A drink prevalent in golf clubhouses in a way which it is not elsewhere is kummel. This caraway flavoured liquor is known as the ‘putting mixture’ for its perceived ability to calm nerves. As such, it can be served before a round of golf rather than at the 19th hole. The drink is believed to have Dutch origins although its name is Germanic – kummel means caraway in German – but it has become popular in Scotland. It is said that the highest consumption of kummel in Scotland is at the clubhouses at Prestwick, Muirfield and the R&A.
Another drink common in golf clubhouses but less so in the wider society is Gunners. This is a cocktail made of ginger beer and ginger ale to which can be added lime cordial and lemon juice and a drop or two of Angostura Bitters. It is considered to be a non alcohol cocktail even though Angostura Bitters is 44.7% alcohol by volume.
