Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

Macallan does it again.

Macallan has not only managed to stay at the top of the table, but it has also extended its lead. This could be down to a few things. Mainly, it’s because there has been a lot of Macallan at auction recently. Also there have been a few lower-level limited editions come to market over the last year or so and they are finding their way onto the secondary market. Examples of this would be the Concept series, which has had its final release recently, and the editions series. These I believe still have potential to grow even if bought on the secondary market at today’s prices. And it looks like a lot of other people feel the same as these series are doing well at auction.

High value Karuizawa bottles are still coming to auction giving this Japanese closed distillery a strong place on the table and with the recent releases of Brora, the most well known being the Tryptic, Brora continues to do well.

There is little change in the table this month, but the percentages have changed. They have become closer together. This makes it difficult to pick clear winners, but it is also a good sign that one shouldn’t do badly by choosing any of the brands or distilleries below as an investment. As long as one sticks to the rule of buying limited editions, single casks and good independent bottles.

Macallan 2%
Bowmore 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Springbank 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Brora 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

With no clear winner other than Macallan, I have chosen a few different brands rather than sticking to one. As any good investment portfolio should have variation.

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Drum

Released a few years ago, this has already had some time in the marketplace and is still a great one to keep your eyes open for.

ABV: 46%
Size: 750ml
Find here: $279.99 

From the committee release, this can still be found in the UK.

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release

ABV: 52%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £295

From the middle of the table I’d look for Clynelish

Clynelish Game of Thrones

This is a good low-level bottle at well under £50. It is high strength, and although not very limited, it is limited and will run out. A longer prospect, but still worth it.

ABV: 51.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $178.49

Clynelish 1995 25 year old

With only 340 bottles of this single cask, cask strength bottle produced, from a well known independent bottler. I think this will do well.

ABV: 51%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £313.15

And from the very top of the table.

The Macallan Edition No.6

The last in the edition series, these are already collectable. And although not as expensive as earlier editions, it will still rise in value.

ABV: 48.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £299.99 // US $179.99

The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 edition

When customers are only allowed to buy one, it’s a clear indication that these will sell out fast and be in high demand. An annual release, also shows it’s only going to be created in limited numbers.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £249.95

And there we have it. A few suggestions for bottles which I think will do well in the future. As always, they are only suggestions, and I don’t profess to be the fountain of all knowledge, but these ideas might give you a helping hand in choosing bottles to invest in.

To see how this whisky investment index was created, follow this link and if you want to check out August and July’s recommended bottles then click here: August / July.

The Bring a Bottle Podcast Episode 59

It’s that time again and boy have we got a fun filled podcast waiting for you! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here is a sneak peek of what to expect this week:

What’s in the Glass?

Aidy and Helena are sipping on a beautiful Californian Cabernet Sauvignon from Dark Horse. A delicious red wine with notes of chocolate fudge, blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum that tastes way above its price tag of under £10/$10. Listen in to find out what Aidy and Helena think it pairs perfectly with!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (on offer) // US $9.99

Drinker Discovery

You may have already read our Piña Colada Flavoured Cheese article but if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat as Aidy and Helena take you through Aldi’s latest cocktail flavoured cheese… Get in touch via Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and let us know which one you would try!

BRAND NEW SEGMENTS:

Dine First, Wine First

Brought to you by popular demand, in this brand new segment, Aidy takes you through perfect pairings for the dishes you love. This week is all about Peking Duck, and we think you will be surprised by what he chooses! There’s also a tasty recipe for all you chicken lovers waiting to be discovered.

Call the Shots

Aidy and Helena are professional wine and spirits judges but when put on the spot will they know what is in their glass?! In this brand new segment, Aidy is put to the test to see if he can figure out what the salmon pink coloured liquid in his shot glass is… let’s hope Helena has been kind to him!

3rd Drinker

Helena has a really informative chat with Beth Liston, Director of Winemaking at Dark Horse, all about what Dark Horse means to her, how they make such deliciously balanced wines at such an affordable price tag and how she built credibility in the wine industry as a female.

Mailbag

This week it’s all about the great debate of: ‘How should you drink a Pornstar Martini?!’ Why does a random shot of prosecco come with it? Are you meant to shot it or pour it into the drink?! All your questions, along with some interesting information on the cocktail’s name and where you can find the best one in London is waiting to be discovered!

This article is just scratching the surface of everything waiting to be discovered in Episode 59 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast so make sure you don’t miss out - tune in now!

One Drink, Three Ways: The Glenturret Triple Wood

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

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The Glenturret Triple Wood Scotch whisky is the perfect continuation of Glenturret’s long whisky history, being part of the older range and then reborn into the new. It’s a delightfully subtle, golden whisky that’s light on its feet with lots of ripe, fruity notes with sweetly spiced aromas thanks to a combination of European and American Sherry oak casks with Bourbon barrels. Try it alone to sip and savour or give it a go in one of these fantastic serves.

The Three Drinkers each share their favourite ways to taste it….

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Helena’s Choice: Vanilla Highball

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Highballs are back as new generations discover whisky in an accessible way before hitting the stuff neat. The Vanilla highball is a long serve that’s incredibly simple to make at home. Here’s a refreshing version with a twist to bring out those beautiful sweet spice flavours from the wood casks: Simply pour the whisky into a highball glass topped up with ice, splash in some vanilla bitters (to taste) and top up with cream soda. Garnish with a slice of orange or a vanilla pod if you have one. 

The ‘Vanilla Highball’

Recipe

25ml The Glenturret Triple Wood 

200ml Cream soda

Ice

Orange slice or vanilla pod for garnish

Highball glass

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Aidy’s Choice: Pineapple Whisky Sour

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Whisky cocktails don’t have to be heavy, dark affairs; there are tonnes of lighter, fruity options too. Here’s a particular serve that I consider my TGIF drink (Thank God It’s Friday!) or quite frankly, any time I’m just in the mood for a little pick me up! Method: place the sugar, whisky, lemon juice, pineapple juice and egg white into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds. Strain into an old fashioned cocktail glass and serve.

Pineapple Whisky Sour

Recipe

60ml The Glenturret Triple Wood 

25ml Lemon juice 

25ml Pineapple juice 

1 egg white

2 tsp Caster sugar

Pineapple wedge to garnish (optional)

Glass tumbler

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Colin’s Choice: The Rob Roy

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Here’s one for fans of a classic Manhattan but with a Scotch whisky twist! Originally created in 1894 at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel and was named after the opera Roby Roy that was premiering in New York at the time. Method: Stir all the ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice, then pour into the coup. Garnish with an orange twist or a maraschino cherry.

The Rob Roy

Recipe

50ml The Glenturret Triple Wood 

30ml Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Like this? Check our our other One Drink, Three Ways pieces: Noilly Prat Vermouth, Tanqueray Gin and The Macallan 12.

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 58

Welcome back to another episode of the Bring a Bottle Podcast by Aidy and Helena, and welcome to the first official podcast companion article. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things we’re chatting about this week and some extra information for the curious among yourselves.

Make sure to listen to the full podcast so you can catch up on all this and more either via the player below or Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify!

What’s In The Glass?

This week, Helena and Aidy are enjoying a lovely bottle of Dark Horse Chardonnay 2018 (cue horse braying noises here)! This Chardonnay is tasted 100 times before being bottled so it’s refined down to a T. It hits three points especially: a butteriness (otherwise known as Diacetyl), a caramel mellowness, and a crisp nectarine finish. An affordable and incredibly tasty Californian Chardonnay, this rare occurrence is not to be missed!

Helena’s Infinity Bottle - Crime or Not?

What’s an Infinity Bottle we hear you cry! Well, in the whisky world an Infinity Bottle (also known as a living bottle or solera) is a personal blend of whisky made by YOU! It often begins with the stubborn dregs of unfinished whisky bottles that need somewhere to go, which it seems is what Helena has been using it for! But is this a crime? Check out the podcast to see how she has made hers!

Aidy’s Hard Shakes

Alcoholic versions of non-alcoholic beverages have been around for a long time now (Irish coffee anyone?), but have you ever heard of an alcoholic milkshake? Aidy treated us to a story about some ‘hard shakes’ he’s discovered recently - and we think they sound pretty good. 

Want to make your own? Here’s a quick recipe for your very own Hard Shake: 

Oreo Baileys Hard Milkshake:

Ingredients (for one)

280ml (half a pint) vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
3 Oreo cookies
25ml Baileys Irish cream 
25ml Vanilla vodka
whipped cream
crushed Oreo for garnish

Method

Add the ice cream, Oreos, Baileys, and vodka to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and garnish with whipped cream and crushed Oreos.

KFC Has A Hotel Suite?

Aidy’s made another crazy discovery this week - a KFC hotel suite? KFC have teamed up with Hotels.com and House of Harland to create a completely KFC themed hotel suite. You’ll be picked up from Kings Cross Station in a classic black Cadillac and driven to the hotel where you’ll be met with a ‘chick-in’ clerk! In your suite you can find a multitude of ‘chick flicks’ and an ominous ‘PRESS FOR CHICKEN’ red button… We assume that it brings the button presser chicken…

In The Kitchen With Aidy

As we all know, Aidy loves his cooking adventures and loves his reductions. This week he’s made a reduction of raspberries and sauternes (French sweet wine)!

In a pan put one pack of raspberries and add 100ml sauternes. Reduce the sauce down and sieve it. This sauce goes perfectly with some chicken liver patê!

That’s just some of what’s in this week’s episode - so tune in to the podcast now!

What is Pimm's?

Pimm’s first made an appearance back in the early 19th century when it was served by its creator, James Pimm, as a tonic from a tankard to aid digestion at his oyster bar in east London. The classic Pimm’s ‘No. 1 Cup’ recipe is still a gin liqueur-based tipple featuring a secret recipe of herbs and spices, only now it’s usually served with lemonade, a tonne of ice and half a fruit salad as a light, summer punch. 

Having a secret recipe has not stopped others from having a go at making their own versions, however. Sometimes, they nail it. Sometimes, it’s a mess and in some cases, it’s even better than the original. Here’s my verdict on the latest Pimm’s-like plonk for all budgets because you know, someone has to do it!

How to serve the perfect Pimm’s

The Pimm’s rule of thumb is one part punch to two parts lemonade or thereabouts, whether you make it by the (highball) glass or jug. Start by filling whatever you’ve chosen with ice, then add fresh wheels of orange, lemon and cucumber with sliced strawberries and a handful of mint. Add the punch and stir before topping up with lemonade when you’re ready to serve it, stirring very gently to keep the bubbles bubbling. 

Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

The Original

The original Pimm’s summer punch should be mahogany in colour with aromas of baked strawberry, orange rind, cooking spice and a medicinal herb-like note that finishes with a bitter bite. This is the benchmark bevvy. Now let’s see how the others compare. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 25% 
Price: £18.95

Summer Cup (Tesco)

The Frothy One

For the price tag, this is an ‘ok’ copy and it tastes exactly how the bottle looks: a bit simple and thin. This summer cup is more like a sweet, orange cordial and feels like it’s missing something, though it leaves a lot of froth. The simplicity is reflected in the lower price, at least. 

Score: 5/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 25%
Price: £8

Oxford Originals Summer Cup (Morisson’s)

The Low Alcohol One

If you like strawberry ice lollies, the Oxford Originals Summer Cup is for you. Quite a lot sweeter than Pimms, it’s less bitter and spiced but also, lower in alcohol. Despite all this, it’s not unpleasant and is also half the price. Just don’t expect all the fancy flavours! 

Score: 6/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 15%
Price: £6.99

Plymouth Fruit Cup

The Connoisseurs One

Created by the famous Plymouth Gin company, their fruit cup is quite a different animal to Pimm’s. The highest in booze of the lot, it’s got a syrupy texture and lots more blackcurrant and warm spice to it. Make sure you add less lemonade to this one - and you could even try it neat. Pretty good quality, but much more pricey than Pimms. 

Score: 7/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 30%
Price: £19.75

Sipsmith: The Original London Cup

The Fancy One

Very much its own style this one, with plenty of table appeal and a lighter colour in the glass. Think cola cubes and wild strawberry sweets with a bite of bitter bark on the finish and decent weight from the higher alcohol level. If Pimm’s did a posh rosé, this would be it. A great one to gift someone this summer.

Score: 8/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 29.5%
Price: £19.13

The Great Summer Cup (Asda)

The Surprise

I have to say, one look at this inexpensive looking packaging and I was not expecting great things. How wrong I was! Packing a punch (literally) at 21.9%, this is a really tasty summer snifter that’s very similar to Pimm’s, just with a teensy bit more strawberry sweetness and texture. This ‘Great’ summer cup is actually pretty great. You might just want to hide the bottle after you’ve poured it...

Score: 8.5/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 21.9%
Price: £7.50

Pitchers (Sainsbury’s)

The Identikit

If it’s a pure Pimm’s copy you want, Sainbo’s Pitchers is pretty much identical, taste-wise. For a pound less, 250ml more and a bit lower on the booze (though you can’t tell), it’s a bit of a no brainer. The packaging is also fairly smart too. Big thumbs up. 

Score: 9/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 17.5%
Price: £11.70

Austin’s Summer Punch (Aldi)

The Winner

Not identical to Pimm’s but actually better, in my opinion. More layers of flavour, well balanced and bitter with a yummy, yeasty note like baking bread. For half the price, lower alcohol (not that you’d know) and another 250ml to boot, this Austin’s is properly awesome. Well done, Aldi!

Score: 10/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 17.5% 
Price: currently unavailable but will hopefully be back this summer!

If you are looking for more quintessentially British drinks, have a read through The Queen has a Gin! or English Sparkling Wine you Have to Try!

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!