Ross-shire strongmen brothers dream up masterclass Mango Marge cocktail to raise money for mental health charity Mikeysline
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A specially-designed cocktail created by strongmen champions the Stoltman brothers, and a mobile bar company, has raised £1000 for a Highland mental health charity.
Luke and Tom Stoltman, of Invergordon, took part in a cocktail masterclass with Inverness company, Highland Mixology, to raise money for Mikeysline.
Luke Stoltman, who is five-times Scotland’s Strongest Man champion and a gym owner, became an ambassador last year for the charity which provides a text helpline and also runs the drop-in Hive Centre in Academy Street, Inverness.
Lia-Mai Cooper, of Highland Mixology, said the company wanted to help raise awareness of mental health especially given the current situation with coronavirus lockdown restrictions, as loneliness and anxiety could have a huge impact on people’s mental well-being.
"It’s something Luke Stoltman talks a lot about, as both an ambassador for Mikeysline and gym owner, knowing the positive impact the gym can have on your mental health," she said.
"We’re good friends with Luke and Tom Stoltman and have supported Mikeysline in the past with barbecue and cocktail nights at the Stoltman Strength Centre, as part of various fundraising activities."
The company, which creates a cocktail of the week, came up with the idea of putting the brothers through one of its masterclasses to create a cocktail which it could sell with a percentage of proceeds going to Mikeysline.
With the help of award-winning mixologist Mariusz Plucinsk, they created Mango Marge, featuring a honey, lime and mango juice yellow base with tequila and cointreau added to give it a kick.
It was garnished with a slice of lemon and red chilli.
Miss Cooper said: “Highland Mixology, like many other hospitality companies, had to diversify during the pandemic and our Highland Mixology at Home cocktails have been a huge hit with our customers since we launched our home delivery service back in June 2020.
"Customers can enjoy bar quality cocktails in the comfort and safety of their own home – and they’re great for those quiz nights on Zoom with friends and family.
"We had a great response to our cocktail of the week, with thousands of likes on social media and a large volume of orders for our cocktails.
"We raised several hundred pounds initially then following a successful Christmas market hosted by the directors of Highland Mixology, we decided to match the donations and round it up to £1000 as the charity is close to our hearts and does an amazing job in our local communities."
Related story: Invergordon woman raises over £1000 for Mikeysline with cycle challenge
