What Are The Most Popular Red Wine Grapes?

With so many red wines out there it’s hard to know which bottle to choose. With that in mind, we’ve created this handy guide to the most popular red wine grapes including information on their characteristics, what to pair them with and which bottles we recommend…

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon (often colloquially known as Cab Sauv) is the world’s most popular grape, being planted in a great many wine regions around the world. The wine has brilliant aging properties thanks to its full body and tannic structure and its rich, concentrated flavours of blackcurrant, cedar and mint are a pie that everyone wants a slice of.

Where Is Cabernet Sauvignon Grown?

As previously mentioned, Cabernet Sauvignon is almost everywhere as it’s fairly robust; its thick skin helps it cope well with both heat and cold. It’s popularity globally is also thanks to its association with very famous wines such as a Château Lafite from Bordeaux. Its spiritual home is still France (especially the Bordeaux region), but the grape has taken to California, Chile and Australia in particular extremely well.

What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?

Cabernet Sauvignon has a distinct blackcurrant and dark forest berry flavour with some sort of leafy note. Its thick skin provides a lot of tannic structure too, making it very dry and full-bodied. Depending on the region, it can also have notes of peppercorns and spices.

What To Pair With Cabernet Sauvignon:

The full-bodied nature of Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself extremely well to rich, grilled meats and dishes with high flavour, protein and fat content.

Which Cabernet Sauvignon Should I Try?

Affordable: Apothic Cabernet Sauvignon UK £9 // US $8.98
Mid-Tier (Cabernet Sauvignon Blend): Château de Janicon Graves Rouge 2018 UK £14.83
Top-End: Mt Brave UK £79 // US $99.99

Merlot

Merlot tends to make softer, more medium-bodied, fruitier wines than Cabernet Sauvignon and the two are very often blended as they complement each other so well. 

Where Is Merlot Grown?

Merlot is grown in similar regions to Cabernet Sauvignon and is the other ‘famous’ Bordeaux grape. As Merlot takes less time to ripen, it can be grown in slightly cooler climates than Cabernet Sauvignon such as Northern Italy. For juicy, fruity, warmer climate Merlots, head to Australia, California and Chile as well as regional Southern France.

What Does Merlot Taste Like?

These warmer climate Merlots are often bolder and fruitier, offering flavours such as red plum, blackberry and even vine tomato. Cooler climate Merlots are more tart, with earthy notes and often, an iodine tang. 

What To Pair With A Merlot:

Merlot is a great wine to pair with food as it is so versatile. Easy drinking, inexpensive Merlots like creamy, tomatoey sauces. An earthier, old world Merlot is delicious with roasted meats and vegetables.

Which Merlot Should I Try?

Affordable: Château Tertre De Viaud Côtes De Bourg 2016 - UK £10.92
Top-End: Château Prieurs de la Commanderie Pomerol 2016 - £39.48

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most popular red wine grapes. It can taste like a red wine but feel like a white, so is often the red that white wine drinkers pick. It is light bodied and elegant, with high acidity and very low tannin, coupled with a beautiful silky texture and classic flavour profile of spiced cherry, raspberry compote and earth.

Where Is Pinot Noir Grown?

Pinot Noir loves a cool climate and you can now find incredible bottles from many places around the globe. France produces a huge amount of it, with the majority coming from Burgundy, and since the 1990s, Germany has also been producing some stunning bottles, only here they tend to call it Spatburgunder. The USA has some very exciting styles coming out of Oregon and coastal California, and although not as widely known, there are many other countries around the world that produce some very good Pinot too, including the UK, New Zealand, Austria and Romania to name a few! If it’s a cool region, Pinot will do well. 

What To Pair With Pinot Noir:

Given its higher acidity and its low tannin, Pinot Noir pairs really well with many different dishes. For the lighter, fruitier versions, try it with fleshy fish like salmon, or chicken, whereas bolder Pinot Noirs such as those from Chile or New Zealand work really well with pork, duck, beef stews and mushrooms.

Which Pinot Noir Should I Try?

Affordable: Sanziana Pinot Noir Recas Cramele UK £8.50
Mid Tier: Sebastiani UK £25 // US $14.99
Top-End: Volnay Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau 2017 UK £35.95

Syrah

You might know this grape better as Shiraz; the Australian name for their most planted grape, but the two are technically the same, although the Shiraz style has morphed away from the Syrah style, hence the two names. These dark and brooding wines have wonderful aging capabilities and are excellent with all sorts of foods.

Where Is Syrah Grown?

Syrah thrives in warm and dry climates, which explains its massive success in Australia. However, the grape’s spiritual home is on the rocky, gravelly hillsides of the Northern Rhone region in France. California has also done well with the Syrah grape, though it is often left in the shadow of the ever popular Californian Cabernet Sauvignon.

What Does Syrah Taste Like?

Syrah creates powerful, full-bodied wines chock full of dark, plum fruit flavours, dried herbs and pepper. In the Southern Rhone valley in France, Syrah is a key component in famous blends such as Cotes-du-Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape. New World Syrahs are often spicier and more fruit driven than Old World Syrahs, which offer more herbaceous notes and higher acidity. 

What To Pair With Syrah/Shiraz:

The punch of Syrah can sometimes be too much for foods with more delicate flavours, so pairing these wines with meaty and peppery dishes is the way to go. With an Australian Shiraz, don’t stray too far from the meaty flavours, however, the herbaceous, European Syrah is perfect for vegetables and game. A Californian Syrah is a good middle ground.

Which Syrah should I Try?

Affordable: McGuigan Reserve Shiraz UK £6
Mid-Tier: Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz UK £29.95 // US $27.99
Top-End: Mclaren Vale Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz £89.97 // US $32.99

Malbec

Malbec is a grape with a rich history and a rich flavour. Though sometimes chosen as a better value substitute for Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec deserves its place on the list of most popular wine grapes.

Where Is Malbec Grown?

While Argentina’s pride and joy, the Malbec grape actually originated in South West France. Its move to a warmer, sunnier country by a hopeful French botanist allowed it to shine in a way it never had done in France before. Malbec loves altitude and thrives on the sunny slopes of Mendoza in Argentina and although this country now grows 70% of the world’s Malbec, the grape can still be found in its French home in the famous, black wines of Cahors and is becoming slowly more widespread in other New World regions such as New Zealand and Australia.

What Does Malbec Taste Like?

Classic Malbec is all about blueberry, raspberry and chocolate. It’s bold but often very smooth and with a bit of age can also offer more complex, savoury, leathery notes.

What To Pair With Malbec:

As you may suspect, an Argentinian Malbec loves a good steak! It’s a sure fire winner at any grill or barbecue and works very nicely with hard cow cheese too. It’s another one that can handle grilled veg well.

Which Malbec Should I Try?

Affordable: Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec £8
Mid-Tier: Bramare Malbec Lujan de Cuyo UK £29.24 // US $39.99
Top-End: Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino US $149.99

Grenache

Grenache is not only known for its red wines, but also for the deep rosés that it can create. Its fruity nature (especially in its rosés) is very approachable and dangerously drinkable! A Grenache is a great pick with or without food.

Where Is Grenache Grown?

Unlike many of the grapes on this list, Grenache didn’t actually originate in France. Though it’s now planted all over France’s Southern Rhône region, Grenache originated in Spain (where it is labelled as Garnacha)! It’s not as widely grown in the New World as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot and its acreage has been sharply dropping in the past few decades (sad face).

What Does Grenache Taste Like?

Grenache’s fruity flavour is made up of its notes of strawberry and cinnamon, though depending on where the grape is grown, it can also produce notes of orange and grapefruit. 

What To Pair With A Grenache:

Though it’s definitely a winner with most grilled meats, lean towards something leaner with Grenache, such as lamb. It’s not just meat that you want to pair with Grenache, anything spicy or herbaceous is perfect with this fruity wine.

Which Grenache Should I Try?

Affordable: Waitrose Cotes du Rhone Villages £7.99
Mid-Tier: Anayón Garnacha £17.19
Top-End: Orin Swift 'Abstract' UK £39.99 // US $37.99

Tempranillo

There’s no doubt that Tempranillo (tem-pran-ee-o) is Spain’s favourite red grape, and its versatile flavour profile and texture makes it a treat for pairing with food. It’s most commonly known in its guise as Rioja (In Spain, the wine is often named after the region) but Tempranillo can be found all over Spain. If you’re planning a tapas night anytime soon, be sure to pick up a bottle of Tempranillo - you won’t regret it!

Where Is Tempranillo Grown?

Again, this grape is Spain through and through. Over 80% of the world’s Tempranillo comes from Spain but it has tiptoed its way across the border and is now fairly common in other countries like Portugal. Australia has also been experimenting with this grape, as it enjoys similar conditions to the old favourite, Aussie Shiraz. 

What Does Tempranillo Taste Like?

Tempranillo is simultaneously earthy and fruity, with notes of leather, strawberry cherry and spice. An Australian Tempranillo offers more chocolatey notes, sometimes even being juicer than a Spanish variant. It’s worth trying both New World and Old World Tempranillos to discover your favourites.

What To Pair With Tempranillo:

A fresh, young (‘joven’) Tempranillo is delicious alongside pasta and tomato dishes, whereas a bolder Tempranillo is more suited to meaty dishes. It’s all about trying what works for you and what doesn’t.

Which Tempranillo Should I Try?

Affordable: Finca Besaya Crianza 2017 UK: £9.99
Mid-Tier: Altos de Baroja Rioja Joven £10.75
Top-End:  Marqués de Murrieta Gran Reserva Rioja £50.50

Looking for more wine content? How about having a read of The Best Places in the UK to Drink English Wine or Cheap Champagne that Tastes Great.

What is a Whiskey Sour?

Let us take you back in time, back to a time where boats were the only method of international transport and shirts had far too puffy collars… In the 19th century, scurvy was RIFE in the Navy. With no ships carrying fresh fruit or vegetables, sailors were suffering from severe and deadly Vitamin C deficiencies. Luckily, consuming citrus fruits was discovered as a way of warding off scurvy, and ships began to be piled high with lemons. At that moment, the Whiskey Sour was born.

Drinking spirits was much safer than drinking sea water, and they never expired. When he wrote ‘water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink’ in 1836, Samuel Taylor Coleridge wasn’t kidding. One could mix lemon juice with one's whiskey rations and have a (somewhat) healthy and safe drink. 

This very simple version of the drink was brought back to land and, like the sailors, was cleaned up a bit. Sugar syrup was added to take the bite off the acidic lemon and punch of the whiskey and garnishes were added for a bit of fanciness. It was first written down in Jerry Thomas’ 1862 The Bartender’s Guide. Here’s the original recipe:

Ingredients

1 teaspoon powdered white sugar
Juice of half a lemon
1 wine glass of Bourbon or Rye whiskey
Seltzer
Berry for garnish

Method

Take 1 large tea-spoonful of powdered white sugar and dissolve in a little seltzer. Add the sugar solution, lemon juice and whisky to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a claret glass. Garnish with berries.

The Whiskey Sour you might know often includes egg white and Angostura bitters - but that’s a fairly recent take on the Whiskey Sour. Here’s our favourite 2021 Whiskey Sour Recipe:

Ingredients

50ml Bourbon (we like Maker’s Mark)
35ml lemon juice
12½ml sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
½ fresh egg white
Cherry for garnish
Orange or lemon slice for garnish

Method

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with the orange or lemon slice and a cherry.

Like this? For more delicious cocktail content how about checking out the Crabbie’s Colada, The Dalmore Mackenzie Highball or the Classic Daiquiri?

6 Ways To Open a Bottle Of Wine Without A Corkscrew

We all know that dreaded situation. Somebody’s brought a really nice bottle of wine to the dinner party, everyone’s super excited to try it, and then the worst happens. You thought it was a screw cap. It’s not a screw cap. Frantically you race around the kitchen, hoping a corkscrew will have magically appeared in your drawer - but alas, it’s nowhere to be found. What now? You can’t let everyone down! Google in one hand, tentative knife in the other - you begin the search.

Well congratulations, you’ve hit the jackpot! Here are 6 super easy ways to open a bottle without a corkscrew - otherwise known as how to save a life. Forewarning: these tips, while incredible - are not 100% foolproof (and can be a bit messy). If this bottle of wine is dear to your heart, or wildly expensive, please wait until you have a corkscrew on hand. Delayed wine is better than no wine.

Push The Cork In

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and accept your fate, you’ll have a cork in the bottle. The key to this trick, and all of the others, is to be careful rather than frantic - stay calm and things should go your way. Also, don’t do this by a white wall or in nice clothes!

1. Grab a blunt object like the end of a wooden spoon and a towel/drying up cloth. 

2. Holding the bottle at the neck with the cloth, carefully but with force push down on the cork with the end of the wooden spoon.

3. Keep the pressure until the cork pops into the bottle (it might splash up a bit).

4. If the cork is a little broken, feel free to filter and decant the wine.

Use A Screw To Pull The Cork Out

While this might require a trip to the toolbox, this method does work. All you need is a thick screw, a screwdriver and a hammer.

1. Screw the screw into the cork until about 10% of the screw is showing. 

2. With the back of a hammer (or a VERY sturdy spoon) slowly but forcefully pull the cork out of the bottle.

Use A Serrated Knife To Twist The Cork Out

This method can also be done with a key, but that variation takes a bit more practice at an already quite difficult trick. You’ll just need a serrated knife (like a steak knife) for this.

1. Push the serrated knife into the cork at a 50-60 degree angle, careful not to cut all the way through.

2. With one hand putting firm pressure on the knife, turn the bottle until the cork comes out. It’s safest to do this on a flat surface and please watch your fingers!!

Pull The Cork Out With A Screw Hook

An easier variation of the hammer and screw method, but requiring quite a specific tool - the screw hook method is one of the easier options available. Use a good sized screw for this, one where you can fit at least two fingers in the hook.

1. With your hands, screw the screw hook into the cork until just the hook is showing.

2. With a firm grip on the bottle, pull the hook until the cork comes out.

Pull The Cork Out With A Shoelace

Choose whoever has the least grimy shoes and thickest shoelaces to be the martyr for this method. You’ll need a thick shoelace, a nail and a hammer. This can be quite impressive when pulled off effectively.

1. Tie knots on top of each other at one end of the shoelace to create a monster knot.

2. Lay the knot in the centre of the cork and position the nail on top.

3. Carefully hit the nail with the hammer until the knot has successfully made its way through the cork

4. Wrap the rest of the shoelace around your hand and pull hard until the cork is removed.

Smack It Against The Wall In A Shoe (CAREFULLY)

This method is a bit scary, we won’t lie - but feel free to give it a go if you’re that kind of daredevil. You’re going to need a sturdy shoe (not a high heel) and a hard, flat wall.

1. Place the bottle in the shoe and make sure it is firmly secured.

2. Grip the shoe with one hand and the bottle in the other.

3. Making sure the bottle is at a 90 degree angle, hit it firmly against the wall. You might have to do this a few times.

4. Stop when the cork is most of the way out to avoid an accident. Gently remove the rest of the cork and enjoy!

Feeling in the mood for wine now? Then, make sure to check out this delicious selection of wine!

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most popular red wine grapes. It can taste like a red wine but feel like a white. It is light bodied and elegant, with high acidity and very low tannin and this is one of the reasons why it is loved so much. Couple this with its beautiful silky texture and its flavour profile of spiced cherry, raspberry compote and earth, it’s no wonder why it is a fond favourite around the world.

Which Countries Produce Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir loves a cool climate and you can now find incredible bottles from many places around the globe. France produces a huge amount of it, with the majority coming from Burgundy, and since the 1990s Germany has also been producing some stunning bottles. The USA has some very exciting styles coming out of Oregon and California, and although not as widely known, there are many other countries around the world that produce some very good Pinot too, including the UK, New Zealand, Chile, Romania, Austria and Canada to name a few!

What is the Best Food to Pair with Pinot Noir?

Given its higher acidity and its low tannin, Pinot Noir pairs really well with many different dishes. For the fruitier versions, try it with fish, like salmon, or chicken, whereas, bolder Pinot Noirs work really well with pork, duck, beef stews and mushrooms.

Fun Facts about Pinot Noir

1. Pinot Noir is actually one of the three main grapes used in Champagne, along with Chardonnay and the lesser-known Pinot Meunier!

2. Pinot Noir is one of just a few red grapes that is commonly made into red, rosé, white and sparkling wine!

Which Pinot Noir Should I Try?

There are so many bottles to choose from it was hard to stick to just these five, but here is a mix ranging from classic Pinot Noir to some lesser-known regions that are certainly worth checking out!

France: Volnay Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau 2017

If it’s red and from Burgundy (aka Bourgogne) the chances are it is going to be Pinot Noir. The best ones need a few years of age on them to develop but this one is ok to drink now. Think spicy cherry, lavender and marzipan. It’s delicate, earthy, understated and old school in style.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £35.95

California: Sebastiani

The fog-cooled parts of coastal California give their Pinots softness, while that ripe, sweet, juicy fruit still shines through. They’re all about strawberries and cream on a bed of red velvet. Look for some from Russian River Valleys and Sonoma County like this bottle, Sebastiani.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.8%
Find here: UK £25 //US $14.99

New Zealand: Escarpment

New Zealand is Pinot’s most famous (arguably) New World home. Here, it’s slightly easier drinking and fruity, yet serious. The concentrated, savoury red fruit and cinnamon notes have won hearts and palates worldwide. Head to Central Otago, Martinborough and Marlborough for great ones.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £22.49

England: Bolney Estate Pinot Noir

English still wine used to be a bit of a joke, but nowadays, we’re finding that many serious producers are looking to the key Champagne grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for their still wines and gaining globally award-winning results. The Bolney Estate Pinot Noir has won multiple awards internationally and this bottle, with its soft, velvety red fruit, hints of earth and coffee beans with a touch of chocolate dipped cherry on the finish is definitely one to try.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £17.99

Romania: Sanziana Pinot Noir Recas Cramele

Romania has a talent for making excellent, inexpensive, seriously easy-drinking, cherry-bomb wines from Pinot Noir. Don’t expect the complexity of Burgundy, but for under £10 this is brilliant value. Keep an eye out for the other great Pinots popping up all the time.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8.50

If you enjoyed this then why not check out these great Proseccos for under £15! Or, how about checking out these Stunning Rosé Wines?!

The Best Proseccos for £15 and Under

Special occasion coming up? Why not go Italian with your fizz and pop a bottle of prosecco! It’s super trendy, delicious as ever, and it won’t have you parting ways with family heirlooms to get your hands on it! To aid you on your prosecco journey, we’ve gathered our favourite bottles under £15 that guarantee you a great night.

In case you’ve fallen victim to the years of bashing prosecco has received, a) we’re really sorry you had to go through that, and b) fear no more. This guide will make you a prosecco enthusiast before you can say, ‘Mamma Mia’!

Best Pink Prosecco: Montresor Prosecco Spumante Rosé Millesimato - Extra Dry

Rosé? Brilliant. Fizz? Also brilliant. Rosé prosecco? Best of both worlds. With its delicious strawberry flavours and citrus tones, Montresor slips down very easily - blink and the whole bottle is gone! It looks beautiful in the glass and feels beautiful in the mouth: if you’re looking for something pretty that gets you bang for your buck, you can’t go wrong with this bottle!

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £9.99 (on offer from £10.89)

Best Organic Prosecco: Pianeta Organico Organic Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso- Extra Dry

With notes of green apple, pear and citrus -  this bottle is perfectly balanced and excellent value for money. The grapes used are organic and it’s produced without chemicals, a process that’s supposed to steer you away from those awful bubbly hangovers (yay!). A big winner amongst prosecco fans (and prosecco haters) - Aldi has done it again!

ABV: 11.5%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £7.49 (on offer from £7.99)

Best Celebrity Prosecco: Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé

I’m sure you’re wondering why this isn’t under best bottle design, and trust me it was a really  strong contender. Tiny hearts on a prosecco bottle? Now that’s dedication to style…

With the release of yet another wine, it seems there’s nothing Kylie Minogue hasn’t decided to create (rosé, cava, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, prosecco…). Her massively successful collection has led to this crisp prosecco rosé chock full of strawberry and raspberry flavours. Who knows what Ms Minogue will make next? Perhaps a champagne...?

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £12.00

Best Brut Prosecco: Mionetto Prosecco

If a sparkling wine is labelled as ‘Brut’ rather than ‘Extra Dry’ or ‘Dry’, it means it’s a much drier wine containing less residual sugar. This is great for those who like some bubbly but aren’t really into sweet wines. Mionetto is a classic pick, with light notes of peach, pear and citrus that go down well on any occasion. The lingering fizziness and dry finish makes Mionetto a tasty and great value choice for a mimosa.

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £8.00

Best Bottle Design: Freixenet Prosecco

Another popular pick, Freixenet’s iconic bottle is one you’ve definitely pointed out on the shelves. The cut glass finish makes this prosecco stand out from the rest, but it’s what is inside the bottle that really counts. The green apple, citrus and honey flavours jump out on the palette and the elegant lightness makes it extremely drinkable. Despite being the largest producers of Cava, it seems Freixenet’s standout bottle design and zingy flavour have made this prosecco their funkiest product yet.

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £10.00

Best Extra Dry Prosecco: Giusti Rosalia Prosecco Treviso Extra Dry

One of our favourites on the list, this Extra Dry has a beautiful light golden colour and offers a perfectly balanced level of sweetness and acidity. Giusti carries the usual orchard and citrus notes of a prosecco, albeit with a hint of honey on the finish. Wonderfully pleasant to sip and a great affordable fizz, when it comes to Extra Dry - Giusti is there for you.

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £15.00

Best Frizzante Prosecco: Giol Prosecco Treviso Frizzante Organic

A Frizzante prosecco has a gentler fizz to its counterparts, more of a semi-sparkling wine. The fizz is so little that most Frizzantes are stopped only by a regular cork and a piece of string, rather than a full crown cap. The subtle bubbles make for an interesting change from the usual carbonation of a prosecco, and Giol’s citrus and pear flavours give it a wonderful fresh taste. Another organic wine (yay for our non-existent, eco-friendly hangovers), Giol Frizzante is a great value entry into semi-sparkling wines.

ABV: 11%
Size: 750 ml
Find it here: £12.00

If you would like to read more about prosecco then check out our Guide to Prosecco and our Top Pink Proseccos for Under £10!

The Most Popular Cocktails This Summer

Picture it: the sun is shining, your friends are round and improvised appetisers are on the table. A flash of silver - what’s that? “Would anyone like a cocktail?” a cool voice calls out from the kitchen. The crowd pricks up their ears, who’s that sexy mixologist? It’s you, you’re the sexy mixologist. Shaker in hand, you begin to feel like a God… until you realise you don’t know any cocktail recipes.

Aha! Fear no more! There’s still hope for you to become the God of cocktail parties. Once you’ve got down the crowd pleasers, you need never worry again about accidentally getting Grandma plastered on your botched version of a ‘martini’. We’re here, armed with the nation's favourite cocktails to help you out.

10. Sangria

In at Number 10 is a tasty Spanish contribution - the Sangria! Essentially a red wine punch (though it can be especially tasty with white wine), the key to a great Sangria is the personal touch. Taste test with your favourite fruits and put together a family recipe to be passed down through the generations.

Ingredients

2 oranges, chopped
2 pears, chopped
2 lemons, 1 chopped, 1 juiced
200g red berries, chopped
3 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
Ice
750ml bottle light red wine
100ml Spanish brandy
300ml sparkling water

Method

Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the chopped fruit in a large bowl. Stir to mix. Cover the bowl and leave in the fridge for at least an hour, but ideally overnight.
Fill up a large jug with ice. Stir the fruit mixture to ensure the sugar is dissolved and tip into the jug. Add the wine and brandy. Stir, then top up with the sparkling water and serve.

9. Long Island Iced Tea

Fun fact: Long Island Iced Tea is claimed to have been invented by TGIFriday’s, but as all origin stories go, this is widely refuted. Oh well, let’s let them have it. Popular in the 1980s and still hugely successful now - the Long Island Iced Tea packs a PUNCH. If you’ve got a lot of leftover spirits around, why not put them to use and mix one up yourself?!

Ingredients

15ml vodka
15ml white rum
15ml silver tequila
15ml gin
15ml triple sec
15ml simple syrup
15ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Cola
Garnish: lemon wedge

Method

Add the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, triple sec, simple syrup and lemon juice to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with the cola and briefly stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge and straw. Simple!

8. Old Fashioned

Making it into this list is proof that the Old Fashioned isn’t as musty as the name might make it sound. We Brits still love the combination of whisk(e)y, simple syrup and angostura bitters - as we should! Why not have a Mad Men (without the dodgy workplace environment) themed party and serve these up to your guests!

Ingredients

50 ml of Whisk(e)y or Bourbon
1 tbsp sugar syrup
2-3 dashes of angostura bitters
1 twist of orange peel to garnish

Method

Place the sugar syrup and bitters in a rocks glass. Add some of the whiskey and a few ice cubes and stir for 15-20 seconds to cool the alcohol and start the ice melting. Keep adding a little more whiskey, then a little more ice, and continue to stir. Sip as you go and stop when the dilution is to your taste.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.

7. Negroni

Bella Italia! Mamma Mia! Use your best Italian while creating this beautifully complex cocktail - it was invented by one after all (to be precise it was Count Camillio Negroni in 1919 who asked for gin to be added to his Americano cocktail in Florence - the more you know!). 

Ingredients

25ml gin
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
orange slice, to garnish

Method

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass with ice. Stir briefly. Garnish with a slice of orange.

6. Margarita

One of the most iconic (and delicious) cocktails to exist. Okay, maybe that was a bit biased - but the margarita is still a great cocktail to have under your belt! Close your eyes and transport yourself to Mexico/heaven. Also, if you’re using nice tequila for the love of the cocktail Gods DO NOT salt the rim - how are you going to taste that £50+ you just spent?

Ingredients

50m blanco tequila (or try a reposado if you’re feeling posh)
25ml lime juice
25ml Cointreau (or triple sec)
lime wedge for garnish

Method

Add tequila, lime juice and triple sec to a shaker with ice. Shake that baby until the sides feel icy. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of lime. 

5. Pornstar Martini

Who knew passionfruit was so naughty? The real question here is what to do with that dastardly prosecco shot. Do you drink it first? Drink it last? Add it to the cocktail? Drink it while drinking the cocktail? Chuck it at the next table? Leave it because the anxiety over how to drink it has got too much? ...yeah.

Ingredients

1 ripe passion fruit, halved
30ml vanilla vodka
30ml passion fruit liqueur
10ml lime juice
10ml sugar syrup
Prosecco, to serve

Method

Scoop the seeds from half of the passion fruit into the tin of a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice and sugar syrup. Add a handful of ice and shake well, strain into a martini glass and add half a passion fruit to each. Serve with a shot of prosecco and a pint glass of prosecco shot anxiety.

4. Sex on the Beach

Another naughty name! Goodness me… make sure when you’re asking someone if they’d like this cocktail that you remember to say ‘A’ Sex on the Beach rather than just ‘Sex on the Beach’. That could go very wrong ;). 

Ingredients

45ml vodka
30ml peach schnapps
60ml orange juice
60ml cranberry juice
Orange wedge, for garnish

Method

Fill a tall glass with ice and add the vodka, peach schnapps and orange juice. Stir briefly. Pour over the cranberry juice for that all important ombre effect. Garnish with a juicy orange wedge.

3. Espresso Martini

This one’s dropped in the ranks this year, it used to be the UK’s favourite cocktail! It’s still getting the bronze medal, however, and this is definitely a cocktail to master - for how easy it is, it looks really impressive!

Ingredients

50ml vodka
25ml freshly brewed espresso coffee
25ml coffee liqueur
10ml sugar syrup
3 coffee beans for garnish

Method

Pop your martini glass in the fridge to cool (or in the freezer if you want that pretty iced effect on the glass). Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice and shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker feels icy cold. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with 3 perfectly placed coffee beans.

2. Piña Colada

Dreaming of beaches and pools, are we? Legend has it that if you take a sip of a Piña Colada, close your eyes and say coconut three times, you might hear the sea. Might is the key word there. If by some random occurrence you happen to have a spare hollowed out coconut, USE IT NOW! Oh and some of those cheesy tiny umbrellas.

Ingredients

120ml pineapple juice
60ml white rum
60ml cream of coconut
Wedge of pineapple to garnish

Method

Pulse all the ingredients along with a handful of ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a wedge of pineapple.

1. Mojito

And the winner is….. A mojito! A mojito is a safe choice cocktail - you’re unlikely to mess it up (and if you do, just put on your sexy mixologist voice and drawl “that’s how it’s supposed to taste”). Not only that, but it’s delicious! 

Ingredients

Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp granulated sugar
Small handful mint leaves, plus extra sprig to serve
60ml white rum
Soda water

Method

Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go. Pour into a tall glass and add a handful of ice. Pour over the rum, stirring with a long-handled spoon. Top up with soda water, garnish with mint and serve.

Like what you see? Why not check out our other cocktail recipes to up your game!

The Best Japanese Whisky To Try

Words by Colin Hampden-White

Over the last decade, Japanese whisky has been growing in popularity all around the world to the extent that it would seem that it is a relatively new thing, but nothing could be further from the truth.

When was Japanese whisky first produced?

Japanese whisky distilling was started nearly one hundred years ago in 1923, by a man named Shinjiro Torri, and the whisky produced was called Yamazaki. Shinjiro had previously sent one of his employees, Masataka Taketsuru to Scotland to learn about distillation. He studied Chemistry at Glasgow University, and travelled in Scotland to distilleries, learning how to make whisky. One of these distilleries, which Helena, Aidy and I visited the former site of in episode five of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky was Hazelburn in Campbeltown. Although Shinjiro Torri founded Yamazaki, it was Masataka’s skill that created the first Japanese whiskies.

What is the difference between Japanese and Scotch whisky?

Like Scotch, Japanese whisky has had its ups and downs, but over the years the quality of the spirit has become second to none. Although it is not Scotch, there are no differences in the basic principles in the production. There are some ambiguities over provenance though. Japanese whisky doesn’t by law have to be Japanese to be called Japanese. There has been a long history of blending whisky in Japan and one of the major components they use for blending is Scotch whisky. It is tricky therefore to know if you are buying true Japanese whisky or not. The simplest way to make sure is to buy single malt whisky from a named Japanese distillery, like Yamazaki, Yoichi or Hakushu. Here are some popular examples:

Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Distiller’s Reserve

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £68.95



Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £135 // US $199.99

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £795 // US $2,099

Yoichi Single Malt

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £64.94 // US $139.99

Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Distiller’s Reserve

Size: UK 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £66.95

Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt

Size: US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: $199.99

Is Japanese whisky good?

The fact that Scotch whisky is used in some blends doesn’t mean to say the whiskies are not good whiskies, this is far from the truth, they can be very good, but you won’t be drinking Scotch. One of the most popular brands of blended Japanese whiskies is Hibiki, but this whisky only uses Japanese whisky in the blend and is of exceptional quality.

Why is Japanese whisky so expensive?

Like many Japanese whiskies, Hibiki used to be sold with an age statement, but with the huge popularity of Japanese whisky these days, they no longer have the aged stocks. For those brands that do, they have very little left which explains the prices. You will find that a traditional 12 year old Scotch can be bought for around £30 to £40 pounds, whilst a 12 year old Yamazaki is four times that. Some Japanese whiskies, although not old can command even higher prices and this can quite often be down to the oak which is used to mature the spirit in. Most whiskies are matured in ex bourbon barrels made of oak or ex Sherry barrels made of oak. In Japan, they sometimes use a rare and difficult to grow Japanese oak called Mizunara. A notable blended whisky that uses this wood is Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Hibiki uses single malt whiskies from Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain whisky from the Chita distillery. They use whiskies that have been matured in American oak, Sherry casks and also Mizunara oak. As the name suggests, the whisky is a harmony of many different flavours and is light and elegant with honey, oranges and a herbaceous element.

Hibiki Japnese Harmony

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £69.95 // US $99.99

I think the above whisky is the best value for money if buying true Japanese whisky. However, if you have a special birthday coming, or just simply fancy pushing the boat out then Hibiki 30 year old is one of the greatest blended whiskies I have ever tasted.

Hibiki 30 year old

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £5000

Like in Scotland there are closed distilleries in Japan and again, like in Scotland they have legendary status. None more so than Karuizawa distillery. Closed in the year 2000, bottles from this distillery will cost over £5,000 and in 2020 a bottle of 52 year old sold at auction for £363,000. If you fancy a bargain, you can find one over 30 years old here:

Karuizawa 34 Year Old Single Cask #6476

Size: 700ml
ABV: 63%
Find here: £6500

Whatever your budget, if you haven’t tried Japanese whisky before I strongly suggest you give it a go. It’s known, like the Japanese people, for its precision and elegance and is full of flavour. One of my favourite bottles is Nikka from the Barrel. A true Japanese whisky at a slightly higher than normal strength which packs in a lot of flavour. A great place to start a Japanese journey.

Nikka Whisky From the Barrel

Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: UK £43.95 // US $89.99

There is a lot of hype around Japanese whisky, but from my experience, the hype is completely justified, as whisky distilled in Japan is absolute heaven.

If you enjoyed this then how about checking out these Traditional Japanese Drinks You HAVE To Try or if you would prefer to read more about Scotch whisky then check out The Best Scotch Whisky to Try This Year.

The Best Japanese Alcohol You NEED To Try This Summer

Love or hate it, Japanese cuisine is undoubtedly classy - and this goes for their alcohol too! While known for their whisky, Japan offers a whole host of other refined alcoholic drinks, including sake, gin and plum liqueur! Now is the perfect time to explore the wide and wonderful world of Japanese drinks, so take a look over our top picks and try something out this summer!

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

A long time favourite of the Japanese whisky loving community, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a delicately blended whisky made with malt whisky from Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries and grain whisky from Chita distillery. It’s not just the beautiful cut glass bottle that makes this whisky so desirable, its tasting notes of honey, orange peel and dates make for a deliciously buttery, smooth sipping treat! With such a diverse range of flavours, this whisky certainly lives up to the ‘Harmony’ in its name and is light enough to be the perfect gift for a novice Japanese whisky drinker. 

Try with an orange rind and some soda water for a very harmonious highball!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £69.95 // US $99.99

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Whisky? From a barrel? Never…

Though the name may seem to be a friendly reminder as to how the whisky was made, Nikka’s intention with ‘Whisky From The Barrel’ is actually to make you feel as if you are one of the blenders trying the whisky straight ‘from the barrel’. Even the bottle itself oozes luxury, its simple white label reminiscent of an expensive perfume bottle - but with a much less hefty price tag! More than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies are blended to create a very rich and flavourful whisky. The notes of dried fruits, spices and caramel are present alongside a heavy kick of alcohol - so you might want to give it a go with an ice cube. However you choose to drink it though, Nikka Whisky is one to pop in your basket ASAP.

Size: UK 500ml // US 750ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: UK £43.95 // US $89.99

Roku Gin

Another beautiful bottle containing another beautiful drink… In English, Roku translates to the number six - which is the same number of local botanicals used alongside eight gin botanicals in Roku Gin. The Japanese yuzu fruit is a standout flavour among the botanicals, and the delicate balance of flavours makes Roku a gin you’ll want to take neat. However, cocktails fans despair not - it’s also been known to make an extremely delicious martini! Get your hands on one of these flower engraved bottles today and transport yourself to Japan without having to pay for a plane ticket!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £28.84 // US $35.99

Aldi Shirayuki Japanese Sake

Yep, you’re not going mad - that’s Aldi making their own exclusive sake (and selling it for a fiver - which is more than three times cheaper than the same size bottle at Selfridges)! Launched for the Tokyo Summer Olympics, Aldi’s sake from Japan’s Itami region is being marketed as ‘an adventurous alternative to dry white wine’. While sake is the perfect companion to traditional Asian cuisine - Aldi’s even promoting it to be drunk alongside a cheeky fish and chips and we couldn’t agree with this match more! Check out our beginners guide to sake link at the bottom of the article to see what else sake pairs well with!

Unfortunately for our international friends, the Shirayuki Japanese Sake is only available in Aldi stores across the UK - but you’re very welcome to hop on a plane and grab a bottle! This release has got us super excited to see what Aldi’s got up its sleeve in the future...

Size: 300ml
Find here: In an Aldi store near you!

Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu

Made from steeping plums in liquor and sugar, umeshu is often mislabelled as plum wine - it’s not wine made from fermented plums, it’s alcohol infused with plums. Umeshu is closer to a liqueur in how it's made, but in taste has been compared to a vermouth or a fortified wine. Though it’s pretty easy to make at home - Akashi-Tai Shiraume Umeshu is a properly tasty pick if you don’t want to wait the three months or more that infusion takes. Shiraume has been made with premium sake as the base alcohol. Take it chilled in the garden this summer, but look forward to drinking it warm for a cozy winter treat.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: UK £19.25 // US $25.99

Whatever you’re looking to drink to end the summer, Japan can offer something a bit different to spice up your cocktails and diversify your collection. There are loads more to discover than just our top picks, so make sure you share some of your favourite finds over on our socials at @thethreedrinkers! 

If you’d like to read about sake in more detail including recommended bottles and what to pair them with then check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sake!