As a nation, we’ve been getting into the spirits like never before, says Richard Godwin. If you’re going to mix drinks, here’s how to do it wellOne of the least surprising things about these most surprising times is that Britain is drinking more alcohol – and specifically, cocktails. Towards the end of April, the Office of National Statistics reported a 31.4% increase in volume sales of alcohol nationwide. Waitrose has since shaded in some detail: tequila sales are up 175%, and as liqueur sales are up 78%, too, we can assume that Margarita production has risen by a similar percentage year-on-year.My own household’s Negroni output is up 53.6%, annual Sidecar targets were smashed in early May, and all the citrus in my fruit bowl bears the telltale scars of garnish-manufacture. My interest predates lockdown – I wrote a book about cocktails a few years back – but clearly, all the people who bought it are only now getting round to reading it. I keep getting messages along the lines of, “But what else can I make with maraschino?” And, “Is it acceptable to use a whisk when making a Ramos Gin Fizz?” And, “What’s the best vermouth in a Negroni?” For many, clearly, cocktail hour has become an important weekly ritual. Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jul/12/raise-a-cocktail-glass-to-lockdown-we-have-really-been-getting-into-the-spirits