This year’s Diageo World Class cocktail competition saw the globe’s top mixologists meddle, mix and meld their way through gruelling stages. The UK winner was the talented Jamie Jones. Here he gives us his top three winter cocktails and we grill him on the new cocktail rules.
What are the three ingredients everyone needs in their cocktail cabinets?
Sugar syrup, a good gin and Johnnie Walker whisky.
How should you drink the perfect martini?
In three sips, and don’t let it go warm, ever.
What are the mistakes people make when stocking their cocktail cabinet?
It depends what they like to drink, but avoid the random holiday liqueurs, as they’ll rarely get used.
What is the best sequence of drinks: early evening, dinner and post prandial?
Before dinner, mix up a Negroni (vermouth rosso, gin and Campari) or a Spritz. During dinner, wine or low abv drinks like vermouth and tonic. Once the plates have been cleared, go for something deep and rich like a Sazerac or an Old Fashioned.