What’s your cocktail personality?

Inspired by the four key trends highlighted by Diageo Reserve Brands for its World Class competition earlier this year, we had fun breaking each of the themes into personality types. Which one are you?

From issue 3 of The Cocktail Lovers magazine:

GENTLEMEN’S DRINKS

In a former life you would have hung out with fellow genteel types in a dark wood-panelled club somewhere in Mayfair or St. James’s. Modern day gents like you are not so elitist, these days you’re equally at home in a bar in east London as you are in a private member’s club in Soho – just so long as the atmosphere and drinks are up to scratch. Which means strong, well-made cocktails, preferably stirred slowly as you have a chat with your bartender. You have the same approach to clothing – time-honoured styles are more your thing. Flashy labels are all well and good but you prefer well-made, understated styles from a little tailor you know somewhere in Clerkenwell or Savile Row when you’re feeling flush.

Your mantra: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Your drinks: Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky; Ketel One vodka.

CLASSICS WITH A TWIST

Whether it’s your clothing or cocktails, you believe every detail counts. You’re not a rebel – far from it, but while your taste veers towards the classic end of the spectrum, you like to funk things up a bit to make them your own. Naturally with your penchant for individuality you favour the quirky English eccentric touches from British fashion designer Paul Smith – another classicist who doesn’t adhere to conformity. As for your drinks, you like mixing things up, going for cocktails with a traditional backbone and a refreshingly modern edge.

Your mantra: Start with good foundations and everything else falls into place.
Your spirits: Talisker whisky; Ketel One vodka.

ASIAN FUSION

Precision and harmony are your watch words both in life and what goes into your glass. Fashion-wise you veer towards the clean lines of Yohji Yamamoto and Margaret Howell; as for taste, well, your palate is finely tuned into all things umami. Cocktails are more than drinks to you; they’re zen in liquid form. That means well-balanced lubrication for the mind, body and soul, prepared with passion and pride. And that’s another thing – the art that goes into the creation of your cocktail is more than a gimmick to you; you’re drawn to full-blown ritualistic service akin to Japanese tea ceremonies.

Your mantra: Never be too busy to be beautiful.
Your spirits: Tanqueray No. TEN gin; Grand Marnier liqueur.

INSPIRED BY LADIES

You’re a lady not a girl and doesn’t the rest of the world know it. You have a finely tuned palate and don’t hold truck with insipid or, heaven forbid, uninspiring drinks; well-crafted, elegant cocktails suit your taste perfectly. As with everything in your life, presentation is key. Long-stemmed glasses, lavish garnishes (but nothing too fiddly that might ruin your clothes) and elaborate serves all work for you. As for clothing, you favour elegant but body-conscious designs from Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckham and Roland Mouret – you may be classy but you don’t mind showing off your assets.

Your mantra: All in the best possible taste.
Your spirits: Ron Zacapa rum; Don Julio Añejo tequila.