Spirits brands are on a mission to get more of us mixing our own cocktails at home. Research for The Grocer reveals they could have their work cut out: 26% of Brits say the most adventurous they get when it comes to mixing drinks at home is a gin & tonic or rum & coke [Harris Interactive]. 

Still, there’s an opportunity here. Seven per cent of Brits says they have recently started making cocktails at home, with that number rising to 19% of drinkers aged 25 to 34. What’s more, 10% of Brits and 25% of 25 to 34-year-olds say they’d make more cocktails at home if they were shown how. 

One brand that’s hoping to turn us in to arm chair mixologists is Disaronno, which has had something of a renaissance in recent years off the back of the growing trend for cocktails. In The Grocer’s Top Products survey last year [Nielsen 52 w/e 11 October 2014], we reported a £12.3m growth spurt for the brand. 

Last month the brand launched its first piece of NPD in almost 500 years: ultra premium whisky-based liqueur Disaronno Riserva (rsp: £250). So we sent reporter Ellis Hawthorne along to Fortum & Mason to discuss cocktails with Disaronno brand ambassador Rod Eslamieh. Here are his top three serves…  

Smoking Mexican

Recipe:

25ml Disaronno on the rocks 

25ml Tequila

50ml Sour Mix

10ml runny honey

Garnish: 1 lime wheel

Method: Shake and Strain

Rod says: This drink will really awaken your senses, the earthy flavours of Tequila match beautifully with Disaronno in this very popular variation of the Disaronno Sour.

Disaronno Kentucky Sour

Recipe:

25ml Disaronno on the rocks 

25ml Bourbon

50ml Sour Mix

Garnish: Lemon Wheel

Method: Shake and Strain

Rod says: Inspired by one of the most iconic cocktails: The Godfather, the blend of Disaronno matching with the caramel and vanilla tones of a Kentucky bourbon makes this a delicious sour.

Disaronno Long Sour

Recipe:

50ml Disaronno

35ml sour mix

50ml cranberry juice

top with lemonade

Garnish: 2 lime wedges

Method: Pour each ingredient in a tall 12oz glass, fill with cubed ice. Stir well and squeeze two lime wedges and drop in glass.

Rod says: The problem with a great made Disaronno Sour is that it goes too fast, the long sour gives a sweet, zesty flavour to it, and even if its chilli outside this drink brings back the summer feelings.

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