Imagine you’re at a cocktail party.

You have a drink in your hand and you’re surrounded by tall tales and witty asides.

Well Shake, Stir, Muddle is like a virtual cocktail party. Every fortnight I’ll offer you a new drink and invite you to stay for some clever conversation.

We’ll talk about your cocktail, and movies and music and travel, and I’ll lean in to share a few tales of my awkward teenage years. There might be a bit of politics and religion every now and then, but it’s a cocktail party, we aim to keep things light and fun.

And like all good parties, when it comes time to leave, I want you to be happy you came and look forward to the next one.

So who am I? Your hostess with the mostest?

I’m Carolyn Swindell and I am a writer and a journalist and a lover of the not-so-humble cocktail.

Shake, Stir, Muddle is about trying new ones, trying to make old ones, and just about any excuse to raise a glass and have a laugh.

Most of all though, it’s about keeping cocktails sociable and making sure my guests have a good time while you’re here  – so make sure you tell me if you want some more cocktail onions and please, join in the conversation!

Here’s looking at you kid.

Carolyn x