Big Zuu's Festive Fusion With Schweppes Is Putting The Fizz Back Into Christmas!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. And the festivities this year feel that little bit more special with the British public celebrating last year alongside our third national lockdown, no cheese boards for us (Boris!), and it has certainly made us miss the little things that make this time of year so beautiful. According to data obtained by Schweppes’ Christmas campaign, 78% of people are even looking forward to the family squabbles and cheesy traditions they used to hate. Speaking of Schweppes, a brand that is always on my Christmas table, they’ve teamed up with West London chef, Bafta winner, and MC, Big Zuu to create his very own G&T serve, helping us put the ‘fizz’ back into Christmas! The festive collaboration is a twist on the much-loved classic G&T, named “The Big Zuu” a sweet, peppery, yet bitter fusion, and the perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations with almost a third of Brits saying they look forward to the ritual of the first alcoholic drink on the day. As we are fast approaching the holiday weekend, for many of us the festivities have already begun, and so you can pair The Big Zuu with anything your heart desires, with Big Zuu saying the perfect accompanying dish is a classic Chick Kebab. Turning leftovers on boxing day into a speciality. Celebrating in LA this year, the first time he is spending Christmas away from his family, New Wave spoke to the MC turned hospitality king, to talk all things Christmas – don’t forget to tag Schweppes in all your Christmas drink festivities!

What are the must-have dishes on your Christmas plate? Cauliflower cheese You give your leftovers to the homeless once the day is done, what more can people do when giving back this time of year? People can tackle food waste and give food away to those that need and deserve it. I saw mum usually does Christmas dinner back in the day, now you’re a big-time chef, is that your role now or is it a joint effort? It’s definitely a joint effort but really and truly, I take the lead on the day. I have been doing Christmas dinner with my mum forever! How will you be spending Christmas this year? I’m going to be in LA, chilling! Describe ‘The Big Zuu’… It’s sweet, peppery, bitter, and delicious and vibes. Bad boy G&T! ! What is the perfect pairing for The Big Zuu? A nice chicken kebab

Your partnership with Schweppes is putting the ‘fizz’ back into Christmas, describe the drink in one word? Joy

How has growing up in West London to a Lebanese and Sierra Leonian heritage taught you about hospitality? Growing up with people from many different cultures has definitely taught me the importance of hospitality 32% of people said they were extra looking forward to the ritual of their first alcoholic drink on Christmas day, at what point in the day does that happen for you? I have my first drink around 3/4 pm when we eat the food. Of course, music is a big part of your life, what does your playlist look like during this time of year? Just pure vibes. Bare Masego, Bryson Tiller, Drake, new Roddy Rich, Little Simz, Ms. Banks. Do you have any pre-show rituals? Drink Couvossier with lemonade and coke! Everyone knows Schweppes lemonade, so when life gives you lemons… what will you make? Lemon meringue pie

Big Zuu’s G&T Recipe: Ingredients: 50ml Sipsmith Sloe Gin 12.5ml Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice 100ml Schweppes Pink Soda 2 Dashes Orange Bitters Cracked Black Pepper Branded Orange Peel Method: Pour the Gin, Soda & Fresh Squeezed Lemon with cubed ice into a highball glass. Give the drink a stir, crack some black pepper over top, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Garnish with a branded orange peel.