How to Drink House of Suntory Spirits with James Bowker

May I introduce you to my next guest - she has been the host of Lush Life podcast since its launch and is a voice you have grown used to after 176 episodes. She also seems to be speaking about herself in the third person. I think you may have guessed by now... I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.Today, I thought I would turn the microphone around and answer all of those questions that I am always asked - why did you start Lush Life podcast, where this interest in all things cocktails came from, what my favorite cocktail is, etc.I have been reticent to talk about myself in past episodes because I want it to be all about my guests. Still a few fans of the show encouraged me to reveal a bit more about myself and now you have a whole episode about me before you - - careful what you wish for!Our Cocktail of the week is the Gingersnap Punch:INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar1/4 cup of grated fresh ginger2 cinnamon sticks, broken up3 to 4 whole cloves1 gallon milkGlug of Ginger Vodka* METHODCombine the sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan, and heat until sugar has dissolved.Add the grated ginger, cinnamon sticks, and cloves and remove from heat.Set aside to steep for 4 hours at room temperature.Add the syrup and the spices to the milk, and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours to develop flavors.Strain, and serve cold or very gently warmed. (Do not allow the milk to get near a boil.)Serve with a cinnamon stick garnish and nutmeg on top *Ginger Vodka: 1 pound candied ginger to 1 liter vodka1 week to 2 weeks ahead: Steep the candied ginger in the vodka in a large covered container.Day of the party: Pour the vodka through a fine strainer and discard the candied ginger. Return the vodka to a bottle and put in the freezer. (May also be served over ice cream or anything else.)You’ll find this recipe, more rum recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-in-177-episodes-----Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! Produced by Simpler MediaFollow us on Twitter and InstagramGet great cocktail ideas on PinterestNew episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

22 Dec 202015min

There was a time, and I am so glad that it’s over when all you heard was “Print is dead, it’s all about online now”. As much as I love my blog, there is nothing like holding a book or magazine in your hands and cuddling into the sofa to read it. Thank goodness, my guests felt the same way!I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.Three weeks ago, Benita Finanzio and Rob Ellison launched The Tonic Magazine, the world’s newest drinks magazine, or should I say a heady cocktail of drink, travel, and adventure. They’ve collected stories - all about booze - that reach from North Korea to Iceland to Haiti, San Francisco, and back again. So warm up that mulled wine, nestle into your sofa, and settle in to find out how Benita and Rob mixed up all those ingredients and created The Tonic Magazine. Our Cocktail of the week is the Trailer Happiness DaiquiriINGREDIENTS 50 ml Don Q Cristal25 ml lime juice20 ml 1:1 sugar syrupMETHODAdd all ingredients to a shakerAdd iceShake vigorouslyStrain into a chilled coupetteYou’ll find this recipe, more rum recipes, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-a-heady-cocktail-----Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! Produced by Simpler MediaFollow us on Twitter and InstagramGet great cocktail ideas on PinterestNew episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

15 Dec 202049min

There is something about the lyrics to the theme tune of the TV program Cheers that seems particularly applicable to my guest today. For those who might not know them, they goes something like this, and I am not singing: “Sometimes you wanna goWhere everybody knows your nameAnd they're always glad you cameYou wanna be where you can see Our troubles are all the sameYou wanna be where everybody knows your name” I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.Greg Almeida knew he wanted his new bar to be in West London. I’m just lucky it was down the street from me. Throughout this insanely stressful year, Publiq has been my, and a whole load of other people’s, Cheers. Greg and his team have created a place where the neighborhood flocks. That takes a lot of work, even when there isn’t a global pandemic.Find out why, and how, he is the perfect person, at the right moment, to fill that void when we most needed it the most.Our Cocktail of the week is Publiq’s Strawberry Margarita:INGREDIENTS 40 ml Ocho Tequila10 ml Fino Sherry20 ml Strawberry cordial5 ml Martini Fiero5 ml Lime juiceMETHODAdd all of the ingredients to a shakerAdd ice and shake, shake, shakeStrain into a coupe glass or served on ice.You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-open-a-bar-during-a-global-pandemic-----Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! Produced by Simpler MediaFollow us on Twitter and InstagramGet great cocktail ideas on PinterestNew episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

8 Dec 202048min

Usually, at this time of year, I’ve gathered together a list of my favorite Christmas cocktails served in bars throughout London. Hopping from bar to bar to try their cinnamony, gingery, gingerbready concoctions is always my late November treat. Alas, as we are all very well aware, this year is unlike any other, but that hasn’t stopped me.I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.Hotels, restaurants, and bars have been shut for four weeks, and they are due to open tomorrow - at least in London. Still, Christmas cocktail creation is happening all over the country! On today’s show, I’ll be joined by my friend and former Lush Lifer Benoit Provost and Salvatore Megna of the American Bar at the Stafford here in London and also Jonny Stuchberry and Harry Morris from the Bar at Northcote up in Lancashire as they reveal what Christmas flavors they are drawn to, what’s on their cocktail menu this year, and their top tips for the home bartender.Also, check out my favorite Christmas spirits, cocktail books, and gifts for the year at alushlifemanual.com. Hang on until the end to discover what American Whiskey I found when I opened the first door of my boozy advent calendar!Our Cocktail of the week is the American Bar at the Stafford’s Candy Cane:INGREDIENTS 35ml Plymouth gin10ml Lillet Blanc5ml St Germain liqueur15ml Sassy Cider reduction with prickly pear and pomeloChampagneMETHODMake the reduction first by adding 200ml of Sassy Cider, 30gr of sugar, 1 prickly pear, and one large slice of pomeloBring to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutesAdd a splash of lime juice at the endLeave the reduction to cool down.In a cocktail shaker full of ice, add the Gin, the Lillet blanc, the St Germain liqueur, and the cider reduction.Shake wellStrain in a flute glassTop up with ChampagneYou’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-your-spirits-bright-----Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! Produced by Simpler MediaFollow us on Twitter and InstagramGet great cocktail ideas on PinterestNew episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

1 Dec 202033min

If you don’t know our next guest by now, you haven’t really been listening. I quote him all the time, incessantly, because he is the one, the only, James Beard award-winning, for the first-ever cocktail book no less, cocktail historian extraordinaire, the Dean of Cocktails.I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.If you want to know the history of the cocktail you are sipping right now, David Wondrich is the one to ask. Author of Imbibe, Punch, Esquire Drinks, co-host of drinks podcast Life Behind Bars, and so much more. He is one of my heroes and here with me today!You can find his work here:Imbibe: https://amzn.to/3e2VUGVPunch: https://amzn.to/3Tp7g8mThe Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails: https://amzn.to/3pOYjaSOur Cocktail of the week is the Improved Holland Gin Cocktail:INGREDIENTS 2 oz oude genever or other rich genever1 bar spoon rich simple syrup (2:1 Demerara)1 scant bar spoon orange curaçao2-3 dashes aromatic bitters1 dash absintheMETHODAdd all the ingredient to a mixing glassStir with cracked iceStrain into chilled cocktail glassTwist a swatch of thin-cut lemon peel over the top.You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-become-the-dean-of-cocktails-----Become a supporter of A Lush Life Manual for as little as $5 - all you have to do is go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife.Lush Life Merchandise is here - we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers, and more covers for everything! And more! Produced by Simpler MediaFollow us on Twitter and InstagramGet great cocktail ideas on PinterestNew episodes every Tuesday, usually!!

17 Nov 202044min

My grandmother was the hippiest woman alive - she would have fit in at the coolest cocktail bar in any town. Her drink of choice was the Whisky Highball - which is having its heyday right now. But not just any whisky would do - there was only one, and it had to be Dewar’s. As you can imagine, my guest today loved that story. Why? Because he is Global Brand Ambassador.Needless to say, Fraser Campbell holds my grandmother in high regard, as well as every Dewar's Whisky drinker. He’s on a mission to bring people into whisky while they're having fun. Who doesn’t want to head down to the beach with some whisky piña coladas right now! I know I do! How Fraser is completing his mission can be found on today’s program. Our Cocktail of the week is the Coconut Highball.Ingredients:50ml Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth20ml Lemon Juice20ml Monin Coconut Syrup100ml Soda WaterGarnish: Lime Wheel & Mint SprigMethod:Add the Dewar’s, Lemon Juice, and Syrup to a chilled Highball Glass, filled with ice. Top up with the Soda. Stir ingredients from the bottom upwards to mix thoroughly. Garnish with slapped mint sprig and lime wheel. You’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-fall-into-whiskyAlways remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

10 Nov 202040min

Being the first female senior bartender at the Savoy’s American Bar in over 100 years and now Brand Ambassador for one of the oldest gins in the world - you know that making history comes easily to our guest. Finding good wifi in Cornwall, well, that’s hard!I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, where every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.Did I also mention that Pippa Guy is the author of Let’s Get Fizzical, a beginner’s guide to bubbles and bubbly cocktails? She is not one that is afraid to take on any challenge. Earlier this year, she left the Savoy to open a bar in New York City, only to be waylaid by a global pandemic.Did she let that stop her? Nope! She shifted gears and is now UK Brand Ambassador for Tanqueray Gin. We’ll discover how that happened and what's with the wifi in Cornwall?FYI: Pippa mentions an Erik Lorenz and a Jack Sotti on the show! You would know who they were if you received my weekly newsletter? It’s delivered to your inbox every Tuesday with info on what I’m drinking, links to new cocktail recipes, and so much more! ! You can join the fun by signing up for it at alushlifemanual.com!Now let’s join Pippa!Our Cocktail of the week is the Tanqueray Negroni!INGREDIENTS 25ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin25ml Campari and25ml Sweet VermouthOrange PeelMETHODAdd all of the ingredients to a mixing glassStir wellStrain into a rocks glass full of iceWipe the glass with the orange peel before placing into the glassYou’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-make-history-----Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

3 Nov 202027min

One ingredient does not a cocktail make, but it’s a great place to begin. Our guest is breaking it all down for us in his new Youtube channel, and that’s not the only thing on his plate. I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is, Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time. By the way, did you know I have a weekly newsletter? It is delivered to your inbox every Tuesday with info on what’s I’m drinking, links to new cocktail recipes, and so much more! ! You can join the fun by signing up for it at alushlifemanual.com - you also get a free goodie!One Thing Drinks, Jack Wareing’s new youtube channel, may have started off during lockdown, but now it has its own permanent home. Not that he doesn't have anything else to do with his time, Jack is also Global Brand Ambassador for Porter’s Gin, whose mission is to respect tradition while innovating, thus to avoid cliches.From his work at Dandelyan to Porter’s Gin and One Thing Drinks, there was loads to talk about, but before we get to that, I wanted to thank Porter’s Gin for sponsoring the transcript of this podcast! You can find a link to it on my home page, alushlifemanual.com.Now to Jack.Our Cocktail of the week is the Tropical Floradora:INGREDIENTS 50ml Porter's Tropical Old Tom25ml Lime Juice10ml Gomme10ml Ginger Syrup3 Raspberries80ml Ginger Ale METHODPut all of the ingredients, except the Ginger Ale, into a shakerAdd ice and shake!Pour into a highball glass.Top with Ginger AleGarnish with a raspberry and a lime wedgeYou’ll find this recipe, plus all the cocktails of the week, at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll find all the ingredients in our shop.Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-avoid-cliches-----Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!-----If you live for Lush Life would you consider supporting us by buying us a coffee…Just go to buymeacoffee.com/lushlife and you can donate once or monthly to make sure we are still here every Tuesday.Life Merchandise is here – we’re talking t-shirts, mugs, iPhone covers, duvet covers, iPad covers and more covers for everything, and more!Theme music for Lush Life is by Steven Shapiro and used with permission.Lush Life is always and will be forever produced by Evo Terra and Simpler Media Productions.Until next time, BOTTOMS UP 🍸

27 Okt 20201h 1min