Instagram's best mixologists: OmakaseCocktails

The format for Desert Island Drinks is loosely based on a famous UK radio programme called Desert Island Discs – a music programme, where celebrities are interviewed about their music taste. On this show, the celebrity is asked ‘If you were stranded on a desert island, and had only 7 pieces of music to listen to, what would they be?’.

So, we do the same, but with cocktails!

This week, Marc McArthur, a.k.a. OmakaseCocktails is stranded on a desert island, and must pick his favourite cocktail to make and drink in 5 different scenarios.

So, without further ado, Marc, what would be your classic cocktail of choice?

Old Fashioned 

Now I know that this is almost everyone’s favorite, or at least ranks in most peoples top 5 cocktails. But that’s because it’s the best. It shows off the character of the spirit better than any other cocktail. It doesn’t confuse your palate with too much acidity or bitterness. Also, the original cocktail definition is Spirit, Sugar, Water and Bitters. That’s an Old Fashioned. So basically, an Old Fashioned was the first cocktail. O, and 1 more reason I like it. Its strong. Just kidding, I don’t drink that much.

60ml Bourbon or Rye

10ml Simple Syrup

3 Dash Bitters

Which fizzy cocktail would you pick?

G&T (Garden & Tonic) 

The humble Gin and Tonic. One of the greatest beverages man has ever known. Originally a super medicine, delivering the British troops in India with their daily ration of Gin (naturally that was medicine for, well, everything) and tonic was the miracle Malaria preventer. It so happened that it is also delicious! Botanicals and herbs all over the place, with a wonderful balance of bitter to sweet to strong to weak, and a refreshing fizz. I know people who don’t drink Gin and don’t fancy Tonic, but they drink G&T’s. So ya, that’s my Fizzy Drink of choice for ever. I foraged some herbs and citrus from the garden and put it in a tea strainer, then mad the drink in a tea pot, because it’s a very British drink, and they love tea… And we can share then.

60ml Gin

120ml Tonic

Fresh thyme, sage, rosemary, orange peel and lemon peel.

Which cocktail do you make to get the party started?

PornStarFruit Martini

A twist on the Porn Star Martini. A party drink for sure, originating in the famous men’s club in Cape Town, Mavericks. It just very approachable, ‘everyone likes it’ flavors. Vanilla and passionfruit. I twisted it here with Vanilla Vodka, Starfruit Syrup, Lemon Juice and just a few drops of Passionfruit Liqueur. It’s almost impossible to ruin the balance of this baby. Warning! This will start a party that might never end.

60ml Vanilla Vodka

20ml Starfruit syrup

10ml Passionfruit Liqueur

30ml Lemon Juice

What drink should everyone have tried?

The Bramble!

This drink rocks! And is not mainstream enough I say. Created by a legend London Bartender, Dick Bradsell, in the 1980s. It’s a simple drink that uses all British flavors, but it also looks delightful and captures the English spring time in the glass flawlessly. So go try one!

60ml Gin

30ml Lemon Juice

15ml Simple Syrup

15ml Crème de Mure

Finally, what would your showstopper be?

The Marley

An over the top Tiki drink would fit nicely in this category. I’m in love with Tiki, that’s true, but I wanted to use this opportunity to twist up one of the cocktail world’s darlings, the Negroni. So why not twist it in a very Tiki way, Lightly aged Rum, Strawberry Balsamic Shrub, Sweet Vermouth and Tiki Bitters Float. Garnished with Lemon and Popcorn Shoots. These flavors will through you around the room but are also bright and wonderfully complex. The colors are also striking, making this cocktail look as elegant as it is interesting. Since the Negroni was named after Count Camillo Negroni, I’ll name this one after Rastaman Bob Marley.

30ml Lightly Aged Rum

30ml Sweet Vermouth

30ml Strawberry Balsamic Shrub

6 Dash Tiki Bitters.