Ali was the winner of The Chivas Masters, London Prestige heat. He can be found shaking and stirring it up at Hawksmoor in London, enjoys a Blood and Sand made with Chivas 18yr and would like to have served a drink to Marilyn Monroe…
How did you become a bartender?
I just fell into it during university in Nottingham.
What is your definition of a classic cocktail?
For me a classic cocktail is a drink with three to four ingredients, is easy to replicate and is timeless because of that.
What is your classic cocktail of choice?
A Blood and Sand with Chivas 18yr. Or a good Daiquiri.
What appealed to you about The Chivas
Masters competition?
I loved the set out and enjoyed being able to make four different drinks representing four different eras.
Which of the four periods (The Classic Age, The Post-War Boom, The Disco Years and The Age of Revivalism) did you enjoy most?
I enjoyed the Post-War Boom the most I guess. It allowed me to be a bit more elaborate and flamboyant with my serve.
Which of your four cocktails are you proudest of?
Probably The Age of Revivalism as it’s very simple with a nice twist on the way it is served.
Ali Reynolds, winner: The Chivas Masters, London Prestige heatWhich famous person, living or dead, real or
fictional, from the four periods would you like to make one of your four cocktails for?
Probably The Post-War Boom drink for Marilyn Monroe. Then I’d just hang around with her for the evening!!! Win!!!
What’s your favourite way to enjoy Chivas?
Neat with water on the side.
What’ your recipe for a simple Chivas cocktail for people to make at home?
“My Brother’s Peach Tea”. Take 40ml Chivas 12yr infused with Earl Grey tea, 20ml Cocchi Rose, 15ml Crème de Peche and 5ml Green Chartreuse, then stir over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
What are you most looking forward to about the final?
Being in the first ever final of this competition is an honour in itself.
The Chivas Masters is…
A fantastic concept, with an amazing prize for the winner. It’s also extremely inspiring in terms of drink creation.
‘Whisky, Beer and Crisps’ – Ali’s personal favourite from his four winning drinksThe People’s Choice
Who would you like to see win The Chivas Masters UK Final 2014? Click the Facebook ‘Like’ button below to cast your vote for Ali. To see all the finalists click here.
Ali joins the other seven finalists in the The Chivas Masters UK Final in London on 3rd June.
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