Nothing, but nothing can beat idling away some time in a traditional Scottish golf club. Whether it’s the spike bar or the members’ lounge they are the most convivial of places where members, their guests and visitors can meet to share the banter, to tease each other, make wagers, perform post mortems of matches won or lost or to look forward in happy anticipation of matches still to come. And while doing so, they are most partial to taking some refreshment. Why not? How about another? A gin and tonic perhaps or a pint of beer (better still served in a pewter tankard as they do at Prestwick). Or how about a kummel, that most traditional of golf club drinks?
For those as yet uninitiated, kummel is a sweet clear liqueur that’s flavoured with caraway. It’s made in continental Europe but you typically only find it at certain British golf clubs. There are two main brands: Metzendorf and Wolfschmidt and connoisseurs will express a preference for one over the other (although some clubs like Panmure GC have experimented with distilling their own). It’s adaptable stuff. It can be served as an aperitif before lunch; a digestif after dinner; when you need something to steady the nerves (before the Spring Meeting perhaps) or just whenever you’re thirsty. It’s best served ice cold: either straight up or mixed with vodka to make a Silver Bullet cocktail. (Author’s note: it’s my experience that care should be taken when drinking Silver Bullets. They can be lethal. Particularly the fourth or fifth one. )
But in these days of restraint and modern drink driving rules (note to visitors: we don’t drink and drive ever) we need to be mindful of non-alcoholic offerings. And our golf clubs in have an answer here too. Walk into a Scottish golf club and order a John Panton and you’ll be poured a glass of ginger beer with lime cordial and a dash of Angostura bitters. John Panton was a celebrated Scottish golfer who represented Britain three times in the Ryder Cup (in the days before there was a European team) and was honorary professional to the Royal & Ancient. In some ways it’s the Scottish equivalent of an Arnold Palmer.