Harts of Stur Kitchen Issue 5, Christmas 2017 | Page 59

Instant Expert kit T H E Cocktails Lloyd Brown The Mixologist Holiday Spirit Bartender and mixologist Lloyd Brown treats us to some festive cocktails What’s the perfect Christmas cocktail? For me, it’s all about that smell of mulled spices when you walk into a bar. What I always recommend is to add spiced hot cider and a knob of butter to your favourite spirit. At the moment I’m loving Dorset Star cider, heated gently with a cinnamon stick, some allspice and cloves, then mixed with a teaspoon of butter and Porters Perfection vodka. If you want to watch the calories use Sipsmith Sloe gin instead, my favourite spirit to mull! SHAKE IT UP Dartington Glitz Swarovski Elements Set Of 2 Martini Glasses RRP: £45.00 Harts Price: £36.00 Which cocktails should you drink with food? For canapés, fizz cocktails are always great – one I always get asked to make is the Dorset Twinkle; it’s Conker gin, Godminster Elderflower and Furleigh Estate Cuvée. For Christmas dinner, I like a Breakfast Martini to start – to make, stir down a spoonful of marmalade with two shots of gin, then shake with a shot of lemon and a shot of Cointreau, fine strain into a coupette and, if you’re feeling really naughty, add a splash of English fizz. What to buy a cocktail lover for Christmas A mixing glass such as a Yarai is perfect for stirring down drinks and making the perfect Martini. Lloyd runs the Grey Bear Bar Company – they cater for anything cocktail-related from one-on-one-classes to parties and weddings with their horsebox, the Fat Bear. www.greybearbarcompany.com Ravenhead Entertain 200ml Set Of 2 Cocktail Saucers RRP: £5.50 Harts Price: £5.00 Bar Craft Art Deco Brass Finish Cocktail Shaker RRP: £19.49 Harts Price: £17.54 Bar Craft Five Piece Hammered Brass Finish Cocktail Tool Set RRP: £28.99 Harts Price: £26.09 59 www.hartsofstur.com Dartington Glitz Swarovski Elements Copa Gin Glass RRP: £22.50 Harts Price: £18.00