The brand, which is co-owned by ex-Top Gear Host turned publican James May, recently released its first cocktail recipe book, which includes the Bloody Mary recipe.
Colquhoun told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) unique or unusual experiences in the on-trade were the “new luxury” for consumers.
He continued: “Anything to get people in the pub is a good thing right now – and something a little quirky gets people through the door.
“Consumer behaviour suggests when we head out to the pub, we are looking for something we know and love - such as a classic G&T or a Bloody Mary, however with a unique twist or elevated ingredients.
“A Bloody Mary is something we can all look forward to but might not necessarily bother with at home, once we’re at the bar, we know we’re getting quality ingredients and a quality serve.
“There is the recognition, but it is made with ingredients that stand out and are a little different. It’s a step away into something new, but not too new that it would put people off.”
Colquhoun added the richness of the flavours pair well alongside brunch dishes or roast dinners.
While the recipe calls for the brand’s Asian Parsnip gin, Colquhoun said all variants in the range, including the umami and beetroot flavoured London Drizzle or the herbaceous and herby California Dreamgin’, could be used to add an extra twist.
“Depending on the gin used, the bar can have fun with garnishes such as celery, rosemary, even beetroot or a dollop of horseradish.
“We’ve known operators to muddle garlic and other herbs together as part of the spice, so we’d suggest having fun with it depending on what the roast dinner of the day is”, he continued.
James Gin is distributed to the on-trade through LWC Drinks. See The MA’s Big Interview with James May here.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 100ml tomato juice
- Tabasco
- Worcester Sauce
- HP sauce
- Celery bitters
- Cubed ice
Method:
- Add 50ml James Gin over cubed ice in a highball glass
- Top with 100ml tomato juice spiced with a dash of Tabasco, Worcester Sauce and celery bitters as well as one tablespoon HP sauce
- Gently stir and serve garnished with a celery stick
To take part in The MA’s Drinks Masterclass series please email rebecca.weller@wrbm.com. See the previous Drinks Masterclass on festive cocktails here.
