The week in pictures

World Duty Free hosted a whisky brunch at Mews of Mayfair on Wednesday where guests were able to indulge in Whisky Sour cocktails while catching up on the company’s latest news.

Imbibers were given the chance to test out the limited edition Monkey Shoulder 1930s Konga Shaker at Happiness Forgets in London this week. The Konga Shaker differs from regular cocktail shakers in that it features rotating handles that allow the cocktail to be made using a rolling rather than shaking motion.

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka sponsored tailor and designer Gresham Blake’s book launch at his Shoreditch store, where guests enjoyed Dorset Donkey cocktails and Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka Martinis. Attendees included actors Steve Coogan and Ray Winstone.

Also attending the Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka sponsored book launch for tailor and designer Gresham Blake was TV personality Vanessa Feltz. 

Jim Meehan, revered US bartenders and co-creator of Banks Fine Rums, was in London this week to celebrate the European roll-out of the brand this year. Meehan and Banks hosted a celebratory evening at The Punch Rooms in London, where guests also celebrated the classic Punch cocktail, which features in a new cocktail book co-authored by Meehan and cocktail historian David Wondrich, titled A Voyage of Discovery.

Last month’s Wenneker Swizzle Masters champion was revealed as Silvia Piccinato, with a cocktail called Summer Bloody Summer. Sticking to the theme of Bloody Mary Twist, the drink was made using Stolichnaya Vodka, fresh tomato juice, Wenneker Crème de Cassis, Wenneker Strawberry, fresh lime, fresh strawberries and brown sugar. Piccinato’s recipe will proceed to the semi-final in October.

Negroni fans will be pleased to know that skilled batched and aged cocktail specialist World of Zing has given its Bordeaux Cask Aged Negroni a revamp by switching to local London brand, Sacred Rosehip Cup. World of Zing experimented with the new brand over Christmas, and made the permanent swap after receiving “positive feedback” from consumers. Pritesh Mody, founder of World of Zing, said: “World of Zing is proud of its London roots, so we are delighted to be able to support another local business who also shares our ethos of providing quality small batch produce. Most importantly, feedback from our existing customers has also been overwhelmingly positive, so making the switch was an easy decision.” Cocktail enthusiasts keen to try the bottled Negroni, made from Tanqueray Gin, Martini Rosso and Sacred Rosehip Cup, can do so from Whole Foods or online at www.worldofzing.com.

Havana Club hosted another regional heat this week for its global Cocktail Grand Prix competition, this time in Canada. Securing his place in the grand final in Havana at the end of May was bartender Shane Mulvaney with his cocktail, The Constante Daiquiri, inspired by the “original Daiquiri maestro”, Constantino Ribalaigua.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival unveiled its line-up of musical acts set to perform at this week’s show. Performers include The Fochabers Fiddlers who will be supported by singer Shona Brown, Footerin’ Aboot, fiddler Charlie McKerron, vocalist Brian Ó’hEadhra, The Bicycle Thieves, The Whisky River Boat Band, The Copper Dogs, Chris Grand and Sons O The Soil.