I'm a trained bartender: Imran Khan

‘The good life is a holistic concept. It’s not just about improving one area of your life. Work better; play harder; eat better; have better friends and relationships-it’s everything. A person who does what he wants, when he wants, how he wants to do it-that to me, is the very definition of living the good life.’ says Imran Khan. Excerpts:

ON TRAVEL

The most memorable place that I’ve been would probably be Florence, Italy. I would drop everything and go back there tomorrow. I’m a beach junkie: I love swimming and all kinds of water sports, especially scuba diving. One of my favourite destinations is Mauritius. I’m the best packer in the world my luggage is never overweight and here’s why: since I’m going to buy stuff like souvenirs and gifts, I travel with my suitcase pretty much empty. I carry lots of socks and underwear; maybe a pair of jeans and a couple of shirts and T-shirts. That’s it.

ON STYLE

A couple of years ago, GQ asked me if I wanted to get a bespoke suit made. They had this tailor from Italy. It was a Zegna suit, and this guy took the most minute measurements of my body. He then said, “It will take about three months.” The whole thing seemed like a royal waste of time. But when the suit turned up, the way it fit made me go, “Whoa! I feel like James Bond”

In India, Amitabh Bachchan is always very sharply dressed, and is, I think, someone who knows the power of good tailoring. I read a lot of blogs for style news and inspiration. I have a subscription to GQ on the iPad. It’s where I get the informed opinion from.

ON FOOD

The most expensive meal I’ve eaten was in Prague at this fancy restaurant. Avantika and I did the chef's tasting menu. It was horrifically expensive, but worth it. By the end of it, I was begging the waiter not to bring more food because I couldn’t eat any more.
I went to boarding school, where if you didn’t learn how to cook, you were dead. So I cook a lot – and I think I’m a good cook!

ON RELATIONSHIPS

Having a fling and coming out of it being the good guy is very tricky. If two guys have slept with the same woman, the only way for them to be friends is if neither of them is involved with the woman; she has to be completely removed from the equation.

ON DRINK

The classic boy’s night out drink is beer. I'm a trained bartender. So I can make any number of cocktails.

IMRAN KHAN’S RUSTIC DAIQUIRI

The daiquiri is simple to execute and – except for great rum – is made from ingredients available at any grocery store. Sweet, sour and strong, this classic cocktail is refreshing in summer and transporting when the weather sucks. This twist on the classic recipe comes from Bollywood star Imran Khan.

Ingredients

• 60 ml Ron Zacapa

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• A lime wedge

• Ice

Pour the rum into a glass. Add a teaspoon of sugar. Stir. Add ice. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass, then drop it in. Enjoy.

Read more of the interview in the December special Issue of GQ the Good Life Guide on stands