hello cocktail lover!

Numbers, they’re fascinating aren’t they? Well they are to me. Sort of… At school maths certainly wasn’t my strong point. Far from it. Over the years, however, I’ve grown to rather appreciate the beauty of numbers. Stats, percentages, dates… they all help me put things into perspective, turning something which feels a bit abstract into something with a clear context.

So I’m especially excited to share with you our Numbers issue. And in the drinks world, figures in many forms play a big part.

Jack Sotti takes us through his personal bartending evolution of the various ways in which he’s prepared the classic Old Fashioned over the years, from the beginning of his career, aged 18, up until the present day at a somewhat more experienced 30-something.

This issue’s photographic feature also takes inspiration from figures. It’s not a top 10 or indeed any other kind of list. Instead, it’s purely personal as we highlight six of our absolute most favourite cocktails – each a total number one, for ingredient or occasion, as far as we’re concerned.

As for ordering a cocktail or two, we’re rounding up extraordinary destination bars in Miami, Mexico, Venice and London.

And there’s plenty more besides. All adding up to 68 packed pages of cocktail-loving goodness!

Mr G

Size

From

Drink

Tuning

Issue 44 Spring 2023

Editors Sandrae Lawrence Gary Sharpen

Creative director Scott Bentley – Bentley Creative

Copy editing Laura Hill

Cover photography Gary Smith

Contributors

Dan Berger, Priyanka Blah, Troels Knudsen, Jack Sotti, Alex Wolpert, Claire Warner, Yael Weisberg

For all editorial and advertising enquiries, please contact:

(+44) 020 7242 2546 mail@thecocktaillovers.com

60

Mains & Martinis

Counting the calories at The Aubrey, feeling elegant at 45 Jermyn St and taking in the views from the 52nd floor at G ŏng at The Shard

62 The magic of Venice

Heading to Venice any time soon? We’ve got five fab bars to add to your must-visit list

66 A menu launch

to remember

How Sexy Fish made the world sit up and take notice of their new menu

Find us: TheCocktailLovers.com @cocktaillovers meet.thecocktaillovers @thecocktaillovers

Reproduction in whole or part of any contents of The Cocktail Lovers Magazine without prior permission from the editors is strictly prohibited.

All details of bars featured in this issue were correct at time of going to press. Please see individual websites for up-to-date information.

The Cocktail Lovers Magazine is printed in the UK by Stephens & George.

The Cocktail Lovers ISSN 2052-059X

© 2023. Published by The Cocktail Lovers Ltd. London, UK

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Priyanka Blah

Size matters: page 38

Priyanka Blah (fondly known as Blah), is the founder of popular cocktail and spirits website, The Dram Attic, a platform that shines a spotlight on the movers and shakers of the beverage world, highlighting the best drinking experiences across the globe. Based in India, she is a regular juror at international spirits competitions and is considered one of the most relevant voices championing the South Asian bar industry.

In this issue: Priyanka takes us to her favourite bars around the world for every size, mood and occasion.

Yael Weisberg

The age debate: page 30

Born in New York and based in Amsterdam, Yael Weisberg is a self-confessed professional nerd. In her role as a strategist, she works across premium spirits, consumer goods and travel sectors to produce fresh insights and inspiring content. She also delivers research and insights alongside memorable campaign concepts that make people smile.

In this issue: Yael draws on her other passion, writing about spirits as she argues the case for age statements on spirits, making the perfect sparring partner for Alex…

Alex Wolpert

The age debate: page 31

A former bartender, Alex Wolpert is the managing director and founder of the East London Liquor Company. Launched in 2014, his much lauded business includes a distillery, bar and restaurant situated in the heart of London’s old spirits district. He is also director at The English Whisky Guild and Founding Committee Member at The Drinks Trust.

In this issue: Alex stands up against Yael – and defends the premise behind his products – as he puts forward his argument for non-age statement spirits.

Claire Warner

Playing by numbers: page 34

Claire Warner has worked in the drinks industry for over 20 years, and throughout that time has worn many hats –award-winning bartender, ambassador, consultant, writer and spirits judge, as well as brand and spirit innovator. A tireless advocate for better health and wellness within the hospitality industry, Claire created the progressive ‘Drink, Eat, Live’ platform in 2011.

In this issue: It’s not easy to tackle the minefield that is the hows and whys, dos and don'ts of ABVs but Claire breaks the numbers down.