Mix it Like a Lankan in Colombo

Was booked a Mixology Masterclass (off the Silver Aisle website) with the #DrunkenLankan mix-master himself, which I attended with a fellow bevvy lover. True to title, Ash showed up sloshed, which only enhanced the entertainment factor of the evening. Each cocktail was brilliant and wonderfully flavourful — the mixologist also talked us through recipes, unique ingredients, specific techniques, and historical facts which made for an interesting and engaging session. Seeing as the theme of this experience was ‘Mix it like a Lankan’, every cocktail was based on local spirits from arrack, to gin, to vodka. I was particularly impressed by the twist on typically ‘whisky’ based drinks, i.e. the Arrack Old Fashioned and the Arrack Sour. A fave of mine was the classic Espresso Martini, and the one he mixed for us was delicious! There was also a delightful ‘Watermelon Curry Leaf Cooler’ which combined gin and ginger in a manner I didn’t know could be so good. It’s worth mentioning that although I’m not a fan of passionfruit personally, the welcome drink (which was a surprising mix of prosecco and passionfruit) somehow managed to convert this unbeliever. The hours flew by, which is why we didn’t get the chance to make our own cocktails – this was our only regret (however, fret not as this is generally included!). Tip: Try and tie down an early date because this guy tends to get very busy… Once he makes it happen, it’s super fun!

Ash, to be sure, knows his cocktail mixing inside and out, but that you can experience any Friday night at Uncles. No, what you get for your buck here is his time, attention and genuinely infectious company. As he regales you with the history of cocktail mixing, a tale of the man who invented ice (yes, really) or simply a little peak behind the curtain into his own life, there's genuinely not a dull moment. And through this he weaves in the actual lessons on the building blocks of cocktail mixing, which by night's end good luck remembering! But what you certainly won't forget is the experience as a whole, one you'd be smart to put aside an evening for, to let loose and learn something while you're at it.

Ash, to be sure, knows his cocktail mixing inside and out, but that you can experience any Friday night at Uncles. No, what you get for your buck here is his time, attention and genuinely infectious company. As he regales you with the history of cocktail mixing, a tale of the man who invented ice (yes, really) or simply a little peak behind the curtain into his own life, there's genuinely not a dull moment. And through this he weaves in the actual lessons on the building blocks of cocktail mixing, which by night's end good luck remembering! But what you certainly won't forget is the experience as a whole, one you'd be smart to put aside an evening for, to let loose and learn something while you're at it.