Why not treat yourself to a Friday cocktail! Mezcal is a Mexican spirit made from agave; here mixologist Russell Burgess creates his own version of mezcalito, a cocktail that has many variations…

Russell is the man behind a string of London venues including Loves Company Bar. He now runs an events and consultancy company, as well as the roaming bar Loves At!

Loves At! serves the very best in classic cocktails and new creations. Find out where they’ll be bringing the party next, or check their shop to order cocktails nationwide to your door.

Serves: 1

1. Muddle blackberries and then add all other ingredients except the soda and basil.
2. Shake and strain into highball glass filled with cracked (or crushed) ice and basil leaves, and top with soda.

Russell’s Top Tips For Cocktail Perfection:

1. Ice, ice and ice!
2. Use takeaway plastic containers as back-up ice trays
3. Always have a bottle of soda to hand, and batch-prep sugar syrup – it’s cheap and lasts long enough that you’ll not have to throw it away.