The boy and his poison: The Professional

Muddle this, flame that garnish, zest that pith, rinse that glass. There are days when the process of mixing a drink is a pleasure. Then again, there are days when you need something that tastes great but that can be measured out by eye, stirred a bit and then greedily devoured.

My 'go-to' on such days is usually a negroni. One part of everything you can make it by the pint load, delicately sink a slice of orange in it and feel pretty-damn sophisticated as your gin-soaked oblivion gradually massages away the day. Sadly not everyone's a fan of the Queen's favourite tipple and even if you're a gin lover it always pays to have a delicious alternative up your sleeve. The Professional is just that, it will convert bourbon drinkers to negronis, negroni drinkers to bourbon and best of all, confuses the hell out of rum drinkers. It's the UN Peace keeping force of cocktails and all it needs is 10 seconds, a glass, some ice and a vague eye for measures.

You'll need:

• 50ml bourbon (2 parts)
• 25ml Campari (1 part)
• 12ml rum (0.5 part) 

Make it:

• Pour everything into a small tumbler 
• Fill with ice
• Stir with a bar spoon or straw