The Best Gins to Try This Year

Gin, a spirit adored by bartenders and home drinkers across the world. Its versatility in cocktails and spritzers make it a home bar essential. From a dry martini to a Negroni to a humble gin and tonic, this spirit’s got it all. We’ve listed our summer favourites of this botanical delight, whatever your taste may be.

Best London Dry Gin: Sipsmith London Dry

Where better to begin than with the classic gin we all know and love, a London Dry. Unlike other drinks that bear a name, London Dry gins don’t actually have to be made in London as it’s only a nod to the heritage of gin. However, every drop of Sipsmith’s artisinal London Dry is made in the leafy London suburb of Chiswick, so you are tasting a truly London gin. Sipsmith is quite the all rounder, though the dry zestiness of the gin really shines in a classic G&T.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 41.6%
Find here: UK £27.95 // US $39.99

Best Tropical Gin: Whitley Neill Watermelon and Kiwi Gin

Tropical, fun and summery: Whitley Neill’s fruitiest addition to their already wide spanning line up is both a wonder to behold and to drink. It’s not often watermelon and kiwi are associated with gin, but the tartness of the kiwi alongside notes of watermelon sorbet is exactly what a summer gin is supposed to taste like. Though it tastes great in a G&T, why not spice it up and add lemonade to this fruit favourite. Garnish with watermelon for an impressive cocktail.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Find here: £25.95

Best Citrus Gin: Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla

This gin is quickly becoming a BIG favourite in the world of flavoured gin, achieving near perfect scores in BBC Good Food’s Citrus Gin Tasting Session. With Tanqueray’s rich history as the pioneer of London Dry gin, it already has an excellent leg to stand on. The orange flavour isn’t too sweet, nor does it take away from Tanqueray’s winning formula of botanicals. The sophistication of the drink is not lost either, with notes of blossom that round out the gin with a floral finish. Have this in a simple G&T garnished with orange.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: UK £28.95 // US $28.99

Best Pink Gin: King of Soho Variorum Gin

Shine a torch through this bottle and you might mistake it for the dazzling neon lights of The King of Soho’s namesake. This funky gin is dedicated to a London tycoon who transformed Soho into the entertainment capital of London, Paul Raymond. His son Howard and a gin lover named Alex Robson worked together to create King of Soho, a gin brand that encapsulates Raymond’s style and vigour. Variorum is their pink gin, fruity and opulent with notes of camomile and juniper. The lightness of the gin means it can be taken neat or over ice, however a dash of tonic complements the botanicals well.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: UK £30.05

Best Gin for a Martini: Monkey 47

The 47 in Monkey 47 stands for the number of botanicals used when making this gin (which is a lot!). Funnily enough, 47 crops up again in the gin’s alcohol content - 47%! It’s a shame Monkey 47 isn’t bottled in 47cl bottles, but then again, you won’t want to be missing that extra 30ml. This gin definitely deserves to be tasted in its entirety, as every time you drink it you’ll discover a new flavour. Try it in a martini or a G&T.

Size: UK 500ml // US 350ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: UK £35.40 // US $46.99

Best Sloe Gin: Bathtub Gin

The packaging and name of Bathtub Gin is a throwback to the prohibition era between 1920-1933 where people actually made gin in their bathtubs. We love the extra detail of the brown paper packaging which makes owning the gin feel a bit like smuggling some contraband (shhhhh). Their sloe gin is a brilliant addition to the range, especially since sloe gin is an often homemade drink. This infused gin has notes of hazelnut turkish delight, tart plums, figs and cream. Yes, sloe gin might not be a summery drink - but Autumn is creeping up on us! Ease into the next season with a Sloe Gin Fizz made with Bathtub Gin… 

Size: 50cl
ABV: 33.8%
Find here: UK £27.95

Enjoyed this? Why not have a look at The World’s Most Luxurious Gins or The Best Gins for a Martini.

The Best Hard Seltzers Right Now!

Welcome to the biggest drinks trend of the century: hard seltzers. These bubbly, lightly flavoured waters ‘spiked’ with some form of booze have taken the US by storm and are set to do the same on our shores. According to recent figures, 52% of Americans swapped beer for them in the last 12 months and it’s a trend that is likely to stay too, as more people reach out for a ‘cleaner’, more mindful drinking experience. How does that work? Well, hard seltzers tend to be super refreshing, low in alcohol (4-5% abv), low calorie, made with natural fruit flavours (and in some cases, natural sweeteners), are gluten free and vegan. With these lighter creds than the sugary, boozier alco-pops of the 90’s and their sleek, modern packaging, you can see why they’ve been winning hearts. At around £2 a pop, they’re light on the pocket too. Believe the hype and take the plunge on these super spritzy, summer sippers.

White Claw - Black Cherry

The famous one. White Claw is the wonder brand leading the charge for hard seltzers Stateside and the benchmark everyone is trying to beat. You might not believe the hype, but once tasted, they’re hard not to love. The Black Cherry itself has an almost cultish following, with ripe, cherry flavours on the nose that gives way to fresh, sparkling water with just a hint of fruit flavour. 

Score: 8/10
Size: 330ml
ABV: 4.5%
Find here: £2.25

Smirnoff Seltzer - Raspberry and Rhubarb

The one for a hot day. Light and insanely drinkable, the raspberry and rhubarb aromas are well balanced, natural and fresh, leaving a crisp, subtle flavour in the mouth. A great starter for ten and you’ll want to drink this all day. Just remember, there is some booze in it!

Score: 9/10
Size: 250ml
ABV: 4.7%
Find here: £2

Bodega Bay Hard Seltzer - Apple, Ginger & Acai

The most natural one. Quite a rich, real apple flavour here with a cracking kick of ginger and spice. The acai berry completes the mix to make a genuinely interesting drink with a unique taste. It’s the only one with fully natural ingredients too and its sleek, white, minimalist packaging feels very classy and clean.

Score: 10/10
Size: 250ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £1

Kopparberg Hard Seltzer  - Passion fruit

The Instagrammable one. Winning the pretty packaging prize is well-loved booze brand Kopparberg. Passion fruit is the star of the range with its up front fruitiness and long lasting flavour. Sweeter than some, it’s still a good, lighter alternative to more calorific bottled booze.

Score: 7/10
Size: 330ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £2.30

Mike's Hard Seltzer - Lime

The foodie one. The lime flavour in this is reminiscent of green wine gums from years past (remember those?) It’s also quite intense and lingers in the mouth for a while. Not as natural tasting as some, but definitely a thirst quencher and would be a great one with fish and chips.

Score: 6/10
Size: 330ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £2

Barefoot Wine Seltzer - Strawberry & Guava

The one made with wine. Yes, water with a touch of wine and some natural flavours, though the guava flavouring is pretty pungent. Quite different from the others thanks to the tang of vino, there’s more flavour here than in many, if a bit less natural tasting.

Score: 6/10
Size: 250ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.30

Nordic Wolf Hard Seltzer - Cherry & Cranberry

The one for cherry cola fans. The flavour is stronger here than with the other seltzers, but not sickly. Heavy on the cherry and a moreish tang from the cranberry, this is the one most like a normal soft drink, but without the nasties and cloying sweetness. Fantastic value.

Score: 7/10
Size: 330ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £0.99

Sparkl Hard Seltzer - Lemon, Ginger & Chilli

The one for fans of vodka and slimline with a slice. Bucking the can trend in a glass bottle, this buzz water is subtle on flavour despite the addition of ginger and chilli. The real lemon zings and despite the alcohol, it feels strangely cleansing.

Score: 6.5/10
Size: 330ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £30 for 12

Looking for more canned drink goodness? How about checking out these 5 Cracking Canned Drinks or if you’re looking for something slightly wackier then this Dill Pickle Hard Seltzer is always an option!

The Best Negroni Cocktail Recipes

With only three ingredients, the Negroni can seem like a fairly boring cocktail - but don’t be fooled. A true Negroni takes pride in the perfection of its simplicity, with the harmonious blend of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari akin to an extended note in the symphony of mixology… Okay maybe that was a bit much - but that doesn’t stop the Negroni being one of the UK’s most popular cocktails. 

This classic creation was made in Italy by request of its namesake: Count Camillo Negroni. Legend has it that the Count asked a bartender to strengthen his Americano (the cocktail, not the coffee), and the bartender duly swapped out the soda water for premium gin. We like the sound of them! In the spirit (pun intended) of the Count’s bartender, we too have put together some variations of the classic Negroni that you can try out today!

Classic Gin Negroni

Before you start veering off into crazy variations, you’ve got to nail the classic. Mastering the Negroni isn’t always easy, but it’s great fun. A gin we love for the classic is Monkey 47, bursting with 47 different botanicals. Fun fact: Monkey 47 is also 47% alcohol (they clearly have a lucky number)!

Ingredients

25ml Monkey 47 gin
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
orange slice for garnish

Method

Add ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with a slice of orange.

Find Monkey 47 Gin here

White Negroni

A White Negroni is essentially France’s version of the classic Italian drink. The story of its creation is that a British bartender working in France wanted to make a Negroni but couldn’t find Campari or sweet vermouth. Instead, he picked up two very French aperitifs and went with that. Then and there he was given French citizenship. Everybody clapped. Also Marie Antoinette returned from the dead, put her head back on and shook his hand (okay that might have been made up). 

Ingredients

37.5ml gin
25ml Lillet Blanc
12.5ml Suze liqueur
twist of lemon for garnish

Method

Add ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

Find Lillet Blanc here // Find Suze here

Boulevardier

You’ve probably heard of this cocktail before, but did you know that it’s a whiskey variation on a Negroni? Now you do. Tell your friends! For this cocktail, we’ve picked Brough Brothers Bourbon, a small batch bourbon boasting cooked fruit, vibrant spice and toasty oak notes.

Ingredients

45ml Brough Brothers Bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
twist of orange to garnish

Method

Chill a cocktail glass by placing it in the freezer. Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass and fill two thirds of the way with ice. Stir for around 30 seconds to chill and strain into the cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of orange.

Find Brough Brothers Bourbon here

Prosecco Negroni (Negroni Sbagliato)

Go full on Italian with your Negroni and swap out the gin for Italy’s homegrown bubbly. Only Prosecco will do, so put down the Champagne! The Prosecco makes for a lighter Negroni, perfect for if you’re not a big fan of the bitterness Negronis can have. The Prosecco we’ve chosen is Extra Dry Giusti Rosalia Prosecco. As it’s extra dry, the slight sweetness knocks off the spirits’ bitterness. Definitely one to try.

Ingredients

25ml Giusti Rosalia Prosecco
25ml Campari
25ml sweet vermouth
orange slice to garnish

Method

Pour the Campari and vermouth into a rocks glass and fill with ice. Top up with Prosecco. Stir gently to chill and garnish with the orange slice.

Find Extra Dry Giusti Rosalia Prosecco Treviso here

Rosé Negroni

Bet you didn’t know you could get Rosé Vermouth. Turns out you can, and it’s a wonderful addition to this bittersweet Negroni variation. The strawberry liqueur adds a cheeky amount of fruitiness to the drink, an element you never knew your Negroni needed. Pick up a bottle of El Bandarra Vermut Rosé. Their funky frosted glass bottle looks great on your shelf, and it’s made from all organic ingredients! El Bandarra also make a great non-rosé vermouth too!

Ingredients

25ml premium gin
25ml El Bandarra Vermut Rosé
12.5ml Aperol
12.5ml strawberry liqueur
strawberry, to garnish

Method

Pour all ingredients into a rocks glass and fill with ice. Stir to chill and add more ice. Garnish with the strawberry and enjoy!

Find El Bandarra Vermut Rosé here

The Founder: The Americano

Let us all sit around the fire and look at the family photo album of the Negroni. Way back when, the Negroni started as the ‘Americano’ (which actually started as the Milano-Torin,  but that’s a story for another time). It’s possible its name was given to it by the hoards of Prohibition-era American tourists that were big fans of the drink, but nobody’s 100% sure where the name comes from. As there are so few ingredients to the drink, it’s important they’re all excellent quality. The bottle we’ve picked for this Americano is Cocchi Storico Vermouth Di Torino: properly Italian, properly delicious.

Ingredients

35ml Campari
35ml Cocchi Storico Vermouth
soda water
orange wedge for garnish

Method

Pour Campari and vermouth into a highball glass and add ice. Top up with soda water. Garnish with the orange wedge and enjoy!

Find Cocchi Storico Vermouth Di Torino Here

Looking for more cocktail recipes? Then how about checking out One Drink, Three Ways: Macallan 12 or 5 Of The Best Scotch Whisky Cocktails To Drink Right Now!

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!