Men Only

Globetrotter and renowned bartender Chris Strong shares some cocktail serves designed specifically for male customers who are in the market for something different (even if they don’t know it yet).

We’re all aware of the stereotypical male drinker, who enjoys a good cold Beer or a stiff Scotch on the rocks at the end of a long day.

But with an increasing number of men now choosing cocktails (a sincere thank you, Mad Men), many are in the market and are open to suggestions from their bartender on something new to drink. Cocktails aren’t all female drinks—it’s about time the men got a little recognition too.

Recognizing this and providing a suggestion is a surefire way to build a relationship with customers and increase your sales (and your tips too!).

So why not incorporate your premium based spirits to add some distinctive (and masculine) drinks to your menu? Here’s a little inspiration…

The 1864

A twist on the Moscow Mule—fresh galangal gives a sweet, hot spice-type flavor to the serve and matches perfectly with the citrus notes of the passion fruit. It’s easy to drink and pairs wonderfully with Smirnoff as the base.

• 2 oz. SMIRNOFF Vodka
• .75 oz. galangal juice
• .75 oz. Passion Fruit Cordial
• .75 oz. lime juice
• 2 dashes bitters
• Soda water to top up

METHOD:

Add all ingredients except soda water to an ice-filled shaker and shake well.

Strain into an ice-filled Julep cup, top with soda water and garnish with fresh mint.

Saffron Fizz

An Asian-inspired twist on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz. Saffron compliments the Gordons really well and this truly is a masculine take on a timeless classic.

• 2 oz. GORDON’S Gin
• .25 oz. Italian Herbal Liqueur
• .75 oz. Saffron and Lime Cordial
• 1 oz. milk
• .5 oz. heavy cream
• .25 oz. lime juice
• .25 oz. lemon juice
• .5 egg white
• Dash bitters

METHOD:

Combine all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake well.

Strain into chilled collins glass and garnish with fresh saffron.

Habikino

Japanese liqueurs have added a new dimension to my drinks of late as they introduce new, bold flavors to classic combinations. My latest pairing of Japanese liqueur with Johnnie Walker Black Label proved to be really worthwhile. The plum base really complemented the spirit and with the added smokiness of the lapsang and the delicate spice of cumin, this drink is the epitome of balance.

• 1.5 oz. JOHNNIE WALKER Black Label
• .75 oz. Japanese Liqueur
• .25 oz. Cherry Liqueur
• .25 oz. Lapsang and cumin syrup
• 2 dashes bitters

METHOD:

Combine all ingredients into an ice-filled stirring jar.

Stir well and strain into an ice-filled Old-Fashioned glass.

Garnish with orange peel.

Haig Club Supreme

The perfect serve to savor the crisp and citrusy combination of Haig Club and sparkling water, finished with fresh lemon peel.

• 1.75 oz. HAIG CLUB
• 6.75 oz. soda water

METHOD:

Fill a highball glass with ice and add the HAIG CLUB and soda water.

Stir well to combine.

Garnish with lemon peel.

The SMIRNOFF, GORDON’S, HAIG CLUB and JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL words and associated logos are trademarks © Diageo 2015.

Chris Strong is currently based in Dubai and can be found behind the bar at Asia Asia.