the flax bending to the gin, but the gin embracing the flax.”

So let’s get to it.

Our cocktail of the week had to be the Sing Gin Floradora:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Sing Gin
20ml Fresh lime juice
25ml Raspberry syrup
Ginger ale

METHOD

Combine the gin, lime juice, and syrup in an ice-filled cocktail shaker
Shake, shake, shake
Strain over cubed ice into a balloon glass.
Top with ginger ale and stir gently
Garnish with raspberries and a lime wedge

You'll find this recipe, more Sing Gin recipes, including the Rose Gin Fizz, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink John Paul Jones Rum with Finnian Gill

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This is a pre-Thanksgiving quiz. What American Revolutionary War hero said, “I have not yet begun to fight?” and has a rum named after him. No, it’s not Hamilton!

We have Finnian Gill, Co-Founder - Master of Flavors for...wait for it...for John Paul Jones Rum here to answer every question you might have on how the two that is American Revolutionary war hero John Paul Jones and rum came together, plus even more on the not-so-secret ingredient that makes their rum different from every rum out there.

By the way, if you can’t hear it already, I have bronchitis which is still wreaking havoc on my voice. But it has been two weeks without a single episode. Please bear with my voice, at least in the beginning and end. I totally sound like me in the interview because I recorded pre-cold!

Now let’s begin to drink - I think John Paul Jones said that too!

Our cocktail of the week had to be the Espresso Martini made the John Paul Jones way!

INGREDIENTS

50ml John Paul Jones Rum
40ml coffee liqueur
1 shot of premium espresso
Pinch of sea salt

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Doubles train into a coupe glass

You'll find this recipe, more Espresso Martini recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Write a Cocktail Book with Pippa Guy & Jason Clark

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

So I have one question for you before I begin: Are you Team Bach or Team Coward? Bach said: “Without my morning coffee, I’m just like a dried-up piece of a goat.” While Noel Coward asked, “Why do I drink champagne for breakfast? Doesn’t everyone?” So how do you wake up in the morning

Sponsored by Tanqueray Gin, I was joined at the final Lush Life Book Club at Oriole bar in London by Pippa Guy, the Brand Ambassador of Tanqueray Gin, and Jason Clark, Brand Ambassador of Talisker whisky. Both former guests on this very podcast reveal their secrets to writing a cocktail book.

Pippa’s book “Let’s Get Fizzical” is an inspiring mix of classic cocktail recipes such as bellinis and mimosas and offers tips, tricks, presentation ideas, and technical know-how to make your cocktails as sensational for the eye as they are for the palate.

Jason recently designed and launched his first cocktail book "The Art & Craft of Coffee Cocktails" to inspire bartenders to care more about coffee & baristas to get more creative with coffee mixology.

If you want to hear how this got where they did, you’ll have to catch up on Lush Life - Jason’s episode is #104 - How to love the things you hated as a child, and Pippa’s is #171 How to Make History

We have one coffee cocktail and one fizzy cocktail as our cocktails of the week.

We start with the coffee and then celebrate with the fizz

Our first is the Coffee & Tonic. You’ll need

INGREDIENTS

45ml Tanqueray 10 gin
60ml cold brew coffee and
120ml premium tonic water

METHOD

Fill a highball glass with ice cubes
Add the gin, coffee, and top with the tonic
Stir gently
Garnish with a grapefruit zest

For the Blueberry Bellini, you’ll have to find it at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Read The Secret Life of the Savoy with Olivia Williams

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

London is one of the most popular cities to visit - great restaurants, bars, hotels, but it wasn’t always that way. One man’s vision changed everything when he opened a hotel that would become one of the most influential in the world. Our guest today introduces us to that man.

For those of you who haven’t guessed already, that hotel is the Savoy in London, and that man is Richard D'Oyly Carte.

Sponsored by Bulleit Bourbon and Kentucky Tourism, our guest Olivia Williams introduces us to the three generations of the D'Oyly Carte family who pioneered the luxury hotel and the modern theatre, propelled Gilbert and Sullivan to lasting stardom, inspired a P. G. Wodehouse series, and popularised early jazz, electric lights, and Art Deco.

Olivia Williams is a journalist and author. She graduated with a master’s degree in modern history from Oxford University, and in her final year, she won a Rupert Murdoch student scholarship. She wrote her first book, Gin Glorious Gin: How Mother’s Ruin Became the Spirit of London, in 2014. Her second book, The Secret Life of the Savoy, was published in 2020. Olivia has been a guest on Radio 4, Bloomsberg, Sky Arts, and CBS News and has often contributed to The Economist, Country Life, House & Garden, and the Evening Standard.

Now it’s time to go inside the Savoy.

Our cocktail of the week is the Hanky Panky, a Savoy invention.

The Hanky Panky was Ada Coleman’s most famous cocktail. It was created for the actor-manager Sir Charles Hawtrey in the 1910s, who staggered into the American Bar one evening and begged “Coley” for some sort of pick-me-up. She made him a drink. He downed it pretty quickly and staggered out again, presumably much refreshed. The following evening he returned to the American Bar and asked Coley to knock out “some more of that hanky panky.” So she did. It’s remained a popular cocktail ever since!

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz Gin
1 ½ oz Sweet Vermouth
2 Dashes Fernet-Branca
Orange Twist

METHOD

Combine the gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir until chilled
Strain into a cocktail glass
Add an orange twist

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

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Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Read Shaken - Drinking with James Bond and Ian Fleming with Mia Johansson, Bobby Hiddleston, & Edmund Weil

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

James Bond might be famous for drinking the Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred, but his creator Ian Fleming had him drinking way more than that. What else, you may ask? Our guests today hold the answers.

Sponsored by Ketel One, I welcomed Mia Johansson, Bobby Hiddleston & Edmund Weil at the second Lush Life Book Club at Oriole Bar in London to discuss their book, Shaken: Drinking with James Bond and Ian Fleming.

Mia began her cocktail career in London, working at prestigious venues, including Mark's Bar at Hix with Nick Strangeway and Milk & Honey London.

Bobby started his career in Edinburgh working in clubs, and when he moved to London in 2009, he met his business partner and wife, Mia Johannsson.

In 2016, they opened Swift Bar in partnership with another industry couple and our guests today Edmund Weil and Rosie Stimpson, and most recently, a second site, Swift Shoreditch.

Since entering the industry in 2009, Edmund’s bar concepts have been consistently recognised and acclaimed by the drinks industry and public alike, earning multiple accolades and ever-present on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. He also writes a regular column for Class Magazine since 2016.

Sorry, you couldn’t be there, but thrilled I can bring the event to you!

Hope you enjoy our in-real-life chat about Bond, James Bond, and so much more.

Our cocktail of the week is Vesper Martini:

INGREDIENTS

3 oz Gin
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
Lemon Peel

METHOD

Combine the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir until chilled
Strain into a Martini Glass
Express the lemon peel and then add to the Martini

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Read The Distiller of London with Anistatia Miller & Jared Brown

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

We’re back with the Lush Life podcast, and I am thrilled to be here to tell you that the original London Dry Gin, way back when, was pink! I didn’t believe it either until our guests presented me with a taste.

Sponsored by Sipsmith, I welcomed Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown to join me at the launch of the first Lush Life Book Club at Oriole Bar in London to discuss their new book, The Distiller of London.

Jared Brown is the co-founder and master distiller of Sipsmith, as well as a multi-award-winning drink historian. Anistatia Miller is a multi-award-winning drink historian with 35 years in the publishing industry.

Written in code in 1638, The Distiller of London protected the distilling craft's 'mysteries' practiced by the Worshipful Company of Distillers. Anistatia and Jared have deciphered these recipes and offer the modern-day reader a glimpse of distilling's evolution as it transformed from medicine to social beverage.

Hope you enjoy our in-real-life chat of the origins of gin, original gin, and so much more.

Our cocktail of the week is Archive Highball.

INGREDIENTS

40ml Original Gin
15ml Triple Sec
15ml Ginger Syrup
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
75-100ml soda water or sparkling water
Lemon Twist

METHOD

Combine all your ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass.
With a barspoon, left the ice rather than stirring to preserve the bubbles in your mix
Garnish with a lemon twist

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Season 6 is on its way back, plus Lush Life Book Club news!

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome back! I missed you. How did the summer fly away so quickly? Here we are in the middle of September already, but there is so much fun on the horizon.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, where every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

The most exciting news of the year so far is that I will be live at Oriole, one of the best bars in the world, to launch Lush Life Book Club. Every week during London Cocktail Week, which is actually the entire month of October, we’ll be deep-diving into a famous cocktail book and meeting its author or authors for an evening of cocktail history, cocktail recipes, and, most importantly, cocktail drinking.

Tuesday, October 5. Jared Brown & Anistatia Miller will join me to discuss The Distiller of London, sponsored by Sipsmith.

If there is no distillation, there is no spirit; if there is no spirit, there is no cocktail. Jared is the co-founder and master distiller of Sipsmith, as well as a multi-award-winning drink historian. Anistatia is a multi-award-winning drink historian with 35 years in the publishing industry. I welcome Jared and Anistatia as they guide us through the art of distillation.

Wednesday, October 13, I’ll be Shaking It Up with Mia Johansson, Bobby Hiddleston & Edmund Weil to discuss their book Shaken: Drinking with James Bond and Ian Fleming, sponsored by Ketel One.

Cocktails are at the heart of every James Bond novel, and I am thrilled to be joined by Mia and Bobby of the award-winning London bar, Swift and Edmund, and their business partner and owner of Oriole, to explore more than just the Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred.

Then on Tuesday, October 19 – Olivia Williams, author of Gin Glorious Gin and The Secret Life of the Savoy, is my guest thanks to Bulleit and Kentucky Tourism.

The recipe for any cocktail at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London includes a healthy dose of history. Olivia invites us to check into London’s most iconic hotel, where she’ll guide us through its vibrant history while we sip its most inventive classic cocktails.

And if that weren’t enough, on Tuesday, October 26, I will be with Jason Clark, author of The Art and Craft of Coffee Cocktails, and Pippa Guy, Let’s Get Fizzical, sponsored by Tanqueray.

Acting as Brand Ambassador for an iconic spirit is a full-time job. Adding another full-time job on top of that is almost impossible. Our two guests have done just that by creating and writing two esteemed cocktail books. We’ll discuss what it takes to venture out and write your own cocktail book.

So that’s what’s on tap for London Cocktail Week. Beginning in a few weeks, the Lush Life Podcast will be coming straight to your ears, plus you can always catch up on everything at alushlifemanual.com.

Our cocktail of the week is Autumn Apple Old Fashioned, and it’s perfect for this weather.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Avallen
10ml Amontillado Sherry
5ml Maple Syrup
1 Large Barspoon Fig Jam

METHOD

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass
Stir to dissolve jam, about 10-15 seconds
Add ice, and then stir
Double strain into a rocks glass with ice, fill to the top
Garnish with a slice of fig or apple

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink the Sazerac with Rhiannon Enlil

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Although the city of New Orleans is home to many classic cocktails, there is only one that has the honor of being its official cocktail, and that is the Sazerac.

Sponsored by Louisiana Tourism, our episode today is all about the Sazerac cocktail and how it found its way to being THE official cocktail of New Orleans. What better time to be joined by Rhiannon Enlil, an Experience Team Lead at the Sazerac House in the city of New Orleans, than in the middle of Sazerac Cocktail Week. Yes, a whole week dedicated to this famous combination of Sazerac Rye Whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, Herbsaint, and a lemon twist

If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, not only the Sazerac, and gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets! Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none. Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail.

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting, www.louisianatravel.com

Yes, our cocktail of the week is the Sazerac - but made the official Sazerac House way:

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey
1 sugar cube
3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters
.25 oz Herbsaint
Lemon twist

METHOD

Take two old-fashioned rocks glasses
In the first one, add ice to chill and set aside
In the second one, muddle a sugar cube with the three dashes of Peychaud's bitters
Add the Sazerac Rye Whiskey, then add ice and stir
Take the first glass, empty the ice, and coat the glass with Herbsaint, then discard any excess
Strain the contents from the second glass into your Herbsaint rinsed glass
Garnish with a lemon twist

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-the-sazerac-with-rhiannon-enlil

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink with Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin with Kunal Madan

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 22:00:00 +0000

It’s a big day for gin lovers this weekend - it’s World Gin Day on June 12, and how am I celebrating? With a completely Indian Gin and Tonic.

Even though the G and T originated in India until just recently, there had never been a truly Indian gin. Now that has all changed. Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin is a tour of India in one sip, and my tour guide today is Kunal Madan, AVP of International Business for Jaisalmer Gin.

He’s actually the first guest on my new How To Drink season to talk gin and just in time for the big day. Sit back and listen to how they managed to fit all of India in one glass.

Our cocktail of the week is inspired by the former inhabitants of the glorious Golden Fort; it’s the Maharaja Mojito:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Jaisalmer Gin
20ml organic Agave Syrup 15ml fresh Lime Juice
6 mint leaves
50ml Bitter Lemon

METHOD

Fill up glass with ice, pour Jaisalmer Gin.
Clap 6 mint leaves and add to the glass.
Add fresh lime juice, bitter lemon, and agave syrup.
Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

If you want to try making The Maharaja Mojito and live in the Uk, you can find Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin at Spirits Kiosk.com and get 10% off using my code: ALushLife10SK.

If you live in the USA: You can find it at Drizly.com and Get $5 Off Your Order of $20+ using code ALUSHLIFE5

You’ll find this recipe, more Jaisalmer Gin cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-jaisalmer-indian-craft-gin-with-kunal-madan

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Mezcal with Eduardo Gomez, Founder of the Tequila & Mezcal Fest

Tue, 25 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

It’s made in nine different states of Mexico from over 30 different agave species, and each different agave species in each different state tastes different. Thank goodness, our guest is here to teach us how to drink Mezcal.

Eduardo Gomez is not only the Director of Mexgrocer, the place to find the widest range of authentic Mexican groceries and ingredients in the UK and Europe, but also the Founder of the Tequila & Mezcal Fest and co-creator of Ojo de Dios Mezcal. If he doesn’t know mezcal, no one does.

He’s here to give us a beginner’s tour of the other agave spirit!

If you want to try sipping mezcal and live in the Uk, you can find a large selection at SpiritsKiosk.com and get 10% off using my code: ALushLife10SK.

If you live in the USA: You can find mezcal at Drizly.com and Get $5 Off Your Order of $20+ using code ALUSHLIFE5

Now, it’s time to revisit a recent cocktail we made with tequila for our cocktail of the week.

Jonnie’s Mezcal Tommy is our cocktail of the week. It comes to us from El Camion restaurant and bar in London. This bar is iconic in so many ways - not only the third stop on my Cocktail Tour of London, which will be starting up again this September, but also the last bar in which Dick Bradsell, the inventor of the Espresso Martini and so many other classic cocktails, worked.

Jonnie, one of the bartenders there, decided it was time to try making a Tommy’s Margarita with mezcal. This simple recipe shows that it works fine, better than fine.

INGREDIENTS

60ml Mezcal
30ml Lime juice
15ml Agave syrup

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Pour into a rocks glass with ice

You’ll find this recipe, more mezcal cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-mezcal-with-eduardo-gomez

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink El Bandarra with Alex Virgili

Mon, 10 May 2021 22:30:00 +0000

Where in the world does an hour turn into the whole day. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 - 3, the Barcelonians, surrounded by their friends and family, spend the entire afternoon sipping vermouth before lunch even begins. Today’s guest is gunning for the whole world to embrace La Hora del Vermut!

Exporting cultural traditions is not an easy task; it is made slightly simpler when that tradition revolves around drinking. Alex Virgili, General Manager of El Bandarra, had me longing for La Hora de Vermut, and it wasn’t even the weekend.

Born into a wine-making family, he is on a mission to make wine-drinking fun by taking those traditions of the past and reinventing them to enjoy today.

He’s with me to reveal a few of these traditions.

Our cocktail of the week is the Al Fresco Spritz:

INGREDIENTS

30ml El Bandarra Al Fresco
60ml Tonic
Slice of orange

METHOD

Add the Al Fresco to a glass filled with ice
Top up with the tonic
Mix gently
Garnish a slice of orange
Enjoy it Barcelona style.

You’ll find this recipe, more vermouth cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-el-bandarra-with-alex-virgili

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep with Stacey Yates, Kentucky Tourism

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Combine bourbon, mint, and sugar and then stir in the most famous horse race in the world, and you have a tradition that goes back years and our first cocktail to be given its very own episode.

Sponsored by Kentucky Tourism, our episode today is all about the Mint Julep and how it found its way to being THE official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. I am joined by Stacy Yates, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the city of Louisville, the home of the Kentucky Derby and a city I love.

Have you ever been to Kentucky? It’s best known for its famous bourbon and legendary horse country, but the Bluegrass State offers so much more, including a world of outdoor adventure, an explosive culinary scene, fascinating cultural heritage sites, and a vibrant art and music scene.

Did you know it has the longest known cave system in the world, pristine lakes and attractions, such as the Muhammad Ali Center, African American Heritage Trails, and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum? I loved it, and I know that Kentucky invites you to come visit, listen, and explore. You can discover the Bluegrass State by visiting, www.kentuckytourism.com

The Derby is the first Saturday in May, so you have plenty of time to practice making Mint Juleps, our cocktail of the week, before the big day.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups sugar (256g)
2 cups water (270ml)
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Silver Julep Cups

METHOD

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes.
Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight if you have time.
Make one Julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice.
Add one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky Bourbon.
Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

You’ll find this recipe, more places to drink Mint Juleps in Kentucky, and all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-the-kentucky-derby-mint-julep

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink El Sueño Tequila with Paul Hayes

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Have you all become 100% agave snobs? Will the likes of a mixto tequila never touch your lips again? Well, get over it, there’s a new tequila in town, and it’s guaranteed to blow your mind.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Paul Hayes, co-founder of El Sueño mixto tequila, is no stranger to 100% agave tequila. He makes one already. El Sueño came about when he was looking to create an affordable, great-quality tequila that he could find in his local pub! Was he successful? - hell yeah.

Today, he’s on the show to teach us what makes a good mixto and why it can even be better than some 100% agaves.

If you live in the UK, you can find El Sueño at Master of Malt.

Our cocktail of the week is the Tommy’s Margarita made the El Sueño way:

INGREDIENTS

60ml of El Sueño Gold Tequila
30ml fresh lime juice
15ml Agave syrup

METHOD

Put all of the ingredients into a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Pour into a tumbler loaded with ice
Garnish with a slice of lime

You’ll find this recipe, more margarita recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/el-sueno-mixto-tequila-with-paul-hayes

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Amaro Montenegro with Matteo Bonoli & Rudi Carraro

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Described as the “liqueur of the virtues” by one of the most famous 19th C. Italian authors Gabriele D’Annunzio, it’s no wonder that Amaro Montenegro is Italy's #1 Premio Amaro.

It’s full of secrets too, which also might be why it’s so successful. Can one spirit be virtuous and secretive at the same time? We’ll have to ask its Master Herbalist and Global Brand Ambassador?

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Velvety, smooth, inviting, no wonder D'Annunzio and his fellow Italians love it. I am thrilled to have Matteo Bonoli, the Master Herbalist, and Rudi Carraro, the Global Brand Ambassador, on Lush Life to introduce me to Amaro Montenegro’s virtues and secrets.

But before we get started and If you live in the UK, then head on over to Spiritskiosk.com for your bottle of Amaro Montenegro. You’ll receive 10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK, that’s all one word: ALushLife10SK. If you are in the USA, you can find it on Drizly.com.

We have two simple Amaro Montenegro cocktails for our Cocktails of the Week, the Monte & Tonic and the Montenegroni:

Monte & Tonic

INGREDIENTS

50ml Amaro Montenegro
150ml Tonic Water
Orange zest

METHOD

Add the Amaro Montenegro to a Highball glass
Top up with the Tonic Water
Garnish with the Orange Zest

For the Montenegroni, you’ll have to listen or go to my site where you’ll find this recipe, more Montenegro cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-montenegro-with-matteo-bonoli-and-rudi-carraro

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Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Italicus with Giuseppe Gallo

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Is it possible to fulfill this brief: to create a brand that every single Italian, who lives in Italy and abroad, when they see the bottle and read the name, is going to make them proud? Our guest not only fulfilled his own brief but also has the whole world wanting it.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Giuseppe Gallo is a drinks industry legend, from overseeing the place to be, the Sanderson Hotel Long Bar in London, to gathering awards as the Global Brand Ambassador of Martini, one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Now he’s masterminded the creation of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto from a historical Italian recipe that hadn’t been consumed for almost 100 years.

Today I sit down with him to have a deep dive into what Italicus tastes like, how to use it to make incredible cocktails, and how he created a spirit that every Italian can be proud of.

But before we get started and If you live in the UK, then head on over to Spiritskiosk.com for your bottle of Italicus. You’ll receive 10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK, that’s all one word: ALushLife10SK.

As the clocks have turned back in the USA and Europe, we have an extra hour to enjoy our cocktail of the week, the Italicus Spritz.

INGREDIENTS

50ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
50ml Prosecco
3 green olives

METHOD

Add the Italicus to a wine glass filled with ice
Top up with Prosecco
Garnish with the three olives (or as Giuseppe suggested, put one olive in your mouth and take a sip and then repeat 2 more times.)

You’ll find this recipe, more Italicus cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-italicus-with-giuseppe-gallo

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Avallen with Stephanie Jordan & Tim Etherington-Judge

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

What is the word for when you discover that one thing and then everything else makes sense and the doors to everything open up, inviting you to walk in? For some, it’s kismet. For my guests, it’s Avallen.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Stephanie Jordan and Tim Etherington-Judge had no idea that it would be Calvados that they would be producing when they had the idea to make the first planet positive spirit. Now it all makes sense.

For our purposes today, in this our How to Drink season, we three explore what Calvados is, how it’s made and why the bees are buzzing for Avallen.

But before we get started, just a heads up that The cocktail of the week is coming up right after we chat to Stephanie and Tim. If you live in the UK and want to buy any of the spirits I talk about, including Avallen, then head on over to Spiritskiosk.com, where you, as a Lush Life listener, will receive 10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK.

Now let’s find out How to Drink Avallen and don’t miss the birds having their say toward the end of the chat.

I had the honor of naming our cocktail of the week, The Queen’s Knees. For those who make cocktails often, it’s the Avallen take on the Bee’s Knees but invented by the Queen Bee herself, Stephanie Jordan.

INGREDIENTS

30ml Avallen⁠⠀
A teaspoon of your local Honey⁠⠀
1 dash orange bitters⁠⠀
Top with Champagne⁠

METHOD

Add ingredients (except the champagne) to a cocktail glass (martini/coupe style),
Stir with a teaspoon until the honey has dissolved.
Top with chilled champagne
Add a small orange peel for extra dazzle.

You’ll find this recipe, more Avallen cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-avallen

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Drink Liqueurs with Jamie Campbell, Bols Brand Experience Manager

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Would you be surprised to learn that the liqueurs you love might be over 400 years old? I mean the recipe. Bols Distillery in Amsterdam has been producing liqueurs since the 16th C, so how perfect to have the Bols Brand Experience Manager teach us how to drink liqueurs!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

My friend Jamie Campbell was a guest on Lush Life previously, but that was before he donned the title of Bols Brand Experience Manager. Now we talk all day about how much we love liqueur-based cocktails. Those lovely dessert cocktails, the Martinez, and the herbal hot toddies are all made with liqueurs. It’s a vast category and perfect to examine in this, my How to Drink, season.

But before we get started, just a heads up that The cocktail of the week is coming up right after we chat to Jamie. If you live in the UK and want to buy any of the spirits I talk about, then head on over to Spiritskiosk.com, where you, as a Lush Life listener, will receive 10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK. Have fun shopping!

Now let’s talk liqueurs!

I think the Grasshopper is the most disco of all disco cocktails, and that’s why it’s our cocktail of the week!

INGREDIENTS

1 oz Bols Green Crème de Menthe
1 oz Bols White Crème de Cacao
1 oz Heavy cream
Garnish: Mint

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker
Add ice and shake, shake, shake!
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Add mint leaves to the top of the cocktail

The best dessert!

You’ll find this recipe, more disco cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-liqueurs-with-jamie-campbell

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Flavor with Pritesh Mody, World of Zing

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Lush Life Season 6.

Today we’re starting our How to Drink season by talking about the most subjective of topics: flavor. What you might like, I might hate, and vice versa. So, how do you even begin talking about flavor? By inviting the King of Zing on the program!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

As the founder of World of Zing, Pritesh Mody is renowned as one of the UK’s leading drinks experts. If you haven’t tried one of his bottled cocktails yet, you are in for such a treat. He adds that special something to a cocktail to make it sing, or should I say zing.

He was the obvious choice to start off my new season. Who better to talk about flavor with me?

We had to pick Pritesh’s favorite cocktail, the Margarita, for our Cocktail of the Week, but remember to add his bit of ZIng!

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Tequila
1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz simple syrup

METHOD

Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup to shaker
Add ice and shake until chilled
Strain into a Margarita glass with ice or without!

If you want to make it a bit more flavorful - Pritesh says to add a bit of nori!

You’ll find these recipes, more classic cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-flavor-with-pritesh-mody

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Serving up Season 6 of Lush Life

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Daffodils are my favorite flower, and it seemed that last year’s lockdown began, just as the daffodil season ended. What does that mean? I don’t know, but this year, as the daffodils begin their new season, well, so am I!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Next Tuesday, I bring you Season 6 of Lush Life. Out of necessity, lockdown made me a home bartender. As I sat there sipping my handmade G&T, I knew that if I were going to survive lockdown, as well as make myself anything more than a two-ingredient cocktail, it was time to brush up on my at-home bar skills.

I began grilling my guests for their advice. This season, I go one step further. Now instead of asking just for their top tips for the home bartender, I want to know everything.

So welcome to my How to Drink season. We’ll be dissecting a particular spirit, a tool, a garnish to learn everything we can about it, from its history to, most importantly, how to use it to make fantastic cocktails. We’ll be talking flavor, Calvados, Liqueurs, Reyka Vodka, and so much more with some of my past Lush Lifers, as well as lots of new guests!

I will also be learning how to read again - opening those dogeared cocktail books I’ve been devouring in the past year with the geniuses who wrote them.

So join me next week when class is in session.

The Avallen & Tonic is our cocktail of the week!

Ingredients

50ml Avallen Calvados
Tonic Water
Slice of Apple

Method

Fill a Highball glass with ice
Add 50ml of Avallen calvados
Top with your favorite tonic!
Garnish: apple wedge

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Turn a Renaissance into a Revolution with Eric Kozlik

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Are we living through a cocktail renaissance or a cocktail revolution? Our guest is here to discuss the movement, whatever you want to call it!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

After realizing a life behind a desk in academia might not be for him, plus having a roommate who decided to make bitters in their apartment kitchen, Eric Kozlik found himself happily thrown into the drinks industry.

As host of the podcast Modern Bar Cart, Eric is on a mission to make cocktail creation less intimidating by bridging the gap between the geniuses behind the bar and the home bartender.

What inspired him to get behind that mic? Well, you’ll have to let Eric tell you!

His favorite cocktail is our Cocktail of the Week: The Last Drop!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 oz Gin
3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
3/4 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
Brandied Cherry

METHOD

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into a coupe or stemmed cocktail glass.
Garnish with a brandied cherry

You’ll find these recipes, more classic cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-turn-a-renaissance-into-a-revolution

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Change the Way The World Drinks with Claire Warner, Aecorn

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

If someone sends you an email inviting you to change the way the world drinks, I bet there is no way you wouldn’t take up that challenge. Our guest did receive that exact email, and three years down the line, she has!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Claire Warner, co-founder of Æcorn, the non-alcoholic range of aperitifs, was working hard at Belvedere Vodka when she answered that cri de guerre because its sender was Ben Branson who brought Seedlip into the world and created a whole new category of drinks - but you can catch his story on a previous episode. We are here to talk about Claire.

Claire’s climb from bartender to competition winner to global brand ambassador is best described as full-on and non-stop. The more time she spent in the air, the more time spent in nature became an integral part of her life. When she received that email, Claire found she was about to experience being comfortable in the uncomfortable.

Clementines are still in season, so grab those wintery delights and let’s make our cocktail of the week, the Æcorn Clementine Spritz!

INGREDIENTS

50ml Æcorn Bitter
Juice of half a clementine
Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda
Clementine wheel or clementine leaves.

METHOD

Add the Æcorn Bitter to a wine glass or tall glass filled with ice
Add clementine juice
Stir gently
top that all up with Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda
Give it another gentle stir
Garnish with a clementine wheel or clementine leaves.

Now you’ve mastered this cocktail; it’s time to try the famous NOgroni and the CosNO!

You’ll find these recipes, more alcohol-free cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-change-the-way-the-world-drinks

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Follow Signs in Atlantic Canada With Alex Wrathell and Steve Murphy

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

It is hard to believe it happened to both our guests - but it did. They saw a sign posted on a wall, stopped, wrote down the number for more inquiries, and actually rang that number.

Now, thanks to great signage in Atlantic Canada, on the show today, we have a Head Distiller for an award-winning distillery in Nova Scotia and the owner of one of the most successful cocktail bars on Prince Edward Island.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

We’re back today with the second of the two episodes sponsored by Atlantic Canada - the eastern part of Canada that borders on the Atlantic Ocean and includes the four provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

First, we head to Nova Scotia to speak with Alex Wrathell, the Head Distiller of Compass Distillers, and then we drive over the bridge to meet Steve Murphy, owner of the cocktail bar on Prince Edward Island, Slaymaker & Nichols.

When I think of Nova Scotia, I think beautiful coastlines adorned with quaint lighthouses, succulent lobster dishes caught straight from the sea, and catching a glimpse of majestic whales, puffins, and seals. The province has an amazing wine scene and some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards, but we are here to talk about their spirits and who better to guide us but Alex.

As we drive over one of the longest bridges in the world, we come to

Prince Edward Island, or PEI as the locals call it. Known for its red beaches, beautiful farmland, and charming towns, PEI is also famed for its shellfish, lobsters, and oysters, and to accompany that amazing food, the island is home to the incredible bar that is Slaymaker and Nichols.

One fateful day, our guest, Steve Murphy, owner of that said bar, also saw a sign - this time, it was for a restaurant for sale and just as he was about to move to Honduras! Guess where he settled?

Our first Cocktail of the week is the one I was enjoying with Alex during our chat - the Compass Distillers Paper Plane:

INGREDIENTS

1½ oz Compass Distillers Nova Scotia Rye
1½ oz amaro Nonino or Meletti
1½ oz Aperol
1½ oz fresh lemon juice, strained

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake, shake, shake
Strain into a coupe glass.

You can find the “Water for Elephants” by Slaymaker & Nichols, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-follow-signs-in-atlantic-canada

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

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New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Use Atlantic Canada’s Best Ingredients with Dan Meades & Sebastien Roy

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to Lush Life. It’s a new year, and Lush Life is back to take on 2021.

The next two episodes are sponsored by Atlantic Canada, which is the eastern part of Canada that borders on the Atlantic Ocean and includes the four provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but for our purposes today, the folks there are serving up some great cocktails using some of Atlantic Canada’s best ingredients.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

First up, we head to Newfoundland and Labrador to chat with Dan Meades, co-founder of The Third Place Cocktail Co., and then we jet off to New Brunswick to meet Sebastien Roy, founder of Distillerie Fils du Roy.

Newfoundland and Labrador have incredible landscapes, vibrant cities and quaint, historical ports, plus awe-inspiring mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls, winding coastlines, and some great tonics, thanks to Dan.

After traveling all over Africa for work, he developed a love of Cinchona bark, the main ingredient in tonic water. Returning home, he just couldn’t find the exact product he wanted for his Gin and Tonic, so decided to create his own. Thus The Third Place Cocktail Co was born, but it almost wasn’t.

As we move southwest to New Brunswick, we delve into the hidden gem of Atlantic Canada with its beautiful coastline, charming fishing towns, and epic national parks. It’s also home to Canada’s oldest farmer’s market in Saint John, which promises some pretty amazing local beers and spirits.

Our guest, Sebastien Roy, is one of those making award-winning beers and spirits. He is owner and president, master-distiller and master-brewer of the first distillery in New Brunswick, the Distillerie Fils Du Roy, and it all began with his first taste of absinthe, well, maybe a bit before that. I’ll let Sebastian tell you.

Since we have two guests, of course, we should have two cocktails of the week. The first is The Third Place Cocktail Company Tonic & Gin:

INGREDIENTS

1 oz The Third Place Cocktail Co. Tonic
2 oz of your favorite Gin (they prefer a London Dry gin)
2oz of fizzy water
Apple Slice

METHOD

Add The Third Place Cocktail Co. Tonic and Gin to a rocks glass filled with ice
Add the fizzy water
Stir to combine
Garnish with an apple slice

You can find the “I Am Not Driving” by Distillerie Fils du Roy, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/atlantic-canadas-best-ingredients

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Introduce Yourself in 177 Episodes with Susan Schwartz

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May I introduce you to my next guest - she has been the host of Lush Life podcast since its launch and is a voice you have grown used to after 176 episodes. She also seems to be speaking about herself in the third person. I think you may have guessed by now...

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Today, I thought I would turn the microphone around and answer all of those questions that I am always asked - why did you start Lush Life podcast, where this interest in all things cocktails came from, what my favorite cocktail is, etc.

I have been reticent to talk about myself in past episodes because I want it to be all about my guests. Still a few fans of the show encouraged me to reveal a bit more about myself and now you have a whole episode about me before you - - careful what you wish for!

Our Cocktail of the week is the Gingersnap Punch:

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup of grated fresh ginger
2 cinnamon sticks, broken up
3 to 4 whole cloves
1 gallon milk
Glug of Ginger Vodka*

METHOD

Combine the sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan, and heat until sugar has dissolved.
Add the grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves and remove from heat.
Set aside to steep for 4 hours at room temperature.
Add the syrup and the spices to the milk, and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to develop flavors.
Strain, and serve cold or very gently warmed. (Do not allow the milk to get near a boil.)
Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish and nutmeg on top

*Ginger Vodka: 1 pound candied ginger to 1 liter vodka

1 week to 2 weeks ahead: Steep the candied ginger in the vodka in a large covered container.

Day of the party: Pour the vodka through a fine strainer and discard the candied ginger. Return the vodka to a bottle and put in the freezer. (May also be served over ice cream or anything else.)

You’ll find this recipe, more rum recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-in-177-episodes

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Make a Heady Cocktail of Drink, Travel, and Adventure with Benita Finanzio and Rob Ellison

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

There was a time, and I am so glad that it’s over when all you heard was “Print is dead, it’s all about online now”. As much as I love my blog, there is nothing like holding a book or magazine in your hands and cuddling into the sofa to read it. Thank goodness, my guests felt the same way!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Three weeks ago, Benita Finanzio and Rob Ellison launched The Tonic Magazine, the world’s newest drinks magazine, or should I say a heady cocktail of drink, travel, and adventure.

They’ve collected stories - all about booze - that reach from North Korea to Iceland to Haiti, San Francisco, and back again. So warm up that mulled wine, nestle into your sofa, and settle in to find out how Benita and Rob mixed up all those ingredients and created The Tonic Magazine.

Our Cocktail of the week is the Trailer Happiness Daiquiri

INGREDIENTS

50 ml Don Q Cristal
25 ml lime juice
20 ml 1:1 sugar syrup

METHOD

Add all ingredients to a shaker
Add ice
Shake vigorously
Strain into a chilled coupette

You’ll find this recipe, more rum recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-a-heady-cocktail

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Open a Bar During A Global Pandemic with Greg Almeida, Publiq

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

There is something about the lyrics to the theme tune of the TV program Cheers that seems particularly applicable to my guest today. For those who might not know them, they goes something like this, and I am not singing:

“Sometimes you wanna go

Where everybody knows your name

And they're always glad you came

You wanna be where you can see

Our troubles are all the same

You wanna be where everybody knows your name”

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Greg Almeida knew he wanted his new bar to be in West London. I’m just lucky it was down the street from me.

Throughout this insanely stressful year, Publiq has been my, and a whole load of other people’s, Cheers. Greg and his team have created a place where the neighborhood flocks. That takes a lot of work, even when there isn’t a global pandemic.

Find out why, and how, he is the perfect person, at the right moment, to fill that void when we most needed it the most.

Our Cocktail of the week is Publiq’s Strawberry Margarita:

INGREDIENTS

40 ml Ocho Tequila
10 ml Fino Sherry
20 ml Strawberry cordial
5 ml Martini Fiero
5 ml Lime juice

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a shaker
Add ice and shake, shake, shake
Strain into a coupe glass or served on ice.

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-open-a-bar-during-a-global-pandemic

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Make Your Spirits Bright with the Stafford & Northcote

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Usually, at this time of year, I’ve gathered together a list of my favorite Christmas cocktails served in bars throughout London. Hopping from bar to bar to try their cinnamony, gingery, gingerbready concoctions is always my late November treat. Alas, as we are all very well aware, this year is unlike any other, but that hasn’t stopped me.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Hotels, restaurants, and bars have been shut for four weeks, and they are due to open tomorrow - at least in London. Still, Christmas cocktail creation is happening all over the country!

On today’s show, I’ll be joined by my friend and former Lush Lifer Benoit Provost and Salvatore Megna of the American Bar at the Stafford here in London and also Jonny Stuchberry and Harry Morris from the Bar at Northcote up in Lancashire as they reveal what Christmas flavors they are drawn to, what’s on their cocktail menu this year, and their top tips for the home bartender.

Also, check out my favorite Christmas spirits, cocktail books, and gifts for the year at alushlifemanual.com. Hang on until the end to discover what American Whiskey I found when I opened the first door of my boozy advent calendar!

Our Cocktail of the week is the American Bar at the Stafford’s Candy Cane:

INGREDIENTS

35ml Plymouth gin
10ml Lillet Blanc
5ml St Germain liqueur
15ml Sassy Cider reduction with prickly pear and pomelo
Champagne

METHOD

Make the reduction first by adding 200ml of Sassy Cider, 30gr of sugar, 1 prickly pear, and one large slice of pomelo
Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes
Add a splash of lime juice at the end
Leave the reduction to cool down.
In a cocktail shaker full of ice, add the Gin, the Lillet blanc, the St Germain liqueur, and the cider reduction.
Shake well
Strain in a flute glass
Top up with Champagne

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-your-spirits-bright

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Become The Dean of Cocktails with David Wondrich

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

If you don’t know our next guest by now, you haven’t really been listening. I quote him all the time, incessantly, because he is the one, the only, James Beard award-winning, for the first-ever cocktail book no less, cocktail historian extraordinaire, the Dean of Cocktails.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

If you want to know the history of the cocktail you are sipping right now, David Wondrich is the one to ask. Author of Imbibe, Punch, Esquire Drinks, co-host of drinks podcast Life Behind Bars, and so much more. He is one of my heroes and here with me today!

You can find his work here:

Imbibe: https://amzn.to/3e2VUGV

Punch: https://amzn.to/3Tp7g8m

The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails: https://amzn.to/3pOYjaS

Our Cocktail of the week is the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail:

INGREDIENTS

2 oz oude genever or other rich genever
1 bar spoon rich simple syrup (2:1 Demerara)
1 scant bar spoon orange curaçao
2-3 dashes aromatic bitters
1 dash absinthe

METHOD

Add all the ingredient to a mixing glass
Stir with cracked ice
Strain into chilled cocktail glass
Twist a swatch of thin-cut lemon peel over the top.

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-become-the-dean-of-cocktails

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Fall Into Whisky with Fraser Campbell, Dewar's

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

My grandmother was the hippiest woman alive - she would have fit in at the coolest cocktail bar in any town. Her drink of choice was the Whisky Highball - which is having its heyday right now. But not just any whisky would do - there was only one, and it had to be Dewar’s. As you can imagine, my guest today loved that story. Why? Because he is Global Brand Ambassador.

Needless to say, Fraser Campbell holds my grandmother in high regard, as well as every Dewar's Whisky drinker. He’s on a mission to bring people into whisky while they're having fun. Who doesn’t want to head down to the beach with some whisky piña coladas right now! I know I do! How Fraser is completing his mission can be found on today’s program.

Our Cocktail of the week is the Coconut Highball.

Ingredients:

50ml Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth
20ml Lemon Juice
20ml Monin Coconut Syrup
100ml Soda Water
Garnish: Lime Wheel & Mint Sprig

Method:

Add the Dewar’s, Lemon Juice, and Syrup to a chilled Highball Glass, filled with ice. Top up with the Soda. Stir ingredients from the bottom upwards to mix thoroughly. Garnish with slapped mint sprig and lime wheel.

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-fall-into-whisky

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make History with Pippa Guy, Tanqueray Gin

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Being the first female senior bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar in over 100 years and now Brand Ambassador for one of the oldest gins in the world - you know that making history comes easily to our guest. Finding good wifi in Cornwall, well, that’s hard!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, where every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Did I also mention that Pippa Guy is the author of Let’s Get Fizzical, a beginner’s guide to bubbles and bubbly cocktails? She is not one that is afraid to take on any challenge. Earlier this year, she left the Savoy to open a bar in New York City, only to be waylaid by a global pandemic.

Did she let that stop her? Nope! She shifted gears and is now UK Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin. We’ll discover how that happened and what's with the wifi in Cornwall?

FYI: Pippa mentions an Erik Lorenz and a Jack Sotti on the show! You would know who they were if you received my weekly newsletter? It’s delivered to your inbox every Tuesday with info on what I’m drinking, links to new cocktail recipes, and so much more! ! You can join the fun by signing up for it at alushlifemanual.com!

Now let’s join Pippa!

Our Cocktail of the week is the Tanqueray Negroni!

INGREDIENTS

25ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
25ml Campari and
25ml Sweet Vermouth
Orange Peel

METHOD

Add all of the ingredients to a mixing glass
Stir well
Strain into a rocks glass full of ice
Wipe the glass with the orange peel before placing into the glass

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-history

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Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Avoid Clichés with Jack Wareing, Porter's Gin

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

One ingredient does not a cocktail make, but it’s a great place to begin. Our guest is breaking it all down for us in his new Youtube channel, and that’s not the only thing on his plate.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

By the way, did you know I have a weekly newsletter? It is delivered to your inbox every Tuesday with info on what’s I’m drinking, links to new cocktail recipes, and so much more! ! You can join the fun by signing up for it at alushlifemanual.com - you also get a free goodie!

One Thing Drinks, Jack Wareing’s new youtube channel, may have started off during lockdown, but now it has its own permanent home.

Not that he doesn't have anything else to do with his time, Jack is also Global Brand Ambassador for Porter’s Gin, whose mission is to respect tradition while innovating, thus to avoid cliches.

From his work at Dandelyan to Porter’s Gin and One Thing Drinks, there was loads to talk about, but before we get to that, I wanted to thank Porter’s Gin for sponsoring the transcript of this podcast! You can find a link to it on my home page, alushlifemanual.com.

Now to Jack.

Our Cocktail of the week is the Tropical Floradora:

INGREDIENTS

50ml Porter's Tropical Old Tom
25ml Lime Juice
10ml Gomme
10ml Ginger Syrup
3 Raspberries
80ml Ginger Ale

METHOD

Put all of the ingredients, except the Ginger Ale, into a shaker
Add ice and shake!
Pour into a highball glass.
Top with Ginger Ale
Garnish with a raspberry and a lime wedge

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-avoid-cliches

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Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be Incessantly Curious with Charles Gibb, Fever-Tree

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s not every day that I can say my guest has gone from tanks to tonic. His French 75s now come in a glass, and he’s never looked back.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is the Lush Life Podcast, where every week, we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Incessantly curious and globally mobile, Charles Gibb, CEO of Fever-Tree North America, is always ready for a challenge. If you’re planning a start-up in a foreign country, then he’s the one to call. He’s with us today to show us all how it’s done.

Our Cocktail of the week is the Sparkling Paloma.

Ingredients:

3 parts Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit
1 part Altos Tequila

Method:

Add tequila to a highball glass. Add ice and top with Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit. Garnish with a juicy pink grapefruit wedge.

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-be-incessantly-curious

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Use the Lincoln County Process with Cam Dawson, Jack Daniel's

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s not uncommon that a Scot would be the UK Brand Ambassador of one of the most iconic whisky brands in the world unless, of course, that brand is Jack Daniel’s, born and bred in the US of A.

Cam Dawson proudly flies the flag of the one and only Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whisky. He is definitely not the only one flying that flag as it is the “biggest selling whiskey in the world.” Plus, it has that added cache that Old Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra was its biggest fan.

So today, we discover how Cam became Jack Daniel’s biggest cheerleader and what he’s teaching the world what the world doesn’t already know about Jack Daniels.

Our Cocktail of the week is the Tennessee Cooler made with Tennessee Honey.

Ingredients:

50ml Tennessee Honey,
50ml Apple Juice
Ginger Ale

Method:

Add the Tennessee Honey to a highball glass with ice. Add the Apple Juice. Top with Ginger Ale. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

You’ll find this recipe, plus more Jack Daniel’s recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-use-the-lincoln-county-process

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Taste Whisky with Eddie Ludlow, The Whisky Lounge

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone, and welcome back for Season 5 of Lush Life.

We begin this season with an author, a speaker, a liveryman at the Worshipful Company of Distillers, Keeper of the Quaich, and, most of all, a champion of whisky.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week; we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Eddie Ludlow is all of those things I described and more. He founded The Whisky Lounge, which has been introducing whisky to the world for over 10 years, and has just published “Whisky - A Tasting Course.”

Whether you are a beginner to whisky or a pro, there is no way you can’t learn something from his book. Everything about it makes you want to pick up that bottle and serve yourself a dram right now.

Unfortunately, due to recent circumstances, the Whisky Lounge has had to cancel their in-person tastings, but that hasn’t stopped them from planning a virtual festival, their Whisky Festival in a Box from October 16 - 18. Eddie will tell you all about how to sign up later on in the show.

Drams ready! Let’s go.

Our Cocktail of the week is the classic Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

50 ml Bourbon
2 barspoons Demerara Sugar Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1 big ice cube

Method:

Add 50ml of Bourbon to a rocks glass with one big cube of ice. Add two barspoons of Demerara sugar syrup. Then add two dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir for 50 seconds

You’ll find this recipe, more variations on the Old Fashioned, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in the shop

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-taste-whisky

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Serving up Season 5 of Lush Life

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

What a year...

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

I keep thinking of something that my past guest Johnny Livanos told me - his grandfather picked the restaurant business because he knew that everyone would always need somewhere to eat.

Unfortunately, he had no idea that we would have a pandemic to contend with, with most of us in some kind of lockdown, making it impossible to visit our favorite bars and restaurants.

During this impossibly difficult time, this industry that I love so much has pulled together and supported each other, and we cocktail lovers have bought cocktails to go, had cocktails delivered, and donated to the fundraising pages of our favorite bars.

Next Tuesday, I bring you Season 5, I can’t believe it, of Lush Life - introducing you to more folks in our industry you might not know, sipping spirits that are new and savoring one that are old friends, plus as always, making our cocktail of the week for you to try at home.

Although I had made it a rule always to interview my guests face to face, I now am at the mercy of the interweb. This means, though, that I can interview more people from around the world!!

So join me next week when the fun really begins.

The Tom Collins is our cocktail of the week!

Ingredients

2 oz Old Tom Gin
1 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
Soda Water
Garnish: Lemon wedge and cherry

Method

Put the gin, syrup, and lemon juice into a shaker
Add ice, then shake, shake, shake
Strain into a Highball Glass with ice
Top with Soda Water.
Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry

You’ll find this recipe, more gin cocktails, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Help the Home Bartender Featuring this Season's Top Guests!

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

What a few months we have had. I can’t ignore that most of the world has been stuck inside while bars and restaurants have had to close because of the coronavirus. Since all bars and restaurants were closed, I know I’ve had to make myself a cocktail or two or many. Thank goodness I had advice from the world’s best - the Lush Life family.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Since lockdown began, I’ve been asking my guests what their advice for the home bartender would be. For today’s program, I have compiled them all into one episode to send you off on your own while Lush Life takes a short break for the rest of the summer.

I’ll still be hard at work transcribing the past episodes, and bringing you loads more recipes and so much more. To keep up to date with everything, you can sign up to my weekly newsletter at alushlifemanual.com.

We’re building today’s episode, starting with a shot of Denis Broci, the Manager of all the Bars at Claridge's Hotel in London, but we also have Rebekkah Dooley, Daniyel Jones, Jack Sotti, Sasha Filimonov, Vasilis Kyritsis, Johnny Livanos, Elliot Ball, and Lauren Mote!

Our Cocktail of the week is the Bourbon & Lemonade.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Bourbon
6 oz Lemonade (Lemon Squash)
Honey Syrup to taste
Sprig of Mint

Method:

Add bourbon to a highball loaded with ice. Top it up with lemonade. Stir. Garnish with a sprig of mint. If you want it a tad sweeter, add honey syrup (1:1).

If you want to make it far a picnic, just add 1.5 oz for each person to your jug and then top it up with lemonade. Add ice and you are good to go!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Evolve Like a Butterfly with Daniyel Jones, House of Angostura

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When everyone you serve wants a Pina Colada, how do you keep up with global cocktail trends? Our guest’s story proves where there’s a will, there’s a way!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Daniyel Jones, Global Brand Ambassador for the House of Angostura, criss-crosses the world teaching all and sundry about Angostura Bitters, the most globally distributed cocktail ingredient in the world and historically one of only three ingredients that makes up the classic cocktail.

During our chat, not only does he take us on his journey, but also reveals how to win a cocktail competition. He also explains how Chicago embraces Angostura Bitters like no other city in the world.

Our cocktail of the week is the Amore Amaro!

Ingredients:

1½ oz Amaro Di Angostura
¼ oz Angostura Aromatic Bitters
¾ oz fresh pressed lime juice
¾ oz simple syrup (1:1)
Lime peel

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a shaker. Add ice and shake, shake, shake. Double strain into a coupe. Spray a lime peel over cocktail. Garnish with the peel

Served with a smile :))

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com where you’ll find links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-evolve-like-a-butterfly

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Be Prepared For Anything with Vasilis Kyritsis, The Clumsies Bar, Athens

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

People may think that nursing and bartending are two worlds apart, but they’re not. They both take care of people, always have a smile, and make you feel better. Our guest was about to follow that path, if he hadn’t found himself behind the bar. Now he has risen to the top and treating people to his cocktail creations.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Vasilis Kyritsis is known well beyond his Athens neighborhood. Not only was he Winner of the Greece Diageo World Class competition, but The Clumsies, the bar he co-owns, is currently ranked 6th Best bar in the world and has won a slew of other awards.

I met him many years ago at Tales on Tour in Edinburgh where I waited like an eager teenager to meet him after a session. He has been my friend and go-to ever since for all things drinking related in Greece.

Today, I finally get to quiz him on what made him enter this crazy world of hospitality.

Our cocktail of the week is Athenian Spritz.

Ingredients:

50ml Otto’s Athens vermouth
15ml Rhubarb liqueur infused with coffee beans
Top up London Essence Grapefruit and Rosemary Tonic

Method:

Add Otto’s Athens vermouth to a wine glass filled with ice. Top up with London Essence Grapefruit and Rosemary Tonic. Garnish with basil leaves.

You can find out how to make Vasilis’s Coffee bean infused rhubarb liqueur at alushlifemanual.com where you’ll find this recipe, more vermouth recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-be-prepared-for-anything

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Define True Greek Spirit with Johnny Livanos, Stray Dog Wild Gin

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Usually at this time of year, I am with my Greek-speaking boyfriend drinking greek spirits on our yearly pilgrimage to a greek island. Yet, it took a chat with my guest today to understand that Greek spirit is not only about what’s in your glass, it’s so much more.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Johnny Livanos, founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, was born into the restaurant industry. His grandfather emigrated from the island of Lesbos and opened some of New York’s most iconic Greek restaurants.

Today we find out if Johnny followed in his family’s footsteps before launching one of the first purely Greek Gins on the market.

Our cocktail of the week is Aegean Gin & Tonic.

Ingredients:

2 oz Stray Dog Wild Gin
1 bottle (8oz) Three Cents Aegean Tonic
Garnish: one sage leaf and orange slice!

Method:

Add the Stray Dog Wild Gin to a glass filled with ice. Top up with the Aegean Tonic. Garnish with the sage leaf and orange slice.

If you are confused by the US use of ounces and want to know how many millilitres to use or vice versa, you can find a downloadable cocktail measurement converter on my website alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find this recipe, more Gin & Tonic recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-define-true-greek-spirit

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Keep the Chefs Happy with Jack Sotti, Tanqueray Gin

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s rare that one would move to another country purely because of how it looked in a film...but our guest did just that and it only took the perfect job opportunity to tempt to return to the UK.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Jack Sotti, Senior Tanqueray Gin & World Class Ambassador at Diageo fell in love with New Zealand after seeing the Lord of the Rings movies. He bought a one way ticket to Auckland and the rest is history.

After wangling his first bar job there, his career took off and continued to rise, winning Australia’s Bartender of the Year at the Diageo Reserve World Class Australian finals in 2015. You’ll have to hear how he won that and what he did after in today’s episode.

Our cocktail of the week is Nocellara Gimlet.

Ingredients:

50ml Tanqueray Rangpur
2 Nocellara olives
25ml Lime juice
25ml Simple syrup

Method:

Muddle the olives in the shaker. Add ice and shake hard to pulverise the olives. Fine strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a Nocellara Olive.

If you are confused by the UK use of millilitres and want to know how many ounces to use or vice versa, you can find a downloadable cocktail measurement converter on my website alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find this recipe, more gimlet recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-keep-the-chefs-happy

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Understand All The Different Pieces Of The Puzzle with Sasha Filimonov, Hendrick’s Gin

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The motto for Hendrink’s Gin is “No other gin tastes like Hendrick’s Gin because no other gin is made like Hendrick’s Gin.” That sentiment could be true about anyone I interview, but it’s especially apropos in regards to my guest today, Hendrick’s Gin UK Brand Ambassador.

Sasha Filimonov never set out to be in the hospitality industry, in fact, she was on track to having her dream job when the financial crisis changed all that. Her journey to Hendrick’s Gin UK Brand Ambassador took many twists and turns until the day that two of her passions collided - her love of martinis and the world of Hendrick’s Gin. Today she joins all the different pieces of the puzzle that led to her dream job.

Our cocktail of the week is Hendrick’s Gin Tini Martini (a miniature version).

Ingredients:

30ml Hendrick’s Gin
4ml dry vermouth
Slice of cucumber

Method:

Spray Tini Martini glass with dry vermouth (or pour in 4ml and give it a rinse). Add gin to mixing glass with ice. Stir down until chilled. Strain into chilled Tini Martini glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber.

You’ll find this recipe, more Espresso Martini recipes and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-understand-all-the-different-pieces-of-the-puzzle

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Set The Bar Very High with Rebekkah Dooley, Callooh Callay, Discard the Zine

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Could you imagine getting a job in one of the most iconic bars in the world off of an advert on Gumtree, the global classifieds ads website. Our guest did and it kick-started a career in the industry that would take her all over the world.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Rebekkah Dooley took that first job and never looked back - creating award-winning cocktail menus for London bar Callooh Callay, moving to New York to work at The Dead Rabbit and now back to London. As well as working with The Umbrella Project, she has launched Discard the Zine, a new drinks magazine. She’s here today to tell us how that first experience at Milk & Honey set the bar very high!

Before we begin, you can find links on how to donate to some of your favorite bars or have cocktails delivered right to your door during this rough time on the homepage of my website alushlifemanual.com.

Our cocktail of the week is Rebekkah’s Salted Espresso Martini.

Ingredients:

40ml Grey Goose Vodka
20ml Salted Coffee Liqueur*
25ml Espresso

Method:

Add all of the ingredients into a shaker. Add Ice. Shake, shake, shake! Strain all of the ingredients into a coupe glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

* To make the salted coffee liqueur, you’ll need to mix:

300g coffee liqueur,
340g 2:1 sugar syrup,
And 3g Maldon sea salt together

A trick is to combine the liqueur and salt separately before adding the sugar syrup as the salt won’t fully dissolve otherwise.

You’ll find this recipe, more Espresso Martini recipes and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-set-the-bar-very-high

How to Bring Together Quintessential Ingredients That Define a Cocktail with Lauren Mote, Bittered Sling, Part 2

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

We left our guest just as she was finishing up her Diageo Global World Class Competition experience. For those of you who missed part 1, go back to the previous episode and start there!

Now is the time to delve into Part 2 of our interview with Lauren Mote and discover where she landed when she brought food, wine and work together.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Now that you know a little bit about Lauren, it’s time to find out how everything she learned along the way led her to launch her award-winning, internationally renowned bitters company Bittered Sling and what being the first Diageo World Class Global Cocktailian really means.

Our cocktail of the week is the Third Pole, referring to the Himalayas being the third largest body of snow on our planet, after the Antarctic and Arctic areas.

Ingredients:

1.50 oz Bulleit Bourbon
0.75 oz Cynar Amaro
0.75 oz Lemon Juice
1.00 oz Chaga Chai Tea Syrup*
2 dashes Bittered Sling Kensington Aromatic Bitters
Dehydrated lemon wheel with skewer

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain neat into a double rocks glass. Garnish with dehydrated lemon wheel on a wood pick standing up from the cocktail which signifies the flag atop the mountain claiming your achievement.

*To make Lauren’s Chaga Chai Tea Syrup and learn more about the story of the cocktail, you will have to visit alushlifemanual.com where you will find this recipe, more recipes, and all the cocktails of the week as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-bring-together-quintessential-ingredients-that-define-a-cocktail

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Cherish the Individual Things That We Have with Lauren Mote, Bittered Sling

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

If you add together the story of winning the Diageo World Class Competition in Canada, then of launching one successful company, and finally, of becoming the first Diageo World Class Global Cocktailian, you’ve just combined a few of the many ingredients that make up our guest today.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Before Lauren Mote had become the Diageo Reserve & World Class Global Cocktailian and co-founder of Bittered Sling, she asked herself this question “How do I blend food and a real job together?” The path to that answer led her straight into the world of culinary creation.

Over the next two episodes, we’ll follow her journey to discover how her cherished experiences encouraged her to succeed.

Before we begin, please take the time to donate to some of your favorite bars or have cocktails delivered right to your door - you can find ways to help on the homepage of my website alushlifemanual.com.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Fermented Pineapple Southside.

Ingredients:

60ml Tanqueray No. TEN Gin
30ml fermented pineapple cordial*
2 dashes Bittered Sling Grapefruit & Hops Bitters
6 leaves mint plus sprig for garnish

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain neat into a coupe glass. Garnish with a grapefruit cheek with a threaded mint sprig.

*To make her fermented pineapple cordial, you will have to go to alushlifemanual.com where you will find this recipe, more recipes, and all the cocktails of the week, as well as links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-cherish-the-individual-things-that-we-have

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Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How A One-Way Ticket Can Change Your Life with Tomáš Čistý, 12 Hay Hill Club, Wrecking Coast Distillery

Tue, 26 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Whether someone gives it to you or you buy it for yourself, a one-way ticket out of town can, in some cases, mean the end of one life and the beginning of a new one. In our guest’s case, this was the start of something great. Landing in London, the light turned green and he was off.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

I met Tomáš Čistý when I was invited to interview the participants of a cocktail competition last year. The cocktail he created blew the judges away. After a ride on the rollercoaster of his life, as he calls it, he is now on the brake run, slowing down before another double dip might appear ahead. He’s now settled as Bar Manager of the private club 12 Hay Hill in London and Brand Ambassador of Wrecking Coast Distillery in Cornwall, and loving it.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Cornish Highball.

Ingredients:

40ml Wrecking Coast Distillery Scurvy Gin
10ml Green Chartreuse
25ml Lime juice
20ml William Fox Oak Moss Syrup
100ml London Essence Soda

Method:

Add all of the ingredients to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir. Drink!

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-a-one-way-ticket-can-change-your-life

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Follow the Advice of a Modern Philosopher with John Wayte, Monkey Shoulder Whisky

Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Not everyone has the foresight at a young age to know who British Philosopher Alan Watts is and also to heed his advice when planning their future. Well, our guest did and maybe that’s why he is the brand ambassador of one of the most profitable whiskies in the world.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

My guest, John Wayte, UK Brand Ambassador of Monkey Shoulder Premium Blended Whisky, may have studied Philosophy at university, but he wasn’t quite sure he would emerge as a philosopher. He spent more time organizing parties and ski trips for his fellow students than pouring over Plato.

He did have the wherewithal to look at the future before him and deduce that serving alcohol linked everything he was doing. That led him straight into a career in the booze industry and he hasn’t looked back. Now with the enviable position of Brand Ambassador to the massively successful Monkey Shoulder, a whisky that prides itself on being as much fun as the whisky inside of it is fabulous, he is right where he dreamed he could be.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned!

Ingredients & Method:

Remove 100ml of Monkey from your bottle. Enjoy the spare whisky as you like… secret ingredient in an apple tart?
Pour 90ml of sugar syrup back into the bottle.
Add 30ml of Angostura Bitters back into the bottle.

Label the bottle so you don’t get confused…! Shake and store in the fridge, you’re ready to pour 12 Old Fashioneds over ice. Garnish them each with an orange zest. Run a bath, put your feet up and be lazy.

Finally save the empty bottles, in case you get stuck on a desert island

For the Monkey Colada and its sister the Smokey Monkey Colada, you’ll have to head to alushlifemanual.com, where you can find this recipe, more whisky recipes, and all the cocktails of the week, plus links to where you'll find all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-follow-the-advice-of-a-modern-philosopher

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Make Sure Everyone Has A Good Time with Robbie Bargh, The Gorgeous Group

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When you walk into a bar and think this is fabulous. I assure you a whole lot of thought has gone into you having that good time before you’ve stepped through that threshold.

For our guest today, it’s been his life’s work to make sure everyone has a good time and his mission is making you leave feeling the same way you came in.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Everytime I’m in Dishoom, I toast to Robbie Bargh, the Founder & Director of the Hospitality Concept Agency, Gorgeous Group. Many moons ago, when I met him for the first time, Robbie was in the throes of working on the launch of what is now one of the most recognized Indian restaurants in the UK.

Robbie is one of those geniuses who knows inherently what makes a good time and how to distill that good time into whatever project he is working on - bar, restaurant and even an upcoming theatre project.

It was a delight to finally find out how it all began.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Gorgeous Negroni Sbagliato:

Ingredients:

25ml Campari
25ml Sweet Vermouth
Sparkling Pink Champagne

Method:

Add the Campari and Sweet Vermouth to a wine glass. Add ice and gently top up with the Sparkling Pink Champagne. Stir it all together.

You can find this recipe, more recipes, and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll find links to all the ingredients.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-sure-everyone-has-a-good-time

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Polish a Plate with Giorgio Bargiani, The Connaught Hotel, London

Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I got chatting to the guy sitting next to me at my Level 2 Wine and Spirit Education Trust class - the place you go when you want to learn about the ins and outs of distillation and the history of some of your favorite spirits. As you do, I sparked up a conversation with the Italian by asking him what he did and then he said I am a bartender at the Connaught Hotel and at that moment I knew we would be friends.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Yes, that fateful day, about three years ago, I met Giorgio Bargiani, now Head of Mixology at one of the most famous bars in the world, the Connaught Bar in London. We have remained friends ever since and I have longed to have him on the show to learn a little more about my fellow student. Who I found out began his career by polishing plates!

Before we begin, you can find links on how to donate to some of your favorite bars during this rough time on the homepage of my website alushlifemanual.com.

This week, Giorgio reveals:

Why he was polishing plates
How he found his first job in a hotel
What it’s like working at one of the best bars in the world
Where he likes to drink when he’s not at the Connaught

The Cocktail of the Week is Giorgio’s Flight of Negronis

Ingredients:

750 ml Sipsmith Gin
750 ml Martini Rubino
750 ml Martini Bitter
750 ml Still water

Method:

Mix all the four ingredients together and then split again in four different bottles. Leave 1 bottle untouched for a Classic Negroni.

Infuse one bottle with 1-2 whole peels of your favorite citrus fruit for at least a week then start tasting it daily until it’s perfect for you

Infuse one bottle with 2 to 3g of your favourite dry spice for at least one hour and then start tasting it hourly until you love it. Giorgio likes Sichuan Pepper.

Infuse one bottle with 50g of your favourite fresh herbs for at least one day and then start tasting daily until you love that one too. Giorgio used Eucalyptus!

Store in the the fridge and when is very cold enjoy it as you wish, with or without ice.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Your Coffee Spiritual with Martin Hudák of Maybe Sammy and Mr Black

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I met today’s guest under pretty cool circumstances. Picture the sit-down dinner of the UK finals for the Diageo World Class competition - one of the hardest cocktail making competitions in the country. There were eleven finalists and each table of ten was served by one of the competitors for the night. At my table was one of the senior bartenders of the American Bar of the Savoy Hotel - it’s tough to get better than that.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

Who knew that under that sharp white jacket and smooth persona, Martin Hudák of Maybe Sammy and Global Coffee Ambassador of Mr. Black, has a passion like no other - for coffee and coffee cocktails. He kept it under wraps until winning the World Coffee in Good Spirits Award in 2017. Since then, he’s gone on to move to Australia, open an award winning bar of his own and win the International Bartender of the Year.

Through the miracles of modern science, I was finally able to interview him in Australia and discover what led him to go down under and how his coffee loving became spiritual.

On today’s program, you’ll discover:

When he made his first Martini
Who taught him how to put on a tie
Where his favorite bars in the world are
How to get his special blend of coffee

The Cocktail of the Week is the La Finca.

Ingredients:

30ml Mr Black Single Origin Colombia
20ml Oloroso Sherry
10ml Manuka Honey syrup (2:1)
Dried or fresh fig

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass. Stir. Strain into a rocks glass with one big ice cube. Garnish with the fig.

You can find this recipe, more recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-spiritual ‎

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Tell The Stories with Mark Gillespie, WhiskyCast Podcast

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t know who said you should never meet your idols, but they got it wrong this time. My guest today is drinks’ podcasting royalty, and from the first moment I contacted this king of the airwaves, he was raring to join the Lush Life family

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

As the Fates would have it, Mark Gillespie, the Host and Executive Producer of WhiskyCast, the podcast that wrote the book on how to do a successful drinks podcast, from interviews to news to tastings to events, lives only minutes away from my family’s home in Philadelphia. Those fickle gods kept us apart until last week when Lush Life went virtual.

Usually he is the one doing the interviewing, but today is one of the rare occasions when he was interviewed.

So, pour yourself a dram, sit back, and enjoy hearing how and why Mark became the man behind WhiskyCast.

Stick around to find out what we’re drinking!

Before you start, you can find links on how to donate to some of your favorite bars during this rough time on the homepage of my website alushlifemanual.com.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Seven & Seven.

Ingredients:

2 oz Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey
6 oz 7-Up soda
Lemon wheel

Method:

Add Seagram's 7 in a highball glass filled with ice. Top with 7-Up (or Lemonade). Stir and then garnish with the lemon wheel

You can find this recipe, more easy recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-tell-the-stories

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Use Your Downtime with Maxim Schulte & Jo Last, The Savoy Hotel

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

I always say how much I love the spirit world and now during this crisis they have come together to support each other in ways that would have seemed incomprehensible just a few months ago. From making hand sanitizer, to delivering cocktails at home, to supporting the medical workers worldwide, the hospitality industry has stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park. Today we meet two who’ve hit a home run. Sorry for the baseball references, but it’s spring after all and I love baseball!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and welcome back to Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by everyone in this industry.

You can find links on how to donate to some of your favorite bars during this rough time on the homepage of my website which is www.alushlifemanual.com.

I always pride myself on meeting my guests face-to-face but obviously while we are self-isolating that is impossible. Therefore I am using an online platform and reliant on wifi, so please, please bear with the slight hiccups you might encounter along the way.

Back to our guests today, Both Maxim Schulte, Head Bartender of the American Bar at The Savoy Hotel in London and Jo Last, Senior Bartender at The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, have had to leave their positions behind the bar to wait out the crisis like the rest of us.

Instead of lounging around though, they immediately launched The Booze Brain, an online training platform for brands and industry leaders to continue to educate and keep in touch with each other through FB and Instagram Live.

They are already on their fourth week of Booze Brain, and as you’ll hear, everyone in the business jumped at the chance to share their knowledge and know-how with their peers and cocktail enthusiasts like me who can learn right alongside them. Even participate in their IG lives!

Pour yourself a cocktail, pick up your phone, laptop or any screen and check out Booze Brain. Here are Maxim and Jo to tell us more.

The Cocktail of the Week is the Savoy Martini - in bulk!

Ingredients:

700 ml Bottle of Gin or Vodka
140 ml Still Water
110 ml Dry Vermouth

Method:

Take a 700ml bottle of gin or vodka that you desire and pour 250ml out of the bottle and store elsewhere or drink! Fill 140ml of still water and 110ml dry vermouth into the bottle. Now put the bottle in the freezer for a couple of hours. Pour the silky liquid straight into your glass. Finish the Martini with a lemon twist or olive, however you like it best.

You can find this recipe, more Martini recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-use-your-downtime

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Use Your Brain with Elliot Ball, The Cocktail Trading Co., London

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This is a biggie and I am not ashamed to scream out. It’s Lush Life’s 150th episode and if that weren’t exciting enough my guest is Elliot Ball of among many other bars he runs, the Cocktail Trading Co.!

What does it take to do 150 eps? The support of all of you who listen to the stories that inspire us to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry. The best producer in the business (I am biased!) Evo Terra of Simpler Media Productions and Podcast Pontifications and the participation of all my guests.

Why is it so special for me to have Elliot on this monumental occasion? Well if you close your eyes and click your heels three times, you’ll head straight back to my first episode many moons ago.

I was pretty new at this and he was so game - it was Andy Mil, not only my first guest of all time but also Elliot’s partner at Cocktail Trading Co... From that moment, I felt a deep connection to them and their bar.

With their other partner Olly, their journey those almost 4 years since my first episode has been stratospheric.

Now it’s time for Elliot to tell us his story of how he’s used his neuroscience background in the bar and catch up where Andy left off those 4 years ago because a lot has changed.

Make sure to listen all the way to the end for a special announcement.

Before that, you’ll discover:

Why Elliot is so special to Lush Life
How he met Andy & Olly
How a neuroscience degree can help you become a better bartender
The right way to send a CV to them
Much, much more

The Cocktail of the Week is the Mizuwari's Downfall.

Ingredients:

3 parts Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky
1 part Jalapeño & fennel syrup
4 parts Clarified pineapple-cilantro soda

Method:

Mix, Chill, Carbonate, Pour over ice spear when ready.

You can find this recipe, more whisky recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2TTwLSx

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be a Bright Young Thing with Denis Broci, The Fumoir Bar, Claridge's Hotel London

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The Bright Young Things were a group of rich, indulgent aristocrats who between the two wars entertained themselves by dressing up, posing and performing.

All this gaiety was caught on camera by the incomparable and controversial Cecil Beaton. One thing is for sure, if they were alive now, all their fun would be had at Claridge’s with cocktails conceived by our guest today!

Denis Broci makes you feel like a Bright Young Thing when you step into Claridge’s Bar or The Fumoir Bar - two of the glamorous spots in the world.

Today we are celebrating the release of the cocktail book, Cecil Beaton: Mixing with the Bright Young Things, which Denis, as Manager of both bars at Claridge’s, curated with a list of sixty-four drinks from the 1920’s and 1930’s, the ‘Golden Age’ of cocktails.

But first I had to hear all about Denis and how he found himself at one of the most iconic hotels of all time.

In this episode, I discovered:

What happened his first week of work that scared him to death
What it was like working at Michelin Star restaurant
How he came to curate the new book, Cecil Beaton: Mixing with the Bright Young Things
His favorite bar in London and outside of London
His Top Tips for the Home Bartender

Needless to say we began with a Bee’s Knees and ended with our cocktail of the week, the Fumoir Negroni!

This particular version is Claridge’s signature cocktail in the Fumoir Bar and was created to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Negroni cocktail in 2019.

Ingredients:

25ml ( 5⁄6 oz) Hepple Gin
25ml ( 5⁄6 oz) Campari
18ml ( 3⁄5 oz) Martini Rosso
7ml ( 1⁄5 oz) Punt e Mes Carpano
3.5g ( 1⁄8 oz) Camomile
3.5g ( 1⁄8 oz) Coffee beans

Method:

Infuse the gin with camomile for thirty minutes, and the vermouths and bitter with the coffee separately for the same amount of time. Fine strain the infusions into a mixing glass and stir with ice, ensuring that the flavours are well balanced. Fine strain into an old fashioned glass with an ice block. Garnish with orange twist.

You can find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-be-a-bright-young-thing

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How Never to Take Anything Personally with Pierre-Marie Bisson, Milk & Honey, London

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

20 years ago, a bar was born in New York City that changed the way we drink today. Two years after that, it arrived in London. Fast forward those 20 years and Milk & Honey in London is still open and just as cutting edge as it was all those moons ago. Our guest today not only manages that legacy but is creating his own.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Pierre-Marie Bisson holds a special place in my heart. Not only is he the General Manager of Milk & Honey, but also a great supporter of Lush Life Cocktail Tours. There is no way I could do the tour without stopping in for a London Calling made by him or his team.

Pick up A Proper Drink by Robert Simonson if you want to read all about Milk & Honey and its influence. We’re here to find out everything we can about Pierre and how he made his way to this iconic bar, then he reveals his favorite spots in London and Paris and give us some top tips for the home bartender.

In this episode, I discovered:

How never to take anything personally
What he knew he never wanted to do again
Why you’ve never done everything
How the Brits differ from the French
The true meaning of hospitality

Our cocktail of the week is the London Calling!

Ingredients:

2 dashes Orange bitters
10ml Fino sherry
15ml Lemon juice
15ml Simple syrup
50ml Gin
Grapefruit twist

Method:

Put all the ingredients into a shaker, strain into a coupe, express a grapefruit twist on top and drop it into the cocktail.

You can find this recipe, more gin recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/38knMOc

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink French with David Lebovitz, La République, France

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The idea of sitting in a trendy Parisian bar in the 11th arrondissement, waiting for the author of many of the world’s best selling food books and the first-ever food blogger, could make anyone’s knees slightly tremblant. Then our guest today walked in with a big smile on his face said Bonjour.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is the Lush Life Podcast. Every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

David Lebovitz is known to every chef, home cook, baker and lover of Paris. His blog Davidlebovitz.com, as well as many of his books have been luring the uninitiated and old-hats to discover some of the best that Paris has to offer.

Now with the publication of his new book Drinking French, just released today, his name with be forever synonymous with everything that goes into a glass, cup or bottle in La République.

I was on a mission to discover how he found shaking, stirring and muddling, instead of sifting, kneading and rolling.

In this episode, I discovered:

Why I’ll never eat a whole bag of potato chips again
Why David decided to write a book about drinking
What baking and cocktail making have in common
What do white belts have in common with drink’s writers
How baking and cocktail making are similar

Our cocktail of the week is the City of Light!

Ingredients:

Half a lemon wheel, half an orange wheel, and 2 thin slices of cucumber, for garnish
11⁄2 oz (45ml) dry vermouth
1 oz (30ml) Lillet blanc or Vin d’Orange (page 147)
1 oz (30ml) Cointreau
1 oz (30ml) dry Prosecco or Crémant

Method:

Lay the garnishes in the bottom of a footed goblet or large wine glass. Add the vermouth, Lillet, and Cointreau. Fill the glass two-thirds full with ice, stir briefly, and top off with the Prosecco.

You can find this recipe, more vermouth recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2VsVApZ

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Keep Winning Awards with Erik Lorincz, Kwant Bar, London, Part 2

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Wait right there..this is the second episode of two where we meet a bartender at the top of everyone’s game, so if you want to hear the first part of his journey. Stop and go back to the previous episode. Oh, did I mention Erik Lorincz is that bartender?!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

So we left Erik at the doors of the Connaught Hotel - wondering whether he would take the leap. As history shows, we know he did and from there his career skyrocketed into the stratosphere, landing him where he is now, proud owner of his own bar, Kwant.

Today we’ll discover:

Why working at the Connaught was like playing football like Massi
How you could promote a bar before Social Media existed
Why 2010 was one on Erik’s best years of all time
What job Erik thought would be too big for him
What Erik believes are the cocktails for the modern palate

Our cocktail of the week is the Hacienda!

Ingredients:

30ml Patron Tequila Silver
10ml Cocchi Rosa
15ml Lacto Fermented Purple Carrot
10ml Fino Sherry Tio Pepe
10ml Vida Mezcal
15ml of Agave Nectar
30ml of Lime Juice

Method:

Add everything to a shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with one big ice cube. Garnish with Mexican Marigold.

You can find this recipe, more tequila recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/37vij77

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How One School Video Can Change Your Life with Erik Lorincz, Kwant Bar, London

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Superlatives were invented to describe our next guest - world’s best, greatest, one and only...there is no list that he isn’t on or has been number one! Today we are in the presence of bartending royalty!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I truly believe even if Erik Lorincz hadn’t seen that film on bartending when he was at school, he would have still risen to the top of whatever profession he chose. Lucky for us, it was behind the bar.

For those of us living in London, we have been able to see his star rise through the Connaught, as the tenth Head Bartender of the Savoy and now at Kwant, his own place.

In this, the first episode of two, we'll discover:

How the first cocktail Erik ever made foreshadowed his career
How he was living the dream in Bratislava
Why he chose London as his next port of call
What became his favorite bar in London
The steps he took from Slovakia to standing at the entrance to the Connaught Hotel

Our cocktail of the week is the Heads and Tails directly from his new bar, Kwant!

Ingredients:

25ml Vida Mezcal
25ml Beermouth
3 Drops Peychaud’s Bitters
10ml Agave Nectar
Genmaicha Soda
Crispy Cavalo Nero

Method:

Add all the ingredients except the Genmaicha Soda into a mixing glass. Stir and strain. Top with Genmaicha Soda. Garnish With Crispy Cavalo Nero.

You can find this recipe, more Mezcal recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-one-school-video-can-change-your-life

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Find Your Ancestral Spirits with Johnny Neill, Berkshire Botanical

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Not everyone was born to be in the drinks industry, our guest was, but he just didn’t know how much, until he just happened to sign up with ancestry.com.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Johnny Neill knew all about his father’s connection to the gin world from as far back as the 18th C, but it took a membership to ancestry.com to find out that the other side of his family was busy making whisky at about the same time.

Now with the success of Whitley Neill, he’s making expressions tied to the culinary proclivities of specific members of his family - quince, raspberry and now his own.

He’s here today to tell us how it all came to be.

Our cocktail of the week is the Yattendon Martini:

Ingredients:

50ml Berkshire Botanical Dry Gin
10ml Lillet
10ml Pine Cordial

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a coupe glass, stir, garnish with a Pine Needle.

You can find this recipe, more gin recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2vEnZhD

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Two Chicago Bars That Are Knocking It Out of the Park: The Violet Hour and Z Bar

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Have you been to Chicago lately? I think it might be one of the most exciting cocktail towns in the world and I am thrilled that we’re going back to it this week to meet two more of its mixology maestros!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Last week, we heard from Shelby Allison of Lost Lake, a tiny slice of Tiki Heaven, in Logan Square. This week we’ll be hearing from Abe Vucekovich of The Violet Hour and Vlad Novikov of Z Bar at the Peninsula Hotel Chicago.

First off, we meet Abe, General Manager of The Violet Hour in Wicker Park - probably one of the most iconic bars in the country. Winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Best bar Program and about 1000 other awards, Abe gives us a history on how it came to be and the origin of a few of their classic cocktails.

Our cocktail of the week is the Art of Choke.

Ingredients:

1 oz white rum
1 oz Cynar
3/4 teaspoon lime juice
3/4 teaspoon demerara syrup (2:1, demerara sugar:water)
1/4 oz green Chartreuse
Garnish: mint sprig

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass over ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig

You can find this recipe, more rum recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/3aLGEYW

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Make Award-Winning Tiki Cocktails in Chicago with Shelby Allison, Lost Lake Bar

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When you’ve won Imbibe Cocktail Bar of the year, the Spirited Award for Best American Cocktail Bar at Tales of the Cocktail and been short-listed for the James Beard Foundation Award for best bar program, you might rest on your laurels. Well, not our guest today, she’s working as hard as ever.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

With a father in the military, Shelby Allison traveled the world as a child, but has claimed Chicago as home now. Logan Square wouldn’t be the same without Lost Lake, the bar she opened more than five years ago to instant acclaim.

I was in Chicago for a small break and was able to meet her at Lost Lake. Five minutes after it opened, the seats were full and the drinks were ordered. After taking the first sip, I now want Lost Lake to be my local.

Our cocktail of the week is the Lost Lake.

Ingredients:

2 oz Plantation Xaymaca
.75 oz passionfruit syrup (Small Hands Foods)
.75 oz fresh lime
.5 oz fresh pineapple juice
.25 oz Campari
.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with one cup crushed ice. Blend for three seconds using a single spindle drink mixer. Pour into tropical glass, top with more crushed ice. Garnish tropically!

You can find this recipe, more rum recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2TG9qUR

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Celebrate Burns Night in Style with Sam Simmons, Atom Brands Whisky

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

On the 25th of January every year, Scots and Scotland lovers toast poet extraordinaire Robert Burns “Of Mice and Men” and “My Love is Like a Red Red Rose” fame.

I usually skip the haggis and neaps and tatties and go straight to that golden liquid that Robbie called O thou, my Muse! guid auld Scotch drink! and who better to celebrate with than the man formally known as Dr. Whisky.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Sam Simmons, now Head of Whisky for Atom Brands, learned to love the dark spirit as a PHD student at University of Edinburgh. Quickly he succumbed to its charm, creating not only one of the first whisky-led blogs, Drwhisky.com, but also the Whisky Band (more on that later in the show).

Perfect timing meant we could all enjoy his story on the cusp of Burns night with a perfect dram of Aerolite Lyndsay.

Our cocktail of the week is the Aerolite Hot Toddy.

Ingredients:

40ml Aerolite Lyndsay
20ml Lemon Juice
10ml Honey Water (1:1)
Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg

Method:

Add whisky, honey water, lemon juice to a toddy glass. Add a pinch of nutmeg and stir in. Top with hot water. Garnish with a clove studded lemon slice and a stick of cinnamon.

You can find this recipe, more whisky recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/35PM8hR

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Gin in the Yarra Valley with Joe Worthington, Four Pillars Gin, Australia

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

It’s no surprise that our guest today still dreams of being the host of the Radio 1 breakfast show one day. He definitely has the gift of the gab.Right now he is using that gift to introduce Four Pillars Gin to everyone he can!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

As European Trade Relations Manager for Australia's Four Pillars Gin, Joe Worthington would never think of going to any meeting empty handed. You can taste this generosity of spirit in every drop of their gin, maybe that’s why they’ve just been voted the best gin in the world at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Our cocktail of the week is the Who Shot Tom Collins:

Ingredients:

30ml Rare Dry Gin
100ml Old-fashioned Lemonade
15ml Bloody Shiraz Gin
Lemon

Method:

Mix gin and lemonade in a highball over ice. Squeeze in two wedges of lemon. Float Bloody Shiraz Gin on top

You can find this recipe, more gin recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2FEXFGd

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Single Malt Whiskey Out West with Thomas Mooney, Westward Whiskey

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to Lush Life! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We swing back into action with a guest who was always the guy at the office who doing whisky Tastings. I had no idea that position even existed.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Whiskey was Thomas Mooney, the co-founder of Westward Whiskey’s, drink of choice. So much so that he really was the guy who arranged whiskey tastings at the office. He thought one day he would retire and then have a whisky distillery, but that dream became a reality sooner than he thought.

We begin the year with a classic American cocktail with a french name, The Boulevardier. Think Negroni but replace the gin with American Whiskey.

So we have sweet vermouth, campari and whiskey. Supposedly a man named Erskine Gwynne, an American who whilst living in Paris in the 1920’s, founded a magazine called Boulevardier.

The authors published in his popular magazine drank as good as they could write - Hemingway, Joyce, and Noel Coward to name just a few.

Today we have a take on the classic boulevardier recipe from Will Meredith head bartender of award winning London Bar Lyaness. He calls it the Crystal Garden Boulevardier.

Our cocktail of the week is: Crystal Garden Boulevardier.

INGREDIENTS

45ml Westward Whiskey
20ml Basil Bitter*
20ml Peach Stone Aperitif*

METHOD

Builds the three ingredients in a glass with ice
Stir and then garnish with a grapefruit slice

To learn Will’s inspiration for the cocktail and how to make the Basil Bitter and the Peach Stone Aperitif, you’ll have to visit my website where you can find this recipe, more Whisky recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2EtBKRn

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How Irish Whiskey is Made in Hell with Geoff Speiran, The Dublin Liberties Distillery

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

If you didn’t listen to last week’s episode, then press stop and go back to that one now! You’ll meet Geoff Speiran, the Global Whiskey Ambassador for The Dublin Liberties Distillery. Once you know all about Geoff, then you are ready to take on our tour.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Welcome to Hell! Not your usual greeting except when you are in the Liberties section of Dublin. Why was it know as Hell? You’ll just have to find out on this episode of Lush Life.

Geoff will guide us through Dublin’s newest distillery and then take us through a tasting of a selection of The Dublin Liberties Distillery range of Irish Whiskeys. What a way to end the year!

Our Cocktail of the Week is a take on an Old Fashioned called “A Measure of Attitude”.

Ingredients:

50ml Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey
Teaspoon Merlet Crème de Pêche
8ml Bénédictine
2 Dashes Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Decanter Bitters

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir. Serve into a tumbler glass with a block of ice. Express a lemon peel over the cocktail and discard peel.

You can find this recipe, more Irish Whiskey recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/341vo6o

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Great Irish Coffee in Hell with Geoff Speiran, The Dublin Liberties Distillery

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Buenos dias! That’s what our guest today would have greeted me with if he had ended up a Spanish teacher. Instead, he greeted me with a dram of Irish Whiskey and I am not complaining.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Today Geoff Speiran, Global Whiskey Ambassador at The Dublin Liberties Distillery joins me in an area of Dublin, previously known as Hell, which feels right with Friday the 13th around the corner. I was there not only to hear his story but the phoenix-like return of Irish Whiskey.

Our cocktail of the week is the Irish Coffee.

Ingredients:

50ml Dubliner Irish Whiskey
15ml Amaro Di Montenegro
10ml Brown Demerara sugar syrup
120ml fresh espresso coffee
Top with fresh cream and freshly grated nutmeg

Method:

Swirl the glass with hot water until warm, then pour it out. Add whiskey, sugar syrup & amaro and stir. Add the hot coffee and stir. Pour the cream delicately over the back of a teaspoon until you have a thick consistent layer. Grate some fresh nutmeg over the top for the perfect Irish coffee!

You can find this recipe, more Whiskey recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2YigZ4n

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Whisky Sour the Bruichladdich Way with Adam Hannett, Head Distiller

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Born and bred on the Scottish Island of Islay, one would assume that whisky was in our guest’s blood, but it took a venture off island to bring him straight back.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Adam Hannett thought he was destined for a life of marine biology, but that was not to be. Lucky for the whisky lover in all of us, he found his calling as the Head Distiller at the legendary distillery of Bruichladdich. He’s here with us today to prove that passion and energy make for great whisky.

Our cocktail of the week is the Laddie Sour.

Ingredients:

50ml Classic Laddie
20ml Lemon Juice
15ml Simple Syrup
Egg White
Angostura Bitters

Method:

Dry shake all ingredients together. Add ice and wet shake. Strain over ice into a rocks filled glass. Garnish with lemon zest.

You can find this recipe, more Whisky recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2OezxPG

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Funky Rum in Jamaica with Christelle Harris, Hampden Estate Distillery

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Jamaican rum is known for its high esters - those are the compounds that give it the heady aromas it has and makes it taste all banana-y, pineapple-y and fruity. Some also call it funk, but our guest calls it magic.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Christelle Harris is well versed in esters, muck and funk as she is the granddaughter of the owner of Hampden Estate - one of the oldest continuously running distilleries in Jamaica. She was in London for UK RumFest and sat down with me to explain exactly why Hampden Estate Rum has such a fanatical fanbase.

Our cocktail of the week is the Hampden Sour.

Ingredients:

40 ml Hampden Estate 46°
25 ml fresh citrus juice
15 ml sugar syrup (for an extra lush kick, try it with home-made sage syrup)
5 ml still water
Lemon slice (fresh or dried)

Method:

Put all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice & shake. Strain & serve straight up into a coupette glass or rocks. Garnish with lemon slice (fresh or dried)

You can find this recipe, more Rum recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/35bati9

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How Bourbon is Made By Ghosts with Michael Thornton, Boone County Distilling Company

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

If you find yourself shuttling from Cincinnati Airport to Lexington Kentucky down Interstate 75, you’ll see the signs directing you to stop at Boone County Distilling Company.

Only 6 minutes off the interstate and you can take a tour of the only distillery that says its bourbon is “made by ghosts.” Too far to go, well then, you can sit back and listen to today’s episode and I’ll bring the tour to you.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Today we have Michael Thornton as our guide. He’ll walk us through the workings of Boone County Distilling Company where bottling began in 2015, but its history began in the 1700’s Discovering along the way how Boone County was one of the largest players in bourbon production throughout the centuries.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Pendennis Old-Fashioned.

Ingredients:

2.5 oz Boone County Bourbon
Quarter size pour of Simple Syrup
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Orange Wedge
Maraschino cherry

Method:

Put in a quarter size pour of simple syrup in the bottom of an Old-Fashioned glass. Add two dashes Angostura bitters, orange wedge, and maraschino cherry. Muddle gently without smashing everything together. Pour 2.5 oz bourbon on to the ingredients and add ice.

You can find this recipe, more Bourbon recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2K9N4pi

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Sake with Seafood with Satomi Dosseur, Sake Sommelier

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Convincing people to enjoy a glass of sake while tucking into a pepperoni pizza is going to be a tough job. Our guest today is ready to take on that challenge.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I lured Sake Sommelier Satomi Dosseur away from an event we were both attending to give me the lowdown on the liquid that was front and center that evening. The event was being thrown by the Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Center to explore how Sake & Seafood were the perfect match.

After a lifetime of not knowing anything about this most ancient of spirits, I certainly know a lot more now after our chat. Did you know that...well, I’ll let Satomi tell you,

Our cocktail of the week is Sake Martini:

Ingredients:

30ml Gin or Vodka
30ml Sake
Sliced cucumber or olives for garnish

Method:

Chill your Martini Glass. Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir and then strain into the Martini Glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice or olive.

You can find this recipe, more Martini recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2WAkD96

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Rum Sour in the Mountains with Karen Hoskin, Montanya Distillers

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Way up in the mountains, you’d expect to be served a hot chocolate or a hot toddy, but a rum sour? You would think that’s more of a beach cocktail. Thanks to our guest today, you would be wrong. It’s home right here in Crested Butte, Colorado.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I’m not sure why anyone would doubt that Karen Hoskin could create a rum distillery in the Colorado Mountains. This is a women who was an elite firefighter, there is probably nothing she couldn’t do.

She was in London for the UK RumFest when I had a chance to discover what led her to open Montanya Distillers high above sea level.

Our cocktail of the week is Montanya’s Rum Sour.

Ingredients:

1 oz. fresh lemon, juiced
.75 oz. simple syrup*
.5 oz. pasteurized egg white
2.5 oz. Montanya Distillers Exclusiva Rum
Garnish: Amarena cherry

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake. Pour over a king ice cube into a Rocks Glass. Garnish with an Amarena cherry.

*Simple Syrup:

2 cups sugar
2 cups water

Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let cool. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

You can find this recipe, more rum recipes and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2BGtf4g

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Small Beer, the Modern Way with Felix James, Small Beer Brew Company

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today is rewriting the English dictionary. No longer will “it’s just small beer” mean something unimportant. From now on, small beer means just that small beer!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Felix James, cofounder of Small Beer Brew company here in London gave me a history lesson on Small Beer - A lower ABV version of beer that was drunk by most men women and children alike, as early as Chaucer and Shakespeare’s time. Water could kill you so small beer it was. Even George Washington has his own recipe.

One day after work, Felix longed for a great beer that wouldn’t leave him unable to drive home. This thought keep repeating itself until he and his partner decided it was time to fill that gap in the market and create their own.

How does this fit into Season 4’s classic collection? Well if Chaucer and Shakespeare were drinking it than it’s a classic in my book!

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/342dRvl

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make the Aperol Spritz, Venetian-Style with Russell Norman, Polpo

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Like many others who came before him, our guest today fell in love with Venice at first site. Unlike many others, he brought Venice home with him..in a big way.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

We’re not talking a t-shirt or gondola-shaped ashtray, Russell Norman brought us Polpo - the restaurant that introduced Cicchetti and, for our purposes here, the Aperol Spritz to London and the UK.

I met up with Russell in the original Polpo on Beak Street, to hear how his first date with Venice developed into a long, long lasting relationship!

I apologise now for all the background noise you’ll hear…this is London during the day on a busy street. Just pretend every honk is made by a vaporetto on the Grand Canal.

You could fight me and say that the Aperol Spritz is not a classic cocktail and I promised it would be all classic cocktails this season.

Well, I’m fighting back to say that yes it is. Aperol was invented in 1919 by the Barbieri brothers and the spritz is ages old.

During the time when the Austrians owned Venice in the 1800s. The Austrian soldiers found the wines a little too alcoholic and added in a bit of water. Thus the spritz was born.

Fast forward to the 1950’s when the Italians added Aperol to their spritz and, now, it’s everywhere and so easy to make.

Of course, our Cocktail of the Week is the Aperol Spritz.

Ingredients:

3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz Soda
Olive

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a wine glass with ice, stir. Garnish with an olive if you want it really Venetian.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share the recipe for the Cynar Gin Fizz that Russell and I enjoyed during our chat, and you can find that recipe, the Aperol Spritz and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2oDUXf5

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Rob Roy the Scottish Way with Alex Walker of Glenfiddich Whisky

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Robert Roy MacGregor, the infamous 17th-century outlaw was Scottish through and through. Most likely, he would have been a little bothered that the classic cocktail named after him was invented in the USA. Well, it doesn't matter really where it was invented. We are still drinking it thanks to our guest today, the National Brand Ambassador of Glenfiddich.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Alex Walker may not be from Scotland originally but that doesn't mean he doesn't know a thing or two about Scottish whisky. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and after stints at the Savoy Beaufort Bar and the Artesian in London, plus winning too many of world’s toughest cocktail competitions to mention here, Rob Roy would definitely be happy with Alex’s version of his eponymous cocktail.

Of course, our Cocktail of the Week is the Rob Roy!

Ingredients:

50ml Glenfiddich 12
20ml Sweet Vermouth
2 dash Angostura
Lemon Twist

Method:

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass, stir it down and strain into coupette. Garnish with the lemon twist.

You’ll find this recipe and more whisky recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2Vh85Tf

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Daiquiri in West London with Sly Augustin, Trailer Happiness, London

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Jennings Cox is one of the biggest names in cocktails. History has remembered him as the “inventor” of the daiquiri. But as David Wonrich the famous drinks historian says "The daiquiri represents such an obvious marriage between local, as in Cuban, ingredients—rum, sugar, limes—and American technology—cocktail shaker, ice—that it would take the chowder -headedest duffer who ever buttoned a trouser not to invent it." Whether Cox did or didn’t, it’s a great drink and has remained one of the one of the classics since the late 1800s.

Our guest today might not have invented it, but move over Jennings Cox, Sly Augustin is in town and he’s made the daiquiri his own.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Check any list of the best bars in London and Trailer Happiness is always at the top. That would be because of the dedication and effort of its owner Sly Augustin. Today on Lush Life, Sly recounts how he fell for Trailer Happiness as a customer and since buying the place, he’s continued to make it a home away from home.

It’s tongue-in-cheek tiki vibe give it a party atmosphere and although it’s on the lower ground floor, you would swear you were sunning yourself on a beach holiday, drinking the best cocktails on the island, which I guess the UK is? And did I mention they have amazing cocktails.

Here is the Trailer Happiness Daiquiri:

Ingredients:

50 ml Don Q Cristal
25 ml lime juice
20 ml 1:1 sugar syrup

Method:

Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled coupette.

You’ll find this recipe and more rum recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2nt1XdA

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Negroni with Australian Gin - With Eddie Brook, Cape Byron Distillery

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A Negroni is one of the great cocktail classics. In fact, it’s celebrating its 100th birthday this year, when, as legend would have it, Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to add a drop of gin to his Americano.

Folks are changing up ingredients all the time and the negroni has been tinkered with by creative bartenders trying their hand at redefining the basic recipe of vermouth, campari, and gin.

Our guest today knew the native flavors he had in his backyard were crying out for attention and he was going to be the one who answered their call! I can’t say his original m.o. was to rework the Negroni per se, but the outcome of his pursuits have provided bartenders with a new spirit to play with.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Eddie Brook’s family had macadamia nuts on their mind when purchasing an old dairy farm in Byron Bay ,an eight hour drive north of Sydney. They discovered they had landed in the region’s largest subtropical rainforest, home to hundreds of Australia’s native botanicals.

After a childhood spent enjoying literally the fruits of his parents labor and a chance meeting with his idol, Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich fame, Eddie established Cape Byron Distillery and the awards keep pouring in, especially for that one ingredient that gives his take on the negroni a particularly Australian character.

Our cocktail of the week is the Slowgroni! It has the best of both worlds - the old and the new. It starts with the traditional Gin, Campari and Vermouth recipe, but this time the gin is Brookies and the additional ingredient is the Byron Slow Gin that Eddie described!

Ingredients:

30ml Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin
15ml Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin
30ml Campari
15ml Premium vermouth
Garnish: Orange slice or zest.

Method:

Stir over ice in mixing glass until chilled. Strain over ice-filled glass. Garnish with an Orange slice or zest.

You’ll find this recipe and more Negroni recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2LF7hEo

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Classic Martini with Alessandro Palazzi, Dukes Bar, London

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone and welcome back for Season 4 of Lush Life - The classic Collection. We’ll be exploring classic cocktails - who drank them, who makes them and a few modern twist on the genre.

Things would get so boring if we didn’t change it up a little, so saying that I wanted to let you know the format has been “jujjed” slightly.

Don’t be scared - none of the good stuff is gone. You’re still going to hear from the greats of the cocktail world and still going to get your cocktail of the week. You’ll just have to wait until the bitter end to discover who our next guest is and all the ways you can support Lush Life!

That being said - let’s get on with the show...

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

There could be no better way to begin a season of classics than by inviting Alessandro Palazzi to kick off Season 4. He defines classic in every sense of the word, but don’t think that makes him any less modern.

With more than 800 gins on the market, vermouth production on the rise, and let’s not even get into vodka, fruity, shaken, or stirred. No one can really define how to make a classic martini at all any more

What I can tell you is from his second home at Dukes Bar, Alessandro has probably made more martinis than anyone in London, if not the world.

Four years and many martinis ago, he was game enough to be Lush Life’s 3rd guest ever..and now he’s back - the one and only Alessandro Palazzi!

So we all know James Bond had his martini shaken not stirred.

It was also Winston Churchill’s signature beverage - icy cold and so dry he just bowed toward France instead of letting vermouth anywhere near his glass.

Julia Child liked it one part gin to 5 parts French vermouth - maybe that’s why she is known as the French Chef.

Everyone who has ever loved a martini had it a different way. It may seem simple to make but as a wise bartender said once, “People mess up simple all the time.”

In that vein here is the simple Dukes Bar classic gin martini recipe and this week’s Cocktail of the Week.

Ingredients:

3 dashes dry vermouth
4 ounces gin, frozen
lemon peel

Method:

Dash vermouth into a frozen martini glass & coat the glass. Pour in the gin. Do not stir! Garnish with a lemon peel.

You’ll find this recipe and loads more Martini recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/32u8O5K

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Serving up Season 4 of Lush Life

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

September has come ‘round and I am bursting with enthusiasm. So in that state of mind, Season 4 of Lush Life - The Classic Collection will commence next Tuesday .

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

The Classic Collection...hmm what’s that I hear you asking yourself? Well, Season 4 is bringing it all down to basics. Why you may ask?

I’ve been busy all summer rereading the classics - as in my essential New York Times Book of Cocktails, Robert Simonson’s wonderful book A Proper Drink, all about the revival of the modern cocktail craze, and my very own signed copy of David Wondrich’s Esquire Drinks.

These great minds have reminded me that if you don’t know your classics how can you move forward. As a layman and I mean layman in cocktail making, it’s time to go back and master the old-fashioned, martini, negroni before purchasing a centrifuge to make the Boys to the Yard like Liquid Intellect!

So what does this mean for our season ahead? Our guest are still the greats of the drinking world. Still the movers and shakers of the industry! Don’t you worry?

I’ll just be mixing in a little more history to the classic cocktail of the week and you might even see some video instruction along the way on alushlifemanual.com.

But don’t think I am stuck in the past. There are so many new things happening in the Lush Life world that I can’t wait to tell you about, but you will just have to wait until next week!

I can’t leave you without a cocktail of the week - so as the last days of summer are fading away here in London the most famous of all summer cocktails seemed to be the perfect choice.

The Aperol Spritz - whose history we’ll go into in a later episode.

Ingredients

3 oz Prosecco
2 oz Aperol
1 oz Soda
One green olive

Method

Mix all the ingredients into a wine glass with ice and stir.
Garnish with an olive if you want it really Venetian.

We’re talking classic here!

You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Become a patron of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $1 a month - less than Starbucks: www.Patreon.com/LushLife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything! and more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

Where to Drink in Trentino, Italy

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Trentino, nestled in the Alps, welcomes each and every guest with a glass of Bollincine Da Montagna translated as Mountain Bubbles but officially known as Trentodoc - their splendid sparkling wine. But what else is there to drink in this gorgeous northern region of Italy.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Today we get to meet a few people who are making the drinks that Trentino is famous for and some that were a surprise. Matteo Covazzi from Mezzacorona, the second largest producer of Trentodoc, is with us to explain exactly what Trentodoc is. Then we have Andrea Luchetta telling the tale of Bellaveder, a small producer of Trentodoc and the other wines I got to try. Michele Dolzan from the world famous Villa De Varda grappa distillery joins us and, to end it all, we have Andrea Paternoster who is making mead, the Trentodoc way.

This is just a fraction of what’s available to imbibe in Trentino. To find out what else? You would have to read my new Lush Guide to Trentino at alushlifemanual.com, but don’t leave us yet, as we head to Mezzacorona.

Our cocktail of the week is not really a cocktail recipe but a syrup recipe and a syrup which can be used in loads of cocktails.

On the aforementioned jaunt through Trentino, we met Nonna Ponomarenco at the agriturismo Maso Flonkeri where she showed us how to make an amazingly aromatic, yet subtle rose syrup to add to Chardonnay. At least that’s what she added it to and it was incredible.

We picked her roses to make it, but please buy CULINARY-GRADE roses. Do not use the ones you get at the florist!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 lemon
2 cups fresh rose petals

METHOD

Place the rose petals in a bowl.
Squeeze the juice of a lemon over them and scrunch the liquid with the petals.
Place the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Add in the rose petals and cook for 10 minutes.
Strain into glass jars, removing the petals from the liquid
Turn the glass jars upside down and store for a few days.

When it’s ready add it to Chardonnay or Prosecco or anything you want...

You’ll find this recipe, plus a video of Nonna making it, and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2Jxh7XX

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Become a patron of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $1 a month - less than Starbucks: www.Patreon.com/LushLife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything! and more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Make a Great Rum Cocktail with Alex Jollivet and Tom Wiggett, The Duppy Share

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Meeting in primary school doesn’t always predict a future business career together, but in the case of our guests today, it most certainly did. They also went to the same prep school, university and lived together in London...oh and did I mention they both love rum!

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Alex Jollivet and Tom Wiggett also drank together and while Tom was enjoying a thousand variations on the G&T, the only mixer Alex was being offered with his rum was Coke, not that there is anything wrong with a good Cuba Libre, in fact I make a Cuba Libre range of Merchandise so check it out at A Lush Life Manual.com/merch.

Still it can get monotonous, so what are two guys to do - well these guys created Long Tail Mixers. Three different mixers that were developed specifically to compliment rum, whiskey, bourbon..whatever brown spirit you have on your shelf.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Sundown Spice, a combination that will have you dreaming of the beach in the Caribbean.

Ingredients:

Long Tail Island Spice Mixer
50 ml The Duppy Share Rum
Lime Wedge

Method:

Fill your Long Tail Glass with 3 ice cubes. Pour in The Duppy Share Rum, add Long Tail Island Spice Mixer. Cut a lime wedge and add for garnish.

If you want to hear more about Duppy Share - go back and listen to my episode titled How to move from insurance to rum in five easy steps!

You’ll find this recipe and two more from Long Tail, plus all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2LCIktM

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Design Cocktails That Are Irresistible with Fabio Pezzini, the Polo Bar, London

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A hotel was destined to be our guest’s second home from the time he first stepped into one when he was a little boy. Now Fabio Pezzini is all grown up and behind the bar at one of London’s premier hotels right in the center of it all.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

The Polo Bar at the Westbury Hotel has seen and heard it all. From bowler hats to Beatles performing on the roof nearby on Savile Row, now the modern day fashionistas and Instagrammers. The windows lining the ground floor bar off of Bond Street are the perfect setting for any of his and his team’s cocktails. As Bar Manager, Fabio is guiding the Polo Bar into a new era and his journey from Verona to London will prove he is the one to make it happen.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Bellinicus, a Polo Bar favorite!

Ingredients:

45ml Italicus
20ml Lemon Juice
15ml Rose Syrup
4ml Peach Bitters
Moët & Chandon to Top

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a shaker, add ice & shake. Strain into a Champagne Flute. Top with Moët & Chandon.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2xnQ3U0

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Where to Drink in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Can you imagine a state where in every bar all that was served were airplane mini-bottles of spirits? So you order an old-fashioned and they take the tiny bottle of JD off the shelf, unscrew it, add sugar and bitters and that’s it. Only order, unscrew, serve for every cocktail! Crazy talk...yet that was South Carolina until 2006 - yes 2006.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

My first trip to Charleston was long after 2006 and this town is on the top of everyone’s list to visit. Could it be because of all the great bars?. I was there as part of a group of Journalists, the British Guild of Travel Writers to be exact, invited to experience the city. The first thing I did was research all the bars that could not be missed and I put all I found in my Lush Guide to Charleston, which you can find on my blog, alushlifemanual.com.

I gathered together a few of the people who are making the bar scene so dynamic. One was Scott Blackwell from High Wire Distillery whom I had on the show a few weeks ago. Today I have Craig Nelson, whose bar Proof has been written up in all the magazines - for all the right reasons. Then we meet the bar managers of two of the most famous restaurants in the USA which just happen to be in Charleston - Justin Simko, Bar Manager of the Bar at Husk and Ashley Dodds, Bar Manager of FIG.

Our Cocktail of the Week is The Cheshire Cat - created by bartender Nikki Fairman for FIG.

Ingredients:

2 oz - Cucumber Tequila
.75 oz - Lime Juice
.75 oz - Nikolaihof Elderflower Syrup
2 droppers - Butterfly Pea Extract
6 drops - Orange Blossom Water

To Make the Cucumber Tequila:

Vacuum seal 1 liter of silver tequila and 400g of peeled, de-seeded, sliced cucumbers. Place in a 140-degree water bath for 2 hours. Shock in an ice bath for 20 minutes. Strain.

Method:

In a rocks glass, add the Butterfly Pea Extract, Orange Blossom Water and chilled Cucumber Tequila over one large ice cube. Give the contents a quick stir just to incorporate them.

Combine equal parts Lime and Elderflower Syrup (.75oz each) together in a "Pour Me" sidecar. To enjoy this whimsical tipple, just pour in the sidecar ingredients, give it a stir and watch the magic happen!

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2x4PEG4

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Apple Cider at Home with Xavier D’Audiffret, Maison Sassy

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Don’t ever call someone’s idea crazy - you’ll probably end up eating your words or in this case drinking them. Our guest today knew that cider was not just for crepes and galettes any more and when he heard the French government was paying farmers to chop down apple trees in his home region of Normandy, he knew the time was now.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Xavier d’Audiffret and his cofounder Pierre knew they hit on something when Collette in Paris, the store that put the concept into concept store, and Joel Robocun, the most Michelin starred chef in the world were the first supporters of Maison Sassy, the cider they had produced in their hometown in Normandy.

Now it was up to them to convince the rest of the world. Xavier is here to tell us how the story began.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Maison SASSY Rosé Negroni.

Ingredients:

30 ml Red Vermouth
30 ml Campari
30 ml SASSY Cidre Rosé
Orange zest

Method:

Build all the ingredients in a glass over ice, stir. Garnish with orange zest.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2Kr4u2b

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Answer When the Connaught Comes Calling with Ago Perrone, the Connaught Bar, Part 2

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Before we head into The Connaught Bar, I want to make sure you know this is a two parter. Did you listen to part 1 of Ago Perrone’s story? Then you already know that he is Director of Mixology for The Connaught Bar. If you are flummoxed and have no idea what I’m talking about then head back to last week’s episode where you can hear the beginning of Ago’s journey. If you’re set, then let’s head to Mayfair - Carlos Place, to be exact and one of my favorite hotels in the world.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

So we left off as the Connaught Bar came calling. So exciting...no more faffing about - let’s jump right in...with Ago...and that knocking door.

This week’s cocktail, the SWEET & Z is inspired by the story of 2 guests that are completely different but the best of friends ; one in fashion with a love of strong drinks like the Negroni, the other a quieter soul with a love of fine food and sweeter drinks, his favourite being the Golden Cadillac.

This drink is a tribute to them with the bitterness of the negroni and sweetness of the golden Cadillac. Add a bit of chocolate candy and you have the Sweet & Z!

Ingredients:

30 ml Patron Reposado Tequila
30 ml Martini Rubino
30 ml Galliano L’aperitivo
Cacao Cascara light cream
Galliano L’Autentico

Method:

Put all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir. Strain into a champagne coupe glass over diamond of ice. Add a ring of chocolate and spray with grapefruit and basil essence

Yeah, it’s tough to make, so much better to head to the Connaught and have one of the excellent staff make it for you there.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2JRCq81

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Convey Your Personal Experience in a Cocktail with Ago Perrone, The Connaught Bar

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I felt right at home with my next guest, even though we had never met. The Connaught Hotel is a place I have been returning to since I was a child. As my parent’s port of call when visiting London, The Connaught has seen me roam its halls, sleep in its beds and also try smoked salmon for the first time in the now legendary dining room. We only stopped staying there because now I live in London. Meeting Ago Perrone, Director of Mixology for the Connaught Bar, was like being reintroduced to an old friend after so many years.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

What can I say about Ago Perrone that hasn’t already been said. Winner of a myriad of personal awards, including CLASS Magazine’s Best Bartender of the year and winner of the Bacardi Legacy. Now he has led the Connaught Bar to be one of the best bars in the world.

Over two episodes this week and next, we’ll explore what it takes to earn such accolades. This week sees Ago deciding what path to take in life...and how that choice led him to the doors of the Connaught Bar and next week what happened after those doors opened. We start his journey in a beautiful part of the world, Lake Como.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Mulata Daisy.

Ingredients:

40 ml Bacardi Superior Rum
20 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
1 bar spoon caster sugar
1/2 bar spoon fennel seeds
20 ml dark crème de cacao liqueur
10 ml Galliano L’Autentico in the glass
Garnish: cacao

Method:

Shake all ingredients over ice and and double strain into a champagne coupe glass. Garnish with cacao powder on the rim.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2JQtoIB

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Know Which Rum to Drink in Antigua with Lisa Farara, Antigua Distillery

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

My friend and fellow podcaster Palle Bo, the Radio Vagabond, tells me that I don’t reveal enough about myself on Lush Life. I am slightly reticent to do that as I want it to be all about my guests. Still I will keep trying little by little

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion who lives in London by the way, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I wouldn’t have not met my next guest if I hadn’t been invited to the Traverse Elite Content Creators Conference in Antigua. 40 of us from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean flew to the island of Antigua to teach and learn new skills while discovering the island.

When i learned I was invited, I immediately called Peter Holland of thefloatingrumshack.com to ask his advice on drinking rum in Antigua. He’s one of my former guests who knows everything about Rum everywhere.

He put me in touch with Lisa Farara, one of the granddaughters of one of the eight founders of the Antigua Distillery and the rest, well I’ll let her tell you, as she’s our guest today.

After the cocktail of the week, learn where to discover more info on Antigua and where to drink their version of the classic Rum Punch. If you want to make the cocktail of the week first and then listen to the episode I wouldn’t blame you as it will put you right in island mood, now over to Lisa who starts us off with a history of rum in Antigua.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the English Harbour Colada - a play on the Piña Colada.

Ingredients:

2oz English Harbour 5yr Old Rum
2oz Fresh Squeezed Antigua Black Pineapple Juice
2oz Fresh Coconut Water
Pineapple wedge and lime wheel

Method:

Build in an old fashioned glass over ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and lime wheel

You’ll find the this recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Create Two Successful Brands in a Row with Alex Carlton, Stryyk Not Rum

Tue, 28 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Creating one successful brand is hard enough, but two - well as our guest today, Alex Carlton discovered, it’s just as exciting the second time round.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I met with Alex on his birthday a few weeks ago, having just received the best gift an entrepreneur could. A fantastic review of his Stryyk Not Rum.

STRYYK, the distilled zero-proof spirit, was born out of Alex’s inherent need to create. Having already had a massive success with his Funkin smoothies, purees and drinks mixes, he just couldn’t rest on his laurels. This time he is set to dominate the non-alcoholic beverage market..or should I say...

He’s set to strike gold again with Stryyk but, before I think up even more bad puns...I’ll let Alex take the floor.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the STRYYK Espresso Martini.

Ingredients:

50ml/2oz Stryyk Not Rum:
50ml/2oz Fitches Cold Brew Concentrate
15ml/0.5oz Sugar Syrup

Method:

Shake and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with coffee beans.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2HsaG7n

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Bourbon Out of 100% Corn with Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Company

Tue, 21 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

When someone says their bourbon is made with 100% corn - you can’t really believe them can you? You can if it’s our guest today. Scott Blackwell of High Wire Distilling Company wanted to create a spirit that was different, but how do you even start?

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Winner of the Best of the South award from Garden and Gun Magazine this year was just one of the many awards that High wire Distilling Co has won since its decision to make bourbon with Jimmy Red, a corn that moonshiner used in the past and came very close to extinction.

It’s really Scott’s tale, to tell so I’ll let him tell it.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

2 oz Jimmy Red Bourbon
.25 oz Demerara Simple Syrup
5 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method:

Stir in a mixing glass, strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2J3nO4h

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to reestablish an over 280-year-old Gin Brand with Milo Walker, Nicholson Gin

Tue, 14 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

So you know that your family once owned a gin company and some pubs, but how surreal would it be to find it was not just any gin company but one of the most important brands in the UK ever. Even arguably the oldest.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Milo Walker, Brand Ambassador and heir to Nicholson Gin, discovered that his family produced not only politicians and cricketers, but also gin distillers. There might not have been a Lord’s Cricket Ground if Nicholson Gin hadn’t stepped in. It was also Harry Craddock’s, the Savoy’s most legendary bartender, preferred choice for many of the hotel’s most famous cocktails!

Milo talks us through his recent education on all things Nicholson Gin!

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Gloom Raiser.

This classic cocktail featured in The Savoy Cocktail Book and Harry’s ABC back in the 1930s and demanded only Nicholson Gin. They’ve added raspberry syrup as a fresh alternative.

Ingredients

50ml Nicholson Original Gin
15ml Dry French Vermouth
2 dots absinthe
5ml Raspberry syrup
Garnish with a lemon twist

Method:

Add ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir well and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist. Enjoy!

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week at ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2J5i5La

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be the First Female Bartender at Dukes Bar, London, with Mariantonietta Varamo

Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Can you say that one gelato changed your life? For our next guest, being served an ice cream cone introduced her to the world of hospitality and she never looked back. From the age of 12, Mariantonietta Varamo has been on a fast track to making her dreams come true. Thank goodness for us, she choose to be behind the bar.

Little did Mariantonietta know when she left Italy for London that she would be the one to shake things up at Dukes Bar. As the first female bartender at that bastion of martinis and boulevardiers, she would be put to the test. She passed with flying colors and now she is managing GBR, Dukes Hotel’s other bar and restaurant. With this track record, who knows what she has planned next.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Misty Negroni.

Ingredients:

DOM Benedictine infused with coffee beans
Martini Bianco vermouth
Ardbeg 10 Whisky
3 drops of sweet orange bitters
Slice of orange

Method:

Build over ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Stir well and serve with a slice of orange.

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2IV4E0q

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Open a Bar & Launch a New Product at the Same Time with Monica Berg, Pour

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Strawberries only on Sunday could be the name of one of her cocktails, but as our guest today revealed her grandfather would truly only allow his strawberry jam to be enjoyed as a treat on Sunday. The strawberry season in Norway is only three weeks after all and he made jam so they could eat them all year round and that meant having a little bit only on Sunday to make it last.

Monica Berg, one of the glittering stars of the cocktail world, is here with us today. Her journey from Norway to London brought with it a respect for the transience of food at its peak eating time, as well as a keen business savvy thanks to her father making her create budgets from the time she was little.

No wonder she can juggle not only the opening of a new bar in London, Tayor+Elementary, but also the launch of a new generation of liqueurs, Muyu. She is also a co-founder of Pour the non-profit organization devoted to exploring new ideas, sharing information, and exchanging inspiration within the drinks industry. Pour will be holding its first symposium in London, but more about that after we hear all about Monica.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Jasmine Highball.

Ingredients:

50ml Muyu Jasmine Verte
100ml Champagne

Method:

Add the Muyu Jasmine Verte to a Champagne glass, add the Champagne slowly, stir.

Enjoy!

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2Gg9i7A

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be Seduced by the Italian Lifestyle with Rob Patchett, Cotswolds Distillery

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

It’s so easy to be seduced by the Italian way of life. Long lunches, great food, weather, wine, and all of August off on holiday. Rob Patchett fell for it in a big way and a gap year turned into nine years that would change his life.

What Rob learned in Italy would stay with him for the rest of his career. Even when he returned to his hometown, he had acquired a touch of host-Italia: that perfect combination of hospitality and bella figura that usually only Italians are born with.

Now he’s with us today to explain how how went from North Yorkshire to the Cotswolds Distillery where, as Regional Sales Associate, he brings that attitude to their award winning spirits.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Cotswolds Martini.

Two sprays of Cotswolds Absinthe in a Nick and Norah Martini glass
60ml Cotswolds Dry Gin
Stir in a mixing conical for 90 seconds or until the dilution is just perfect
Strain into you Absinthe lined Nick and Norah Martini glass
Express some grapefruit oil over the top and discard the peel

Or just simply pour 60ml Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky into a Glencairn whisky glass and think about life.

Enjoy!

You’ll find the cocktail martini recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2G9v7W2

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Take the Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour! Kentucky, USA

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Can you ever have enough bourbon? Not as far as I am concerned. Therefore after a trip to Glendalough, we are heading straight back to Kentucky. This time to take a tour of Maker’s Mark Distillery - virtually.

When I say a tour, I mean a tour. Today the lovely Matty will guide us through the ins and outs of the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto Kentucky. Discover why Maker’s Mark is called so, what’s in its mash bill, why the bottles have their distinctive look and more...

Then we’ll head over to the bar to make one of Maker’s Mark's most popular cocktails and even get yourself a t-shirt from the Lush Life cocktail collection.

After the episode make sure to check out alushlifemanual.com where you’ll find photos of all the places you are about to visit.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Maker’s Mark Manhattan made with Maker’s 46.

Ingredients:

2 parts Maker's 46 Bourbon
1 part sweet vermouth
2 dashes aromatic bitters
Cherry for garnish

Method:

Combine ingredients over ice in a mixing glass. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass neat or on the rocks. Garnish with a cherry.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2I6kVzd

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Start Ireland’s First Craft Distillery with Gary McLoughlin, Glendalough Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Poitin isn’t something to hide behind all the other bottles anymore. Gary Mcloughlin and his fellow co-founders of Glendalough Distillery in Wicklow, Ireland knew it was to be the first spirit that they had to make when establishing Ireland’s first craft distillery. If you don’t know what it is, then now is your chance to find out.

Poitin is the traditional spirit of Ireland and after years if it being illegal, it’s finally out in the open being enjoyed along with all the other award-winning gin and whiskey that Glendalough Distillery has created.

Come along with me to Wicklow, the garden of Ireland, to hear the legend of St. Kevin and how he inspired Gary and his friends even before Glendalough has produced even one drop of spirit.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Galway In Spring.

Created by Jonathan Kahn for the J Parker in Chicago but you can easily make this one at home!

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Glendalough Double Barrel
.25 oz Chartreuse Green
.25 oz Mint syrup
.5 oz Lemon juice
Topped with a splash of soda water
Mint Sprig

Method:

Measure out all ingredients and pour into a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds. Strain through a Hawthorne strainer into a tall glass. Add fresh ice and top with soda water. Add a fresh mint sprig for garnish.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2usQvza

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to find the original Old-Fashioned

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Old-Fashioned is one of the most iconic cocktails on the planet. Adored by Bourbon-lovers world-wide. Three simple ingredients - bourbon, sugar, and bitters, and a bit of fruit have wowed them since the 19th century. A billion variations have popped up especially in these cocktail-crazed times, but the true recipe is just perfection and hard to top. Today’s episode we see how the Old-Fashioned came to be, and that could only begin in one town - Louisville, Kentucky.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is the Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry. Today is the launch of my Lush Life cocktail collection. Remind everyone how simple it is to make an old-fashioned by wearing one of my Old-Fashioned t-shirts. Head to Alushlifemanual.com/merch to check this out! Remember that every penny goes to bring you more Lush Life!

Back to the Old-Fashioned and its origins. As David Wondrich, the award-winning cocktail writer says, "Anyone who hooks his cart to any cocktail history is going to go off road!" I truly want to believe that the Old-Fashioned was invented at the Pendennis Club, so that’s where we are beginning. James Gerhardt, the General Manager of one of Louisville’s oldest private clubs and where the old-fashioned is purported to have been invented, is here to tell us his side of the story.

Then we pop down to Whiskey Row and Old Forester’s new distillery to meet Holly McKnight to see how their bourbon fits into this jigsaw puzzle of Old-Fashioned History. After that we wander down whiskey row to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience to let George Harrison explain how we wouldn’t even have bourbon if it weren’t for Evan Williams!

For the pure enjoyment of this episode, I would skip ahead to our cocktail of the week and while stirring, double back to savor the story ahead.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Pendennis Old-Fashioned

Ingredients

2.5 ozs Bourbon (Old Forester 86 proof)
Quarter size pour of Simple Syrup
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Method

Put in a quarter size pour of simple syrup in the bottom of an Old-Fashioned glass
Add two dashes Angostura bitters, orange wedge, maraschino cherry….
Muddle gently without smashing everything together.
Pour 2.5 ozs bourbon (house is Old Forester 86 proof) on to the ingredients and add ice.
Some bartenders have expressed a lemon over it and rubbed on rim, but that is overkill at this point.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2W6BK0A

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Become a patron of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $1 a month - less than Starbucks: www.Patreon.com/LushLife

Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iphone covers, duvet covers, ipad covers and more covers for everything! and more!

Produced by Simpler Media

Get great cocktail ideas on Pinterest

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

How to Bottle Cocktails That Will Have Them Wanting More with Eleanor Holcroft and Charles Roche , Liquid Intellect

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the worlds collide and two people not only find each other but also speak the same language. The language that Charles Roche and Eleanor Holcroft speak is cocktail creation.

Charles and Eleanor who, from the depths of their underground kitchen, have concocted Jam Doughnut Negronis, Chicken Dumpling Martinis, and Cookie Dough Old Fashioneds and that’s just the beginning. Their bar consultancy company, Liquid Intellect, has created cocktails and menus for brands and bars all over the world.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Boys to the Yard.

Ingredients:

50ml Tanqueray 10
10ml Strawberry Shrub*
100ml Cedar & Strawberry Tonic**
0.01g E202 Potassium Sorbate

Method:

*Blend the strawberries with Pectinex at 50 degrees for 10 minutes. Transfer to centrifuge and spin for 30 minutes at 4000RPM. Combine the clarified strawberry juice with apple cider vinegar & sugar at a ratio of 3:1:2

**Blend the strawberries with Pectinex at 50 degrees for 10 minutes.

Transfer to distillation flask and distill at 40 degrees until all the liquid has distilled to the collection flask. Whilst the strawberry juice is distilling, add 1L of tonic water the Ultrasonic Homogeniser with a burnt stave of Cedarwood. Blast on full power for 10 minutes.

Once infused, combine the Cedar wood tonic with the distilled strawberry juice in a ratio of 1:1.

If this was way too much to comprehend, you know you’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2VYEwoO

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How Hard Work Can Lead to the Perfect Irish Coffee with James Goggin, Maverick Drinks

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

It really was just a coincidence that an Irishman is on our show the week of St. Patrick’s Day. I promise it wasn’t planned! And what a pleasant coincidence it is to have James Goggin of Maverick Drinks on the show today.

Slainte, I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

I actually met James at the Embassy of Ireland almost one year ago and I knew he would make a great guest. He has that wonderful quality of making you feel that you are the only one that he is telling his tales to. A natural bon vivant and born for hospitality, his role as Brand Advocacy Manager for Maverick Drinks, the Craft Spirits distributor, fits like a glove.

But let’s start with how he got from a small town in county Carlow to New Zealand and back again.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Teeling Irish Coffee.

Ingredients:

40ml Teeling Small Batch
120ml Freshly Brewed, Robust Coffee
20ml Spiced Stout Syrup*
Fresh Cream
Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Method:

Preheat glass with some warm water and discard. Add the Teeling Whiskey, stout syrup, brewed coffee and stir to combine. Warm a large spoon and gently pour the cream over the back of the spoon and onto the coffee. Garnish with a light dusting of grated nutmeg and enjoy with friends!

*Spiced Stout Syrup (makes approx. 1.5L of syrup):

1L Irish Stout (Guinness or similar)
1kg Demerara Sugar
½ Cup Whole Cloves
½ Cup Pimento/Allspice
3 Cinnamon Sticks
1 Whole Orange Zest
2 Inch Fresh Ginger Grated
Pinch of Salt
3 Whole Star Anise Pods

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to the boil, allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve and cheesecloth and bottle. Keeps for 2 weeks refrigerated.

Suggested Glassware: Irish Coffee Glass

If this was way too much to comprehend, you know you’ll find this recipe and more St. Patrick’s Day cocktails on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2H8NbAw

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Win a Cocktail Competition the First Time with Ninon Fauvarque, la Queue du Coq Bar in Annecy

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

It takes a lot of guts to enter a cocktail competition when you are new to the business. But thanks to a gently prodding and supportive mentor, our guest today Ninon Fauvarque from Annecy France entered the Havana Club Grand Prix. What’s the worst that could happen?

Bonjour, I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Ninon never found out the worst because she ended up sweeping the awards and not only winning the Grand Prix but also taking home the First Sip and People’s Choice Awards that night.

How could this happen? She had just started bartending six months ago. I headed to Annecy to meet her in the bar Le Queue du Coq where her journey from bar back to competition winner transpired.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Curvas - crafted by Ninon Fauvarque from La Queue du Coq bar in Annecy.

Ingredients:

65 ml Havana Club 7 Years Old
10 ml Horchata
5 ml orange & lime reduction
15 ml spice-infused honey syrup (cinnamon, ginger and star anise)
20 ml red bean aquafaba

Method:

Put everything in the shaker, dry shake. Fill with ice and shake. Double strain and serve up in a jicama glass.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2GYW2oz

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Your Own Gin with Ian Hart and Hilary Whitney, Sacred Spirits

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

It sounds so easy. Master vacuum distillation and then create the gin that Alessandro Palazzi has selected for the most famous martinis in the world at Dukes Bar in London. But as our guests today, Ian Hart and Hilary Whitney of Sacred Spirits know, it’s not as easy as as all that.

What is easy is checking out our Lush Life Merchandise at www.alushlifemanual.com/merch I’m trying to convince Alessandro to serve his martinis in the lush life mug. We can always hope and dream. You can serve yours in one and at the same time you are helping to support this very podcast.

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

We were talking gin with Ian and Hilary - more specifically vacuum distillation, which they are both pros of now. But there was a time when Ian’s neighbors feared for their lives. It really is amazing how he is still alive...

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Sacred Rosehip Spritz.

Ingredients:

3 parts Sparkling Wine
2 parts Sacred Rosehip Cup
1 part Soda Water
Slice of Orange

Method:

Take a large wine glass and fill with ice. Add sparkling wine, Sacred Rosehip Cup and soda water in a 3-2-1 ratio. Top with a slice of orange. Alternatively, make it up in a large jug with plenty of ice and slices of orange.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2GOXvO0

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Love the Things You Hated as a Child with Jason Clark, Talisker Whisky

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

As a child, I couldn't stand asparagus, spinach, peas in fact most green vegetables. Also wine, beer and spirits and, now I love them. How is that even possible? My nephew says it’s because our taste buds are getting old - which in turn means we are getting old. Well I’d rather have it that way if it means I can enjoy sipping a dram of whisky.

Our guest Jason Clark never wanted to be in the drinks industry. His parents owned a bar and when he was up and ready to play they were still in bed. He even had to make them coffee to rouse them in the morning.

Strange how things turn around and now not only is he in the bar industry but he has been recently appointed Brand Ambassador for Talisker Whisky. This is after an incredible journey already of winning competitions and even owning his own bar. All from a guy who had planned to spend his whole life outdoors.

Jason will describe what’s on tap for Talisker’s Race to Skye competition.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Talisker Campfire Hot Chocolate.

Ingredients:

50ml Talisker 10-year-old, or Storm
50ml Hot water
60g Dark Chocolate
150ml milk (can be dairy or non-dairy)
1 tbsp dark chocolate powder
10ml golden syrup

Method:

To a milk steaming jug add chocolate, hot water and stir. Add the other ingredients and steam to heat, mix & froth the milk. Serve in a mug and garnish with a large marshmallow on a stick, toasted over a flame and dust with cinnamon or allspice.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2GDWOqF

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Where to Drink in Morzine, France

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I am so excited Lush Life is getting out of the studio and onto the slopes with our first Lush Guide. I‘m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion and this is Lush Life Podcast - every week I’m inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

Maybe it was speaking to Mia Johansson from Sweden for the past two weeks, but I couldn't help wanting to jump into the snow. So I headed to Morzine France - a skiers paradise - quaint, pretty, with great slopes.

Honestly, I prefer Après-Ski to ski and I am definitely not poo-pooing vin chaud, shots of toffee vodka or Jägermeister, or the endless amounts of white wine you drink with fondue - hey, I did an episode praising Savoie White Wines - but sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned in a civilized bar with a mud-free floor, or that perfect pint of craft beer.

I found all this and more in Morzine and sat down with a few of the folks who are offering alternatives to the definition of apres ski...but the fun of a Lush Guide is there is always more!

After the podcast, head to ALushLifeManual.com to discover what the local spirit is and where to drink it, also did you know there is an igloo bar on the mountain - so much good stuff!

First we head to Laury’s Bar, then Beanies and then end up with a beer in our hand at Bec Jaune.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Dead Rabbit.

Ingredients:

40ml Jameson’s
10ml Martini Rosso
2 Dashes Creole bitters
Ginger Beer Top
Fresh sliced Ginger
Fresh scorched Rosemary garnish

Method:

Rub the ginger slice around the rim and drop it into a glass. Add in the Jameson’s, Martini Rosso and dashes of Creole Bitter. Stir with ice and top with Ginger Beer. Garnish with Burnt Rosemary

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

If you head to my sister site, Bestbitworldwide.com, you’ll find out what to do in Morzine when you’re not in the bar - fun things to do from skiing to night sledging to snowshoeing plus where to eat fondue and other cheesy Savoie treats.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2MQ2peN

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Start All over Again with a Vengeance with Mia Johansson, Bar Swift, London, Part 2

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You know sometimes there is just too much pressure, not that starting a third season of Lush Life is so difficult but i had decided to start the season with a spoken intro, like I’m doing now and then it all changed and I went back to the way I was doing it before with the little canned intro I had slightly updated. why didn’t I do it the new way?

This week the subject of our episode is how to start all over again with a vengeance. I‘m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion and this is Lush Life Podcast - every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time by the best in the industry.

But this episode is not about me and how I started season three with the wrong intro...it’s about Mia Johansson and how she began what would become one of the best bars in the world: Bar Swift in London’s Soho.

If you are coming to this episode new - FYI it’s a two-parter so turn around and go back to Part 1. A small recap: Mia has been through the wringer and now after a successful pop-up at Callooh Callay she receives a phone call out of the blue…

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Sgroppino.

Ingredients:

10ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
1 scoop of lemon sorbet
Prosecco
Lemon zest

Method:

Combine Prosecco with 10 ml of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto (but this could be any spirit of your choosing, usually vodka) into a coupe. Add a scoop of lemon sorbet. Garnish with lemon zest.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: http://bit.ly/2sOBNBq

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Be A Surgeon & A Nurse At The Same Time with Mia Johansson, Bar Swift, London, Part 1

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We are beginning Lush Life Season 3 with a guest who somehow manages to be a surgeon and a nurse all at the same time. To be a great surgeon you need absolute precision and knowledge of your craft and to be a great nurse you need compassion, warmth and patience.

Mia Johansson combined these attributes in a mixing glass and out came Bar Swift. Determining who wants or needs to be hugged and/or a martini is an art and Mia has mastered it.

She has been Imbibe’s Personality of the Year Award, trained at Hix and Milk & Honey, and of course co-owner of Bar Swift in Soho - which by the way is one of the fifty best bars in the world, according to drinks international magazine and anyone else who’s ever had their sgroppino.

If you want to know what Mia’s favorite bars are in Stockholm, you’ll have to wait until the not-so bitter end.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Piccolina - just like surgeons and nurses work together - here, port and sherry are collaborating to make an assume cocktail.

Ingredients:

60ml dry white port
30ml amontillado sherry
15ml fig liqueur
3 dashes Angostura
Green Olive

Method:

Stir it all together over ice in any mixing glass, strain into martini glass. Pop a green olive in.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/mia-johannson-swift-bar-london

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Welcome to Season 3 of Lush Life: it’s the place to meet the movers and shakers in the drinks industry.

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Season 3 of Lush Life Podcast. If you’ve listened to the first two seasons of Lush Life, you know this is the place to meet the movers and shakers, I couldn’t help myself, in the drinks industry.

I keep reminding you that Lush Life is the how-to guide for living life one cocktail at a time. I think it’s time I explain what I mean by that.

A few years ago I went through a pretty traumatic medical experience. The medicine I was taking affected my esophagus and I was unable to eat and drink easily. I happened to discover that vodka martinis slid right down with nary a problem, just like Mary Poppins and her spoonful of sugar. From that moment on, I felt that the dirty martini was a gift from the gods. As my body went through hell, I could always count on that martini to make me feel like myself again. Needless to say, I had quite a few of them.

Getting to know the men and women creating my martinis was one of the joys I had over a difficult ten months. The stories of their lives and experiences inspired me so much that I created Lush Life podcast and then my blog Alushlifemanual.com. So grabbing a mic, I went out and now Season 3 is ready to launch. Each and every episode is a thank you letter to those who made me feel whole at a time when I was anything but.

Can you tell that for the third season, you’ll be hearing not only from my guests but also from me a whole lot more. Not only will there be the recipes for the Cocktails of the Week, but I’ll make them with you. We’ll travel together to bars and distilleries around the world and I’ll be creating more Lush Guides to tell you what to drink and where to drink it in as many places as I can physically visit. Most importantly, how each guest makes me live life one cocktail at a time.

Get ready for the cocktail adventure of a lifetime which will also be known as Lush Life Season 3, beginning next week with Mia Johannson of Bar Swift in London.

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Produced by Simpler Media

New episodes every Tuesday, usually!

How to Get To Be One Hundred

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

99 episodes ago I had a mic and “bottom’s up” to end the show. Now we have reached the 100th episode - I have a mic, bottoms up and 99 episodes of Lush Life Podcast!

This is due to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with a Lush Life Manual and Lush Life podcast, especially my producer Evo Terra who was with me when Lush Life was in the idea stage and who has remained my work partner throughout my Lush Life Journey and of course, my boyfriend and life partner Akis Stephanides, architect extraordinaire! You may not hear their voices but their presence is felt in every episode.

Of course there would be no show if you didn’t listen to it and I thank you for tuning in every Tuesday!

Planning my 100th episode was easy, I had to revisit some of my previous guests who had gone on to other adventures. Really I just wanted an excuse to see them again.

So today I’m back with Fabiano Latham, now Brand Ambassador of Reyka Vodka; Tom Soden, who’s now created Ace & Freak cocktails plus a billion other things; Anna Sebastian, now Bar Manager of Artesian, Dave Miller whose at Nuala Bar, and, of course, I had to finish up by going back to the beginning with my first interviewee ever: Andy Mil of the Cocktail Trading Company.

Our Cocktail of the Week is The Puffin Collins, made with Reyka Vodka.

Ingredients:

50mls Reyka Icelandic Vodka
30mls fresh pink grapefruit juice
20mls elderflower cordial
1 x cherry tomato
50mls soda water

Method:

Muddle tomato in shaker, add ingredients (not the soda…explosive). Shake like a Viking beast! Strain over ice in a highball. Top with soda and stir. Garnish with a cherry tomato on the vine.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

Full Episode Details: https://wp.me/p90reB-3t6

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Get People to Drink Australian Whisky with Pete Garraway, Starward

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today always loved the stories, that’s why he went in for a degree in history. Now Pete Garraway, Brand Ambassador of STARWARD whisky, spends his days telling one particular story - of why one should be drinking Australian whisky. It’s not hard to convince them once they have had a sip of STARWARD, the award winning whisky born and bred in Australia. He joins us today to tell us his story, having just returned from Singapore a place that brought back all sorts of memories for him.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Mac’s Sly Grog - This drink comes from their “5 Boroughs of Melbourne” cocktail menu. A little history lesson of Melbourne in this one - it’s a Cherry Ripe riff on the Manhattan inspired by the borough of Fitzroy and its bygone days when gangsters slung under the table grog and the MacRoberston’s chocolate factory dealt out their sweet goods from Kerr Street.

Ingredients:

40ml STARWARD Wine Cask
15ml Belsazar Red Vermouth
10ml Jack Rudy Cherry
5ml Mr Black’s Coffee Amaro
2 dashes cacao & macadamia bitters
2 dashes Angostura

Method:

Stir down over cubed ice in a mixing glass. Strain. Spritz an orange zest and then discard. Garnish with a cherry.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

Full Episode Details: https://wp.me/p90reB-3rG

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Fall in Love with Bourbon with Sylvia Holden, Bulleit Bourbon

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

My first stop on my first trip to Louisville or so I thought, but I was to be corrected by our guest today. Technically we were in Shively not Louisville even though it’s minutes away from the centre of town. Sylvia Holden, Team Leader for the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery, explained why being in Shively was so important for bourbon history. As a native Kentuckian, even she had to leave Louisville to return to Bourbon.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Kentucky Meadow Hot Toddy.

Ingredients:

1 Smith Teamaker Meadow Sachet
1¼ oz. Bulleit Bourbon
Green apple peel
Cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
Apple wedge
Nutmeg

Method:

Place 1 Smith Teamaker Meadow sachet in a cup or mug, add boiling water, leaving room for the whiskey. Steep 5 min. Add 1 1/4 oz. Bulleit Bourbon and remove sachet. Add green apple peel and a cinnamon stick. Stir in 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup. Garnish with apple wedge and shave nutmeg on top of final beverage.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop

Full Episode Details: https://wp.me/p90reB-3qI

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Build a Brewery Using Ganbaru (頑張る) with Daniel Harrison, Country Boy Brewery

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today made his way from Georgetown Kentucky to Tahara Japan and came back with Ganbaru -the Japanese word for never stopping until a goal is achieved. This became crystal clear when I met Daniel Harrison, co-founder of Country Boy Brewery. DH, as he is known, was always a beer lover, but during his stint teaching english in japan it became a passion. Arriving home in Kentucky he and his partners were inspired not only to make beer, but the very best, and won’t stop until this goal is achieved.

Usually after we finish chatting, we go on to our cocktail of the week, but this week we are doing something a little different. Since we’re talking beer, I decided to scrap the cocktail of the week for this episode. Instead we’re going on a tour!

When I visited Country Boy, DH walked me through the brewery and I thought why not take you with me as well.

So consider this our first Lush Tour…

Look out for a cooler near you to see if Country Boy is stocked!

I will be writing a piece on my travels through Kentucky so make sure to check back on alushlifemanul.com or my sister site bestbitsworldwide.com or head to www.kentuckytourism.com to find out more about Kentucky.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How One Rumfest Can Transform Your Life with Pete Holland

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest didn’t realise he was a lover of rum until he sipping it at his first RumFest. His wife’s comment “wouldn’t it be fun to go to the Rum Fest in London for the weekend” changed everything for him. Now Pete Holland has given his life over to this molasses based spirit and has never regretted it. He is the man behind TheFloatingRumShack.com and one of the UK’s Authorities on Rum. Now he is also the Brand Ambassador for Old Fashioned Week here in London.

Our cocktail of the week is Agri’Old Fashioned in celebration of the forthcoming Old Fashioned Week.

Ingredients:

60ml Rhum JM V.O.
15ml Rhum JM Shrubb
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Orange Zest

Method:

Build in a rocks glass, stir to perfection. Garnish with a lovely orange zest.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Why Savoie Wines Will Knock Your Skis Off! With Bernard Vissoud & Johnny Salvo

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 08:00:00 +0000

The region of Savoie Mont Blanc in France is known for a lot of things - mountains, skiing, hiking, Michelin starred restaurants, but not usually its wines. That’s all changing as more and more of them are winning awards. I was invited by Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism to meet the folks who are spreading the word about the wines I’ve been sipping with my tartiflette when shushing the slopes of Chamonix.

First I met Bernard Vissoud the Savoie wine specialist, who took me on a tour of the vineyards teaching me the history of the region, then I toured two of the local vineyards the Domaine Dupraz and the Domaine Edmond Jacquin who are open to visitors and ready to talk wines with anyone who is in the neighborhood.

I have definitely become an ambassador of Savoie wines and have been introducing them to everyone I know. But don’t think just because it’s wine country that I wasn’t drinking a cocktail or two. 1883 Syrups are located in Savoie Mont Blanc and I was treated to a cocktail-making class with Brand Ambassador Johnny Salvo.

Our cocktail of the week is one of the many that Johnny made for me. It’s called the Mauresque Mai Tai - the Savoie twist on the Mai Tai or you could say a tiki twist on the local Mauresque cocktail, originally made with Absinthe and Orgeat.

Ingredients:

20 ml Pastis
20 ml Classic Rum (Cuban or Puerto Rican)
20 ml Sugar cane rum (Cachaca, Rhum Agricole)
20 ml Orgeat Syrup (Almond)
1 teaspoon of Orange Blossom Water
20 ml squeezed lime juice
Aromatic Bitters
Garnish - mint, slice of dried lime and a star anise

Method:

Put all the ingredients into a shaker, add ice and then shake. Double strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Add a few dashes of aromatic bitters on the top. Garnish with mint, slice of dried lime and a star anise.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

If you are heading to Savoie Mont Blanc, check out my latest post on bestbitsworldwide.com or the Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism or http://www.savoie-mont-blanc.com.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Start Your Career Right with Scott Lever, Chivas Regal Brand Ambassador

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Most of the people I interview have been doing their jobs as brand ambassadors for a long, long time - having begun their career as bartenders or in house at a drinks brand. Few have come to it through a special program designed to appeal to graduates from all backgrounds. I thought that hearing that journey would make a change.

Our guest today, Scott Lever was one of those lucky grads. Only a year ago, he embarked on the Chivas International Graduate Programme and is here to tell us all about it.

Our cocktail of the week is the Chivas Extra Old Fashioned.

Ingredients

50ml Chivas Regal Extra
12.5ml Nut and Raisin Syrup
15ml Pedro Jimenez Sherry
2 dashes of Nut Bitters
Orange Twist Garnish

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice and stir down. Serve on the rocks, garnish with Orange Twist.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be Bold in Your Approach with Charlotte Cook, Truman’s Brewery

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

It might seem like a long stretch to go from lawyer to Co-lead Brewer at Truman’s Brewery, one of the most iconic of British brands. but not if you listen to the advice of our guest’s mother. Charlotte Cook wasn’t shy and she grabbed what she could. It literally took one sip of IPA to get her to change her career from would be lawyer to would be brewer, but let her tell you how.

I am forgoing our usual cocktail of the week to give you a guided tour through a few of Truman’s special beers.

Truman’s Brewery has been around since 1666 and thankfully a few of the old recipes were discovered.

The first is called London Keeper - a dark and wintery stout Based on a Truman's recipe from 1880, Beer writer Pete Brown, describes it best. “A silky, chocolatey, vinous essential... Look out for it. Put it on your present wish list. In fact, mug, steal or blackmail to get it if you must.”

Then we fast forward to a recipe from 1916. This time it’s a Barley Wine made from traditional English hops alongside a malt base. Red fruits can be tasted, thus the wine factor.

Runner was traditionally the name of a brewery's easy drinking session beer - available to everyone everywhere. Truman's Runner is their interpretation of this. Super easy to drink.

Now the award winning beer - To celebrate the reopening of Truman’s Brewery, they created Lazarus, a pale gold refreshing beer which has gone on to win tons of awards.

You’ll find a selection of these beers in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Complete a PhD While Sipping Pisco with Javiera Lorenzini Raty, Pisco Waqar

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks to the hard work of our guest today, Pisco Waqar is a whole lot easier to find on the shelves in London than it was even three years ago. Javiera Lorenzini Raty, Brand Ambassador for Pisco Waqar, fell in love with Pisco and John Donne at about the same time. I don’t usually say that in a sentence that’s for sure. Her passion for English poets may have led her to London, but her studies as a sommelier led her to Waqar and she couldn’t pass up the chance to work with her favorite Pisco here in Europe.

Our cocktail of the week is the Pisco Sour.

Ingredients

3 Parts – WAQAR PISCO
1 Part – Fresh Lime Juice
1 Part – Gomme Syrup
1 Egg White
1 Drop of Angostura Bitters

Method

In shaker with 5 large ice cubes (not crushed ice), combine liquids adding egg whites last.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into six ounce rocks glass (be careful not allow any ice to pour into the cocktail.
Garnish: One drop Angostura Bitters and a dried lime or lemon on top.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

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Hello everyone - Don't get confused! Before there was Lush Life, there was Best Sips Worldwide, I rebranded after the first season. Although I reference Best Sips – it’s Lush Life through and through – the same great guests, the same music, and the same me!

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How to Be Born Entrepreneurs with Joyce and Raissa de Haas, Double Dutch Drinks

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I truly believe that today's guests were on a mission to take on the business world as soon as they were born and in this case that would be the same day. Joyce and Raissa de Haas are the twin sisters behind Double Dutch Drinks, the extremely successful mixers that in less than a year were the most sought after in London. These two took the time to sit down with me to tell me their tale of where they began and how they went on to win the prestigious Foodpreneur Award by Sir Richard Branson.

Our cocktail of the week is the Notting Heels.

Ingredients

30ml Portobello Gin
15ml Cointreau
2 lime wedges squeezed
Double Dutch Cranberry Tonic

In a glass with ice, add 30ml Portobello Gin. Add the Cointreau to the glass, squeeze in the juice of two lime wedges. Stir well. Top up with Double Dutch Cranberry Tonic.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Test More and Debate Less with Tom Tuke-Hastings, Borrago

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Who applies to Harvard when they know they have no chance of getting in? Today’s guest, that’s who, and, of course, Tom Tuke-Hastings, founder of the non-alcoholic spirit Borrago, wowed them in every way and succeeded in winning a place to one of the most exclusive programs in the world. It’s not a surprise - Tom has succeeded in almost everything from winning the design prize at school to cooking for sheiks to writing books on vodka jelly. Now that his sights are set on conquering the drinks world - watch out.

Our cocktail of the week is the Green Fizz.

Ingredients

50 ml Borrago #47 Paloma Blend
25 ml Lemon Juice
25 ml Basil Syrup
2 Fresh Basil Sprigs

Method

Place the Borrago, Lemon Juice and Basil Syrup in a shaker
Shake well over ice.
Double strain into a 10oz rocks glass loaded with crushed ice.
Garnish with the sprigs of Basil
Top with a Borage Flower if you have one

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How To Be The Guardian Of A Story with Stephanie Jordan, La Hechichera Rum

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

La Hechicera Rum is one of those brands I have fallen head over heels in love with. Maybe it was its history recounted so beautifully by owner Miguel Riascos right here on Lush Life in April of this year. Maybe it was my own wonderful adventure to Colombia and tasting La Hechicera in situ or maybe it was because of today’s guest, Stephanie Jordan. I met her when she was Brand Ambassador of La Hechicera Rum earlier this year. Even then, I could tell hers was a story that needed to be told.

Our cocktail of the week is the Oro Fashioned, which pays homage to the belief that somewhere in the New World was a place of immense wealth called El Dorado.

Ingredients

50 ml La Hechicera Rum
1 small cube of gold dust covered panela (Panela is dehydrated sugar cane juice, covered in gold. It has far more flavor than sugar and is argued to be healthier. It is hard to find but can be replaced )
4 drops of bitters (classic, orange, cocoa or coffee)

Method

In a mixing glass, add gold panela, 3cl of La Hechicera Rum, 2 drops of bitters and 3 ice cubes and stir.
After a minute or two, add another 2 drops of bitters and 3 ice cubes. Continue to stir.

Serve in a classic tumbler, twist an orange zest on top and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Realize Your Greatest Asset and Make It Work for You with Luca Missaglia, Italicus - Rosolio Di Beragmotto

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This episode is a cocktail whose ingredients include hard work, determination, and a natural ease with guests all mixed with a centuries old Italian spirit reborn.

This creation is served up by today’s guest, Luca Missaglia, the Brand Ambassador for probably the chicest spirit to come out of Italy today, Italicus - Rosolio di Beragmotto. I almost said it was a new spirit which has taken the world by storm, but Italian grandmothers have been brewing a version of it in their homes for centuries.

Look for its gorgeous blue/green bottle. Remember you can always find it in my shop www.alushlifemanual.com/shop. You’ll need it for one of our easiest Cocktails of the week - the Ipalicus. There is no excuse not to make this one! It’s perfect for the Autumn ahead.

You take a chilled beer glass and start with 30ml Italicus, then slowly add in 300ml of India Pale Ale.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Conquer Your Mental and Physical Wall with Rose Unwin, Silver Swift, Cotswolds

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes I sip something at a drinks do and immediately need to meet the people behind it. This time, that cocktail was Silver Swift’s Ready to Drink Wild Rose Gin at the Spirit Show in London.

It as fortuitous that Rose Unwin, the founder of Silver Swift, was the one holding the bottle. A few months later, when I could lure her into London from the wilds of the Southwest, she sat down with me to reveal her secrets.

Of course Silver Swift is already a perfect Ready to Drink cocktail, but Rose recommends a few ways to make the cocktails even better and all you need is some water and fruit.

Recommended serves for Silver Swift spirited spritzers:

Wild Rose Gin - fill your ice tray with water and add a couple of raspberries, a slice of lemon and a couple of mint leaves before freezing.
Tipsy Iced Tea Vodka - fill your ice tray with water and add a slice of orange and some orange zest or slice of lemon and lemon zest.
Basil Blush Vodka - fill your ice tray with water as add some strawberries and a basil leaf before freezing.

We recommend the large ice sphere molds as the larger the ice, the longer it takes to melt, and they look awesome!

You’ll find more recipes and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

The Inaugural Peter Spanton Cocktail Competition at Jin Bo Law, London

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This week I was invited to the inaugural Peter Spanton Cocktail Competition, being held at the Jin Bo Law cocktail bar in Aldgate, London. Before anyone picked up a shaker, William Stern, the Commercial Director of Peter Spanton, sat down with me to explain why and how they conceived the competition in the first place.

Four groups of two bartenders prepared and presented one cocktail to the three judges: Veronika Karola, Jarek Zawadzki and William. And they were off. I snagged them for a chat after their presentation to discover what inspired them and how they chose which Peter Spanton drink to use in their cocktail.

The Cocktail of the week is the No 5 Alive.

Ingredients

35ml Portobello Ginstitute lemongrass gin by Tomas Cisty
10ml No5. based pine syrup
40ml Clarified gooseberry juice
Top up Peter Spanton No5 Lemongrass tonic

Build in slim collins glass, half glass of frozen gooseberries, half of ice (frozen gooseberries chill the drink and also adding flavour).

For more clarification, please head to ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find more recipes and all the cocktails of the week

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Multitask and Do Everything Well with Reinhard Engel, Altstadthof, Nuremberg

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

How is it possible for our next guest to do so many things at once and all well? Reinhard Engel, the owner of Nuremberg’s Altstadthof makes Beer, Whiskey, and gin from his distillery in the historic centre of this ancient city - a city that has over 26,000 kilometers of beer cellars below the street. He’s with us today to describe how he managed to revive A nuremberg beer that was almost lost forever.

For this week’s Cocktail of the Week, we give you a few special beer cocktails, but you have to use a red beer, which you can only get in Nuremberg!

Beer Royal

Ingredients: Red Beer; 2 cl Cassis (Crème de cassis).
Preparation: Pour beer in a champagne glass and add the cassis.

Special Aperol

Ingredients: Red Beer; sparkling wine, and 2cl Aperol.
Preparation: Put ice cubes and orange slice to a tall glass or in a champagne glass, and then add Red Beer, the sparkling (Italian) wine and Aperol.

You’ll find more recipes and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Take Care of Your Own with Tim Etherington-Judge, Healthy Hospo, Part 2

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve just joined us then you need to go back to the previous episode and start from the very beginning of Tim Etherington-Judge’s journey. Before he established Healthy Hospo - the foundation that provides information, advice, and support on mental & physical health for all hospitality professionals, he’d been all over the world as a bartender and brand ambassador. Now, in this episode, we find him on his way to Africa via London...

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Pea & Pine nut version:

Ingredients

30ml olive oil washed Seedlip Garden 108
10ml green pea & pine-nut syrup
5ml agave nectar
15 drops malic acid solution
3 drops citric acid solution
20ml aquafaba

To make the green pea and pine-nut syrup we blend 120grams of roasted pine-nuts, 500grams of green peas and 1litre of water together. Then put this all through the centrifuge to remove any of the solids and it was then made into a 2:1 syrup with simple sugar. If you don’t have access to a centrifuge, then a simple superbag should work perfectly fine!

Shake dry, then shake wet after to achieve correct aeration and double strained into a chilled glass. Then it’s simply finished with a few droplets of olive oil.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Find Work That Takes You Everywhere in the World with Tim Etherington-Judge, Healthy Hospo, Part 1

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

If you are new to the hospitality industry or even an old-timer, you should listen to the next two episodes of Lush Life. The story that unfolds over these two episodes could be your story. Our guest, Tim Etherington-Judge has literally been through it all and come out the other side with all the tools necessary to help his fellow colleagues in the hospitality industry.

Thank goodness he had the bravery to tell his story and then to establish Healthy Hospo which provides information, advice, and support on mental & physical health for all hospitality professionals. It’s best to let Tim tell you his tale, starting at the very beginning.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Chill Your Chai.

Ingredients

1L Vodka
1L Water
20g Golden Tip Assam Tea
1.5g Masala Chai

Brew 1L Water with the Golden Tip Assam Tea and Masala Chai for 10 minutes. Add vodka and leave to cool.

To Clarify

1L Masala Chai Mix
300ml Full Cream Milk
8g 15% Citric Acid

Heat the milk in a pain until it’s close to boiling. Remove from heat and add to your Masala Chai Mix. Allow to stand for 30 minutes.

Add the Citric Acid and gently stir to begin the curdling process. Leave to stand and gently stir every 10 minutes for 1 hour. Leave over night.

Next day strain the mix through muslin cloth and 2 coffee filters. DO NOT try and push the mix through the filters as you will ruin the process.

To serve

Pour 150ml of your Masala Chai Mix over ice and strain into a chilled chai cutting glass. Garnish with a local flower.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Take over a Bar and Make It the Most Popular in Town with Stephan Schulz, Mata Hari Bar

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Providing a great experience for his punters is the driving force behind everything today’s guest does. I can tell you right now Stephan Schulz has achieved his goal because everyone who either lives in Nuremberg, Germany or visits knows to stop into Mata Hari Bar. He wasn’t even supposed to own a bar but it might be the perfect instance of when a dream becomes a reality.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Mai Tai - Mata Hari Bar version.

Ingredients

5cl Havana Club 3y.
4cl Apricot Brandy
2-3cl Lime Juice Cordial
2-3cl Lemon Juice
Dashes Orgeat (Almond syrup)

Add ice and then shake well. Strain it all into a long glass with ice.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Prepare for Managing a Castle in the Future with Justus Hoffstaedter, Hotel Heureka

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I really want to make this the shortest intro of all. It’s just I don’t want to give away anything about our next guest until you hear it from him. Visit Justus Hoffstaedter at the Hotel Heureka in Venice now and I mean now because you’ll want to say you knew him when. As for his future plans, I’ll let him tell you, but it all began in Baden-Baden!

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Lagoon Spritz.

Ingredients

6 cl White wine (or Prosecco)
3 cl Cynar
Dash of club soda
Slice of lemon
Green olive

Add to a glass of ice, 3 cl of Cynar, then add the white wine and top up with a dash of club soda. Garnish with a slice of lemon and then add a green olive.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Draw the Perfect Pint with Drinks Illustrator Sara Stode

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today is not a bartender, distiller, or brand ambassador - but boy, does she make what they do look good. If it weren’t for the kindness of the city’s bar staff, Sara Stode might never had stayed in London, but she did and we are the lucky ones. How did this Swede end up being the London’s most famous Drinks Illustrator, she was here to tell us.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Sgroppino from Bar Swift in London’s Soho:

Ingredients

10ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
1 scoop of lemon sorbet
Prosecco
Lemon zest

Combine Prosecco with 10 ml of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto (but this could be any spirit of your choosing, usually vodka) into a coupe. Then add a scoop of lemon sorbet, and garnish with lemon zest.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make the Hangover-Free Cocktail with Sigi Klein, Gelbes Haus

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our next guest spent her early years in the woods foraging for tasty treats, leaving her mother in constant fear that she might nibble on a poisonous mushroom. Happily, we can report that Sigi Klein is alive and well and using those same herbs to build her cocktails. Working at Gelbes Haus, the oldest cocktail bar in Nuremberg, Sigi revealed how she ended up as a Chef de Bar in the first place.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Schorsch

Ingredients

5 crushed cloves
4 mint leaves
5 cl Pear Schnapps
2.5 cl lemon juice
2.5 cl Orgeat syrup

Crush the cloves and put them in the shake. Then add 4 slightly crushed mint leaves. Add the other ingredients to the shaker with ice and then shake it. Then fine strain it into a chilled cocktail coupette.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be a Revolutionary and Innovator in the World of Cognac with Fanny Fougerat, Petite Cigue Cognac

Tue, 29 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today is a revolutionary and an innovator in the fIeld of Cognac. Even though her family have been making cognac for four generations before her, Fanny Fougerat came late to the party. She joins us today to tell us how she is making up for lost time. Creating the first of many mind-blowing cognacs which are making bartenders sit back and rethink everything they knew about the spirit.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Petite Cigue

50ml Fanny Fougerat Petite Cigue
Cawston Rhubarb & Apple soda

Take a highball glass and top with ice. Serve with a rhubarb twist.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Recreate a Love Story in a Cocktail with Sandy Kaur and Mario Romano, Vijay’s Lounge

Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guests today are the guardians of Lady Charlotte Fitzrovia’s daring love story. It was up to Sandy Kaur and Mario Romano to recreate the world of Lady Charlotte and her lover at Vijay’s Lounge in London’s busy centre of town. How did they even start? I’ll let them tell you all the details.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Ananda Brew created by mixologist Topesh Chatterjee who hails from New Delhi.

Ingredients

1 Masala Tea Bag
60ml Vodka
50ml Egg white
20 ml Lime juice
20 ml Sugar syrup

Fuse all ingredients in a shaker, and simply shake it!

Serve the final result in a martini glass, and garnish with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Gin from Plants outside Your Very Door with Valentine Warner, Hepple Gin

Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The family of our guest today views the world by what is edible and what is not edible. It’s not a shock that Valentine Warner would end up as one of the most well known chefs in the UK. Working hand in hand with Mother nature, Valentine’s first foray into the spirit would produced award winning Hepple Gin.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Hepple Martini.

Ingredients

10 Parts Hepple Gin
1 Part Dry Vermouth

Pour ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.Stir slowly 30 times. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a small twist of lemon peel.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Honor an Irish Whiskey Legend with Peter O’Connor, Roe & Co

Tue, 08 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our next guest was born for the role of brand ambassador with his love of the chat, his eagerness to teach, and his lively and generous spirit. I finally pinned down my friend Peter O’Connor, the European Brand Ambassador for the Irish Whiskey Roe and Co, and got him to start from the very beginning.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Roe & Co Peaches and Cream

Ingredients

50ml Roe & Co
30ml Fresh peach
25ml Lemon juice
1 Barspoon of lavender infused honey
25ml Egg whites
Cinnamon pinch
Chocolate pinch

Shaken and served in a Nick & Nora glass. Garnished with bee pollen, bitters and cut flower.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Spirit from Birch Water with David Wallwork, Freya

Wed, 02 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000

When our guest today, David Wallwork, was naming his birch spirit - only Freya would do. Sustainably sourced and distilled from wild birch tree sap and named for the Norse Goddess of love, life & beauty! If anyone knows anything about the Norse Goddess Freya, they know she has the reputation of being the ‘party girl” of Asgard. She can’t help it if she’s the goddess of nature and fertility.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Freya Spritz:

Ingredients

10ml Elderflower cordial
25ml Freya Birch Spirit
50ml Soda Water
75ml Good dry white wine
Fresh lemon and rosemary to garnish - optional.

Add the elderflower to a large chilled balloon wine glass & rinse to line the glass. Half fill the glass with large ice cubes and a squeezed wedge of lemon and add in 1,2,3 ratio of 25ml of Freya Birch Spirit, 50ml soda water and 75ml of the white wine. Stir & serve.

You’ll find this recipe and all the cocktails of the week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Tales on Tour - How to Learn as Much as You Can about Drinks in a Really Short Time

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This episode is a little different from the previous ones. Last weekend I was in Edinburgh for Tales on Tour, three days of event, including lectures, bar takeovers, tastings and overall fun and festivities held all over Scotland's capital city.

Instead of meeting just one person, you’ll meet a whole slew of people in the drinks industry who, while creating new brands, are also hoping to change the world for the better.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Tricentennial Old Fashioned.

Ingredients:

.25 oz El Guapo® Creole Orgeat
.25 oz Amaro Meletti
2 generous dashes El Guapo® Tricentennial Bitters
2 oz Jim Beam
Large ice cube
Orange twist and rosemary sprig for garnish.

In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine Jim Beam, amaro, orgeat and bitters. Stir until well chilled and strain into a lowball or coupe over a large ice cube, and garnish with an orange twist and rosemary sprig.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Rum That Tells the Story of Colombia in One Sip with Miguel Riascos de Castro

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our cocktail of the week the Banana Old Fashioned or Banana Republic is a yummy mix of rum and one of Colombia’s main exports - the banana.

Apart from coffee and flowers, bananas are one of Colombia’s main exports. The Riascos family used to cultivate bananas before moving into ageing fine Colombian rum. This cocktail showcases the family’s heritage in a smooth, fruity classic.

60ml / 2oz La Hechicera
20ml / 2/3oz Banane liquor
3 drops Angostura Aromatic Bitters
If possible, add 5 drops Chocolate Bitters

Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into and ice-filled Old-Fashioned crystal glass (preferably a single block ice or an ice sphere). Garnish: Banana chip

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Find Your Calling in a Bottle of Tequila with Robin Clough and Max Davies-Gilbert

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Two brothers from different parents, that’s what my guests call themselves. Friends from birth, born almost on the same day and with the same entrepreneurial spirit, Robin Clough and Max Davies-Gilbert join me today to talk Tequila Enemigo and how they are convincing the inconvincible that tequila is not just for shots any more.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Mineral 89:

50ml of Enemigo 89
175ml of Sparkling Mineral Water (with a Calcium concentration of over 150 or a Magnesium concentration of over 50. Ideally both e.g. San Pellegrino/Badoit has both, Perrier has the magnesium.)
Half a lime, cut into quarters
Ice cubes (ideally made from the same water)

Serve in a highball glass. Pour in 50ml of Enemigo 89 Anejo Cristalino, add 3-5 ice cubes (depending on size), enough to comfortable reach halfway up the glass. Pour 175ml of sparkling mineral water that ideally has the concentrations above. Squeeze in a quarter of a lime, stir the glass to combine the liquids. Squeeze the other quarter of the lime in if wanted/

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be a Mixologist and a Balloon Driver at the Same Time with Noah Dorian Matthies, El Barón

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Our guest today hails from Heidelberg Germany originally and he knew, for sure, he could never sit at a desk all day. Good thing a friend asked him to join on a trip to Brazil that would change his life. Noah Dorian Matthies had the luck to be at the beginning of the El Barón movement to bring the cocktail scene to Cartagena.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Geóloga Galáctica.

Ingredients:

300 ml of Bulleit Bourbon
150 ml of Johnnie Walker Double Black
230 ml of Caramel Syrup
300 ml of Lime Juice
600 ml of Whole Milk

Mix all ingredients apart of the milk together in a container. Add the milk slowly a bit by a bit on the top (don't stir) and put the container in the fridge for about 6-10 hours. Filter with paper coffee filters. Store in a fridge - serve over ice cubes.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make an Espresso Martini Colombia-style with Julian Gutierrez and Nikol Cobo

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Julian and Nikol have combined the classic Espresso Martini and the Carajillo Cocktail to make their own Carajillo Epoca. You too can make at home as long as you have Aguardiente, the Colombian national spirit - like grappa with a slight anise flavour to it. It’s our Cocktail of the Week.

Ingredients:

1½ oz of Aguardiente
1 oz espresso
1 oz Sugar cane syrup
1 oz Acacia
1 tablespoon coffee parchment

Mix all the ingredients in a shaker full of ice and stir. Smoke the glass with coffee parchment, pour everything into the glass and serve.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Create a Concerto in Your Cocktail Glass with Global MIXLDN Champion Timothy Ching

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Plunked down in the UK from Hong Kong at the age of 17, wanting a little pocket money, our guest found work in a pub. Thank goodness, Starbucks was a little too slow to call him up or we wouldn’t be here today with Timothy Ching, the Global Champion of Beefeater‘s international MIXLDN competition 2017.

The Cocktail of the week is “Please Sir, I want some more“ recipe :

40ml Beefeater 24
10ml Kamm & Sons
10ml Chamomile tea Syrup
10ml Homemade Lemon & Grapefruit Shrub
3 Dashes Tea Pot Bitters

Put it all in a shaker and do the Japanese Hard shake. Strain into a Wooden Coupe and garnish with candied dehydrated grapefruit peels.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Move From Insurance to Rum in Five Easy Steps With George Frost, The Duppy Share

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

It doesn’t always follow that spending summers in the Caribbean means you’re going to leave your job to launch a new rum.Though It did for our guest George Frost, whose passion for Anguilla is in every sip of his rum, The Duppy Share. He’s with us today to share how as the youngest brother of three his first love was hospitality...

Our cocktail of the week is the The Duppy Share’s Ginger Daiquiri:

35ml The Duppy Share
25ml Kings Ginger
15ml Lemon juice
10ml Sugar syrup (1:1)

Shake with ice and strain into a coupe

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Settle In for a Season With Younes Bahir, Hotel Pashmina, Val Thorens

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Younes Bahir, the head bartender at the luxurious Hotel Pashmina in Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort in the Trois Vallée, France, may only be here for a season but his cocktail creations will live on.

His cocktail of the week is the lemony Le Petit Marseillais. The recipe is as follows:

40ml Tanqueray No 10
40ml Lemon Juice
40ml Verbena syrup

Infuse Verbena Leaves with boiling water and then add equal measure of sugar to make the syrup. Put all the ingredients in a shaker and shake with ice. Double strain into a champagne coupe. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a few verbena leaves

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Refuse an Offer You Couldn’t Refuse With Stroo Olofsson, Blade Hair London

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Stroo Olofsson, and his wife Julia, created Blade Hair to be a different salon experience and they got that right. Where else can you get an Old-Fashioned while having a cut and color?

Our Cocktail of the Week is The Name Of The Rose.

50ml of Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon
25ml Luxardo Maraschino
three dashes of Abbott's Bitters (Angostura will do in a pinch)
an oversized ice cube made from fresh brewed rose bud tea
a dried rose bud garnish

Pour ingredients directly into an Old Fashioned tumbler, place the rose bud ice and swirl as one would a whisky, then garnish with a rose bud. As the ice melts, the rose flavours will increase and enhance the cherry notes of Maraschino as well as the floral notes of the bourbon

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Cocktail Emerge From a Story With Hammant Patel Villa, Courtesan London

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Everything on Hammant Patel Villa’s menu has a tale, whether it emerges from his multicultural upbringing in the heart of this very neighborhood or Chinese history or his years working in business. These stories make each and every cocktail as rich in flavor as it is in individuality. From every sip emerges a multitude of images - how romantic is that!

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Courtesan:

Blossoms Sour Cherry Syrup,
Briottet Creme de Cerise,
Vintage Velvet Vodka
Prosecco Argeo Ruggeri

Mix together equal parts of the first three, then slowly top up with the Prosecco.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make the Thinking Person’s Mezcal with Ben Schroder

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Two weeks of January being dry and cold were enough for me, so now we are heading south to Mexico via London for some very au currant Mezcal with our guest today, would-be philosopher turned distiller Ben Schroder.

Our Cocktail of the Week is the Mezcal Left Hand:

50ml Pensador Mezcal
25ml Vermouth
25ml Campari
2 dashes chocolate bitters

Combine all of the following in a mixing glass with ice. Stir it all to chill, then strain into chilled martini glass.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make the Best Alcohol-Free Cocktail With Ben Branson of Seedlip

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Why would you want to substitute your Old-Fashioned for some fruity concoction in the middle of January, That was before our guest today, Ben Branson, followed a random google search to a book written in the 17th century called The Art of Distillation. The next day, Seedlip was born, but I’ll let him tell you the story.

Our Cocktail of the Week is Ben’s Espresso MartiNO:

50 ml Seedlip Spice 94
50 ml Sandows Cold Brew Concentrate
15ml Sugar Syrup
3 Coffee Beans

Put everything except the coffee beans in a shaker. Shake. Double Strain and Serve in a Coupe Glass. Garnish with the 3 coffee beans.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Fail-Safe Five Year Plan With Thomas Soden, Nine Lives Bar

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 08:00:00 +0000

I met today’s guest two years ago at a Mocktail Tasting Competition he was judging. I think at that time I was the only person in London who hadn’t heard of the famed Thomas Soden. From that day forward, Tom’s become what I call my spiritual guru, always available to advise me and answer my questions every step of the way.

He’s had almost every job in the industry but it’s his enthusiasm for what he does and his giving spirit that have made him one of the best Bar Consultants in the world and his second home, Nine Lives.

The Old English was our Cocktail of the Week:

2 Tablespoons of Marmalade
50ml Runny honey
250ml Boiling Water
50ml Campari
10 dashes Angostura Bitters
450ml Rich, fruity Scotch such as Highland Park 12yr, Craggonmore 12yr or Singleton of Dufftown

Add the marmalade, honey & boiling water & mix together in a jug until dissolved before allowing to cool. Strain off any bits from the marmalade & mix in the Angostura bitters, Campari & Scotch whisky. Pour into a bottle & store in the fridge until required. When serving pour. over cubed or cracked block ice & garnish with an orange twist.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

-----

Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to win the UK's Best Gin at the People's Drink Awards with Kathy Caton, Brighton Gin

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Brighton Gin may have started off as a small producer, but after winning UK's Best Gin at the People's Drink awards they will soon be taking the world by storm. Today we head down south to Brighton. A city that needed its own gin and our guest today, Kathy Caton, was just the woman for the job.

The Mulled Gin as our cocktail of the week.

One whole orange sliced
350ml Brighton Gin
700ml apple juice
100ml red vermouth
25ml cherry brandy
The juice of 2 limes
2 cinnamon sticks

Add all the ingredients into a saucepan on the hob. Heat it up but don’t let the mixture boil. Pour the hot mixture into a glass (not a thin one or it might crack), and pop in a cinnamon stick!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be Traditionally Unconventional With Jamie Campbell, G’Vine Gin

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 08:00:00 +0000

G’Vine Gin calls itself traditionally unconventional and that could also describe our guest today, Jamie Campbell, Brand Ambassador for G’Vine Gin.

It wasn’t just his half French/ half English upbringing that made Jamie Campbell almost predestined to work with G’Vine, one of few gins made from grapes

The Martinez is our Cocktail of the Week.

50ml G'Vine Gin
15ml La Quintinye Vermouth Royal Rouge
5ml Maraschino Liqueur
1 Dash Regan's Orange Bitters

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass and stir down over cubed ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Remember you can find all the recipes for my Cocktails of the Week on ALushLifeManual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make the Perfect Italian Negroni with Danilo Tersigni, Mr Fogg's & VII Hills Gin

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Today our guest Danilo Tersigni will teach us what goes into a true Italian Negroni. He holds two positions: the Opening General Manager of Mr Fogg's in London as well as The Founder and Director of VII Hills gin with Filippo Previero, who I interviewed here last season.

Of course our Cocktail of the Week has to be a Negroni, this time with all Italian ingredients. Danilo calls it the Negroni Bianco.

Pour all of the following ingredients into one glass:

30ml VII Hills gin
30ml Italian Dry Vermouth
30ml Italicus

Method:

Fill with ice and stir 10 to 15 seconds, garnishing with a orange twist

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Stay In One Job for 30 Years and Be Happy with Gino Nardella, The Stafford Hotel, London

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 08:00:00 +0000

He has seen Londoners transform from beer guzzlers to wine sippers at The Stafford Hotel. Even the wines we choose have changed from Old World to New. From the Stafford’s 320-year-old wine cellar, Gino Nardella is with us today to mull over his past 30 years and what the future of wine holds.

Where you can hear me drinking next:

Next time on Lush Life Podcast, we have another Italian who also couldn’t wait to trave, Danilo Tersigni, General Manager at Mr Fogg’s and founder of VII HIlls Gin. It might have taken him awhile to get to London, but now it’s his home.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How One Man Avoided a Lifetime of House Flipping With Sam Carter, Bombay Sapphire, Laverstoke

Tue, 07 Nov 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Our guest today had a moment of doubt. After watching too many episodes of Location, Location, Location, he thought he would switch from making Rum Flips to doing Room Flips. Thank goodness for us, it only took a matter of months before Sam Carter saw the errors of his ways and settled back behind the bar.

We would never have had the Laverstoke or all the other fantastic cocktails he has mixed as Senior Ambassador of Bombay Sapphire at Laverstoke Mill, the brand’s award-winning distillery. His career path has led him all around the world and I was lucky enough to catch him in London to have a chat.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Get from Moss to Martini in Five Years with Gregory Buda, Dickie's Bar, London

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Looking down a microscope 24/7, you could get thirsty. Our guest today did, leading him to experiment more on martinis, then moss, stepping away from a life of botany into one filled with B52s, Bacardi, and bitters.

Today, we sit down with Gregory J Buda, Director of Education & Training Manager of the Dead Rabbit, at Dickie’s Bar in London where he has been acting as Bar Consultant since their launch last year.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to ride your horse and carriage straight to the Carversville Inn with Lydiann Spencer-Jones

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Every episode of Lush Life Podcast is dear to me and I love meeting so many new people. It’s very rare for me to interview someone whom I have known for at least 15 years. Every Friday night, almost without fail, my family heads to the local inn for dinner. It’s a tradition when I come back home to visit.

Although they have a series of dining rooms, we always sit in the bar. There is one reason for that - my guest today Lydiann Spencer-Jones. Don’t be fooled by her English-sounding name, she is 100% Carversvillian!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to go from Archeologist to Brand Ambassador with Mikey Pendergast, East London Liquor Company

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:00:00 +0000

His parents both did it and they never wanted our next guest to go anywhere near it. Like kids usually do, he didn't listen. Somehow Mikey Pendergast found himself on a fast track to becoming an archaeologist.

That was until he stepped behind a bar. Now they can breathe more easily as he is now plotting a course of his own that doesn’t include shovels or picks. As Brand Ambassador of the East London Liquor Company, the only digging Mikey does is into the annals of spirit-ual history in order to create more than a hundred drinks over his career.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a 600 Year Old Recipe Post-modern with Yolande de Bueil and Marc Jean, Bénédictine

Tue, 26 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Alexandre Le Grand could teach us all a lesson or two on brand awareness. Lesson 1: find a 300 year old recipe. Lesson 2: remake it for today’s palate, Lesson 3: Market the hell out of it. His first trick was copyrighting every aspect of Bénédictine - the recipe, the bottle, the label. He even created a Palais to go with his liqueur, producing it within a museum open to everyone to visit if they happened to be in Fécamp, France. A marketing genius and it all happened in the 1800s.

I visited the Palais Benedictine to see for myself what Monsieur Le Grand had created. Today’s guest Yolande De Bueil, the Histoire de Maison, is here to give us a quick history lesson on the house that Monsieur Le Grand built. One thing wasn’t invented in the 1800s and that was mixology. Marc Jean, head bartender for Hotel Normandy Barriere and founder of the Bénédictine Mixology Workshop, is also on hand to reveal that Bénédictine is not just for sipping.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Your Way Through All These Gins With Olivier Ward, Gin Foundry, UK

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 08:00:00 +0000

He was always been one step ahead of the gin craze. Olivier Ward, our guest today, worked for the powerhouse Hendricks in its early days, wrote one of the first gin blogs, and ultimately founded the Home of Gin, aka the Gin Foundry.

Gin Foundry has grown as fast as the gin industry! Just when you think everything that involves gin has been done, they come up with something exciting: the invention of the Ginvent, the Advent Calendar with a different gin for every day before Christmas, the creation of Junipalooza, the annual Gin Festival with over 50 gin distillers presenting, and the Ginsmith Awards, which are up and coming. Interested in all things gin - Olivier is your man!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Introducing the Lush Life Podcast

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Where can you learn to live life one cocktail at a time? Here on the Lush Life Podcast discover why an old-fashioned is the drink of choice, who is making their own bitters and how ice, or lack there of, is transforming the cocktails you drink. Hosted by your favorite drinking companion, Susan L. Schwartz, the Lush Life Podcast introduces you to the movers and shakers of the cocktail world.

How to Make a Daiquiri Hemingway Would Drink with Dave Miller, Ray's Bar

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000

First study English Literature, then move to London and then visit Cuba - at least that’s what our guest today did before making me the Daiquiri of my dreams. Dave Miller, General Manager of Ray’s Bar (closed now) in London, reveals how one phone call changed the course of his life.

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From a tiny town in Scotland, Dave went from making Sex on the Beach to our cocktail of the week in one of London’s hippest bars. As an English Literature major, he had visions of writing that novel or working in publishing. After one glimpse into the Bonfire of Vanities’ lifestyle of wearing sneakers on the subway to being chained to a desk, he never doubted his life choice again.

Check out my Cocktail of the Week at the end of the podcast to see how you can make Dave's Motor City Rum Ensemble!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to get from Romania to Norway in One Short Lifetime with Adrian Pudleschak

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Some guests are super chatty and some take a little work to get going. Our guest today, Adrian Pudleschak, was definitely in the second camp, not that he didn’t have loads to say. I think he just wanted to see if I could get it all out of him.

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I did and it was as thrilling as I knew it would be. I don’t want to spoil the fun, but Adrian has worked on farms in England, Rome as an electrician, and bars in Edinburgh. Now he is off to the tiny island of Vaeroy in Norway to make alcohol from small flowers. I don’t think there is anything he can’t do.

Check out my Cocktail of the Week at the end of the podcast to see how you can make yourself Adrian's Simply Clever!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to make beer without hops with Annick De Splenter, Gruut, Ghent

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000

It sounds insane to us modern folk, but beer without hops was a favorite of some of the 280 breweries in Ghent during the Middle Ages. At least that’s what Annick De Splenter, our guest today, discovered while doing her degree in beer-making at university. (Yes! You can study beer-making at university in Belgium!)

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After her father sold the family brewery, Annick was on a mission to figure out how beer was actually made without hops and that it wasn’t all a medieval urban myth. Needless to say, she proved her naysayers wrong with her own brewery, Gruut, founded on four beers made with herbs: Wit, Blonde, Amber, and Brown made with nary a hop in sight.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Download the audio

How to Make Herbs Work in a Cocktail with Alex Ciomârtan, Fix Me A Drink, Bucharest, Romania

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000

The political revolution in Romania may have gone down in 1989, but our guest today is quietly starting one of his own. Heading down to his bar, Fix Me A Drink, don’t expect a menu of 300 drinks. Each one of Alex Ciomârtan’s cocktails is a masterwork of ingenuity.

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Drawing not only on his studies in Western Herbal Medicine, Alex brings nostalgia, history and passion to each and every drink. After years of living in London studying, as well as drinking in the city’s greatest bars, Alex felt it was time to come home.

He is one of very few mixologists, if not the only, in a city filled with bars that knows sometimes cinnamon is not just cinnamon. Depending on its terroir, even a small amount can make one cocktail taste completely different from another one. This attention to detail is making Fix Me a Drink, one of the hottest new bars not only in Bucharest, but the world.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Gin Change Color at Four Seasons Fairways, Quinta Do Lago, Portugal

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Just a few days in Four Seasons Fairways and you feel like you have been coming for years. Our guests today all have that special quality in a bartender - making you feel welcome even before you order your first cocktail. Rui Pereira, Victoria Murphy, and Nuno Fonseca found their way to Quinta do Lago and, thankfully for us, are set to stay!

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Rui’s face changed when talking about gin, Vicky couldn’t wait to make me her Caipirão and Nuno beamed when describing how he loved it so much here that, even when he left to try something else, he was drawn back. Still a homely place does not always equal great cocktails.

A resort usually cranks out jugs of Harvey Wallbangers and Frozen Daiquiris with chasers like Sex on the Beach and Jager Bombs - which is not a bad thing! The care and attention all three of our guests take in making each and every drink is why Four Seasons Fairways is different.

Gin Workshops led by Rui have been a hit ever since they started, the Sangria is made with Red, Rose or White, and their passion for what they do is contagious. I can’t wait to go back!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to celebrate Independence Day just right with Tom Vernon, Woodford Reserve Brand Ambassador

Tue, 04 Jul 2017 07:00:00 +0000

It’s tough to imagine our next guest going to work in tails and pinstripe trousers at Fortnum & Mason in their Wine and Spirits department, and on his gap year no less. Now, in his new role as Global Brand Ambassador for Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Tom Vernon can be a bit more casually dressed.

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Of course, when he’s rustling up a few Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby every year, his glad rags emerge! Tom is no stranger to Woodford Reserve, he’s been their UK Brand Ambassador for five years. Now as Global Brand Ambassador, his playing field has grown bigger. For someone whose first cocktail was a Manhattan, this job is a dream. With Declan McGurk, former Bar Manager of the Savoy Hotel’s American Bar, as a mentor, young Tom was bound for glory.

Whilst in Leeds and Manchester, cities that turn out some of the greats in bartending, Tom learned his trade so well that it would eventually bring him right back to where it all started, with the Manhattan and the spirit it can’t do without, Bourbon.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!
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If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.
Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!
Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.
Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.
Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink RoomeR Liqueur with Jereon Michels-Devaere, Ghent

Tue, 27 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Jereon’s grandmother came up with a plan - keep making elderflower liqueur and no one in her family could stay away. Needless to say it worked, worked so well that her grandson took up the helm and made all of Belgium want it as well.

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Little by little, RoomeR has grown from a small cottage industry, selling 200 bottles a month, to now producing over 100,000 bottles a year. Not only does it tastes delicious, but it couldn’t be prettier. Pure white elderflower petals dance around in the golden liqueur within its iconic, test-tube like bottle! Jereon and his partner, Tine, have worked hard to make RoomeR a socially responsible workplace, employing those who might not be able to work otherwise.

They are dedicated to making their company as green as possible - no preservatives are used, their boxes and crates are recyclable and the bottles are returnable. With one sip, you are not only part of the RoomeR family, but also helping to change the world!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Bring a ’70s Cocktail Back to the Future with Michael Mann and Jess Mili

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000

It worked for our guest today, but I don’t recommend it unless of course you are as talented as he. Missing deadlines, ignoring briefs, but using his quick wits and competitive spirit, Michael Mann has rightfully garnered the title UK Brand Ambassador of Bols Genever and Galliano.

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We are also joined by Jess Mili, who didn’t miss deadlines, read her brief, and went on to beat 2,000 entrants from 75 countries, grabbing the title of Bols Around the World Champion. It was great to catch her in London as her year begins representing Lucas Bols around the world. Genever, the precursor to Gin, is sampled in bars all over the Netherlands. Little shots of potent juniper-flavored spirit served morning, noon and night.

It’s been around since the Dutch King William of Orange took the boat west in the 17th C, legalized its production, and allowed every Brit to own his own still. Today, we may have more of a penchant for Gin, but Michael and Jess are changing all of that by reintroducing us to the original. Galliano, the number one liqueur sold in the USA in the 1970’s, is being exhumed from the cellar and dusted off to be used in newfangled cocktails. The old Harvey Wallbanger’s new BFF is Michael Mann!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Xoriguer Mahón Gin with Maria Teixidor, Menorca

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Have you been on holiday and want to bring a bit of that sunshine home with you? On my last trip to Menorca, I met our guest today, Maria Teixidor, at the distillery of Gin Xoriguer in the capital city of Mahon.

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We discussed the history of gin on the island and how the Pomada became their go-to summer cocktail. The Spanish drink more gin than anyone in the world. Yes, more than the British. They may have brought it with them in the 1700s, but the Menorcans have claimed it as their own. Mahon gin has been on the menu since that time and the Pomada is the drink of choice.

Gin Xoriguer, in its iconic bottle, is seen (and sipped) all over the world, on and off the island, for the past 350 years. Made from a grape-based spirit (vinic alcohol), this gin is different from the usual grain-based gin we are familiar with in the UK. Needless to say, it combines perfectly with lemon and, thus, the Pomada was born.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make Winning a Bartending Competition Look Easy with Aidan Bowie!

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Superlatives are needed when describing our next guest, Aidan Bowie, and his place of employment, Dandelyan (now Lyaness) in London. World Class Diageo UK Bartender of 2016, Class Magazine’s Best Bar in the UK, Best Hotel Bar and Best Drinks Menu for their Modern Botany theme as well as one for Aidan as the Bartender of the Year, and the list goes on and on.

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Thank goodness for us, he got behind the bar after completing his studies in civil engineering. A Scot by birth, he won the first competition he entered for Auchentoshan Single Malt Whisky. Now, as his year as the World Class Diageo UK Bartender comes to a close, he sits down with me to discuss how he made it to the top of the shelf.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Milroys of Soho with Simo, London

Tue, 23 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Before anyone else even knew about drinking single-malt whisky, except the Scottish of course, Jack and Wallace Milroy were in their van traipsing across the wilds of Islay to bring it back down to London.

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Originally opened in 1964, Milroy’s of Soho grew into a mecca for those looking to sip the angel’s share. After a turbulent few years, it is now back from the ashes. Along with his companion, Chester, a Jack Russell, who really runs the show, Simo brought Milroy’s back to the glory of its former days.

Not only do people come from around the world to buy hard-to-get whiskeys from Scotland and abroad, but old customers who knew it “when” are returning to Milroy’s in droves.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink with John Ennis & Matt Farrell, Graffiti Spirits Group, Liverpool & London

Tue, 16 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Garnering the title of Mezcal-eria (tequila’s smoky sister) is no easy feat, but they did it. El Bandito was one of the first UK bars to be awarded this status by Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal. Hidden below the Drunken Monkey restaurant on Broadgate, steps away from Shoreditch High Street station, John & Matt are converting the neighborhood to 100% Agave and Mezcal.

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Their menu consists of flights of three tequilas and three mezcals for those just dipping their toe in the smoky water or six different mezcals for those who want to jump right in. Don’t worry - there are margaritas on the menu - both Tommy’s and Frozen - or a Kale Mezcaleria, if you want something in the wellness category!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Langley’s Gin with Jonathan Zammit-Tabona, Global Brand Ambassador

Tue, 09 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000

As Brand Ambassador for Langley’s Gin, he can finally embrace his heritage; the brand strives to be quintessentially English and for the discerning & sophisticated. Made from a single distillation in a 1960-English-produced copper pot in Langley Green, UK, it couldn’t be more English.

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Thanks to the hard work and effort of Jonathan and the whole team, they’re already in twenty markets and selling Englishness all around the world.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!
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If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.
Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!
Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.
Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.
Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink R&B Distillers Spirits with Chris Hoban, Edinburgh

Tue, 02 May 2017 07:00:00 +0000

As Brand Ambassador for R&B Distillers, Chris Hoban has the enviable job of talking about whiskey night and day. His early years working at the Scotch Whiskey Experience, the famous whiskey tourist attraction in Edinburgh, paved the way.

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R&B are in the process of creating their first distillery on the island of Raasay just across from Skye, with another one to follow in the Borders. The owner’s great-grandfather had been a master blender in the early 19th Century.

Finding his old recipe book was the impetus to establishing R&B Distillery. They’ve already blended two batches of their award-winning limited-edition Raasay While We Wait in preparation for the distillery to be up and running this summer.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at the Walrus Room with Alfonso Califano, London

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000

The mix of Alfonso Califano’s over-the-top enthusiasm and his inherent Italian hospitality is drawing them south of the river, before you can even say Alice in Wonderland.

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With his partner-in-cocktails, Simone de Luca, Bombay Sapphire World’s Most Imaginative Bartender UK semi-finalist, The Walrus Room (closed now), the Lewis Carroll inspired spot on Battersea Rise, is quickly becoming a player in London bar scene.

Alfonso grew up in tiny Pagani, Italy where community is everything, today he reveals how he made a city as big as London feel as small as his hometown. In the six months that he has been at The Walrus Room, the bar has gone from success to success. Of course, he loves when he pulls in the punters from trendier parts of town, but he is just as thrilled when the residents of Clapham keep coming back.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink with Gobo Hansen of Ruby in Copenhagen, Adam Ghellab of Himkok in Oslo, and Ludvig Grenmo & Andreas Bergman of Linje Tio

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Brought together by Woodford Reserve for Cocktails in the City, Gobo Hansen of Ruby in Copenhagen, Adam Ghellab of Himkok in Oslo, and Ludvig Grenmo & Andreas Bergman of Linje Tio in Stockholm made it to London to wow the crowds at Cocktails in the City.

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Ruby’s is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year by embracing the speakeasy style and making perfect Manhattans. Himkok, whose literal meaning Moonshine, not only serves drinks, but produces micro-distilled vodka, gin, and of course Norwegian speciality, aquavit on site. It gained them a spot on Drink International’s World’s 50 Best Bars 2016. Joining them on that list is Linje Tio, whose very presence made their slightly dodgy area into one of the hippest in town.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Champagne Gremillet with Jean-Christophe Gremillet, Balnot sur Laignes

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000

A true family venture, Champagne Gremillet, was born when Grandmother Lulu planted those first vines in 1978. In the past, the Aube region where Gremillet sits, was considered second class to their northern friends near Marne and Épernay.

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They were the farmers, not the blenders. It took a riot in 1911, when the big houses in the north, tried to exclude the Aube from Champagne appellation. Only later in 1927 was the region fully included. Silly as the best Pinot Noir grapes are found there. I leave it to Jean-Christophe to tell you the rest of the family history!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Take the Gin Journey with Leon Dalloway, The Gin Boss

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Leon’s father might have tried to steer him away from a life of teaching, but it’s a role he found he couldn’t avoid. The Gin Journey combines his passion for storytelling and his favorite tipple. While winding through the streets of London, stopping at gin joints to sip Southsides, Leon amuses us with gin-related historical sound bites.

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Since the 18th C, when King William of Orange made it legal for anyone to own a still, the Brits have always had a love/hate relationship with gin. After the Gin Journey, we all definitely had love in our hearts for the drink formerly known as Mother’s Ruin!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink with Ali Reynolds, Luxury Reserve Brand Ambassador at Diageo Reserve GB

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 07:00:00 +0000

Ali Reynolds' first love may have been sports, but after graduating from university, his job as bartender kept him inside many a basement establishment. His competitive spirit never wavered and led him to win the Oscar of the drinking world: Diageo World Class UK Bartender in 2015.

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Now as brand ambassador for Diageo Reserve, he is more likely to be found upstairs rather than downstairs. Although he might be slinging fewer Blue Blazers behind a bar, Ali’s innate nature as a competitor and creator will show him to be a leader in whatever position he’s playing.

Click here to see Ali making his Morning Glory Fizz on Mixology in a Minute on our YouTube channel.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Theo Randall at the InterContinental with Vittorio Gentile, London

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Vittorio hails from Southern Italy with a degree in Economics, but he was quickly seduced by hospitality world. Upon moving to London, he worked his way up to Head Sommelier for Theo Randall at the InterContinental in just three years.

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One of his job requirements was over seeing not just the wines, but the entire beverage menu for the restaurant. That’s where his inherent creativity with spirits kicked in and now he is pairing food with cocktails as well as wine.

Click here to see Vittorio makes us the Martini D'Amalfi on Mixology in a Minute on Youtube.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Veuve Clicquot with Fabienne Moreau, Reims

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

The Veuve in Veuve Clicquot is Madame Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot. Married at 21 to François Clicquot, she was widowed only six years later. Left in control of his company, she stuck in and truly created the brand as we know today.

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Her innovations, including riddling (shaking the bottles to loosen the sediment, giving the champagne its flavor), and business acumen are lauded today. In the shadow of International Women’s Day last week, Best Sips is proud to have the Historian of Veuve Clicquot here today. FYI: Veuve Clicquot arranges the annual Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award which “champions the success of business women worldwide who share the same qualities as Madame Clicquot!”

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. with Jason Elliott & Jon Lalu, Philadelphia

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 08:00:00 +0000

It all did end badly for Max, but in his heyday, he was one of the richest gangsters in town and his legacy is The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company. Thank goodness, alcohol is legal in this day and age, so Jason and Jon, General Manager & Head Bartender respectively, can do their job without fear of the cops rushing in at any moment..unless it’s to enjoy one of their very legal beverages.

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Snuck in between two unprepossessing buildings on 18th street, near lovely Rittenhouse Square, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company knocks the socks out of anyone who ventures inside. On the cutting-edge of cocktail creation, their drinks program is constantly changing and developing. Leading the way are Jason & Jon who came to hospitality in totally different, but equally exciting, ways!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Download the audio

Click here to see Brain makes us Lost Dutchman on Mixology in a Minute

How to Drink at the Waldorf Astoria with Jason Vickers & Pablo Moreno Garcia, London

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Lipstick covered, mirrored walls, feather boas swinging from chandeliers, over-flowing champagne-filled coupes? Yes, you are in the right place - the Aldwych’s swingin’, speakeasy Miss Homage. Good Godfrey, the former band leader of the original Waldorf, may have broken her heart, but Miss Homage is having the last laugh.

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Jason and Pablo channeled her spirit and are with us today, scissor kicking and camel-walking us through the steps it took to create this very modern cocktail bar with a 20s twist.

Click here to see Pablo makes us a Siena Secret on Mixology in a Minute

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Mr. Black with Alix Nardella, UK Brand Ambassador

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 08:00:00 +0000

The fact they are both from Australia has nothing to do with how Alix Nardella, our guest today, feels for Mr. Black. Her first love may have been whisky but now she only has eyes for this smooth and sexy coffee liqueur.

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Born in 2012, Mr. Black is the love child of Tom Baker and Philip Moore. After tinkering for nine months, they came upon the perfect combination of coffee beans to produce their sublime elixir, immediately winning a gold medal from London International Wine and Spirits that year. Alix has been winning awards as well, coming second in The Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition before joining Mr. Black.

After traveling the world, lucky for us, she settled in London and is set on teaching us all that there is more to a coffee drink than the White Russian and the Espresso Martini. (no matter how good they both are!) She even converted me to the wonders of the Negroni, which I am not a big fan of, after making me one of her creations, simply called the Coffee Negroni, which she made for me at Every Cloud in Hackney.

Check Alix out here on our YouTube channel: Mixology in a Minute

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Barts with Vincenzo Sibilia, London

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:00:00 +0000

Was it the flair, the fans, the fame - a mixture of all three - that made our guest today watch Tom Cruise in Cocktail and say “I want to do that”? Yes...and Vincenzo Sibilia is wowing them in Chelsea’s only speakeasy, but you need to know the password to see him in action.

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From Italy’s first capital city, Torino, to London wasn’t such a long journey. After a stint at catering college, Vincenzo knew the front of house suited him much more than the back of the kitchen. Mixing his natural flair for invention with his innate sense of creativity, our guest today helms Barts London with a combination of Italian bravado and international charm.

Nestled in one of the major arteries of Chelsea, Barts rules the scene with its tongue-in-cheek, irreverent speakeasy style and its superb cocktail creations. Trying to find it in one of the 1930’s built apartment buildings can make you thirsty enough, your Barts experience begins when you ring the bell. From that moment on, you’re in Vincenzo’s hands, as he takes you to Chicago and back in one drink.

Catch Vincenzo shaking up a healthy cocktail on our YouTube channel: Mixology in a Minute

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Galvin at Windows with Tiago Serrão, London

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 08:00:00 +0000

From a family full of fisherman comes our next guest, Tiago Serrão. His rapid rise from Bar-back to Bar Manager shows an innate knack for, not only conceiving creative cocktails, but also, chatting up the customers.

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Galvin at Windows at first sight. Located on the 28th Floor of the Hilton Park Lane, it’s not hard to see why. The views over London are staggering - from wherever you sit, you could swear you hear the subtle strains of Chim Chim Cher-ee (from “Mary Poppins”). Galvin at Windows is not only the perfect date place, but also a Michelin starred restaurant and home to the Galvin Cup - one of the most prestigious mixology awards in London.

Although still quite young, Tiago has climbed the 28 floors with ease, after working several years in a series of luxury hotels in his home country, Portugal, and the famous Ritz’s Rivoli Bar on Piccadilly. As Bar Manager of Galvin at Windows, he has created one of the most romantic menus in London, which you can hear all about on the podcast.

Watch Tiago make his take on the Vieux Carre on our Youtube Channel

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Westin Doha’s Hunters Room & Grill with Thor de Mendoza & Gary Jones

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 08:00:00 +0000

One is from India and the other Spain, but together they have conquered the Doha cocktail scene. Thor de Mendoza, Venue Manager, and Gary Jones, Bartender, of the Hunters Room & Grill at the new Westin Doha Hotel & Spa have drawn local and foreign crowds to their happy hour, thanks to their creative cocktail & mocktail menu.

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Inspired by the best grill rooms around the world, the Hunters Room's meat-heavy menu deserves to be accompanied by the best cocktails there are. Thor and Gary have used their ingenuity to create what they call their Grilled Mixology Collection. Grilled fruits are the basis for many of their iconic cocktails, such as the Grilled Pineapple Mojito and the Grilled Citrus Margarita.

Also on trend is their Gin Infusion Bar - pick your choice of Gin, infuse it with your favorite ingredients, like cucumber, green apple or even thyme, and it’s yours and only yours. If you don’t drink, there are loads of equally creative mocktails. With Hunters being only a few months old, it will be exciting to check back with Thor and Gary it get all the Doha gossip!

Watch Thor make the infamous Grilled Pineapple Mojito on our Youtube Channel

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Donovan Bar with Riccardo Vecchio, London

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 08:00:00 +0000

From life guarding on an Italian beach, to bartending at one of the most iconic bars in London is not a logical career step unless you are Riccardo Vecchio. It was sink or swim and, thankfully for us, he’s safe behind the bar at Brown’s Hotel.

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The famed stained-glass window of St. George stares down at the bartenders from above as if to keep them on their toes. One wrong step and, like the dragon itself, out they go. Riccardo doesn’t have to worry. With the way he is going, he’ll be slaying the dragons soon.

As cool and hip as Terence Donovan’s iconic black and white photos that lines its walls, Riccardo, the Head Bartender, reigns over the Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel and we are the ones to revel in his wake.

Watch Riccardo conquer Europe here on my Mixology in a Minute Series on Youtube

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Belsazar Vermouth with Fliss Gransden, UK Brand Ambassador, Belsazar Vermouth

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000

No one drinks vermouth on its own, do they? As UK Brand Ambassador for Belsazar Vermouth, our guest today, Fliss Gransden, is on a mission to right that wrong. Not only does it taste fantastic, but its low alcohol content means you could drink it all night!

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Founded in 2013, Belsazar Vermouth wants to change everyone’s opinion of what vermouth could be by making it all about the wine. Vermouth has been around since the inception of the cocktail itself and almost always used as a mixer. Using the best wines from the South Baden region of Germany, the product is a complete transformation from the old stuff.

It’s Fliss’s job to educate, not only the public, but the bartenders as to how to serve it. She reveals how she does it on the podcast today. Her background working in the most cutting-edge bars in town and her knowledge and passion for Vermouth make her the perfect person for the job.

Watch Fliss make the Rose Winter Tonic at Dirty Bones, Shoreditch here on our Youtube Channel

PS: Thanks to Dirty Bones Shoreditch for letting us film Fliss in their restaurant!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at InterContinental Paris Le Grand with Soizic Le Mercier

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 07:00:00 +0000

You go to Paris for the food and wine, but do you ever ask if there are French products in your cocktails? Well, under the tutelage of Soizic le Mercier, the team of the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand is promoting a whole new type of cocktail making in the City of Lights.

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Soizic almost chose a career in sport, but with a whole family in hospitality, she really was destined to work exactly where she is. After twenty years behind the bar, she has seen it all and now is Bar Manager of one of the busiest hotels in Paris.

You’ll find her team at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand creating cocktails using Dubonnet, Chartreuse and Cointreau, but never Champagne! At least, not if Soizic can help it. As a true Frenchwoman, it pains her to see the good stuff being used as a mixer.

While raising a glass to Soizic, take a gander at the incredible ballroom, built 150 years ago, that was a contemporary of Claude Debussy, Auguste Lumière, Victor Hugo and the incomparable Sarah Bernhardt.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Trader Vic’s with Odysseus Malice, London

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 08:00:00 +0000

We think we all know the legend of the Odyssey after reading Homer. Today we meet a modern day Odysseus whose journey from the Philippines took a different turn and landed him in the world of Mai Tai's, Pineapple and Bamboo.

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We discover how our Odysseus was anointed with the moniker Tiki Man! Holding court at Trader Vic’s at the London Hilton Park Lane for almost a decade could be the reason. Cocktail trends have come and gone, but Vic Bergeron’s (the founder of Trader Vic’s) concept of finding a Polynesian paradise, wherever you are in the world, has never waned.

Odysseus clues us into the how and why the Mai Tai is still its number one order!

Watch Odysseus rustle up an original 1944 Mai Tai for my Mixology in a Minute Series on Youtube

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Champagne VIRGINIE T. with Virginie Taittinger, Sillery

Tue, 15 Nov 2016 08:00:00 +0000

“Remember, gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!” was Winston Churchill’s cri de guerre. Only gentlemen…what about the ladies? Didn’t he know that, throughout history, women were responsible for making some of the great Champagne houses of France famous? Virginie Taittinger, our guest today, is one of those women!

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Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin gave us Veuve Clicquot, Louise Pommery invented Brut, and Camille Olry-Roederer understood that celebrity and business go hand-in-hand! Now, Virginie Taittinger has joined the sorority. Her bloodline sparkles. It’s no wonder, as her mother is a Piper-Heidsieck and her father ran Taittinger for 45 years. Trained by the best, Virginie is out on her own, following in those celebrated footsteps, doing what she was born to do - bottling bubbly.

After six years aging, it’s time to pop the cork of Virginie Taittinger’s first special cuvée, Champagne Virginie T, a combination of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Not only is her champagne delicious, but the packaging is divine. The red-hot box transforms into an ice bucket. Pop the bottle into the bucket with ice and, when the label turns red, it’s ready to drink!

We know that Churchill ‘s drink of choice was his Pol Roger. Maybe if Champagne Virginie T, had been around then, he might have switched camps.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern with Filippo Previero, London

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 05:00:00 +0000

One man in London is tasked with keeping famed actress Gertrude Fogg’s legacy aflame. That man, Filippo Previero joins us today directly from Mr. Fogg’s Tavern in olde New Row, Covent Garden, to explain how her gift to the neighborhood has been charming punters for more than a century. (wink, wink)

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All of Soho mourned when Gertrude Fogg tread the boards for the very last time. Of course, it was in her nature to think of others, even after she had passed. Thanks to her generous nephew, Phileas (Around the World in 80 Days), her dying wish of transforming her humble Covent Garden flat into a tavern downstairs and a gin parlour upstairs was fulfilled. At least, that’s how Filippo Previero tells the tale.

On this week’s podcast, we discover how Filippo found the courage to take the leap onto that mongolfiera, heading west from Italy, to become a master of "Mother’s Ruin" (as gin came to be known in the 18th C) here in Londontown. Beginning his career making Negronis, Filippo was perfect for the task.

Filippo reigns over the extensive Gin Parlour at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern. A few brands may have been around since the days of Hogarth, but, with over 300 different gins, they’re not just home-brewed anymore. Ordering a G&T is an art here. Choosing from so many gins could be a bumpy road, but Filippo and his team are there to ease your own voyage of discovery through some of the best gins worldwide.

Watch Filippo Previero of Mr. Fogg's Tavern, London make The Hills Are Alive on the Lush Life YouTube channel!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Taylor’s Port with Ana Margarida Morgado, Porto

Tue, 01 Nov 2016 08:00:00 +0000

If it hadn’t been for a Mr. Bearsley in 1692, what the heck would we be drinking with our Stilton? Thank goodness, he had the foresight to create Taylor’s and that the world would catch on to the merits of Port. The Head of PR for Taylor’s, Ana Margarida Morgado, let’s us know what they’ve been up to for the past 324 years.

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I had never sipped port until I was a grad student at Cambridge. Dining Clubs were aplenty and dinner always ended in cheese and port. My college even had its own label! I really felt I had missed out on all those years as an undergrad in the USA, drinking watery beer when Port had been available all the time.

Who knew there was a whole culture, full of rules and regulations, surrounding this one drink? It must be decanted, the decanter must be passed to the left and you must never forget to put that said decanter back in its hoggit.

I am sure the Brits in 1692 also felt the same way, the first time Port landed on their shores. Mr. Jack Bearsley tapped into that need and we are still enjoying the fruits of his labor so many years later. While in Porto, a visit to the Taylor’s Port Wine cellars is a must. Ana guided me through a short history of the brand, and a description of each of its many offerings: Vintage, Tawny, Late Bottled Vintage, even White! She also answers my burning question, what do the Portuguese eat with Port!?

Watch Andy Mil of Cocktail Trading Company, London make a Port Wine Sour with Taylor's Port on the Lush Life YouTube Channel!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Mastiha with George Economides, Oxford

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Spending years in the hallowed libraries of Oxford pouring over the ins and outs of Quantum Mechanics might lead you to drink! It certainly happened to George Economides. One stag do in Sifnos and his whole world changed from investigating particles in a box to those in a glass. Harking back to his native land of Greece, our guest today is reviving the local spirit, Mastiha, and introducing it to the rest of the world - one cocktail at a time.

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George has the hardest time describing the flavor of Mastiha to those who have never tried it - bubble gum, pine, woods, a combo of all. It’s truly tough to pin down to just one word. Tasting is the only way to describe it.

“Grown” on the island of Chios in the Northern Aegean, Mastiha has a rather quirky production process. The resin from the tree drops on the ground, hardens and then is collected, cleaned and reconstituted into the nectar that has made its benefits famous throughout history.

The list of drinkers range from Hippocrates, the Romans, Columbus, Italian popes, Arabic Sultans and me!. After my first sip with the Cypriot, I was converted.

Watch Christian Sirica of Opso, London make a Greek Spritz with Enosis Mastiha on our YouTube channel!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at 1 Tippling Place with Anne Frey, Philadelphia, USA

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 06:00:00 +0000

How many times does this happen to you? You are walking down the street dressed in a sari, a man stops you, asks who you are, tells you your bar is his favorite in America and wants to open one in India? Well, it happened to Anne Frey owner of 1 Tippling Place and she is here to tell us more.

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1 Tippling Place is exactly the way Anne Frey wants it to be. She planned it that way. She longed for a local of her own and now there are going to be two: one in Philadelphia and one in Mumbai. After a trip to the UK, she fell in love with its cocktail culture and thought it would do well in Philadelphia. With help from Robin Honhold, now of White Lyan, and Dave Tang, a protégé of Sasha Petraske of Milk and Honey, she created a bar worthy of its neighborhood, the über-chic Rittenhouse Square.

Everything is freshly made – syrups, juices, bitters - and ice is hand-cut! This constant attention to detail has been recognized by Food & Wine (24 Best Cocktail Bars in US), Roca Patron (People's Choice 100 Best Bars in America), Maxim, Chilled and Dujour magazines. (All you Vodka drinkers, don’t worry she has kept it on the menu, unlike a few snobbier places out there.)

Now Anne is off to Mumbai again, after a extremely successful pop-up bar, to recreate a 1 Tippling Place in one of the busiest cities in the world. We can’t wait to hear all about it when she returns.

Watch Chris Zingler of 1 Tippling Place make his Apple Bottom Gin on out YouTube channel!

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Zahav with Jeff Bartash, Philadelphia, USA

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 04:00:00 +0000

When it’s all about the food, how do you make the drinks stand out? Zahav Restaurant and its chef Michael Solomonov have been winning award after award since opening its doors, including finalist for "Outstanding Chef" at the James Beard Awards. As Bar Manager of one of the busiest eateries in the country, it’s Jeff Bartash's job to find out.

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I feel like I should already know what Israeli cooking consists of; I certainly eat a whole lot of Lebanese food living in London. It took a trip home to Philadelphia, while researching an article I was writing for Sainsbury's Magazine, to discover what I had been missing: Mezze of salads, hummus, lamb shoulder cooked over hot coals, and more.

I, of course, had heard of Zahav, but eating there is a whole different basket of Laffa. Needing a beverage to accompany my salatim, I asked the staff for a suggestion.

Next thing I knew, a pitcher of Lemonnana was plonked down on the table. Lemon, Mint & Bourbon...so simple – no wonder it’s the national drink of Israel. Oh, just a slight different between what you might have tasted on the streets of Tel Aviv - Zahav’s version added bourbon to the mix.

We sampled the five other signature cocktails that had made it onto the menu, but on my way back to the UK, I was still dreaming of Lemonnana. I just had to meet Jeff Bartash, the man whose job it is to oversee which cocktails make the cut and end up on the list. I learned a whole lot more than I imagined, about, not only Lemonanna, but also their wine list, which includes little known wines from Lebanon and Turkey as well.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Chotto Matte with Fabiano Latham, London

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 03:00:00 +0000

Paddington Bear is not the only thing that emerged from the “darkest Peru.” Thankfully, the spirit on everyone’s lips at the moments has made it across the border as well. As the 100th anniversary of the invention of the Pisco Sour is upon us this year, Fabiano Latham is determined to educate everyone on the merits of the most Peruvian of beverages.

I met Fabiano for drinks at his former haunt, Chotto Matte, one of the first restaurant/bars in London to serve Nikkei cuisine, accompanied by a slew of Pisco cocktails. Nikkei is actually the term to describe the Japanese diaspora. In this instance, it refers to a particular mode of cooking combining the Japanese influence with the local Peruvian cooking. Eat ceviche and tiridito and you can’t help but think sushi/sashimi.

In Fabiano’s opinion, Pisco is the perfect go-with for this delicate food. He fell in love with it early on in his career and can’t help but feel he earns his wings every time someone is charmed, as well. Pisco is basically Peruvian brandy grown by the first 16th century Spanish settlers. It’s clear, sharp and dry - great with the spice and flavor of the local food.

Although, greedy Gold Rushers were drinking Pisco Punch in late 19th century San Francisco, the Pisco Sour reigns supreme as the most popular Pisco cocktail. With only four ingredients, Mr. Vaughn Morris, owner of Morris’s Bar in Lima and inventor of the Pisco Sour, created a sensation. One hundred years later, we are toasting to his ingenuity. Fabiano shares a birthday with him - does this mean he was destined to be the UK’s premier Pisco aficionado? Possibly! As more and more Pisco distilleries are introduced upon our shores, it’s good to know we have Fabiano to point us in the right direction.

See how Fabiano makes the Chilcano de Tonka at Chotto Matte, London on our Youtube Channel

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Lost+Found Drinkery with Dinos Constantinides, Nicosia, Cyprus

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Cyprus has loads to offer its citizens and visitors alike: lovely beaches, hot sun, great food, and architectural wonders. Still, for a country that has been around since the 10th millennium BC, you couldn’t find a good cocktail anywhere. Thank goodness for Dinos Constantinides – he has literally upped the bar for everyone in town.

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His combination of inherent creativity and business savvy have made his bar Lost+Found Drinkery one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for two years running, according to Drinks International, one of the leading drinks journals. Nicosia, the capital whose location in the beach-less centre of the island, is often forgotten by the more than three million who visit the famed Cypriot seashores in summertime every year.

Lost+Found Drinkery is out to change that. Since the financial crisis, much has had to change in the capital city. Bigger, glitzier institutions have shut down and locally sourced, smaller places have begun to crop up in their place. (Read my piece for the Mail on Sunday about the transformation of Nicosia here.)

Dinos has tapped into that desire for change – leading way from frozen margaritas, daiquiris and pina coladas to Negronis, Old-Fashioneds and Crustas. Even if you are prone to a cold, fruity drink, a Tiki cocktail quite a different entity at Lost+Found Drinkery where ingredients include homemade syrups & bitters, fresh fruit and ice, like you have never seen it. There are seventeen (yes, one seven) water filters in-house so the ice is exactly as it should be.

If you're a frequent customer, you can invest in your own Tiki glass, which is kept under lock and key on the wall. Make sure you use it though, as you can forfeit your spot very easily. Today, Dinos reveals to us how and why he created Lost+Found Drinkery & why two menus are served - one for those new to the bar and the other for his regulars. NB: If you do order a mojito, don't be surprised if it comes in a plastic cup.

See how Dinos makes his version of the classic Crusta on our YouTube Channel.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!
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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!
Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.
Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.
Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Casa Herradura Tequila with Nicci Stringfellow, UK Brand Ambassador

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

I know I will be toasting to Nicci Stringfellow, the UK Casa Herradura Brand Ambassador on Mexican Independence Day this Friday. In fact, I might just be proclaiming a Grito de Nicci, not the historic Grito de Dolores, the battle cry of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the priest who kicked off the entire revolution!

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Did you even know that same agave plant that sits on your work desk can produce one of the most popular liquors in the world? Thanks to Nicci Stringfellow, my shot, lime, salt, days are long gone. Sip and savor have replaced them after she educated me on the marvels of 100% Agave Tequila. Nicci has worked beside the greats, including the legendary, “King Cocktail” Dale Degroff, the godfather of the contemporary cocktail and author of The Craft of the Cocktail.

In her own right, Nicci has helmed some of the best bars in the world, including LAB & Opium in London, Biervana in Tokyo and Hakkasan in Mumbai. Lucky for Casa Herradura, Nicci’s passion was tequila and she grabbed the chance to represent such a wonderful brand.

“It’s a dream job for me to be able to represent such an amazing tequila. There are few things I like more than Herradura. Not just the liquid, though its honeyed silk is indeed a thing of beauty, but the way of life that it represents; the spirit of the community that its sharing creates.” Casa Herradura has been producing 100% Agave tequila since 1870, in the same hacienda in Amatitán, Jalisco, the home of tequila in Mexico. You will not be alone in loving the stuff, as over 60,000 visitors stop by each year to visit the distillery.

See how she makes her own version of the classic Old Fashioned on Mixology in a Minute on the Lush Life Youtube Channel

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at the The Savoy's Beaufort Bar with Anna Sebastian, London

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

You would think that following in the footsteps of Auguste Escoffier, Henry Braddock and César Ritz would be daunting, well, not for Anna Sebastian. Under her watchful eye as its Senior Bar Manager, The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar has continued to flourish since the day it opened in 2010.

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There really should be only one way to enter The Savoy – by taxi. It’s the closest to experiencing how the swells might have felt at the turn of the 20th Century, when it was first built. Driving in on the right-hand side (American!), your chauffeur or the doorman would help you exit without having to go around the cab, all thanks to a special Act of Parliament.

Still, as much as hopping back in time sounds exciting, there would have been no Beaufort Bar to make your local. After a three-year long restoration and refurbishment of the entire hotel, it opened to great fanfare on October 10, 2010 at 10:10.The Beaufort Bar was born that evening.

The sun may have gone down, but, every night the lights switch on in this evening-only drinking establishment and the drinks pop-up. I use this term because the menu is literally a Pop-Up Book specifically created for the Beaufort Bar. Fifteen hand-crafted cocktails make up the menu, including “character” cocktails dedicated to the famed entertainers and icons who walked the halls of this venerable hotel.

Anna Sebastian reigns supreme over this hallowed spot. Under her watchful eye, the Beaufort Bar was awarded the title, Best International Hotel Bar in 2015 by Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s annual premier cocktail festival in New Orleans.

Anna herself was also nominated for Bar Personality of the Year 2016 at Imbibe Live, Europe’s largest drinks conference. Anna explains that she “didn't know that the hospitality industry really existed at this level - I didn't know you could travel the world, deal with such an eclectic mix of guests as well as create something and be part of history in so many ways.”

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Work Together to Build a Bar with Daniel Thompson & Carlo Lorenzon, TwoRuba, Hilton London Tower Bridge

Tue, 02 Aug 2016 07:00:00 +0000

Take one Englishman and add an Italian to make a fantastic bar minutes from London Bridge. These two are remaking the area into the next cocktail destination.

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It takes a team to make a bar stand out from the crowd. Daniel Thompson & Carlo Lorenzon are the two who are shaking up a bit of London, as of now, unrecognized for its cocktail bars.We head down to TwoRuba at the Hilton London Tower Bridge to hear how they are realizing that dream.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make an 18th Century Cocktail with Sam Mitchell, Gillray's, London

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 04:16:00 +0000

How can an 18th Century cartoonist be the inspiration for modern day mixology? Sam Mitchell has found a way and lucky for us we get to sample his artistic creations?

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James Gillray might not be as well known as his fellow 18thC cartoonist Hogarth, but does William have one of the great Gin Bars in London bearing his name? I think not.

Gillray was known as "the father of the political cartoon" for poking fun at the mad King George III and others in his wake. Hogarth and he reigned supreme with their humorous, witty and biting caricatures. Now, as in the 17th C, the spirit known as Mother's Ruin is also reigning supreme in the city of its birth.

Sam Mitchell who helms Gillray’s Bar at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall joins us today on the show to explain his take on this craze. He talks, among other things, about how he draws inspiration from the artist's work in creating the exciting menu. It adds to the enjoyment, but is not essential, to come along already versed in Gillray's work.

Check out Sam rustle up a Regardez-Moi on Mixology in a Minute on my YouTube channel

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink Seychelles Magical Cocktails with Flavien Joubert, Seychelles

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:00:00 +0000

How does one man get from the Seychelles to war-torn Cyprus back again to write THE book on Seychelles’ Cocktails without a phone, ipad or wireless?

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I was invited to visit the Seychelles for their annual International Carnival. Having never been there before, I had no idea what their drink of choice might be - so I literally googled Seychelles Cocktails. To my surprise, I found that a Mr. Flavien Joubert had written a book with that exact title.

When he agreed to meet me for a chat, I had no idea that we had a common link and that was Cyprus. My personal drinking partner for the last ten years has been a Cypriot, so I know the country and its history quite well. How Flavien made it from a refugee camp in Nicosia back to slinging cocktails is one incredible story!

Flavien makes reference to the war in Cyprus - if you wish to know more please, please click here to see what's happening in the Cypriot capitol of Nicosia.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at Nola with Ian McIntyre, London

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 04:00:00 +0000

New Orleans, the birthplace of so many cocktails, is a really, really long way from London. Saying that, you can still sip that Sazerac without hopping a plane across the pond, thanks to Ian McIntyre. Why NOLA? Why London? He revealed all when he sat down with me over a Hurricane or two.

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On this program, I speak with Ian McIntyre, General Manager of the easiest bars in London, the Big Easy that is. Taking its inspiration from the Crescent City, the team at NOLA (closed) decided there was one thing missing in London and that was a good Hurricane. They have righted that wrong and now the fun of Bourbon Street has moved east to Shoreditch. Ian graciously talked me through this Nol-ifacation.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Drink at the 21 Club with Mark Tubridy

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 04:00:00 +0000

Prohibition gripped New York in the 20s, but there was one place you could always get a drink if you knew those in the know. The 21 Club’s Mark Tubridy lets us in on the secret that got you into one of the oldest drinking establishments in the Big Apple.

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Today we take you across the pond to New York’s 21 Club. Bartender Mark Tubridy guides us through a mini-history of cocktails in the Big Apple from one of the bars that started it all. He graciously sat down to talk me through prohibition to modern day. Avery Fletcher, the Director of Sales & Marketing of the 21 Club, joined the party as well.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Download the audio

WHERE YOU CAN HEAR ME DRINKING NEXT:

Savoring for a Sazerac, then be sure to check our next podcast when we grill Nola London’s Ian McIntrye about why he and his partners set up a New Orleans bar in the heart of Shoreditch.

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You can get this and all future audio files automatically downloaded to your mobile device easy. If you’re on iOS, you can listen with iTunes. Android users can get it on Google Play. Or click the player to listen to just this episode. (But trust me, you’ll want to subscribe!)

How to Be Made in Chelsea with James Trevaskis, 11 Cadogan Gardens, London

Tue, 28 Jun 2016 04:00:00 +0000

I sit down with James Trevaskis, of my local 11 Cadogan Gardens - an intimate hotel that is the toast of Chelsea. Truffle Martinis, homemade Eau de Vie, anything is possible when James Trevaskis is behind the bar, His ingenuity is what brings them into 11 Cadogan Gardens - find out how he got here and the thought process behind the drinks he creates.

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James began life as a sommelier, but then made the switch to mixologist. He can’t help bring his oenophilic knowledge to his cocktail making and that’s what makes this bar unmissable.

My first Truffle Martini was an extremely enjoyable experience, I must say. If you are after the daring or the classic, you will leave wishing 11 Cadogan Gardens were your local too.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be a Legend with Alessandro Palazzi, Dukes Bar, London

Fri, 17 Jun 2016 01:58:00 +0000

Of course, it would take a suave Italian to understand the suavest of drinks. Whether Gin or Vodka, Alessandro Palazzi of Dukes London shakes, stirs and shapes every Martini served at Ian Fleming’s favorite bar in London.

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James Bond - we all know what car he drives and his drink of choice. Even I use his famous tagline in my intro! But this man must hear, shaken not stirred more than any other, Alessandro Palazzi, the martini maker extraordinaire at Dukes London, Ian Fleming’s home away from home and the most famous Martini bar in the world.

As the Martini is one of my favorite cocktails, I was thrilled to sit down with the man who makes them for a living. Needless to say, you can’t visit Dukes London without having their signature drink.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Make a Spy Happy with Benoit Provost, American Bar at the Stafford Hotel, London

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 07:22:00 +0000

What’s a Frenchman doing overseeing the most American Bar in London? Benoit Prevost has been making Manhattans for 23 years at The Stafford Hotel. He reveals what’s kept him here all this time.

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I sit down with Benoit Provost, the Frenchman who heads up the most American of Bars in London.

Ben invited me for drinks over lunch and talked me through his journey from the Loire Valley to the Stafford - his home for 23 years.

If you haven’t been to the American Bar, you are in for a real treat. Order the White Mouse and toast to one of the great heroes of World War Two. Don’t forget also to toast to the man who brought you that drink, Benoit Provost.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

How to Be the First Guest with Andy Mil, Cocktail Trading Company, London

Tue, 07 Jun 2016 04:00:00 +0000

The Cocktail Trading Company’s Andy Mil is winning award after award for his consistently creative libations - find out how he got so far at such a young age.

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On my very first episode, I was lucky enough to grab the attention of Andy Mil of The Cocktail Trading Company, the extremely busy, award-winning London bartender on the cutting edge of creativity. Andy began his career as a chef working in some of the great London restaurants, though he found his calling when he moved from the back of the house to the front.

He graciously sat down to talk me through this transition and how it lent itself to his award-winning cocktail making.

If you’re in London, make a pit-stop to 68 Bethnal Green Road and order the Bee’s Knees or their Old Fashioned, one of the best I have ever had.

No matter how original or traditional, you can’t go wrong at The Cocktail Trading Company. That’s why they keep winning those awards.

Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!

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Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!

Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.

Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.

Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

Podcast Launching Soon!

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 03:40:34 +0000

Best Sips World Wide is launching on June 7th, 2016! Get ready for all the great cocktail based action every week!