Six Amarettos You Need to Try (And How To Make Your Own…)

Amaretto is one of the most popular liqueurs on the planet and easily one of Italy’s biggest exports. Recipes date back nearly 500 years, and it’s easy to see why the bittersweet, almond-forward liqueur has stood the test of time. Did you know, despite the flavour profile of amaretto being dominated by almonds, very often there are no almonds present? Instead, the liqueur is infused with apricot kernels and peaches to give it its distinctive flavour.

There’s a surprisingly thin layer of quality Amaretto on the market (in the U.K at least) - the very finest Amarettos balance sweetness with bitter almond to make them the perfect ingredient for the classic Amaretto Sour or Godfather, or even just to sip with coke. Here are six Amarettos you need that would make an Italian blush: 

Adriatico 

The first thing you’ll notice when you try Adriatico is the mouthfeel - less syrupy but just as mouth-fulfilling as any high quality amaretto out there. A higher ABV is the culprit, along with an organic approach to crafting a high end liqueur that includes macerating hand-picked, roasted almonds and adding cinnamon, cocoa and vanilla to create a balanced, well rounded amaretto. This could easily be the missing ingredient in any high end cocktail that needs something special to sweeten the deal.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: £32.20

Joseph Cartron Amaretto

Family owned, French purveyors of fantastic wines and liqueurs, Joseph Cartron offer this excellent amaretto bursting with the rich flavour of green almonds. Great as a digestif or cocktail ingredient with fresh, floral aromas and heavy bitter almond on the palate. Joseph Cartrons production processes are highly protected secrets, but it’s no secret that they make excellent quality liqueurs. Try this in their recommended “hot punch”, with Martinique Rhum, fresh pineapple chunks, Joseph Cartron Amaretto, Fino Sherry and Orange peel - served hot! A must-try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £18.23

Quaglia

If you’ve read this far you’ve likely noticed a pattern, that many Amarettos are products of rich family history, and Quaglia is no exception with their late 1800s recipe. The Antica distillery - who make this fine product - are known for their impeccable attention to detail, high quality products and recipes passed down through generations. This may feel like an Amaretto for grown ups, but still balances perfectly into a fun, classic Amaretto sour! Quaglia Amaretto is bursting with almonds, fruits and floral notes that delight the palate and are enjoyed neat just as well as in a cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £21.48

Lazzaroni Amaretto 

Some say the Lazzaroni family were the very first to create the liqueur we know today as Amaretto. The recipe in the bottle is the same as the one they used as far back as 1851 which includes baking their own Amaretti Chiostro di Saronno biscuits and infusing them into the liqueur alongside apricot kernels and distilled cocoa. The result is a delightfully aromatic Amaretto with notes of milk chocolate, marzipan and tropical fruits.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 24%
Find here: £21.74

Luxardo Amaretto Di Saschira

Italian master liqueur creators, Luxardo continue to prove why they’re on top of the liqueur world with their Amaretto, which gets its distinctive almond flavour from the essential oils contained in the pits of cherries, peaches and apricots. This award winning, vegan and GMO free liqueur boasts notes of black tea tannins, bitter almond and battenberg. Enjoy over ice or in any classic Amaretto cocktail…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 24%
Find here: £19.50

How to make your own amaretto liqueur 

Is it cheating to count your very own Amaretto as the sixth bottle we’re featuring today? Maybe, but we all love a good hack, and while you may not possess generations of family recipes, creating something akin to a classic Amaretto is easier than you might think, and comes with all the added benefits of customization. Below, you’ll find a baseline recipe, but you can mix things up by: 

• Changing the base spirit. 

• Adding spices. Try cinnamon, clove, star anise or even cardamom. 

• Adding lemon, lime or orange zest. 

• Increasing or decreasing the sugar content. 

Homemade Amaretto Liqueur: 

For simplicity, add all ingredients to a large container and leave to infuse in a room temperature location, away from light for 2-3 days or until all sugar has dissolved. Shake once a day to incorporate and taste regularly. Strain out any solids and pour into a bottle. This should keep for at least a few months, if not indefinitely. Congrats! You’ve made a delicious homemade Amaretto! What can’t you do?

700ml Rum (any rum will do, but avoid spiced rum, as this is already sweetened and spiced and will overwhelm the almond) 
300g Brown Sugar
50ml Almond extract 
25ml vanilla extract 
50g Toasted almonds (simply pop them under the grill until browned and fragrant

Looking to expand your liqueur collection further? Check out these Eight Irresistable Coffee Liqueurs

By Miley Kendrick

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s May 2024

Sainsbury’s shoppers and wine lovers, we’re back with some offers you cannot miss. We’ve been through every bottle on offer until the 14th May, and this is the cream of the crop when it comes to undeniable value. Reds, Rosé and Whites, all for under £10. Let’s dive in.

Sainsbury’s Red Wines May 2024

Feuerheerd's Anchor Wine Reserva Douro DOC

This is a refined Portuguese red hailing from the heart of Douro. When you’re sipping it, you’ll wonder how they get so much spicy depth and rich back fruits. The answer is a year of Vintage Port finishing. Bold but perfectly nuanced. For a tenner, wow.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Santodeno Negroamaro

This inky red began life at the sunny heel of Italy’s boot, making great use of the ‘bitter black’ grape. The result is intense richness and dark fruits galore – plum, blackberry and blackcurrant. There’s a welcome touch of oaky spice rounding things off too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Mucho Mas Vino Tinto

We love spotting this in offer. For just £7, it’s an absolute bargain. Mucho Mas remain family-owned, despite expansion, and this Spanish red is one of their best value bottles. It’s as red as red gets, with ripe, jammy berries sliding into bright fig and plum. Add a crack of black pepper and vanilla undertone, and you’ve got one hell of an easy-drinking glugger.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.50)

Wise Wolf Cabernet Sauvignon

Off the bat, Wise Wolf stands out for their stumpy bottle made from 100% recycled glass. It looks more like posh olive oil than wine, but we like it. Inside, we’ve got Languedoc-Roussilon Red. It’s oaky and brimming with black fruit flavours on the nose and in the mouth. It isn’t overly dry either. Great with steak, but let it breathe for an hour before enjoying.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £12)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Wines May 2024

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Think Rosé is all too sweet? Try this. The crisp Sauvignon Blanc really shines, bringing razor sharp citrus. Softening that is juicy peach and subtly sweet strawberry, but both much milder than most Rosé blends. Sophisticated and punches well above its price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

What a lovely light Rosé this is. It pours such a delicate and seductive pale pink, with strawberries and raspberries hitting the nose. Kiwis join the red berries after the first sip, as well as grapefruit tang. Refreshing, sweet where it needs to be, and citrus to cut through – hard not to like.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Sainsbury’s White Wines May 2024

Mud House Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a lot of competition in the Marlborough Sauvignon space at the moment, so gems like this are a godsend. The crispness is super intense with overwhelming refreshment. Beyond that, a tropical tang breaks through as well as a luxuriously smooth mouthfeel. Pair with seafood and enjoy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

19 Crimes Chard

19 Crimes are a source of top-notch value across the board. Their Chard brings a rich quality to the stone fruit notes present, but what we think you’ll love most about it is the creamy, full boy with plenty of butter. Opulent Ozzy white.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Sainsbury's New Zealand Pinot Gris, Taste the Difference

Sainsbury’s’ Taste the Difference range is quite a rich vein for bargains like this New Zealand Pinot Gris. It’s medium dry, mellow, and fruit-forward – think peach and melon. The classic Marlborough steely minerality is present too, leaving a clean feel that’s absolutely gorgeous.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Barone Montalto Grillo Sicilia DOC

Barone Montalto is a lovely Sicilian winery, and this is their 100% Grillo. The up-front citrus is impossible to ignore, but that soon dies down in favour of big, bold tropical sweetness. Flecks of green apple come and go too. Relaxed, honeyed and with nice weight.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £8)

If you shop elsewhere then not to worry, check our website for our other up to date Supermarket Bargains!

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:

RED WINE:

The Wanderer Malbec – Was £12.50 Now £10
Barossa Ink Shiraz– Was £11 Now £9
Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia – Was £9.50 Now £8

WHITE WINE:

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc– Was £10 .50 Now £8
Villa Maria Cellar Sauvignon Blanc– Was £13 Now £11
DV Catena Chardonnay– Was £13 Now £11

ROSÉ WINE:

Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé– Was £19 Now £17
Madame F Rosé– Was £9.50 Now £8

The Best Scotch and Pizza Pairings

In the weird and wonderful world of food and drink pairings, rules exist about which pairings are good and which are bad. In the days of yore, they may have been as simple as red wine with red meat, white or sparkling wines if paired with seafood or white meat, or something as simple and delicious as pizza and beer.

However, as globalisation occurs at an ever-increasing rate, we have increasing access to food and drink across the globe. On top of this, with increases in technology, producers are bringing more and more unique products to the metaphoric dinner table every single day. As a result, these rules become dated and have been removed in place of more general flavour terms. Rather than strictly looking at wine, or even just the colour of it, we look at 7 aspects of flavour:

Sweetness, which pairs well with sweetness in turn

Umami, which contrasts beautifully with fruity flavours

Acidity, which, is similar to sweetness, matches best with more acidity

Salt, which likes light, fresh, and bitter flavours

Bitterness, which can be tempered by sweetness

Chilli, which enjoys a lower alcohol pairing

Fattiness, which can be cut through with bright acidity

So if not just wine, what else can I pair my food with? The answer is anything really, but one that stuck out to me was how well Single Malt Scotch Whisky goes with a well-made pizza.

This pairing was made aware to me out of necessity, as a friend and I were enjoying a couple of drams at Edinburgh institution, The Black Cat, and we started to feel peckish. As the pub does not have a full-sized kitchen, the staff were kind enough to allow us to grab some pizza from Dough, the stone-bake pizzeria just next door, and the rest was history.

Let us delve into some incredible Scotch Whisky and pizza (Italians and purists look away) pairings, and what makes them so special.

HAWAIIAN PIZZA & Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish

It's a controversial one right off the bat, but hear me out. While the marriage of pineapple, ham, and cheese may be blasphemous to some, the mixture of acid from the tomato sauce and pineapple chunks, and fattiness from the ham call for a whisky with sweetness and acidity.

This bottling from Glen Moray provides exactly that! Upon the first sniff, you are met with a welcoming aroma of boiled lemon sweets before moving into a middle note of vanilla ice cream, and fresh pineapple with a lingering bread-and-butter note to finish, offering all the implied sweetness needed to stand up to the pineapple and tomatoes of the pizza.

You are met with rich creamy vanilla wafer notes on the palate to bolster the sweetness before moving into a mid-palate of fermented bread, not dissimilar to sourdough - or a well-made pizza base! As the flavours dissipate you are met with the dry fleeting finish of bright granny smith apples, and white peach cobbler.

The notes of the Chardonnay cask finish bring the desired (implied) sweetness and acidity you would get from a grape such as Chardonnay while still being dry and very sippable while you enjoy your pizza!

This is a love-it-or-hate-it pairing, but if Hawaiian Pizza is up your alley, for only £29.90 a bottle of this delicious single malt, it is worth a try!

GLEN MORAY CHARDONNAY CASK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £29.90

DIAVOLA PIZZA & CAOL ILA DISTILLERS EDITION

This pairing is one of my favourites, and is right in your wheelhouse if you rather your flavours punch you in the face over kissing your palate. Diavola pizza translates to devil pizza and Caol Ila is a classic Islay single malt bringing peat to the party, indicating where this pairing is headed.

Diavola generally consists of your usual tomato sauce and cheese base, topped with spicy salami and chilli peppers. The rich fattiness of the salami, along with the spice from it and the chillis are tempered by the chewy pizza dough and the sweetness of the tomato base and cheese, resulting in a spicy pizza that tickles your tongue but still is not a challenge to eat.

Caol Ila Distillers Edition is a peated single-malt double matured in Moscatel seasoned American Oak casks. The distillery character of sea salt, peat smoke, and damp ash brings to the nose a vivid image of a nostalgic beach barbecue, amplifying the spicy oiliness of the pizza. The cask finish contributes a scent of dried apricots and aloe vera vegetality allowing a reprieve from the potent spice and smoke of the pairing.

On the palate, you are met with a rich wave of sweet wood smoke, akin to that used to smoke a brisket, again, tempering the punchy flavours brought to the table by the pizza and the malt. We then move into a mid-palate spice mix of black peppercorn, nutmeg, and cinnamon which season the meat and chilis. The malt is then rounded out by a lovely lingering smoke finish, turning your delicious pizza and dram into a sensory experience that will blow your socks (and potentially your head) off, but you cannot stop returning for another bite and sip!

CAOL ILA DISTILLERS EDITION
Size: 700ml
Find here: £67.95

WHITE PIZZA & NC’NEAN HUNTRESS 2024 RELEASE

An understated player in the game, the pizza bianca is a delicious, lighter variation of your standard pizza. Omitting tomatoes entirely and simply topping the traditional pizza base with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, the creamy and lightly salted profile of this unique pizza pairs with a single malt just as unique - the Huntress Orchard Cobbler of Nc’nean distillery.

The Nc’nean distillery is notorious for pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky, distilling two different kinds of spirits over the course of the year to be used in different age statement bottlings. This Huntress bottling has been distilled in the week post-recipe change, resulting in a hyper-fruit-forward spirit to the point where the bottling is named after one of the favourite desserts of the team!

On the first sniff, you are hit with aromas of rich black cherry conserve with back-end notes of puff pastry, vanilla custard, and an ever so slight fresh mintiness. When the whisky hits the tongue, we are met with a rich syrupy texture that coats the mouth, combined with a rich apricot jam note that bolsters the texture. In the mid-palate, the fruitiness prevails further but is accompanied by a warm spice of ginger nut biscuits, before moving into a long-lasting finish of custard sweetness.

This almost dessert-like dram jam-packed (pun intended) with flavours of cherry and apricot conserves brings out an incredible contrast to the soft cheeses and garlic in the pizza, reminiscent of the flavours of a mezze board.

NC’NEAN HUNTRESS 2024, ORCHARD COBBLER
Size: 700ml
Find here: £84.95

PIZZA CALABRESE & ARRAN SAUTERNES CASK

Consisting of tomato sauce, parmesan, tuna, olives, capers, garlic, onion, and hot Calabrian chilli peppers, calabrese pizza is one for those who love the salty savoury flavour profile that Italian cookery does so incredibly. 

To cut through the punchy flavours of this spicy, savoury pie, we recommend leaning towards the sweeter side of the Scotch malty whisky-verse, and where better to look than the sole distillery on the Isle of Arran, famous for their cask-finished malts? Specifically, the Sauternes cask-finished bottling brings to the pairing a fruit-forward honeyed profile that offers a sweet reprieve from the umami spice of the pizza.

This deceptively complex malt is the gift that keeps on giving, as I find a new tasting note for it every time we are reacquainted. On the nose, we are met with a pronounced honey scent before delving into a fruit bowl that is somehow tropical, orchard and stone all at the same time.

The palate has a mild saltiness and baking spice flavour running throughout, seasoning the layers of lemon zest, toffee apples, and honey. The finish is a short burst of crisp orange zest, honey, and unmistakable sauternes character.

The malt and pizza play together in this salty, spicy, sweet combination in a contrast that allows each component to shine brighter than if they were to be enjoyed in solidarity.

P.S. This bottling always sells out fast upon release!

ARRAN SAUTERNES CASK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £49.90

PIZZA PARMA & AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAk

A pairing that brings together the flavours of Northern Italy and the central belt of Scotland! Pizza Parma consists of Parma ham, paired with fresh rocket, and cherry tomatoes all added to the classic pizza base post-bake resulting in a fresh peppery pizza, with fatty saltiness coming from the Parma ham.

Lowlands distillery Auchentoshan’s American Oak aged bottling evokes memories of playing football (or your outdoor sport of choice) in the rain! On the nose you are hit in the face with the smell of dewy grass, accompanied by citrus notes of orange wedges and an ever so slight chocolatey toffee sweetness.

The palate follows suit, as upon first sip you are met with coconut water flavours married with mixed citrus peels and stone fruit, before developing into the distillery character of grassy freshness and malty, oaky spice on the mid-palate. On the lingering finish, the tongue tingles in a way that is reminiscent of grapefruit zests or Szechuan peppercorns, while also being tempered by a pronounced caramel sweetness.

The peppery notes of the fresh rocket boost the malt and oak spice of the malt, while the acidity from the cherry tomatoes and salt and fat from the ham cut through the recurring toffee notes.

Owing to its approachability in flavour and accessibility in price, a pairing I highly recommend as an introduction to the world of food and Scotch Whisky Pairings.

AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £26.94

It is also worth noting that drinking the whisky neat is not the only way to approach this pairing! If you feel that a neat dram may be too potent to pair with a pizza, opting for a Highball, Old Fashioned, or Sour, is not only allowed but encouraged! Adding different ingredients would allow other flavours to enter the pairing and also make the world of whisky more accessible to those with less experience in drinking neat spirits, or even to those who simply do not like drinking neat spirits. We hope that these combinations of a dram and a slice have set you in the mood to go out and try a pairing of your own!

By Fowwaz Ansari

The Best Garnish For Any Cocktail

With so much effort put into the cocktail itself, it can be tempting to skip over the humble garnish – but don’t! It’s a massively undervalued step in creating a bar style cocktail at home.

Not only does it make a cocktail look so much prettier and more appetising (which can actually affect the perceived taste), but the aroma and flavour make a big impact themselves, especially with delicate and subtle cocktails.

You’ve done the hard work with finding the right ingredients; shaking, straining, whatever it may be – why leave out the final step when it’s so simple? If you’re not sure which garnish works best with your favourite cocktail, then we’ve got a list of favourites below that will elevate your cocktail to that next level.

What is the best garnish for a Martini?

With a Martini, there are two popular routes to go down. The first is olives. Famously used in a Dirty Martini with pickle juice, vodka, and vermouth, it’s also a classic choice as a garnish for a Classic Martini. Olives vary depending on the type, so you can get earthy Kalamata olives, meaty, salty Castelvetranos olives and many more. Avoid stuffed olives! Generally though, they bring a savoury, briny flavour and balance the Martini’s bracing intensity well. If you’re a keen traditionalist, then only use one or three olives – never two! Similarly, if you opt for pickled onion instead then did you know that you’ve made yourself a Gibson Martini?

The other way to go is the twist, usually lemon. This will brighten the gin and enhance the vermouth. Running a twist of lemon around the rim and even glass stem delivers a surprisingly intense hit of citrus aromatics. After that, you can either discard it or drop it into the drink for more flavour. Not as popular but still a great, slightly sweeter option is the orange twist too – but it all depends on personal preference and the spirit you’re using.

What is the best garnish for a Negroni?

Orange peel or wedge is the iconic garnish for a Negroni. Prepare a nicely trimmed orange peel, twist (express) over the glass to release oils and then place it in the glass. It’s a perfect match for the gin botanicals and bitter citrus of Campari. With orange peel, the oilers can be heavy and strong so it’s best to avoid rubbing the rim as it might numb your mouth slightly, throwing the drink out of balance.

What is the best garnish for a Julep?

No surprises here, because by far the most famous Julep is the Mint Julep. Any tall drinks with crushed ice that uses spirit, liqueur wine or fortified wine is a julep, which is why a Mojito is kind of one, but let’s focus on the Mint Julep. Because fresh mint leaves are the only source of mint flavouring in this serve, most of them will be muddled and shaken in the mix. However, these will be crushed within the ice and although they’re hard at work infusing flavour, they won’t be aesthetically pleasing. Save some gorgeous fresh mint for the top, so you get an instant hit of that distinct, cooling, aromatic flavour. Remember, give the mint leaves a gentle tap and rub as you place them so the aromas are released.

What is the best garnish for a Manhattan?

Cocktail cherries used to be a little dodgy tasting to say the least, but for a long time now they’ve been delicious. A sweet Maraschino cherry is the most popular garnish for a Manhattan, but you can also get all kinds of boozy, bright, tart, and sweet brandied cherries that work a treat. It’s the traditional choice, and the syrupy cherry offers another layer of fruity depth.

What is the best garnish for a Flip/Eggnog?

Frothy, creamy, luxurious cocktails like Flips, Eggnog and even fluffy Sours benefit from a shaving of spice. Most commonly nutmeg and cinnamon, a sprinkle on top not only sits beautifully on the cocktail cloud, but also brings out aromatic components. For only the smallest sprinkle, you get bundles of subtle sweetness and warm depth, and it makes dairy smell more appetising. Cinnamon specifically, is one of the few ingredients that brings perceived sweetness without containing sugar!

What is the best garnish for a Daiquiri?

A Daiquiri isn’t always garnished but why not? For sweet, tropical, fruity cocktails like the Daiquiri, fresh fruit is the best garnish. Generally, it’s best to match your fruit with the primary flavour of your Daiquiri to enhance the flavour with freshness.

The original rum, lime juice and sugar need a lime twist to complement the juice in the serve and intensify the citric aroma. But then something like a Strawberry Daiquiri requires real strawberries in the cocktail, so save a couple for a gorgeous garnish. The Hemingway Daiquiri uses a grapefruit wedge, the Coconut Daiquiri often comes with a slice of pineapple, Spicy Daiquiris benefit from a Jalapeño slice, and you can guess what a Watermelon Daiquiri should have.

What is the best garnish for a Margarita?

To salt or not to salt, that is the question. We generally prefer not to in our recipes, but some people love it, and it’s a good example of garnishing the rim of your glass. Both salt and sugar are commonly used to coat the rim in different cocktails, providing a big boost in, well, sweetness and saltiness. The salt brightens the sweet and sour notes, but use it sparingly if you do to avoid unpleasant clumps and an unbalanced drink. It’s also great to add spices in, be that the mellow warmth of cinnamon, or the heat of Tajin (lime, chillis and salt) which is often added to Spicy Margaritas.

There’s a couple of ways to rim the glass. First, if you chill your glass and take it out the fridge, the condensation will be enough to stick to salt as you roll your glass in it. Or, the most common method, take the most popular garnishes (lemon and lime), and coat the rim in citric juice so the granules stick that way. If you’re making it for guests and you’re not sure on their preference, a half and half is always best!

What is the best garnish for an Aperol Spritz?

This is a no-brainer. A slice of orange is perfect for Aperol Spritz, building on the refreshing, zesty profile of Aperol which contains a blend of sweet and bitter citrus. If you’re really into the bitter side of this cocktail, then a slice of lemon in addition can add a nice bright burst, but we’d recommend a small sprig of mint to help ease out those complex herbal scents in Aperol.

What is the best garnish for an Espresso Martini?

This is a good example of a garnish that you don’t tend to eat but remains an essential. The trio of coffee beans poised delicately on the white lid of an Espresso Martini represent health, wealth and happiness, and this cocktail just wouldn’t look the same without them – what are cocktails without their legends, symbolism, and romance. You can eat them, but they can also upset your stomach and aren’t tasty to most people, but without them, it would definitely feel like something is missing.

That’s not where it ends though. Espresso powder can also boost the coffee flavour, and cocoa powder works brilliantly to create a slight mocha tinge.  Use the white surface as a blank canvas and use coffee beans and powder to create art.

What is the best garnish for a Gimlet?

The Gilmet began as gin and lime but has now expanded to include variations using vodka and all sorts of citrus and herbal riffs – and these are good examples of some lesser used garnishes that are worth experimenting with.

A classic Gimlet needs fresh lime, no doubt. It brings that fresh hit of lime flavour, and the oils from the lime peel tantalise the nose. But the Cucumber Gimlet is a refreshing, sweetly vegetal twist that demands a skewered cucumber slice. Rosemary is another green garnish that adds so much. Just the faintest whiff can be delightful, and it works brilliantly with the right herbaceous gin.

Grab your skewers and peelers and get experimenting with your favourite garnishes!

Depending on when you’re reading this, you might be in need of some special garnishes for Halloween – well here’s 8 easy to make but surprisingly effective spooktacular garnishes.

The Truth About Negroni Sbagliato

In the world of cocktails, the Negroni Sbagliato had a moment recently with the resurgence of the cocktail, thanks in part to a viral moment on TikTok. Known as a happy accident, what’s the true story behind this light and fizzy drink? Let's dive into the truth about the Sbagliato, find out more about the legend and the story, embrace imperfection, and explore how to create delightful variations at home.

A Star Moment on TikTok

In late 2022, thanks to a viral TikTok video featuring stars Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke from HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’, the Negroni Sbagliato rocketed into the public eye for a while. The cocktail is a twist on a classic Negroni, as Emma beautifully described: ‘A Negroni. Sbagliato. With Prosecco in it!’

Of course, it sounded sexy the way Emma explained it, mispronouncing it with a G in an English accent. The (correct) Italian pronunciation should be “spal - yar - toe”. But this article’s all about embracing mistakes so let’s celebrate the drink, regardless of how you say it. 

The internet went crazy. New videos with the hashtag #NegroniSbagliato exploded as viewers became intrigued by the name and curious about the drink itself. And as TikTok brought Sbagliato back into the spotlight it showcased its delightful simplicity and refreshing taste. As the video escalated to tens of millions of views and demand surged, bars around the world stocked up on Prosecco.

What is a Negroni Sbagliato?

In essence, it’s a twist on the classic Negroni, the more famous (and more potent) equal-parts cocktail that combines gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. The Negroni Sbagliato keeps equal parts of Campari and vermouth, ditching the gin for sparkling Italian wine (typically Prosecco) resulting in a lighter, more refreshing drink with a touch of effervescence. Depending on taste, it no longer even needs to be an equal parts cocktail. Extra prosecco can make it into a longer, highball drink. 

The Beauty of Mistakes: From Blunder to Beloved Beverage

The name of the drink translates from Italian to mean "Negroni Mistake" or “Mistaken Negroni” and its origin story reflects that. Legend has it that in 1972, at Milan's famed Bar Basso, bartender Mirko Stocchetto accidentally grabbed a bottle of sparkling wine instead of gin while making a Negroni for a customer. A fizzy Negroni was served and as a result, given a cute new name. Many cocktail historians cast doubt on this tale because of the lack of historical evidence to support the incident. They also point out the logistical improbability of a seasoned bartender confusing a gin bottle with prosecco (or Asti Spumante which may have been more likely at the time). Regardless of its exact origin, the Sbagliato reminds us to go with the flow and gracefully embrace our mistakes. It's a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Mirko that led to decades of unexpected delights. In a world obsessed with perfection, the Sbagliato reminds us that sometimes, happy accidents can result in something truly special. And that even 50+ years on, an old-fashioned drink can have a resurgence in a new world. The popularity of the classic Negroni is still on a growth trajectory even if all the fuss has now seemingly died down again about the Sbagliato. 

Maurizio Stocchetto, on how his father’s mistake made history

Image credit: Lea Anouchinsky

While the mistaken identity story may or may not be entirely verifiable, Mirko Stocchetto is credited with creating the Negroni Sbagliato whether it was by accident or design. Bar Basso in Milan is considered the spiritual home of the drink, and it’s still served there today in their signature oversized glasses. If you’ve a cheeky origin story, bigger is surely better?

Because the inventor died in 2016 the truth of the story cannot be verified but looking into the legend a little deeper, an interview with Mirko’s son Maurizio (himself a bartender at Bar Basso for more than 40 years and now owner) revealed a little more of the story about his father’s ‘mistake’ and the large glasses he designed for it to be served in. 

‘How often in life do we make mistakes and cast them aside without a second thought? There’s a beautiful lesson here. Mirko’s drink didn’t go down the sink, he decided to go with it, call himself out, rename the drink a Mistaken Negroni and, as my own Dad used to teach me, “turn a fault into a feature.”’

Founded in 1930, Bar Basso Milan was named after its previous owner before the Stocchetto family came to town. Maurizio’s father, a bartender from Venice, took over from Basso in 1967. Aiming for a high-end cocktail bar, he arrived during a social shift. Women were gaining independence and bars were becoming more popular which inspired him to create several lighter cocktails, like the Negroni Sbagliato, using sparkling wine instead of only strong spirits. The Sbagliato's birth thus mirrored the changing times.

So, despite "sbagliato" meaning mistake, it seems it may have been intentional. Maurizio tells how his father Mirko claimed the accident happened when he grabbed Prosecco instead of gin. He also says his father was a confident bartender so it’s more likely that on realising this ‘mistake’, he went ahead and poured the Prosecco into the glass anyway, happy with the outcome he kept the drink and instantly gave it a new name. “So”, he tells of the happy accident, “the name was catchy and the drink cheeky.” Mirko always felt if you live in Italy and you like sweet vermouth and Campari, the addition of sparkling wine would keep the flavour of the base, making for a lighter all-Italian drink. Mirko still loved the classic Negroni. This was just a riff on the original that stuck.

And that’s the beauty of never letting the truth get in the way of a good story. Even if the mistake element has been embellished over the decades, really the story celebrates the inherent charm of imperfection and the creator’s quick thinking. Great discoveries often spring from unexpected moments. The Sbagliato reminds us that sometimes the best things in life can’t be planned. They come from embracing the unexpected, a sentiment that still resonates deeply in our social media-driven world today.  

How do you Make a Negroni Sbagliato?

Here are four versions you can try (or invent your version and embrace imperfection!)

The Classic Sbagliato

Ingredients
30ml Campari
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Pour the Campari and vermouth into a glass over ice. Top up with Prosecco and stir gently enough to combine everything without killing off those bubbles. Orange slice for the perfect garnish!

The Aperol Sbagliato - for a lighter, sweeter twist

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Exactly the same as above, but using the ever so slightly sweeter Aperol for a subtle difference.

The Sbagliato Royale - for a touch of luxury

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Champagne
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Exactly the same as above, but leave out the ice to avoid dilution!

The Sbagliato Spritz - for more bubbles

Ingredients
30ml Aperol
30ml Sweet Vermouth
Stir in glass
Top with chilled Prosecco and soda
Garnish with orange peel

Method
Follow the original but just add a splash of soda water as well for a more spritzy, highball experience.

Batching these variations is a great idea for entertaining.  Simply combine equal measures of Campari (or Aperol) and sweet vermouth in a pitcher beforehand.  When guests arrive, you can whip up individual Sbagliatos in seconds by topping off each serving with chilled bubbles and garnish.

The lighter profile of the Sbagliato makes it a delightful brunch companion, the Sbagliato's bubbly personality is versatile and perfect companion for many different events like brunch, BBQs, late afternoon Soirées, book clubs… pretty much any occasion. The Sbagliato's sophistication and refreshing nature make it ideal.

The Negroni Sbagliato's recent resurgence has been a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted cocktail.  Whether it was born from a happy accident or a stroke of brilliance, this delightful drink is a reminder to embrace the unexpected and celebrate the deliciousness of mistakes. 

Your own variation may even become your new “it” drink. Sometimes our most delicious creations come from the willingness to be more experimental and less afraid of a little Sbagliato. Cheers to happy accidents!

By Robbie Jerram

Is This The End Of Drinking Culture As We Know It?

You’ve probably heard the news about Gen Z (those born between 1997-2012) drinking less alcohol, and the same for Millennials (1981-1996), but did you know that Gen X, those born between 1965-1980, may be becoming a generation of non-drinkers too?

Research from research agency Censuswise and drinks brand Eisberg shows that one in five Generation Xers are completely teetotal and over a third are ‘sober curious’ or cutting down on booze. This age group of Brits, between 43-58, is the biggest buyer of wine but increasing numbers are admitting to suffering memory loss, embarrassment, and fatigue after a night of drinking. As a result, 31% of them are drinking less than they were this time last year.

Of course, these hungover symptoms are nothing new. Indeed, many of us will be over familiar with them! But this turn away from alcohol is new, as drinkers are undergoing a trackable attitude change to drink. This change appears to get stronger as the generation gets younger, with under a quarter of Baby Boomers (1946-1994) trying to cut down, but significant rising numbers of teetotallers amongst Millennials and more noticeably, Gen Zers.

Now, most people (particularly after a heavy night) have said, ‘I’m not drinking again’ or something similar, only to find themselves in a similar situation sometime later, so does it actually mean anything when people say they’re planning to cut down? Well, half of Gen X have actually tried alcohol-free options, so they’re putting their money where their mouths are and trying the flurry of No-Lo brands, such as Eisberg themselves. Part of this willingness to try these options appears to be the increase in quality, as 28% say they believe the options have become more appealing. We’ve seen this ourselves – where options used to be extremely limited, there is now innovation and research, resulting in way more exciting No-Lo drinks.

As people become more conscious of issues around wellness, the demand for alcohol alternatives has increased, and so has the research and development of drinks brands in turn. Whether this trend will continue in the same direction no one knows, but if it does, it will be the end of drinking culture as we know it.

If you feel like you want to try a No-Lo alternative for your favourite drink, then we’ve got a couple of guides here and here with suggestions.

42 of The Best Gin Distillery Tours in Britain & Ireland

Image credit: Ed Adams

If you're a gin lover, you will have noticed the rise of many new gin brands that have cropped up across the British Isles in recent years. With so many options available, the choices can be overwhelming. To make their brand stand out and share their story, many gin distilleries are now offering what we like to call "gin tourism".

Many distillers are finding innovative ways to attract new customers by opening their doors and offering tours of their distilleries and gin schools. By allowing the public to witness everything that goes into the finished product, these distillers can deepen their customers' relationship with their brand. This is particularly true for gin lovers, who are often curious and eager to learn more about the distillation process. A gin distillery tour or experience should be a feast for the senses, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

In celebration of gin tourism, we’ve compiled a list of 42 of the best distillery tours and experiences in the British Isles. Whether you're looking for a lovely day out close to home or travelling in the UK or Ireland, adding a distillery tour to your itinerary is a must. Every visit is a unique experience that provides an opportunity to add a memorable sensory experience to your gin journey.

When it comes to locally made craft gin, the unique flavour profile is often influenced by the terroir of the region's botanicals. By enjoying a glass of holiday gin back at home, you can savour the memories of your trip (and as a bonus, it’s way less calories than other treats like sticks of rock, mint cake, clotted cream fudge, or shortbread!)

And remember, if you’re not going yourself, then most also offer a way to give a distillery tour or experience as a gift. Click the distillery names for more detailed information and links to their website as we go. Let’s explore…

London

(1) City of London Distillery, Home of Whitley Neill Gin

Whitley Neill Gins, most famous for their rainbow array of coloured bottles and popular flavoured sips was voted The UK's Most Loved Gin two years in a row 2021/2022. On this distillery tour you’ll discover the history of gin in London and learn about gin-making techniques. You can also distil your own personalised gin. Or simply visit the bar for an array of flavoured cocktails.

Tours:
Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting £25
Make Your Own Gin £125

Address: City of London Distillery, 22-24 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8DT

2/ Beefeater Gin Distillery

Produced since the 1860s, Beefeater has become one of the world's best selling and most iconic gins. For the first time in 150 years, you can see how the world’s most awarded gin is made, take a stroll through the history of London Gin, smell and touch the botanicals that make Beefeater Gin unique and taste the finished product. The Beefeater Distillery features original Victorian pot stills and a botanical room where the fresh ingredients are stored.

Tour & Experience:
Distillery Tour £25
Exclusive VIP Experience £45

Address: 20 Montford Place, Kennington, London SE11 5DE

3/ Hayman’s of London

Repeatedly voted by Trip Advisor as London’s favourite gin distillery, visitors are Repeatedly voted by Trip Advisor as London’s favourite gin distillery, visitors are taken behind the scenes to look into how this award-winning gin has been distilled in the same way since 1863. Meet the team, see the stills, nose the botanicals and receive a tutored tasting of the gins.

Tour & Masterclass:
Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Masterclass £35

Address: 8 Weir Road, Balham, London SW12 0GT

4/ Sipsmith Distillery, Chiswick

Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice of 2023. Learn how Sipsmith came to be, and how they led the charge that led to the modern gin boom that’s reverberated around the world since 2009. See their three copper ladies Prudence, Verity and Constance and learn how their award-winning gins are crafted.

Tour & Masterclass*:
Weeknight Distillery Tour and Tutored Tasting £25
Ultimate Gin Cocktail Masterclass £65
*both experiences include a gift bag to take home

Address: 83 Cranbrook Road, Chiswick, London W4 2LJ

5/ The Ginstitute Experience, Notting Hill

Similar to other distillery tours but a more in-depth 3 hour experience which will result in creating your own gin. Your Ginstructor will give you an in-depth journey through gin’s colourful and chequered past, then guide you through the blending process as you nose your way through a range of botanical distillates, choose your favourites to create your own bespoke blend of gin. It’s rated a 5* experience by Trip Advisor, which explains why you must have a pre-booked session to attend!

Experience:
3-hour award-winning gin tasting and blending experience. 
£120 per person

Address: 186 Portobello Road, London W11 1LA

South of England

6/ Greensand Ridge Distillery, Kent

Greensand Ridge is an award-winning, carbon neutral micro-distillery located in a beautifully converted Victorian coach house that’s part of a historic hunting estate, overlooking the fields and forest in the heart of Kent. The intimate gin experience includes a tour and cocktail before you distil your own full bottle of gin on an individual copper pot still. Take home your own handmade 700ml bottle of gin.

Experience:
2-3 hours £100 per person

Address: Dene Court, Shipbourne Road, Shipbourne TN11 9NS

7/ Gin Kitchen, Surrey

The Gin Kitchen is another award-winning artisan distillery at the heart of the Surrey hills. Luxury gins and signature spirits found in the world’s top luxury stores, five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice 2023. Gin Kitchen has outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, and offers live performances and a selection of gin experiences.

Tours/Experiences include:
Gin Tasting & Distillery Tour £35
Bottomless Brunch £55
Cocktail Masterclass £55

There's also a Gin Distilling Experience, Afternoon Tea and Meet The Maker.

Address: Punchbowl Lane, Dorking, Surrey RH5 4DX

8/ Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery which produces every drop of Bombay Sapphire gin. The Victorian and Georgian buildings set astride the crystal clear River Test and the two intertwining botanical glasshouses, designed by Thomas Heatherwick, grow specimens of the tropical and Mediterranean plant species used in the gin’s distillation process. 

Tours:
Choose from one of many tours and bespoke events priced from £20 to £175

Address: Laverstoke Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7NR

9/ Brighton Gin, East Sussex

Brighton Gin is a handmade craft gin brand that started in 2012 at Kathy Caton MBE’s kitchen table and is now sold internationally and stocked in bars and restaurants across Europe, Asia and beyond. Learn all things Brighton Gin, meet the makers or become a master gin maker with a hands-on experience. Develop your own recipe from a range of botanicals, bottle and label your 50ml creation to take home and enjoy. 

Tour & Experience:
90min Distillery Tour and hands-on experience £35
Gin School £90

Address: 35a Vale Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN41 1GD

10/ Conker Spirit Distillery, Bournemouth Dorset

Established in 2014 as Dorset’s first copper pot gin distillery, Conker is located in the seaside town of Bournemouth. Their gin contains unique Dorset notes of samphire, elderberries and gorse flowers from across the Dorset coast and New Forest. Learn how the Conker team handcraft Dorset Gins and Conker Coffee Liqueurs or celebrate Friday evening cocktails in the Tap Room. 

Tours:
2 hour distillery tour on Fridays/Saturdays £25
Private group bookings also available

Address: Unit 2, 163 Stourvale Road, Southbourne, Dorset BH6 5HQ

11/ Plymouth Gin Distillery, Devon

One of the South-West’s best kept secrets, Plymouth Gin Distillery is set in an impressive, historic setting and is England’s oldest working gin distillery. Plymouth Gin has been made here according to the original recipe since 1793. Offers include a variety of tours, cocktail experiences, shop and Refectory Bar cocktail lounge.

Tours:
Classic Distillery Tour £15
Gin Conoisseur’s Tour with dedicated tasting £35
Master Distiller’s Tour £55
Smeaton’s Tower Experience £195
Plymouth Gin Staycation £850 for two people

Address: 60 Southside Street, Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LQ

12/ Tarquin’s Cornish Gin Distillery, Cornwall

Tarquin’s Gin was the first new gin to be crafted in the South-West of England in over 100 years when production began in 2012. They do things a little differently. Every bottle famously leaves the distillery hand-waxed and stamped with a puffin, giving it it’s own unique personality. Nestled on a windswept hilltop overlooking the wild Cornish coast, they offer an intimate behind-the-scenes tour and chance to get hands-on with their traditional small-batch spirits production.

Tours:
Distillery tours from £18
Also available: Gin Schools in Padstow & St Ives, Shops and Tasting Rooms

Address: Higher Trevibban Farm, St Ervan, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7SH

13/ The 6 O’Clock Gin Distillery, Avon

6 O’Clock Gin is a range of strikingly smooth artisan gins made on copper pot still Kathleen. Known for their stunning Bristol Blue glass bottles that pay tribute to the city’s rich heritage, the 6 O’Clock Gin Distillery is situated close to the English side of the Severn Bridge at Thornbury. 

Also available: 6 O’Clock Gin at The Glassboat, an iconic boat in the heart of the city of Bristol, bringing an exciting retail, waterfront gin bar and event space offering tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and gin blending sessions.

Tours:
Saturday Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Masterclass £35

Addresses: 
Gin Distillery, Unit 6, Ashville Park, Short Way, Thornbury, Avon BS35 3UU
6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat, Welsh Back, Bristol, Avon BS1 4SB

14/ Piston Gin School, Cheltenham or Worcester

Inspired by precision engineering and a love of all things automotive, handcrafted Piston Gin has been awarded prestigious double-gold, gold, silver and bronze medals at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition. Their immersive gin schools are located across two sites. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire is HQ where the gin is distilled. Their second gin school is at the flagship store in Worcester. Offering experiences to indulge your senses, ignite creativity and deepen your understanding of craft spirit, they give you insight into the artisan distilling world.

Experience: 
Cocktail Master Gin School £115 per person or £150 for two sharing a still.
The price includes one bottle of your own hand-crafted gin.

Addresses: 

HQ, Unit 2, Bamfurlong Industrial Park, Staverton, Cheltenham GL51 6SX
Flagship, Danks 2, 62 Diglis Road, Worcester WR5 3BW

Wales

15/ Hensol Castle Distillery, Mid Glamorgan

Located in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, you’ll find South Wales’ first full-scale gin distillery, visitor experience, gin school and bottling plant, all distilling nicely in the cellars of the beautiful 17th century Hensol Castle.

Tour & Experience:
Gin Distillery Tour and Tasting £25
Gin Making Experience £99 per person or 
£150 for two (sharing a still and one 70cl bottle of gin.)

Afternoon Teas are also available in the luxurious surroundings of the castle atrium.

Address: Hensol Castle Park Cellars, Hensol, Pontyclun CF72 8JX

16/ Penderyn Distillery, Llandudno

Brecon Gin is a small-batch, premium Welsh Gin brand that is multi-award winning. Penderyn has three distilleries. The original distillery (making predominantly whisky) is in Penderyn in the Brecon Beacons. Other sites are at Llandudno and Swansea Copperworks. Brecon Gin and Brecon Botanicals are newer products that have been added to their range of spirits in recent years.

Please note, tours are geared more toward whisky enthusiasts than gin but may still be of interest if you have drinkers with different tastes in your party.

Tours:

£13.50 online
£15 on the door
Discounts for groups of 10 or more, OAPs, students and children 14-17 years

Addresses: 

HQ: Penderyn Brecon Beacons Distillery, Pontpren Llwyd, Aberdare CF44 0SX
Lloyd Street, Llandudno, LL30 2YG
Hafod Copperworks, Swansea, SA1 2LQ

Midlands & North of England

17/ Sky Wave Distillery, Bicester Oxfordshire

Named The World's Best Contemporary Gin at the 2024 World Gin Awards and winner of the 2023 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award two years in a row. Learn about the fascinating beginnings of this independently owned artisan craft small-batch gin brand.  Tour the distillery and try the different gins and botanicals.

If you plan to enjoy plenty of drinks and prefer not to drive, consider an overnight stay with a difference in the Crew Rooms at this historic former WW2 RAF base.

Tour/Experience:
Distillery Experience and Gin Tasting £25

Address: The North Tanker Sheds, 105 Bicester Heritage, Buckingham Rd, Bicester OX27 8AL

18/ The Only Way Is Spirits, Essex/Hertfordshire

Although this distillery makes flavoured gin, vodka, rum and tequila liqueurs in a unique range of beautifully coloured bottles, when it comes to Gin School, The Only Way is Gin. 

Tour & Experience:

Distillery Tour and Tasting £20
3 hour Gin School Experience £95 or £125 for two sharing a still and one 70cl bottle

Address: Unit 8, Crumps Farm, West Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0LJ

19/ Adnams Distillery, Norfolk

Known for gin brands: Adnams Copper House, Smidgin, Fishers, Quince, Sloe,  and First Rate Triple Malt Gin, all are distilled with high levels of juniper and big and bold flavours. Various experiences are offered including a Distillery Tour and a ‘Make Your Own Gin’ experience. Several shops across East Anglia.

Tour, Taste and Make in Southwold, Norwich & Bury St Edmonds. 

Tour & Experiences:
Distillery Tour £25
Cocktail Discovery Masterclass £55
Make Your Own Gin £95

Address: Most Southwold Distillery Tours depart from The Swan Courtyard, Market Place, Southwold, IP18 6EG but check website for details.

20/ Shakespeare Distillery, Warwickshire

Shakespeare Distillery is an artisan gin producer that takes inspiration from the tudor garden. Tour the distillery and visit Gin School to distil your own gin on a mini copper still. 

Tours:
Distillery Tour and Taste £20
60 min Gin Cruise £30 per adult
Gin School £99 per person or £125 for two sharing a still.
Other tasting and cocktail experiences - see website.

Address: Unit A, Drayton Manor Drive, Drayton, Stratford-Upon-Avon CV37 9RQ

21/ Nelson’s Distillery, Staffordshire

Experience the finest in premium craft spirits. Experiencing the thrilling world of craft spirit production is officially the best thing to do in Staffordshire according to Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards 2024. Gin, Vodka and Rum School. 

Tour & Experiences:
Tour, Talk and Taste £25
Single Still £115 per person
Shared Gin & Vodka Making Experience £155

Address: Unit 5a, Grindley Business Village, Grindley, Uttoxeter ST18 0LR

22/ The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, Greater Manchester

Home of Manchester Gin, the signature product range inspired by the city where it all began. Dandelion and Burdock root is a nod to the Northern heritage that distinguishes these gins that are some of the most highly awarded in the world.

Voted Manchester’s #1 thing to do on TripAdvisor, your hosts guide you through spirit tasting, and teach you how to make your own gin.

Experiences:
Gin Tasting from £30
Gin Making experience from £95
Gin Making experience for two from £135

Address: 10-15 Watson Street, Manchester M3 4LP

23/ Hotham’s Gin School, East Riding of Yorkshire

Voted Yorkshire’s Number 1 Visitor Experience in 2020 and 2021. Multi award-winning Gin School Experience (also Rum School and Vodka School) in a purpose-built distilling room. Hear about the Hotham’s history, brand, try the gins and be guided on how to make your own using botanicals of your choice.

Experience:
Masterclass £125 per person or £150 for two

Address: 2nd floor, Hull Gin School and Distillery, 55 Whitefriargate, Hull HU1 2HU

24/ Whitby Gin Distillery, North Yorkshire

A family-run distillery on the rugged North Yorkshire coast, crafting award-winning coastal spirits using ocean-inspired botanicals from the coast and moorland close to Yorkshire. Make sure you try the Bramble & Bay, Wild Old Tom and Navy Strength Whitby Gins. The Original Edition is a true taste of the region distilled with locally foraged sugar kelp, heather and honey for a bold, balanced flavour.

Tour:
One hour distillery tour £25

Address: 8 Botany Way, Whitby YO22 4QX

25/ Shed One Distillery, Cumbria LA12 9AU 

Situated on the outskirts of the Lake District, Shed One was Cumbria Tourism’s Experience of the Year in 2022 and Visit England’s Experience of the Year Silver Winner in 2023. First to offer Make Your Own Gin experiences in Cumbria and the Lake District.

Tour & Experiences:
Distillery tour and tasting £22.50
Afternoon G&Tea £29
Make your Own Distilled Gin Experience on selected Sundays. Enquire online.

Address: The Old Calf Shed, North Lonsdale Road, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9AU

26/ Durham Distillery, Durham

This distillery offers a real sense of place. Situated in the heart of a cathedral city close to the world-famous UNESCO world heritage site, visitors get to learn about craft spirits in this special place. Good honest spirits made with the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Experiences:
Distillery Experience £17.50
Cocktail Classes £35
Gin Making Class from £85

Address: Prince Bishops Place, 30-31 High Street, Durham DH1 3UL

Scotland 

27/ Holyrood Distillery, Edinburgh

Sip your way through the award-winning Height of Arrows Gin range with this relaxed, interactive, conversational gin-tasting experience and sample behind-the-scenes future projects accompanied by a delicious gin chocolate truffle. 

Tours & Experiences:
Stills & Staves Highlights Tour £18
Self-Guided Tasting Flight £20 (choose between whisky and gin)
Whisky and Gin Distillery Tour £28
Gin Tasting Experience £28
EH Evenings (free to attend for anyone with an EH postcode) 

Address: 19 St Leonard’s Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH

28/ Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, Leith

Lind and Lime say this: “We’ve been to a lot of tours at a lot of distilleries. When it came to creating our own tour, we decided to put all of our favourite things into the single best experience that we could create.”

So they offer Tour, Tasting, Bottle Filling and Cocktail Making on their 75-minute tours on Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sundays.

Tour:
Gin Tour and Tasting £25

Address: 24 Coburg Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HB

29/ Crossbill Distilling, Glasgow

If you want hands-on, in-depth gin experiences, Crossbill is the place to go. Start by learning about the history of gin making, then tasting, then distil your own in the distilling class. Free flowing gin and you get to take your own bottle home, what’s not to love?

Experiences:
Tasting Experience £15
Gin School Blending Experience £60
Gin School Distilling Class £110

Address: Unit 1, BAaD, 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow G40 2SB

30/ Stirling Distillery, Stirling

In the shadow of Stirling Castle, Stirling Distillery offer daily gin and whisky experiences. Voted the number one thing to do in Stirling on TripAdvisor.

Experiences:
Distillery Gin Experience £27.50 (Driver’s experience for those not drinking £12.50) 
The Old Smiddy Gin School £90 per person or 
The Old Smiddy Gin School £140 for two sharing a still

Address: 9 Lower Castlehill, Stirling FK8 1EN

31/ North Uist Distillery

Bursting with island charm, this distillery is situated on a historic island steadings, right by the beach on North Uist where Bonnie Prince Charlie once sheltered.

This 1700s home has played a long and dynamic role in the island’s history. Some Downpour Gin will ultimately go down well too, amongst its many awards, it won Overall Spirit of the Year in the London Spirits Competition 2023.

Experience:
Downpour Gin Tasting £25

Address: Baile Nan Cailleach, Nunton Steadings Benbecula HS7 5LU

32/ City of Aberdeen Distillery

Hidden within a historic railway arch in the heart of the city you will find Aberdeen’s first distillery for over 75 years and its first ever gin school. All tours start with a double G&T, include tastings from the current range of demijohns and are led by the head distiller.

Tour & Experiences:
Discovery Tour from £27
The Flight of Fancy £30
Gin Tasting Masterclass from £54 
Gin School Experience from £120

Address: Arch 10, Palmerston Rd, Aberdeen AB11 5RE

33/ Kinrara Distillery, Aviemore

Award-winning distillery, tasting experience and shop located just outside of Aviemore in a beautiful remote setting in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park beside the beautiful River Spey. Fun and engaging hosted gin-tasting experience that goes beyond a standard gin tour. 

Experience:
Tasting Experience £15 

Address: Linwilg Farm Steading, Aviemore PH22 1PZ

34/ North Point Distillery, (home of Crosskirk Bay Gin), Thurso

Overlooking the picturesque Crosskirk Bay, North Point Distillery is the most northerly distillery on the British mainland on the site of the former U.S. Navy base in Forss. One of the most sustainable distilleries in Scotland and multi award-winner of the Gin Guide’s awards for sustainability in 2021, 2022 and 2023, North Point advocates responsible procurement, carbon-neutral production methods and fully recycled and recyclable packaging. 

Tour:
30 min Copper Distillery Tour £10
Weekend Cocktail Events 

Address: Forss Business & Energy Park, Thurso KW14 7UZ

You can find other Gin Distillery Experiences and Tours in Scotland here:

IRELAND AND THE Isle of Man

Getting there:

Cross to the Isle of Man from England by Manx Ferry from Heysham, Liverpool, and Birkenhead from 2hrs 20mins. 
The island is also accessible by air from many UK domestic airports.
From/to Ireland, ferries and flights operate from Belfast and Dublin. 

35/ Fynoderee Distillery

Home of the Spirits of Mann, enjoy a ‘fyn and tonic,’ learn about the beginnings of the distillery, fascinating Manx folklore, meet the stills and learn about the crafting process of Manx gins, vodka and rum. Substitute drink for drivers and 5cl ‘fyniature’ bottle to take home.

Tour:
Fri/Sat Distillery Tour and Tasting £21

Address: Parsonage Road, Ramsey, Isle of Man IM8 2EE

36/ Seven Kingdom Distillery

A small distillery specialising in ultra-smooth, delicately balanced spirits. 

Tour:
Gin tours and tastings in the distillery can be arranged by appointment.

Address: Banks Circus, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 4LN

For more inspiration about visiting the Isle of Man, click here:

37/ Copeland Distillery

Situated on the coast directly opposite the Copeland Islands, 20 miles outside Belfast, sample the gins, rum and whiskey this special place has to offer, walk around the historical distillery which was once a picture house dating back to 1915 and hear stories of smuggling and seized contraband in the local area.

Experience:
One Hour Distillery Experience £22.50

Address: Manor Street, Donaghadee BT21 0HF

38/ Echlinville Distillery

Experience excellence with a tour and tasting at Ireland’s first farm distillery, home of some of the country’s best known whiskeys, gins and poitin crafted in the heart of County Down. Gin distilled here includes Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, Weavers Irish Gin, Jawbox and Feckin Irish Gin. 

Tour:
Tour and Tipple from £23 (includes two drinks)

Address: 62 Gransha Road, Kircubbin, Newtownards BT22 1AJ

39/ The Boatyard Distillery, Fermanagh

Located on the banks of Lough Erne, close to Tully Castle and next to the Marina, meet the team and stills and discover the secret behind the famous ‘Erainn’ copper still. Excellent tour in a beautiful setting.

Tour:
90 min tour, tasting and two cocktails £55 (price includes a bottle of gin)

Address: 346 Lough Shore Road, Drumcrow East, Enniskillen BT93 7DX

40/ Still Garden Distillery

Small but perfectly formed Garden Distillery. TripAdvisor Travellers Choice for 2023. Wide range of options include Gin School and Distilling Academy, Tastings, Cocktail Masterclasses and Tours

Tours & Experiences:
Distillery Tour from €15
Premium Distillery Tour from €20
Gin Tasting Masterclass from €30
Cocktail Masterclass from €35
Afternoon Tea and Gin Tasting from €55
Gin School from €95

Address: Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Tyrconnell Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8 D08 EWK2

The Channel Islands

Getting there:

Flights operate to the Channel Islands archipelago in the English Channel off the French coast of Normandy. Main routes are to Jersey and Guernsey from Dublin, Belfast and many other UK airports including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, East Midlands, Bristol, London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Southampton.
Daily ferries also cross from Poole and Portsmouth to Jersey and Guernsey.
Once you’re in the Channel Islands, you can island hop using ferries.

For more information about this beautiful part of the British Isles visit here:

41/ Channel Islands Liquor Co, St Helier Jersey

Located in the Old Sail Loft at the historical French Harbour in St Helier, Channel Islands Liquor Co produces award-winning gins and rums that are exported all over the world. Private tastings usually happen in the evenings. The Old Sail Loft Distillery in Jersey hosts one hour ticketed tastings without having to book a private party. 

Tasting:
£40 for a 2-hour tasting 
Minimum numbers apply

Tour:
£30 per person, no minimum numbers.

Address: South Pier Harbour, S Pier, St Helier, JE2 3NB Jersey

42/ Wheadon’s Gin, Guernsey

Wheadon’s is a small batch distillery in the atmospheric cellar lounge of Guernsey’s Bella Luce, known as ‘The Gin Hotel’ - the perfect bolthole for a long stay or a few days away. A historic Norman manor house on Guernsey’s stunning south coast. The perfect destination for those travellers for whom experience is everything.  Book gin experiences in advance via the website.

Experiences:
The Gintroduction £25
Breaking Down The Botanicals £35 per person (min 4 people)
Design Your Own Distillation £50 per person (min 6 people)
Gin and Dine, includes gin-tasting and 3 course set menu dinner for £50 per person. Booking essential.

Address: La Fosse, St Martin’s, GY4 6EB Guernsey 

So there you have it, a lip-smacking taster of just some of the amazing gin schools, experiences, tours and more being offered by just 42 out of hundreds of gin distilleries up and down the UK and Ireland. You began in London, the Gin Capital of the World and ended up in The Gin Hotel in Guernsey. Having worked your way all around the British Isles, which take your fancy? Go and explore the United Gindom!

By Robbie Jerram

The 7 Trending Vodkas You Need To Try

Beginning in Russia and Eastern Europe, you can now find vodka from almost everywhere. The quality has never been higher, but is there anything more disappointing than trying a bottle on the back of big hype, pouring it over ice, and discovering unpleasant burn or zero character? We’ve gone through the most talked about vodkas out there right now to see what all the fuss is about…

Rachmainoff Vodka

There’s no doubting the reason this vodka is on everyone’s lips… literally. Named after a famous Russian composer, this German vodka hits all the right notes. The standout factor here is the mind-boggling value for money. You’ll find it on the shelves at Lidl for just over £10! For that price tag, it has a really clean feel, good smoothness and softness, and a warm dryness to the finish, earning it impressive awards at competitions. Don’t get us wrong, it isn’t an incredible premium vodka, but when it comes to value, it’s unstoppable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £11.99

J.J Whitley Blue Raspberry Vodka

J.J Whitley have a number of intriguing flavoured vodkas, such as Toffee Popcorn, Strawberry Cheesecake and this, Blue Raspberry… which is getting people talking. The sweet raspberry is instantly noticeable with the fruity tang following in tow. Sure, it hasn’t got the delicate, nuanced elegance of some high end vodkas, but it’s a fantastic versatile and smooth vodka with fun, fruity flavour and no artificial sweetener.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £15 (usually more!)

SKYY Vodka

This cobalt blue bottle stands out a mile off. SKYY have been undergoing something of a rebrand over the past few years, refreshing their vodka offering. Pacific minerals from San Francisco, where the brand is founded, enrich the liquid with freshness and unique character. The mouthfeel is very light and airy with gentle pepper and sweetness. It’s solid, neutral vodka that punches above its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £18 (usually more!)

Wyborowa Vodka

Ever popular, this Polish gem was first produced in 1927, and still to this day, every single drop is made there. International awards have been plentiful for almost all of that time, rising to the top of the value categories. There’s a subtle pecan flavour and sweetness thanks to Polish rye, with a velvety mouthfeel. It’s cemented its place in vodka heritage, and is great value for money around that £20 mark.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £18.06

Au Vodka

If one vodka bottle has caught your eye on the shelves, then it’s probably this. Beyond the glimmering gold bottle, this might just be the most talked about vodka in the world. With the help of TikTok fame, ‘Gold Gang’ celebrity endorsements and trendy innovations like colour changing, this vodka is very popular, particularly with younger drinkers. But what about the liquid itself? Well, that contributes towards its staying power too, as it’s 5 times distilled, charcoal filtered and finishes in a high-pressure golf filter chamber. The branding might be love or hate, but the vodka has a pleasing neutrality.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.95

Grey Goose Vodka

Grey Goose is one of the most well-known and popular premium vodkas available everywhere, and for good reason. French inside and out, they use winter wheat local to the distillery, before distilling in Picardy and filtering in Cognac. Even Champagne region limestone-filtered water is used. Endless purification happens before the bottle and cork are macerated in the vodka. All of this effort pays off, with gentle floral aromas, creamy flavour, and no burn whatsoever.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35.88 (usually more!)

Elit Vodka

Stepping up in price, this ultra-premium Latvian vodka has been making a splash, not least of all since dominating The Beverage Testing Institute’s awards every year. Their freeze filtration is patented, which is rare amongst vodka producers. The vodka is filtered at -18 degrees Celsius, delivering what might be the smoothest vodka in the world. Aniseed and spice bring some supple flavour amongst the creamy mouthfeel. If you want to try vodka that’s guaranteed to be super smooth and a world away from cheap throatburner, this is it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £46.39

Did you know that white tea and vodka can be a really delicious mix? Perhaps try one of the above with it, or for other tea and alcohol pairings that will surprise you, go here!