My Life In Booze: Andrew Scutts
My go-to order now is a milk punch. Mouth feel is very important to me within a drink, and that’s what I love about milk punch. It’s also a great option to batch up and take to a party – people always love the big flavour and body delivered in a neutral, clear drink. Like most blokes these days, I also love a craft beer. Beavertown Neck Oil is my session beer of choice and, thankfully, it’s available nearly everywhere.
I tend to start a night out with a martini. I like the buzz from a strong first drink, and usually follow with a couple of beers. At the end of the night, I’ll savour a digestif-style cocktail, usually something strong and stirred. I don’t drink wine very often, but I’ve always liked more delicate reds and pinot noir – I’ve enjoyed travelling around the Margaret River area in Western Australia and this has increased my interest in the category.
A good drink is defined by presentation, temperature and company. None of which are related to flavour. I like the modern cocktailing style of less is more – drinks with just two or three ingredients, but one of them’s been made bespoke and can only be enjoyed in that bar.
I like to shake up espresso martinis for a house party. They’re a crowd-pleaser and they bring up the energy I don’t have a particular spec as it depends on what’s in the cupboard, but the last one I made was with Belvedere vodka, Luxardo coffee liqueur, simple syrup and espresso from the AeroPress.
I’ve also been making a lot of rum punch. I use a recipe called ‘Message in a Bottle’ given to me by Georgi Radev, the amazing bartender and owner of Laki Kane in London. To make a single serve, combine 10ml of Agricole rum, 20ml of Saffron gin, 20ml of Chairman’s Reserve rum, 10ml of lemon juice, 20ml of oleo saccharum and 60ml of rooibos tea. I would normally make this in a batch of 20 serves, and either store it in the fridge or enjoy it with mates. Quick, easy and tasty.
At a bar, I always pay attention to how they welcome you. That’s very important. I also note whether the bartender makes eye contact and acknowledges they’ve seen you. The ambient sound level makes a big difference to me – maybe I’m getting old, but I don’t like being in a venue if I can’t hear someone easily. I also like venues that have a strong sense of identity rather than trying to please everyone.
One of my favourite spots is Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair. The team are welcoming and always go the extra mile. I also like the ambience and drinks at SOMA, and watching the bar staff in places like Lyaness – there’s an elegance to how they move around the bar that’s fascinating to watch.
JON DAY
There are some memorable drinks I think about often. I vividly remember enjoying a martini at Dukes, with my old school friends from Newcastle just before watching a beach volleyball match at the 2012 Olympics. The combination of being with my oldest mates, introducing them to the institution that is Dukes, and being served by someone as charismatic as Alessandro made for a standout moment. More recently, I was blown away by the Unfiltered Martini at Lyaness. “Boatyard Vodka and really great potato” is the description. It doesn’t sound very appealing, but the range of flavours they get into the glass is impressive.
The most expensive drink I’ve ever ordered was on my wedding day. My wife and I shared a bottle of 1934 Armagnac with our guests which was very special. If money was no object, I’d happily drink that every week. I’d also build my dream at-home bar, featuring a bar like SOMA’s – slick, modern and with a long marble countertop. At home I always have a good triple sec on the shelf, as well as vermouth. If you have those two, you’re only ever one spirit away from great cocktails. A good fino sherry also elevates most drinks, but doesn’t keep for too long, so you need to get through it once opened.
Some of the best drinks I’ve tried have been in Mexico. The aroma and flavour profile of tequila is so distinctive, it takes me straight back. My uni mates and I like a tequila old fashioned – I introduced them to it at the wonderful Hide Bar on Bermondsey Street many years ago. Sadly, Hide closed earlier this year and I’m still trying to perfect their cocktails at home.
At the end of a long day, I like to unwind with a whisky on the rocks. Or an aged rum. My go-to is now Rhum JM XO which was recommended to me by Sly Agustin, the owner of Trailer Happiness and Portobello 177.
My hangover cure? Eat your way out of it and, if you can, get in the sea. The cold will dust off the cobwebs.
Tickets for Cocktails in the City on 11th-13th July, 8th-10th August & 5th-7th September are on sale now. They start from £22.
JON DAY
SHOP ANDREW'S FAVOURITES BELOW
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