Quick Mix!
Cocktailing with Benjamin NewbyWe asked nightlife and mixology guru Benjamin Newby to mix up some fun for us. The result? Three classic cocktails that every sophisticated gent should not only know—but can shake and stir under the gun. With a namesake consultancy company under his belt, Benjamin drops some knowledge on quality basics, having the correct tools for the job and always cocktailing with a smile. And we know what you’re thinking—if this is your first time entertaining behind your home bar, don’t fret! While Benjamin demonstrates lighting fast speed, he suggests making small batches of one particular cocktail if you’re expecting friends.
Follow along below as Benjamin power mixes The White Russian, The Old Fashioned and The Classic Martini in under a minute flat. And before you step behind the bar, make sure you have a jigger. “If you want to make perfect cocktails consistently this is the tool that will make it happen,” Benjamin explains. “That and being able to set orange peel on fire.”
Coming in at 58 seconds (yes, 58!), Benjamin swizzles up one handsome martini. “If I am discovering a new gin, the first thing I do is make a martini with it to bring out the subtlety of the botanicals,” Benjamin explains. Although a lavender-forward gin may be the key to a classic martini, he says the most important thing is to have fun and don’t be afraid make mistakes.
Benjamin uses MAMMOTH OLD DAM GIN + COCCHI AMERICANO
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Five ingredients, one flaming hot orange peel and a minute later? An American single malt that is dressed to impress. “The quality of products you use is the essential feature of all these cocktails,” says Benjamin. “And quality doesn’t mean expensive. Keep it craft, keep it local and keep it real!”
Benjamin uses COLKEGAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY
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Surprise and delight guests with a perfectly balanced White Russian. It’s not too creamy, not too sweet—and just dying to be sipped alongside Big Lebowski quotables. “Shake with passion and vigor,” Benjamin recommends. Once you have a handle on the basics, Benjamin suggests going off the rails: “Don’t be afraid to throw the rulebook out and start playing with different liquors, quantities and ingredients.”
Benjamin uses MAMMOTH DRY STACK VODKA + SOMRUS INDIAN LIQUEUR
Want more? BenjaminNewby.com
PHOTO: TIM MUSHO / TEXT: ALAINA AFRICANO