The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 62

It’s that time again! Time for another episode of the Bring A Bottle Podcast! Today we’re chatting about a myriad of things, but here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know!

Make sure to listen to the full podcast so you catch up on all of this and more!

What’s In The Glass?

This week, Helena and Aidy are enjoying a dram of the delicious Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky! This whisky is full of tropical fruit flavours with a hint of ginger cake. The vanilla and caramel notes complement the fruit brilliantly and make for a whisky that is flavourful while being light and refreshing. 

Fettercairn uses a unique ‘cooling ring’ on their stills, drenching the stills in fresh, clear mountain water to capture only the finest vapours. This is a great, smooth Scotch that is a must-try this Autumn!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £38.95

Who Is The Third Drinker…?

This week we’ve got the wonderful Beth Brickenden with us, a long time friend who you might recognise from an episode she featured on a while back! Though she hasn’t brought Vanity Von Glow with her this time, she’s certainly brought her sommelier skills to help us with this week’s tasting challenge… 

To find out more about Beth and what she does, follow her on Instagram at @my.corkscrew.and.i 

What Wine Do Beavers Like?

Yep, beavers. Those little furry things that definitely don’t look like they’d be into fine wine. Well, as it turns out, beavers go MAD for wine grapes. 

Montes Wines, an experimental wine producer in Chile, like to plant their grapes in really crazy locations, and this can lead to some… unwanted visitors. Montes planted a variety of grapes on an untamed islet in Southern Chile, unaware that they would be meeting some furry friends all too soon. Of the Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay grapes planted on the islet - only one wasn’t chomped through by an army of beavers. Can you guess which one?

If you guessed Sauvignon Blanc - you’d be right! In their accidental nature experiment, Montes Wines have found empirical evidence that Chilean beavers are fussy winos who won’t settle for a New World Sauv Blanc. This Sauvignon Blanc is set to be released soon, listen in to hear the name Helena thinks it should be given…

Chardonnay in a SODA STREAM?

Don’t jump out of your seat just yet, we promise this isn’t a practice we’d let anywhere near the Bring A Bottle Podcast. However, it did come up as a possible way to impress a date on a budget… 

What we want to know is, would it work and what would it taste like? According to the depths of the internet, it actually does work - but can get dangerous! If you’re not careful, you won’t just be committing a crime on the wine world, but could also explode your machine. Don’t try this on carpet, and NEVER try this with red wine.

As for the taste, well, it’ll only be as good as the wine you put in. A bargain cooking white is not going to magically transform into a premium champagne just because it’s been made bubbly!

Read All About It: Exclusive Winebird Sake Vinalogy!

You won’t get this anywhere else, but we’ve just heard that Winebird (aka Helena) has given us a BRAND NEW and EXCLUSIVE Vinalogy for Aldi’s new sake! What’s a Vinalogy I hear you cry? Well, it’s a beautiful, elegant way of understanding wine (or sake) through storytelling - rather than just facts and figures!

If you want to find out Helena’s exclusive verdict on traditional Japanese sake amongst much, much more, you’ll have to pop on Episode 62 of The Bring A Bottle Podcast!

Cheers!

The World's Best Vodka

Vodka, vodka, vodka. From university student to master mixologist, this clear spirit has been a bar staple for over 100 years*. Vodka spans generations, types of drinkers, and now - the world. While its origins are still firmly rooted in Russia and Eastern Europe, distilleries are popping up all over the shop. Even wine giants such as Italy are getting on the Vodka Express. So, as you step onboard today, allow us to be your tour guides showcasing the best vodkas from across the globe. Stand clear o’ the doors and bottoms up!

*Fun Cocktail Party Fact: The first recorded vodka cocktail recipe is from 1911, originating from the St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. This cocktail was aptly named ‘the Russian Cocktail’ and was a mix of vodka and rowanberry juice. 

The Best Russian Vodka

Tovaritch! Russian Vodka

Wow! Tovaritch! We’re not just really excited about vodka, this Russian brand does actually have an exclamation mark in its name. They’re not just being bolshy either, for the rich history and delicious taste of Tovaritch! is definitely enough to warrant a good exclamation mark. Tovaritch! is still made according to a family recipe hailing all the way back to the 1700s, so it’s had a serious amount of R&D. If it ain’t broke! 

The high quality Russian grain mix is distilled five times and filtered twenty to create a vodka with a subtle floral aroma and a characteristic ‘bread’ flavour. If you’re looking for a traditional vodka that will leave you reaching for your gimlet time and time again, Tovaritch! is the vodka for you!

ABV: 38%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £22.35

The Best Ukrainian Vodka

Dima’s Vodka

Much like Russian vodka, Ukrainian vodka is incredibly close to the heart of the country’s culture, meaning distillers never compromise on quality. Made from a blend of barley, wheat, and rye, Dima’s Vodka is velvety smooth with a rich and rounded flavour profile. On the palate, Dima’s has a silky mouthfeel with a hint of that rye bread followed by subtle notes of vanilla, spices and a cereal earthy sweetness. Dima’s recommends a somewhat interesting serve, with the brand adamant that nearly every cocktail made with their vodka include either pickle juice or be garnished with a pickle - the saltiness of the pickle perfectly complementing the sweet smoothness of the vodka. Hear that? Don’t mess with Dima’s pickle...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £35

The Best Italian Vodka

VOGA Italia Vodka

When you think of Italy, your brain probably doesn’t immediately jump to vodka distilleries - but VOGA Vodka looks to be changing that. The wheat that makes Italian pasta so delicious is the same wheat used to make VOGA Vodka, along with spring water from the Italian Alps. Though a delicate spirit, the Nebbiolo grapes from Piemonte that are used to filter Voga give it a unique flavour profile worthy of its premium label. To fully appreciate this vodka, drink it neat or over ice alongside a generous slice of focaccia. Mmm…

ABV: 40%
Size: 1L
Find here: Available here for some countries from $38.99 but will be coming to more soon!

The Best Finnish Vodka

Koskenkorva Vodka

Though an expertly crafted and well renowned vodka, Koskenkorva is still produced in the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva, boasting only 2200 inhabitants. Since the 1930s, the people of Koskenkorva have been lending a hand in the distillery and working to create a superbly smooth and elegant vodka. The purity of the vodka makes for a lip smacking base spirit in cocktails such as a Moscow Mule, or simply a vodka tonic with a garnish of lime.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £23 // US $29.99

The Best Australian Vodka

Baxter Australian Crafted Vodka

In true Aussie fashion, this vodka is super smooth and easy-going. A unique blend of Australian grain and sugarcane gives Baxter Vodka a naturally sweet edge, though not enough to be sickly. It’s also additive free and gluten free, which is great to hear since that isn’t always the case with vodkas. Baxter Vodka is brilliant in a fruity cocktail such as a passionfruit martini or a raspberry mule, so keep an eye out for it!

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: $46 (currently only available in Australia but watch this space!)

The Best Canadian Vodka

PUR Vodka

Winning over 80 awards since its launch, it’s clear critics are crazy about this premium vodka. PUR Vodka is made with 100% Canadian ingredients including corn from Ontario and glacial spring water from northern Quebec, and it’s these high quality components that give PUR its sophisticated clarity. Drunk neat, PUR is resoundingly clean on the palate with light mineral notes, but offers a hint of black peppercorn on the finish. The cutting purity of this vodka makes it perfect for a drier than dry vodka martini that’s certain to impress the Bond in your life. From Canada With Love...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £47.94

Looking for more vodka filled articles? How about checking out The Best Value Vodkas for Martinis or Our Favourite Vodkas under £30

The Best Whiskeys for an Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned: the whiskey lover’s cocktail, and not old-fashioned at all! The Old Fashioned is a simple cocktail composed of whisk(e)y, sugar, a dash of bitters and a twist of orange. First served at the Waldorf Astoria Bar in New York City, it has always been a classy drink showing off a fantastic spirit, but what whiskeys should you try? Here’s our list of some great whiskeys for a top notch Old Fashioned.

Wild Turkey Longbranch

Wild Turkey Longbranch is a small batch, 8 year old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and a collaboration between Wild Turkey master distiller Eddie Russell and the brand's creative director – award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. The sweet citrus and spices of this bourbon make it perfect for an Old Fashioned, complementing Angostura bitters delectably.

ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £35.94 // US $34.99

Ezra Brooks Bourbon

Ezra Brooks is a great entry level bourbon if you’re looking for a perfect bourbon without the hefty price tag. The recipe was first produced in 1950 as a competitor to Jack Daniels and the company was even sued by the global whiskey superpower (though JD did end up losing…)! Caramel and vanilla combine together with hints of spice and chocolate giving it a lovely warm finish definitely worthy of an Old Fashioned.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £25.90 // US $20.99

Bulleit Rye 

The only non bourbon on the list, but it makes a stunning Old Fashioned. The high rye content gives a better balance between the whiskey and the sugar in the cocktail meaning your Old Fashioned won’t be overly sweet, as can sometimes be the case. Bulleit Bourbon has been an Old Fashioned favourite for a while, with its higher rye content, but it’s definitely worth trying this whiskey too! 

ABV: 45%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £35.20 // US $37.99

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

In its distinctive bottle, Woodford Reserve can get you licking your lips before you even get your hands on it. The Double Oaked is perhaps the most complex of their range, being aged firstly in a standard Woodford Reserve barrel before being moved to a heavily toasted and charred barrel. The bourbon itself has notes of dark fruits combined with beautiful caramel chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and marzipan and in an Old Fashioned, its complexities really shine making it a cocktail to truly be savoured. 

ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: £45.89 // US $58.99

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace is another big name in both the Old Fashioned lover community and on the shelves of many a craft bartender. This whiskey has won multiple awards over the years, notably achieving Gold in the American Whiskey Masters 2020, a title it has held since 2017. An Old Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace is smooth, with subtle spice and the bourbon itself is also brilliant value for money, so it is very much worth adding a bottle to your bar cart. 

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £26.40 // US $34.99

Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Knob Creek is a bold, flavourful bourbon and bottled at 100 proof leads to a very strong old fashioned. The simplicity of the Old Fashioned cocktail really helps the rich robustness of Knob Creek shine, with its notes of candy floss, a hint of dark chocolate, and a little charred oak. We would definitely recommend the use of ice while mixing up this Old Fashioned to release more of the aromas and flavours but for a bourbon under £40, Knob Creek really delivers.

ABV: 50%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £34.45 // US $47.99

Fancy trying out a Scotch whisky alternative? The, head over to The Dalmore Old Fashioned or, if it’s an entirely different cocktail you after then we have plenty here!

Whisky Infinity Bottle

Words by Colin Hampden-White

What is an Infinity Bottle?

If you are an avid whisky drinker, you may well have many bottles open at the same time and some of them will have very little left in them. A good way to make space for more bottles is to create what is commonly known as an infinity bottle. This is simply a large bottle (I use 8 and 4 litre Kilner jars), which contain a blend of all the nearly finished bottles in my house. This creates a living blend which as it is drunk and re-filled with different bottles, changes in character as new whiskies are poured into it.

How do you make a whisky infinity bottle?

There are a few tips that will help when creating an infinity bottle:

1. If using a jar with a tap at the bottom, buy extra seals in case one doesn’t last and it begins to leak.

2. Keep peated and non-peated whisky separate. A tiny amount of peat in an un-peated blend can overpower the whisky.

3. Don’t be too precious about pouring your most sought-after whiskies into it. A good whisky will help the blend, and if it is left to oxidise in its own bottle it will simply never be as good as it first tasted.

4. Don’t worry about the size. I use large Kilner jars now, but in the past, I had a simple 750ml decanter. It did the job just as well, I simply had to top it up more frequently!

5. Lastly, if it all goes very wrong and it tastes horrible, don’t be afraid to start again, it’s not worth pouring perfectly good whisky into not so good leading to the end result being unsatisfactory.

I find an infinity bottle both fun and interesting at the same time. I use my blend for long drinks like whiskey and ginger ale when it is an average blend, and occasionally it has been superb, and I’ve sipped it neat or on ice to be able to savour the good blends for longer. But I’m fully in the knowledge that whenever I pour a new whisky into the blend, it will be different. For better or for worse. And that’s what makes it exciting. The art of blending is strange, and a whisky can be far greater than the sum of its parts as new flavours are created by blending. It makes me realise how skilled our whisky blenders of today are. Whether they are blending many casks from a single distillery, or many from many distilleries to keep a brand consistent, their skill is clear, and as for me, I’m happy to keep on practicing.

Wondering which whiskies to try next? Why not have a read through The Best Scotch Whisky to Try This Year or The Best Japanese Whisky to Buy.

The Best Scottish Gins To Buy

Though known for its legendary whisky, Scotland has a bustling gin scene sprawling through its stunning landscape. It’s not just small brands made in Scotland, many large and well-known gins are produced in Scotland too - including bartender favourite Tanqueray!

Here’s a list of some of the best Scottish gins:

Glaswegin

We do love a play on words here, especially a portmanteau, and Glaswegin is giving that to us! With its dazzling geometric bottle designed by award-winning Glaswegian designer Paul Gray, this gin immediately catches the eye. Glaswegin includes 8 different botanicals carefully chosen by the team (milk thistle, Italian juniper, Russian coriander, angelica, orange flower, camomile flower, pink peppercorns and bay leaf - phew!). Fun fact, milk thistle is sometimes said to prevent hangovers - but we’re not making any promises! 

Smooth and fresh, this gin is really versatile when it comes to the serving. Why not try a G&T with elderflower tonic, or light tonic and a shot of elderflower liqueur!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.1%
Find here: £37.20

All out of your Glaswegin? Don’t buy another bottle, check out the brand’s refill packs and reuse your original bottle! Find them here: £29.95

Lind and Lime Gin

Another beautiful bottle, Lind and Lime does not disappoint when it comes to presentation. Lind and Lime won best London Dry in the 2020 Scottish Gin Awards, and when you taste the crisp citrus notes surrounding its juniper core you can understand why. Lind and Lime is named after James Lind, a Scotsman who worked towards the prevention of scurvy in the British Navy. He’s even said to have performed the first clinical trial in history! The ‘Lime’ in the name doesn’t indicate a flavour persay, but refers to a lime cordial created in Leith which helped prevent scurvy.

History aside, celebrate the eradication of scurvy by using Lind and Lime in a French 75 - you won’t regret it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £34.95

Persie Spaniel Gin

Persie has been a fan favourite for a while now and the husband and wife team behind the gin keep going up in the world. In 2019, Spaniel Gin achieved a Silver Medal for contemporary Flavoured Gin at the Scottish Gin Awards, and just last year Scottish Field magazine named it one of the Top 10 Scottish Gins. Spaniel gin is one of Persie’s four Charity Dog Gins, each inspired by and named after a different breed. Dachshund Gin Liqueur, Labrador Gin, Dog Days Gin and Spaniel Gin all donate £1 per bottle to PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society).

We’ve chosen Spaniel Gin as we love the mace and cinnamon warmth that this gin has, while still being silky soft (just like a well-groomed Spaniel!). This is a brilliant gift for a Spaniel owner/enthusiast and the spices make it ideal for a warming Negroni.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30.95

Crofter’s Tears Highland Gin

Despite the name, this gin is not made up of the tears of crofters. The purple heather flowers on the bottle not only make it an elegant addition to your gin bottle collection but also signpost an important element of this gin. The heather tips can only be harvested in July and August and are handpicked to be blended with juniper and a range of other botanicals. 

Highland Gin is made in a London Dry style and has a hint of fresh lime to its flavour. Try this in a classic G&T with Mediterranean tonic water and a twist of lime. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.99

The Botanist

This gin is rapidly taking over the shelves of pubs and bars across Britain and you’ve almost certainly seen it featured on one of those extensive gin lists your local decided to create when it ‘rebranded’ and all the decor turned a sage colour. Not that we’re complaining - bring on the gin! The Botanist is exclusively made on the remote Scottish island of Islay. The 22 botanicals are foraged by the Botanist team on Islay, including botanicals such as creeping thistle, apple mint, wood sage and white clover.

The Botanist blend is satin smooth, with sweet and earthy tones combining with delicate florals and herbals. The complexity of the gin is best tasted in a classic G&T - tonic is up to you!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £35.10 // US $47.99

Rock Rose Gin

Created by Dunnet Bay Distillers, this gin was formulated after 55 experiments - meaning it’s seriously good. The meticulously adapted blend of botanicals makes for a full-bodied, well-rounded gin full of fruity berries and juniper. The finish is slightly sharp but smoothed out by sherbet lemon notes. 

This earthy gin needs little interference, however adding a twist of orange in your G&T really brings out the sweetness in the berries. If you’re not looking for the sweet notes, try a sprig of rosemary instead.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.5%
Find here: £33.39

All out of your Rock Rose? Don’t buy another bottle, check out the brand’s refill packs and reuse your original bottle! Find them here: £30

Classic Edinburgh Gin

Another gin you may have heard of before, Edinburgh Gin’s premixed G&Ts are a big hit all over the country. However, why not make your own cocktails with their bottled London Dry. The 14 botanicals make this gin beautifully aromatic on the tongue, with floral lavender and lemongrass. The bright punch of citrus from the orange peel works alongside the juniper to create a smooth and rounded finish. Edinburgh Gin is always coming out with new flavours and interesting campaigns - they are currently doing a collaboration with award winning actress and writer Phoebe Waller Bridge!

The Classic is still our favourite, however, and deserves to be showcased in a big gin bowl with a tonic and a twist of orange. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £26.35

Isle of Harris Gin

It seems Scottish gin cannot exist without being inside a beautiful bottle! The swirling bottle of Isle of Harris Gin echoes its birthplace’s whirls of wind that rush off the sea and into the arms of the towns. One does feel a connection to the sea when drinking this gin, with the addition of hand-harvested Sugar Kelp giving it an apt maritime twist. Fruit flavours of grapefruit, orange and mango are balanced by bitter pine and juniper and leave a dry, clean finish.

Harris Distillery recommends you take this gin neat, or over large ice cubes. They also offer a Sugar Kelp Aromatic Water, a drop of which develops the maritime essence of the drink.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find it here: UK £40

For more gin-spiration (like what we did there?!), how about having a read through The Best Gins to Try This Year, What are Colour Changing Gins?! or The Best Gins for a Martini?

The Bring a Bottle Podcast: Episode 60

We move away from wine this week as we start a brand new series full of whisky, whisky, and well, a bit more whisky! You can listen to the full podcast via the player below or via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify. Here’s a little snippet of what we got up to:

What’s in our Glass

We start the new series off with a BANG as we sip on The Dalmore King Alexander III. Listen in as Aidy tells you more about The Dalmore’s logo origin, how much time and effort goes into making this beautiful dram and just what casks are used to create it.

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: £190 // $279.99

Drinks News

It’s a bit of a jump from the ridiculous to the sublime in Drinks news as we go from a Russian Billionaire’s private champagne collection in the Hampton’s to why Vivino is the app to help you choose the perfect wine, but you’re not going to want to miss it!

Mixology

This week it’s all about the Espresso Martini. Listen in to hear all about its beginnings and why not try Aidy’s take on an Espresso Martini below. Helena sure can’t wait to!

Spiced Rum Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
25ml spiced rum (We love Havana Club Cuban Spiced)
25ml Kahlúa
25ml fresh, cold espresso

Method:
Bang everything in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with coffee beans!

*The spiciness of rum works so well with the creaminess of the Kahlúa so make sure you give it a go!

One to Watch

Helena has discovered a brilliant book ‘The Infused Cocktail Handbook’ by Kurt Maitland which is essentially a brilliant guide to homemade blends and infusions. Aidy on the other hand has been watching a new cooking show on Netflix with, ahem, Paris Hilton… listen in to find out if it’s any good!

Dine First Wine First

Ever wondered what to pair with Rioja? Well, you need never wonder again as Helena has some mouth-wateringly good suggestions involving lamb waiting for you. Find out which styles of Rioja it is best paired with and just why lamb is her meat of choice via the player above!

Mailbag

This week’s mailbag is all about how to still enjoy your wine when camping. Aidy and Helena have some great tips on how to chill it and which white wine types fair best on a camping trip!

As with last week, there is so much more waiting to be discovered so if you enjoyed this then make sure to check out Episode 60 of The Bring a Bottle Podcast now!

What are Colour Changing Gins?!

Are you a magician with a side job as a bartender? A bartender with a side job as a magician..? Or, perhaps you just like cool gin… Whatever your profession, you NEED to know about this mind-blowing ginnovation (we’re leaving a moment here for you to applaud that incredible portmanteau). 

Colour changing gins are here and multiplying like rabbits exposed to radiation. Most are made by infusing the gin with a deep indigo flower called ‘butterfly pea’. Butterfly pea has been used as a tea for a long time in South East Asia, but is now making its way into gins and cocktails. The liquid acts as a pH indicator, changing from blue to purple when acidity is introduced (for example in the form of lemon juice). As butterfly pea is an all natural colouring, try not to expose your gin to sunlight as the indigo colour will fade over time.

These theatrical but all natural effects make butterfly pea a perfect addition to showy cocktails or a fancy G&T. Butterfly pea also has little flavour, so it won’t take away from the botanicals too much. We’ve lined up some of the best colour changing gins here:

The Illusionist Gin

If by any chance you do happen to be a magician, this German gin is the perfect choice for you. A beautiful deep indigo colour, this gin becomes a warm violet with the addition of tonic or citrus. Not only is the colour changing effect magical, but the packaging is stunning in its own right. Arriving in an indigo and gold box with a matte black bottle and engraved cork, The Illusionist certainly has an eye for detail. To drink, the Illusionist is very smooth and delicate. If you find the juniper bite of gin a little much at times and prefer a floral taste, you’ll love The Illusionist’s light flavour. 

ABV: 45%
Size: 500ml
Find it here: £37.90

Ellis Butterfly Pea Gin and Scottish Bramble Gin

We love a Scottish gin over here, and Ellis Gin does not let the side down with their two colour changing gins. The Butterfly Pea Gin shifts from blue to purple, and their Scottish Bramble shifts from red to orange. It’s not often you see a colour changing gin that isn’t made with butterfly pea, but Ellis Gin has pulled it off with their Scottish Bramble! We recommend trying the Scottish Bramble with ginger beer as it’s a little spicy and the Butterfly Pea with some elderflower tonic to enhance the floral notes. Support Scottish gin today and pick up some Ellis!

Butterfly Pea: Scottish Bramble:
ABV: 40% ABV: 40%
Size: 500ml Size: 500ml
Find it here: £29.95 Find it here: £29.95

Empress 1908 Gin

If you’re looking for a classy gin that’ll make you feel like royalty, Empress 1908 Gin is the way to go. Empress Gin is crafted with eight different botanicals, including grapefruit peel, rose petal and a signature tea home to the gin’s namesake: The Empress Hotel in Canada. This gin is both delicate, opulent and a delight to look at. It’s also a great excuse for a royal themed party!

ABV: 42.5%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £42.50 // US $47.99

McQueen Colour Changing Gin

When it comes to colour changing gin, or just gin in general, the Scots have knocked it out of the park. McQueen Colour Changing Gin does exactly what it says on the tin and more, with the smooth blackcurrant blend creating a sensory experience as pleasing as the visual one! It’s a soft and subtle gin, especially with the addition of tonic - but that makes it no less worthy of a showstopping G&T bound to marvel your guests.

ABV: 37.5%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £22.95

Pink Marmalade Gin

Many of the gins on this list start as a dark indigo colour, but Pink Marmalade Gin begins as a much more vibrant Bombay Sapphire-esque blue and turns a light shade of violet. What is really astounding about this gin, however, is its construction. As its name suggests, Pink Marmalade Gin is made in micro batches using a signature salted marmalade made with grapefruit which is then infused with 12 botanicals including pink peppercorns, almond and chamomile. This complex flavour profile lets you know that Pink Marmalade is first and foremost a gin of quality, not gimmicks.

ABV: 42%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £38.95

Ink Gin

We’re not 100% sure whether or not you can actually use this gin as ink, but why would you want to? An Australian gin, Ink Gin uses locally grown botanicals to create its fresh piney, spicy and citrus aroma and flavour. The long finish of this gin leaves the palate crisp, clean, and yearning for another sip. Husk Distillers, the distillery that creates Ink Gin, also have a non-colour changing but deep red Sloe and Berry Gin on offer which is definitely worth checking out (and it’s a lower alcohol choice).

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £36.95

Looking for more Gin content? Why not have a read of The Best Gins To Try This Year, The Best Gins For A Martini or The Best Flavoured Gins For Your Money?

The Best Vodkas for Espresso Martinis

The Espresso Martini: undeniably one of the world’s most treasured cocktails known for its ability to ‘wake you up’ and then- Oh, you know the rest of the phrase… Make sure you’ve got this cocktail under your belt before the holiday season creeps up on you - it’s on its way! 

While cocktails fare well with most vodkas, there are definitely some more suited to certain cocktails. Here’s our list of the BEST vodkas for an Espresso Martini!

Black Cow Pure Milk Vodka

This vodka has shot to astronomical renown in the past few years, and it’s for good reason. Black Cow Vodka is made from pure milk, to be specific, the whey left over when creating Black Cow Farm’s award-winning cheddar (which we can confirm is REALLY good). Based in West Dorset, not only is it helping reduce food waste, but it’s also a seriously good quality vodka. Black Cow has subtle notes of cream and it's this quality that makes it so perfect for an Espresso Martini. To put it simply, espresso and Black Cow Vodka are a match made in mixology heaven: BUY NOW!!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find here: £27.05

Finlandia Vodka

Finlandia, as its name suggests, is made in Finland and is distilled using glacial spring water. For this reason, some enjoy Finlandia frozen - but you won’t need to freeze it when mixing up a delicious cocktail for your family and friends. Finlandia is a very smooth vodka, meaning it’s brilliant for cocktails such as an Espresso Martini where a spiky vodka would interfere with the other flavours at work. Try it out today!

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find it here: UK £21 // US $20.99

Ketel One Vodka

Ketel One is tried and true when it comes to vodka (around since 1691!) - loved all around the world for its versatility in cocktails. Its flavoured vodkas are also top quality, so after making your Espresso Martinis, it’s worth checking those out. Their neutral vodka has a creamy hint of honey, an edge that really shines through in a carefully crafted Espresso Martini. 

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: UK £26.65 // US $29.99

Tito’s Vodka

Tito’s Vodka is handmade in its birthplace of Austin Texas, and is still made in old-fashioned pot stills. Each small batch is meticulously taste tested and distilled to give a clean and pure vodka that is wonderful in a variety of cocktails. As the vodka is corn distilled, it has a touch of sweetness to it - which is ideal for using in an Espresso Martini! The corn also means it’s gluten free!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: UK £28.85

Stolichnaya

Stolichnaya is a great all-rounder vodka - so if you’re mixologist extraordinaire you’ll love having a bottle (or three) of this around. Stolichnaya packs a bit of a punch, so if you like your vodka strong you’ll love it. Its neutrality makes it brilliant for a whole host of cocktails, from a Moscow Mule to an Espresso Martini! Pick up a bottle today and get that shaker out, you’re gonna need it!

ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Find it here: £20.90 // US $27.99

Chase Vodka

Chase Vodka is made from tiny weeny potatoes that can’t be made into Tyrrells Crisps! We love an alcohol that reduces food waste, so Chase gets a big Three Drinkers eco-friendly star of approval. It’s also got a lovely creamy flavour with hints of warm spices, which definitely sounds like something we’d like in our coffee (Pumpkin Spice Latte anyone?). Chase Vodka is one to add to your bar cart if you’re after a great Espresso Martini - and don’t forget the Tyrells!

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find it here: £35.35

If the Martini is your prefered drink of choice then these Best Value Vodkas for Martinis are worth checking out too.