Meet the Mixologist: Hugo - Cut Your Wolf Loose
Hey, this is Hugo from Cut Your Wolf Loose - and this is my meet the mixologist Q&A. Ok, sweet let’s go.
What first got you into making cocktails?
I'm probably the least Aussie, Aussie that you'll meet. I spent half my life there, and then moved over here to the UK where I got a cocktail bartending job in my last few years of uni and really loved it. And so that’s why I'm still sticking around.
If you could only drink one cocktail for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Controversially with me working in a whisky bar, I don't actually think it would be a whisky cocktail. I'm probably going to go for an Enzoni, which is a Negroni riff with muddled white grapes that came out of Satan's Whisker’s in Bethnal Green. Refreshing, bitter and so so good.
Are there any cocktail myths or misconceptions that bother you?
Oh, any cocktail myths or misconceptions that bother me? I think people turning their nose up at single malts in a cocktail. I'm a firm, firm believer that if you can use something that truly highlights the quality in a cocktail - and it properly represents and accentuates those flavours - then I literally don't see why the hell not.
Do you have any top tips or advice for aspiring home bartenders?
Just keep trying. Go to different bars, get inspired, see what you like. Shout out to Jayac, our social media guy who's doing it at home now. He's just playing around with what he likes, and it's all just a journey. Also, follow creators online who do it like Thirsty Whale on Instagram. He's a really good home bartender. No bartending experience, but just has a good crack at it and creates some really cool drinks.
What's the most unique or unusual cocktail request you've ever received?
I always think it’s weird when people ask for dry Manhattans. I’m not judging you, but it's just not a thing for me.
What’s your favourite cocktail bar in the world (other than Cut Your Wolf Loose of course) and why?
Wow, my favourite cocktail bar in the world other than Cut Your Wolf Loose is a really tough one. I started out bartending in very European style bars, so I'm always really drawn to that kind of hospitality - and I think the Amaro Bar in South Kensington is world-class. It's very easy to over confuse or over complicate drinks, and I think they just make really effective and clean cocktails. And the service is incredible too.
What’s your favourite cocktail on the menu at Cut Your Wolf Loose and why?
So we’ve just released a new cocktail menu, and it's very exciting. I really like my “Shiso Heavy”. It's a Boulevardier riff that uses Japanese shiso plum wine instead of sweet vermouth. A much lighter twist on the classic, it’s super sessionable and there's a lot of depth to it - so I'm really happy with it.
To find out more about Brighton’s incredible bar scene, book a Brighton Cocktail Tour or follow @brightoncocktails and @cutyourwolfloose on Instagram.
