THE prospect of politicians who dismiss dinosaurs and Darwinism as mere fantasy getting their hands on the levers of power means that sometimes it can be difficult to just “keep calm and carry on”.

So I can only thank whichever mystery deity or animal in the sky which looks after me for the local pub. This is where we get the opportunity to mix with people of different backgrounds, generations, gender, sexual orientation, race and religious beliefs. Isn’t that what life should be all about?

Thankfully, Scotland’s hospitality trade has emerged from the dark ages unlike some political parties. We are getting pretty damn good at catering for everyone now and even the most far flung places have something for the discerning hipster or random passer-by.

Imagine my surprise when I walked into my local in Darvel, The Black Bull, and found not only wonderful tequila, but a range of awesome rums, too. Result.

Challenge your local to stock something different. Of course if you feel the need to practice outside of the pub try making your own punch, it even has its own little poem to go with it. As American rapper Tone L?c would say, "it goes a little something like this – one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong and four of weak”.

I add 20ml lime juice, 40ml sugar syrup, 60ml rum and 80ml of fruit juice. Then I just whack it all in a big jam jar with ice, shake and drink straight away.

Remember to put the lid on first before shaking – especially if you have been doing vital ‘research’ beforehand at your local pub.

Graham Suttle is the managing director of Kained Holdings which has nine venues, including The Finnieston and Porter & Rye in Glasgow.