Creating a cocktail isn’t just about flavour, but about creating a great experience.

This month, we invited Murray Anderson (better known as @thewestmount) to curate an edit of cocktails for #NUDEFridayCocktails, showcasing a range of simple, delicious drinks with our glassware.

Murray is no stranger to NUDE, having partnered with us multiple times, and consistently bringing an infectious energy and brilliant creations – all the way from sunny Scotland. As a dear friend of ours, we interviewed Murray to let him share more of his story with you, the NUDE community.

Read more below, and find a selection of Murray’s June recipes as we head straight into summer.

A one on one with Murray

Where are you based?

Currently, I am living in a small village just outside of Glasgow, Scotland.

What led you to mixology – and content creation?

Wow, where to start... To cut a long story short, I fell in love with the science of flavour and began to capture some of the cocktails I made with my iPhone. I then began to fall in love with not just the creativity in mixology, but the creativity involved in photography and content creation!

Where do you find most inspiration for your work?

I love trying to evoke memories in my cocktails and photography, so I tend touse fond memories of my childhood and past experiences.

Which ingredient do you find yourself using most – and why?

If I could narrow it down to one type of ingredients, it would be fresh herbs. I love using natural ingredients in cocktails and finding ways to get the most out of them too.

Does glassware factor into what you create – and if so – how?

100%... I would say it’s a pretty underrated factor in creating a great cocktail. Creating a cocktail isn’t just about flavour, but about creating a great experience. I love keeping cocktails elegant and simple... One of the best ways to elevate a simple drink is through elegant glassware that matches the mood/overall feel of the drink.

What does mixology mean to you?

Honestly, it’s just about having fun with it. I used to take it all so seriously but I then realised it’s more about creating amazing drinks that people can recreate if they want to. Over the past year, I think we can all agree our bartending skills have massively improved and it’s now so apparent that great cocktails can be made in the comfort of your own home with good friends or family.

Most fulfilling part of what you do?

Teaching people. Over the past few years, I have learned a few tips here and there and I love passing that information on.

Words of advice for those looking to start their mixology journey?

Don’t ever be afraid to let your creativity take over.

Murray's June recipes for NUDE

Thyme Flies

Sunshine is calling for a banging rum cocktail, and Murray created this amazing cocktail called Thyme Flier in our NUDE Big Top whiskey glass.

Watermelon & Lime Negroni 

Ingredients:

• Cucielo Rosso Vermouth
• Campari
• Watermelon & lime rind infused Gin
• Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a mint sprig

Mulled Port Old Fashioned

Created to mark Father's Day 2021, Murray’s Mulled Port Old Fashioned in our NUDE Alba Whisky DOF glass is a simple whisky-based recipe that anyone can make at home - to help celebrate those closest to you that have made an impact on your life. 

Ingredients:

• 50ml Port Cask Malt Whisky
• 5ml honey syrup
• 5ml bitter mulled port reduction
• orange zest

Apple & Elderflower Gin Mojito

Murray shares his take on the all-time classic Mojito - substituting the traditional rum base in favour of a contemporary gin twist using our NUDE Savage High Ball Glass.

Ingredients:

• 50ml London Dry Gin
• 15ml elderflower syrup
• 25ml fresh lime juice
• 10 mint leaves
• Top with apple pressé

Sannox Bay

Murray chose to pair his latest recipe, a simple yet effective whisky-based affair, Sannox Bay in our NUDE Malt Whisky Glass - including a smoked process for extra depth and flair. 

Ingredients:

• 50ml Arran Whisky 10yr
• 5ml salted apricot syrup
• 3 dashes of aromatic bitters
• charred apricot garnish