‘Lazy’ mixologist says  best is rum with water

BENGALURU: People in the city are not as open to experimenting with drinks as they are with food, said mixologist Balakrishnan Subramanyan. “That’s the general  scene in India. People usually drink just to get high and so, they prefer the same thing, either whiskey or rum.” Besides our weak sense of adventure, taxes on drinks are killing the industry too, according to him.
At a recent mixing session at Cafe Felix Terrace Bar, Balakrishnan said it’s the textures of the drinks that is setting a trend in the market. “It’s not about the base of the drink but more about the textures and mouthfeel...the lingering taste.”

When asked when was the first time he had a drink, he said “18 years” and, when the audience persisted, he added that he was just “being politically correct”. He added: “I used to steal from my father’s bottles when I was 13 but never got caught. He would also offer me a few sips when he used to drink.” His all time favourite is rum. “I have tried 18 variants of rums so far including Indian rum by Amrut and Australian Gosling’s,” he said adding, “Rum with water is my most favourite combination. I can have vodka with water too.” He soon clarified that he hadn’t driven any vehicle, even bicycle, drunk. “I have been caught by police for serving alcohol to people post midnight,” he said.

So when was the time he was really sloshed? “Couple of times... There was one time my friend challenged me to drop him at his hostel in Switzerland in my boxers after we got really drunk. The hostel was less than a kilometre away, but uphill,” he said. He must have had more than a bottle and a half of rum. “I had even the left overs and it was minus degrees outside. But, I completed my challenge,” he proudly added. “I then asked my friend to drop me back,” he said with laugh. He usually has his drinks with lots of water. “And... I usually stop before the last one drink I can have,” he said.He said that he is usually a lazy person who wouldn’t even walk from hall to kitchen to get his drink. “I decide not to have anymore unless someone else goes and gets it for me.”