Which Red Wine Makes the Perfect New York Sour?

The visually striking New York Sour cocktail gained popularity in the 1930s and has been a cocktail bar mainstay ever since. A perfect blend of bourbon, lemon, sugar and red wine drizzled on top to craft a luscious and decadent twist on the classic Whisky Sour, with an extra boozy punch. To the uninitiated, the New York Sour sounds perhaps a little unhinged, but hear us out! The red wine adds an aromatic quality that the classic drink lacks, and casts an extra layer of depth, boldness, complexity and rich berry goodness! If sweet vermouth, port or sherry can be used in cocktails, why not a Malbec, or Cabernet Sauvignon?

A question might arise however, with bourbon and wine sharing such a vast array of flavour profiles - will every bourbon and red wine pairing actually work? Today, we explore this concept, but for the sake of simplicity, will focus only on the wine, and test it against the same bourbon. After all, we have to keep things scientific.

Before we learn about the best red wines to use in a New York Sour, let us provide the baseline recipe we used to test and compare. If you haven’t ever tried a New York Sour before, this is a great place to start! 

How to make a New York Sour

Ingredients
50ml or 1.5oz Bourbon  (Your favourite middle shelf will do. No need to break the bank!)
25ml or 0.75oz Fresh lemon juice 
15ml or 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
(Equal parts water and caster sugar) 
15ml or 0.5oz Red Wine

Method
Chill a large rocks glass by filling it with cubed ice. Add all ingredients except the wine into a cocktail shaker and then shake with ice. Strain into the glass and gently pour the red wine on top. Plenty of ice and a delicate pour is key for a good layer. No need for a garnish! The visual is striking as it is.  

Ideally, we want a red wine that will pair with the toasted vanilla and spice notes provided by the oak barrels that whisky is aged in. While there are endless combinations of flavours to be found in bourbon, most share an undeniable character from the barrel that the red wine must balance against. As always, there’s an element of personal preference, and every bartender will have strong feelings on the matter. 

Here are Six Red Wines that make the Ultimate New York Sour

Since it’s unlikely you’ll make enough New York Sours to use a whole bottle of wine, the bottles we recommend are also enjoyed on their own merits. We’ll do you one better too! Most of these can be found at your local supermarket.

19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon

Named after the true story of the British convicts who committed 19 crimes and were sentenced to live out their lives in Australia and pioneer a new way of life. This wine not only champions a fascinating fable, but is host to rich vanilla and red berry notes that pair perfectly with a good bourbon. The rich mouthfeel of 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon will provide a solid textural foundation for a classic New York Sour! A solid budget wine for a night in with your fellow troublemakers as well - though we highly encourage any trouble made under the influence of this delightful red to be responsible and, well, none of the actual 19 crimes… or any other for that matter.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Where to Find: £8.49

La P'tite Pierre Rouge

Want to talk about unbeatable prices? Want to talk about well rounded, autumnal delights bursting with citrus, spice n’ all things nice? Well, La P’tite Pierre have you covered! This fantastic blend of wines provides an inexpensive option for your cocktail, but one that will add plenty of depth and complexity. If you really want to emphasise the sour in your New York Sour, then this is the wine for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Where to Find: £7

Faustino VII Rioja

The grapes used to make this fine Spanish red are over 40 years old and - as is the case with any labour of love - the care and attention to detail shines through in this incredibly well balanced Rioja. The slight spice and vanilla notes that one might expect from a wine that’s been aged in oak for 10 months really shine here, and unsurprisingly make this an ideal candidate to float atop your expertly crafted New York Sour cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Where to Find: £8.75

The King's Wrath Pinot Noir

This rich, decadent offering from master New Zealand winemaker, Brent Marris, will not only make an ideal candidate for your New York Sour, but is an undeniably fantastic wine to sip on its own merits. In the production of this wine, vine stems are added to the fermentation which gives this wine the subtle, spiced complexities that make it the powerhouse it is. Alongside winter spices, you’ll find toasted oak and nuttiness galore. What are you waiting for?

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Where to Find: £15.99

The Ned Pinot Noir

If you like a little smoke in your New York Sour, then this is the perfect choice for you! This particularly juicy, savoury Pinot Noir from the Southern Valleys of New Zealand provides a fresh, delightful sipper that will make you want to finish the bottle after you’ve enjoyed your cocktail! The grapes in this region ripen incredibly slowly, which contributes to their extra dense, berry-fruit flavours that can be found in wines from this region.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Where to Find: £14.99

La Fait Rouge 

Perhaps the most bold wine one might choose to top a New York Sour with, but a choice we stand by! Tannat wines are known for their full bodied, intense aromas and notes of liquorice, blackberry and allspice. This blend of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinenc grapes offers all of that and more. The blending of these wines is an unmissable annual event in Saint Mont. Wines from this region are highly regarded as artisanal, historic bottlings in the global wine landscape. Some might suggest a wine like this is overkill for a New York Sour, but we say rules are meant to be broken! High end ingredients make for world-class cocktails after all.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Where to Find: £22.50 

Happy sipping!

If you read to the end of this article and find yourself asking, “what on Earth is Tannat wine?” then you should follow this link.

By Miley Kendrick

7 Amazing Paloma Variations

Some time after 1940, the Paloma was born. Quite how, on the other hand, is a mystery. Squirt (the first grapefruit soda) was launched in 1938 so some say they were involved. The owner of the oldest bar in Jalisco also laid claim to it. On top of all that, Paloma is an old Mexican folk song – so we’ll probably never get to the truth. All that matters is it’s here with us now.

An effervescent, tart, and refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit, soda, and lime, it’s a contemporary classic and one of the most popular drinks in Mexico. In its simplest form, the foundations of spirit, soda and citrus are too good not to riff on, so we’ve done just that. First though, this is how to nail the original Paloma.

The Best Paloma Variation for Purists

Classic Paloma

There are a few different ways to make the original, but we think using both grapefruit juice and soda gives the right balance of intensity and lightness to the mix. The colour is so gorgeous and inviting, and that first sip is one of the most refreshing in all of mixology. Sweet, sour, tart and so summery.

Ingredients
60ml blanco tequila
25ml grapefruit juice
15ml lime juice
7.5ml agave syrup
50ml pink grapefruit soda
wheel of grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Method
Shake the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave syrup with ice until well chilled. Strain into a tall glass and top up with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a wheel of grapefruit or lime. You’ve just made a classic.

The Best Paloma Variation for Whisky Lovers

Scotch Paloma

Paloma is the epitome of summer and Scotch is more of a fireside sipper, but swapping tequila out for Scotch can bring that same delicious, caramel richness if you usually opt for reposado or añejo tequila. The crisp grapefruit brings out the fruits of a good scotch and compliments the creamy sweetness really nicely.

Ingredients
40ml Scotch whisky
40ml grapefruit juice
25ml spicy honey (regular is fine)
Soda
Grapefruit slice, for garnish

Method
Add all ingredients but club soda to an ice-filled glass and stir. Once chilled, top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit slice. With the honey, you may find it easier to add some hot water and make a honey syrup before allowing it to cool slightly and adding into the mix. Enjoy!

The Best Paloma Variation for Mezcal Lovers

Vida Paloma

This riff on the original comes from Fat Baby Tacos in Chicago, and is great if you love the original but just want a subtle switch up. Mezcal instead of tequila brings an earthier, smokier flavour and the spiced rim brings some heat – keep the rest pretty much the same!

Ingredients
60ml mezcal
25ml grapefruit juice
15ml lime juice
7.5ml agave syrup
50ml pink grapefruit soda
Chilli flakes for rim
Wheel of grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Method
Use a touch of lime juice to wet the rim and roll it in chilli flakes. Then, use the mezcal as you would the tequila, shaking everything but soda with ice before straining over fresh ice and topping up with soda. You could garnish with grapefruit, like, jalapeno or coriander!

The Best Paloma Variation for Herb Lovers

Rosemary Paloma

Rosemary and grapefruit are a classic cocktail pairing. But just a faint whiff of rosemary as a garnish isn’t enough, you want rosemary syrup too. It’s so easy to make – you simply make a simple syrup (1:1 water and sugar) and include fresh rosemary whilst it’s simmering, before straining out. Fragrant, citrus with that herby undertone that plays into vegetal tequila deliciously. Heaven.

 Ingredients
55ml blanco tequila
20ml grapefruit juice
15ml lime juice
10ml rosemary syrup
50ml pink grapefruit soda
wheel of grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish

Method
Shake everything except the soda with ice to make sure it’s thoroughly mixed. Strain into a Collins glass that’s filled with ice and pour over your grapefruit soda to finish. Delicately poise the rosemary sprig and voila.

The Best Paloma Variation for Rosé Lovers

Lone Ranger

Tequila and sparkling wine – hear us out. The Lone Ranger is the invention of Jeffrey Morgenthaler in the US, designed to be an accessible, light, and refreshing brunch drink. Slightly less boozy with pink hues to put a smile on your face, it’s essentially a remoulded French 75 formula with fresh lemon threading tequila and red berries majestically.

Ingredients
40ml tequila
25ml lemon juice
15ml syrup
Top up with Rosé
Lemon for garnish

Method
Shake everything really well with ice (except the fizzy Rosé of course). You can either then add the Rosé and strain into a glass with fresh ice or top up with Rosé at the end – it’s up to you. Delish.

The Best Paloma Variation for Rum Lovers

Rum Paloma

Rum is crying out for this. A tropical favourite, a white rum can be swapped in for a blanco tequila, and darker caramel rum can substitute for aged tequila – easy. We think a white Jamaican rum like Wray & Nephew’s Overproof is perfect, bringing plenty of natural sweetness so you can probably ditch the syrup!

 Ingredients
45ml rum
25ml lime juice
Top up with grapefruit soda
A dash of syrup (optional)

Method
Shake your fresh lime with your measure of rum and plenty of ice. Strain and pour grapefruit soda to the top. Super light and super tasty.

The Best Paloma Variation for Vodka Lovers

Palomita

Paloma means ‘dove’ so Palomita means… ‘little dove’ – isn’t Spanish simple? Cocktail masters April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman swapped the tequila out and added the rum here, leaving a more neutral, cleaner cocktail that lets the citrus shine. They go the extra mile with vanilla-flecked salt too, which works brilliantly to soften the alcohol and grapefruit.

 Ingredients
60ml vodka
20ml lime juice
Grapefruit soda to top up
Vanilla-flecked salt rim

Method
For the vanilla-flecked salt rim, you can either buy it or make your own. To do the latter, mix a bean pod with salt or just infuse the pod with salt for a few days. Other than that, it’s the classic Paloma shake with ice and a pour of grapefruit soda to finish.

All you need now is a tequila right!? Take a look at these budget beauties.

8 Cannes Film Festival Inspired Cocktails To Try

Come with us to the South of France for the summer, soaking up the glitzy French Riviera, as the arrival of the Cannes Film Festival, each year, truly signals the start of the summertime! Now, in its 77th edition, but still retaining its glamorous edge, the Festival was originally set up to rival the International Venice Film Festival and takes place for two weeks annually in May - it attracts the international glitterati, plus there is lots of sun, sea and fun to experience whilst traipsing up and down the famous La Croisette promenade at Cannes, hoping to see and be seen!

If you are able to book a flight and obtain a ticket to this prized event for the summer, there are free open air evening film screenings at the Beach Cinema that are also available for the public to watch. You can expect to see Hollywood stars for the 77th edition, with Meryl Streep being a guest of honour at the opening ceremony - also director Greta Gerwig, of Barbie fame, heads up the jury and the opening night film will be the comedy The Second Act from French director, Quentin Dupieux starring Léa Seydoux (previously seen in the James Bond film No Time To Die). Judith Godrèche’s short film Moi Aussi (Me Too) will appear at the Un Certain Regard programme’s opening ceremony, with Canadian director Xavier Dolan as the chair of this programme’s jury.

You might be wondering why we’re just focusing on a French film festival, but, did you know that not only does the Cannes Film Festival have official wine and sprits suppliers, such as Campari and Rémy Cointreau, but there are also many cocktail parties occurring throughout the festival? Starting with the exclusive opening night cocktail do, there are many after parties, dinners and drinks events each night of the festival as cocktails, wine and films truly make great pairings! The Carlton Hotel on the Croisette and other venues are known to create special Cannes Film Festival cocktails as part of the excitement for the festival. 

Sometimes, there might even be new celebrity drinks’ launches too at Cannes – Brad Pitt launched his French Riviera inspired gin, The Gardener Gin, at the Carlton Hotel during the 76th Cannes Film Festival!  However, if you are not visiting the French Riviera for the festival but still wish to experience some of the luxury, and have that excuse to dress up, then we’ve got you covered with our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection of gorgeous cocktails to try in some beautiful cocktail bars or to make at home (or at your accommodation in between film screenings), the choice is yours!

Birdcage

Nestled within an art deco setting in the stylish Palm Court restaurant of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, the Birdcage cocktail is representative of the hotel’s history and is also inspired by Charles Beaker’s ‘Jigger, Beaker and Glass’ and ‘Knife, Fork and Spoon’ books. Legend states that the cocktail’s name is in memory of the fact that birds nestled within the eaves of the bar’s roof! That sounds cosy to us and rather apt for a film script, you heard it here first! The cocktail is served within a bird shaped glass and is actually presented in a gilded birdcage to add to the magic of these gorgeous surroundings to make you feel every bit the film star! Created by Salman Ullah and designed to recreate that golden era of travel, it is a tart but soft, well blended cocktail with the botanicals from the gin providing that extra flavour and an orange peel garnish as the bird’s tail. Featuring Melifera gin, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sage honey and lavender bitters, this cocktail will transport you to the French coast as the French Melifera gin is inspired by the Immortelle flower from an island on the French Atlantic coast!

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

Tot & Voltaire

A visit to the underground Hokus Pokus bar, in London’s King’s Cross area, unveils an air of mysticism with a steam punk vibe which resembles a sci-fi film setting and is so gorgeous that it will take your breath away! Its focus on creativity within mixology will leave you feeling like a guest of honour at a magical drinks lab! Trust us, this bar has that wow factor and amongst its potions is the Tot & Voltaire cocktail, which contains peach infused Black Tot Carabian Blend Rum, white vermouth, green apple and Xin and Voltaire Aurelie Sorbet. The Xin and Voltaire sorbet provides that deliciously creamy sensation within this refreshing, citrus cocktail and is a French brand offering a frozen whisky cocktail. The added wow comes as Tot & Voltaire is served with a complementary  Molecular Sphere of house made orange potion and caviar of pomegranate. This cocktail will provide that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your evening within an innovative bar!

Price: £18
Address: The Megaro Hotel, 1 Belgrove Street Underneath, London WC1H 8AB
Website: https://www.hokuspokus.co.uk/menu

Peach Bamboo

Step inside the downstairs bar of the multi-level Dram Bar as a new addition to the London cocktail bar scene which opened in November 2023. Using sustainable ingredients within its cocktails, the Peach Bamboo created by Chris Tanner is a tasty fusion of fruit from the naturally fermented peach alongside Tio Pepe, Carpano Bianco and the renowned French St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This is a twist on the classic Bamboo Cocktail with that distinct flavour of the vermouth and the fino sherry combining to create a refreshing and light profile to tantalise your taste buds. Its elegant, luxurious taste will evoke that Mediterranean desire and you can even sit outside on the terrace to enjoy the Peach Bamboo or indulge in a game of pool, there are many options at Dram Bar!

Price: £14
Address: 7 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LZ
Website: https://www.drambar.co.uk/

Royal Vesper

This is a sparkling cocktail developed in the glamorous Sheraton Grand London’s Palm Court restaurant and has film star history carved into it! The Royal Vesper is an adaptation of the Vesper cocktail of James Bond fame from Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel, and the subsequent films, and is named after Bond’s first love. This cocktail contains gin, of course, Sauvelle Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Supasawa, lavender syrup and champagne for that truly French connection! Tangy and fruity like a rosé champagne cocktail with a dried lime garnish, its balanced but strong flavour profile holds its own against savoury snacks such as rice crackers and wasabi.

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

French Riviera 

Of course, this French Riviera cocktail is aptly named for our selection and it was created in a cocktail class at TT Liquor Bar (now known as TT) in Shoreditch, London. Its inspiration comes from the South of France and also a classic cocktail bearing the same name, which was created by head bartender Tom Byrne in 2015 at the former Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick. Its ingredients include Hennessy and honey with the French Cognac depicting the South of France’s charm and the honey providing the sweetness to the palate. The French Riviera is a refreshing citrus blend that you can re-create at home to take out in to the garden and showcase your cocktail making flair!

Ingredients
40ml Hennessy
15ml White Rum
15ml Lemon Juice
1 Spoonful of Apricot Jam
1 Spoonful of Runny Honey

Method
Add the cognac, rum and lemon juice to your cocktail shaker.
Add a big spoonful of apricot jam and a big spoonful of the honey to the mixture and stir all ingredients vigorously.
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake hard for approximately 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture in to a glass and add new ice cubes.
Add a dehydrated orange slice to garnish.

You can also pop in to TT, as it has a cinema and a shop, and you can be taken downstairs to its renowned Cellar Bar and visit its caverns and indulge in more cocktails! Presently, there is a hip hop inspired cocktail menu  for music lovers, where the delicious Liquid Swords cocktail can be sampled. This blend of Hennessy, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, maraschino and Moët champagne, sounds sweet but as it is connected to the rapper GZA and the 1995 Liquid Swords album it will definitely surprise many! This cocktail will appeal to Kir Royale lovers with its sweet and sour profile and don’t forget to keep the music pumping!

Price: £14 (Liquid Swords)
Address: 17B Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA
Website: https://tt-london.co.uk/cocktail-bar-shoreditch/

French Garden

Here’s another French based cocktail that you could make at home to capture that French Riviera glamour.  The French Garden cocktail was created by Raphaelle Chaize, who is the Beverage Expert at Giffard. Giffard is a recognised French liqueur and syrups specialist and its rhubarb liqueur features within this cocktail and offsets the lemon juice perfectly to create a nicely tangy blend.

The French Garden is a light tasting cocktail, that is not overly sweet, and the sparkling wine adds that extra kick to this concoction. This will be an ideal cocktail for those balmy, late summer evenings, whilst dancing to Europop classics, and will appeal to fans of the classic French 75 cocktail.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon pink berries
20ml Melifera Gin
20ml Giffard Rhubarb Liqueur
15ml Lemon Juice
10ml Honey Syrup
Champagne/ Crémant to top

Method
Crush the pink berries in the cocktail shaker and combine with the honey syrup.
Add all of the ingredients, save for the champagne, into a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the two thirds level. Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 7 to 10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled glass and top with a champagne or crémant float 

Bees Knees

As you sit by the beach or else on a party boat cruising up and down the Côte d’Azur or perhaps you might be indoors preparing for an al fresco summer party, you can quickly prepare the Bees Knees cocktail to add a sting to your plan!  This cocktail uses the French Melifera gin, honey water and lemon juice – it really is as simple as that!  The lemon and honey provide a sharply sweet contrast as a refreshing flavour against the juniper taste within the gin. This will be the ideal cocktail to make and bring to an outdoor cinema screening, on the beach or elsewhere! Bees Knees will pair perfectly with some mackerel based canapés or sliders!

Ingredients
50 ml of Melifera gin 
10 ml of lemon juice 
15 ml of honey water (a spoonful of honey diluted in hot water)

Method
Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker. Add ice cubes and shake the ingredients vigorously. Pour the cocktail through a sieve in to a glass and serve. 

Clarendelle Rosé Spritz

French rosé wine truly epitomises that essence of the French Riviera and its lifestyle as well as being that renowned pale pink Provençal style of rosé, which hails from the South of France. Clarendelle Rosé also neatly falls in to our selection and flexes its wine muscles as it was a wine partner for the Oscars film awards! Domaine Clarence Dillon is Clarendelle’s family company and supplied all of the wines for the awards ceremony. But, as we are talking about cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a rosé spritz- make it yourself or opt for a Cannes specialty of a rosé and champagne cocktail near the Croisette! This rosé spritz is intended to evoke that special spark for your dining experience, it is sensual, not overly sweet and the added presence of bubbles amplifies that sense of occasion! The fruitiness of the rosé is not diluted within this cocktail and pairs well with the elderflower as that match made in Heaven! A twist on a Hugo Rosé Spritz and a French Spritz, you can indulge in this well balanced cocktail before an afternoon of retail therapy! 

Ingredients
25 ml Giffard Elderflower Syrup or St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
75 ml Clarendelle Rosé wine 
1 tablespoon lemon juice
50ml Champagne/ crémant to top 
Splash of sparkling water to top
Mint leaves (if required)
Add lime wedge garnish (if required)

Method
Mix the rosé wine, elderflower syrup and fresh lemon juice and gently stir.
Add ice cubes to a glass and pour in the rosé mixture. Top with champagne/ crémant. Add sparkling water (or elderflower flavoured tonic water) to taste, as a float.
Stir all of the ingredients.
Garnish each glass with mint and lime wedges, if required.

As we like to spoil you, we have one more addition to our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection! For that extra special French luxury treat which will lavish you with that royal treatment and wrap you up in its effervescence in Cannes or at home, you just can’t beat a glass of classic champagne, such as Pommery Brut Royal!

Pommery Brut Royal

An elegant, cool glass of Champagne brings out that excitement in everyone, as the quintessential drink of luxury which instantly conjures up images of being pampered! A flute of Pommery is ideal for those red carpet style moments and celebrations. This Champagne house utilises the traditional method with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

It is a pale lemon colour non vintage Champagne and those notes of biscuit and brioche are instantly on the nose combined with the green apple and pear aromas. Pommery’s fine, dry but smooth finish ensures that a glass will be perfect as an aperitif for those formal evening events and it will ensure that your night starts on the right notes!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £45 (currently on special offer at £35.99 until 21 May 2024)

Et voilà, these cocktails should conjure up the spirit of the joy of the French Riviera and the glitz of the Cannes Film Festival for you, whether or not you decide to travel to France! Plus, it is the ideal opportunity to try some new cocktail bars and French drinks, which sounds good to us too, during the summer months with or without a film pairing session. There’s no excuse needed really – Santé!

By Latoya Austin

Which Wine Should I Drink Now and What Can I Keep?

Image credit: Will Wong

So many wines from around the world across price points - how do you pick your bottle or two, or even mix 3-6 with the seasonal and perpetual 25% off deals from supermarkets and High Street retailers? Do you buy wines weekly or keep some away for special occasions? With new wines appearing online and on the shelves all the time, how do you judge price vs quality and which wines are worth keeping? 

For the UK retail market, the average spend on a bottle of wine is between £5 - £6.99. Say on a bottle of £6 wine, only 89p is attributed to the wine itself after excise duty, VAT, packaging, logistics and retail margin. Whilst on a £10 and £20 bottle before discounting, the actual value for the wine itself rises to £2.64 and £6.98 respectively. In other words, you get more wine for your money as you spend more per bottle. That does not mean a £20 bottle of wine is necessarily three times ‘better value for money’ than a £10 one though!

There is also a myth that wines improve over time. Yes and no. Red, white and sparkling wines all have different lifespans. As a ballpark, if you paid under £12 (before discounting) for a bottle of wine, perhaps it is not worth extended keeping. There are always exceptions.

Climate change and market conditions (global wine production in 2023 dropped by 10% from the previous year) add pressure on winemakers and producers to release wines for early consumption. Not many of us have the storage space at home for a cellar, or the intention to invest in the services of commercial storage specialists. It is therefore not surprising to see one UK leading supermarket’s own brand range with ‘Storage: It is recommended that this wine be consumed within 1 year of purchase.’ on the back label. Having said all that, some ‘fine’ or even everyday wines will reward us through patience, and a few common sense storage criteria (see below).

The eight wines below are for illustrative purposes, across generic categories and vintages. Accepting each wine is unique, we hope to inspire you through some general principles, in getting the most enjoyment from each bottle now and well into the future.

Image credit: Will Wong

Rosé 

Most pink wines such as this Miraval Côtes de Provence are meant to be drunk young and fresh. Only keep your rosé in the fridge when ready to open. If stored correctly (see below), this could easily retain its crisp freshness for 2-3 years after purchase. Long gone is the perception that rosé is something you sip by the pool on holiday or only in the summer. Depending on individual wines, some rosé pair well with spicy food and the off-dry varieties stand up to fiery chilli. 

Non-Vintage (NV) Champagne or Sparkling Wines

As a very general rule, drink Prosecco within a year of purchase. On the other hand, NV champagne (those without a year on the label) and sparkling wines such as the Balfour Hush Heath Estate Leslie’s Reserve made in the traditional method with secondary in-bottle fermentation deliver more complex flavours and greater intensity, which may well develop further over 1-5 years if stored properly.

Cava made in the traditional method mostly in Catalunya, when unopened and stored properly, can generally last 1-2 years past the expiration date stated on the label. 

Reds to drink now

e.g. Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages, Chianti, Rioja Crianza or other Tempranillo-based wines, and most wines under £12.

Much depends on the grape (inherent acidity and level of tannins in the skin) and also winemaking style. In general, most reds keep longer than still whites due to the tannins (think the slightly bitter and leathery feel from a cup of strong black tea). Even the traditional tannic Bordeaux and Burgundy fine reds are now more approachable when opened relatively young (e.g. vintages 2017/18). 

Rioja (mostly Tempranillo) is a popular red from Spain. It has four ageing categories by law:

• Joven: typically young and fruity, with no minimum ageing requirements and are typically released in the year following the vintage (the year in which the grapes were harvested);

• Crianza: must be aged in oak barrels prior to release. These wines develop additional flavours such as vanilla, smoke and coconut;

• Reserva: such as the above M&S No.21 Lomas del Marques 2015, must be aged for extended periods of time before release, both in oak barrels and in-bottle. The flavours are usually more pronounced and complex than a Crianza. The M&S Reserva 2015 was released in 2021, with a drinking window to 2025; so it is probably peaking now;

• Gran Reserva: subject to the highest minimum ageing requirements and are reflected in their higher prices.

Due to the above ageing requirements, mature Spanish reds are often great value for money when released in the UK, if you prefer wines with greater depth and texture without having to wait another 5-10 years!

Below, we will show you a fine red that is worth keeping.

Whites to drink now

e.g. Pinot Grigio, Viognier / Condrieu, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Vinho Verde, Albariño and other Galician whites; and most whites under £12.

In recent years, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough have become the Darling Buds of May, or anytime anywhere. When young, they have that zesty acidity, grassy and asparagus nose with a lemony and sometimes flinty palate. It is rarely marketed as an age-worthy white, unlike the fine whites (chardonnay) from Burgundy such as Chablis Grand Cru or Puligny-Montrachet. 

The above Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is regarded as one of the finest from Marlborough with a premium price tag. It is expected to keep up to five years. Nothing is absolute for wine. Far from being over the hill, a bottle of Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 from Awatere Valley, Marlborough at less than half the price of the Cloudy Bay was still robust with fresh acidity and a long mineral finish when opened in April 2024. 

We now turn our attention to four categories of wine you might like to keep, if you could resist the temptation.

Image credit: Will Wong

Fine Reds

e.g. most above £12 - Pinot Noir/Red Burgundy, Sangiovese such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Grenache/Garnacha, southern Rhône reds such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Shiraz/Syrah and northern Rhône reds such as Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, Merlot - Right-Bank Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon - Left-Bank Bordeaux, and Nebbiolo - Barolo & Barbaresco. 

The Penfolds Max’s Shiraz 2020 from Adelaide Hills, South Australia was released in 2022; retaining black fruit concentration with high acidity and firm tannins at a whopping 14.5% ABV. These elements together provide the in-bottle conditions to help the tannins soften over time, and develop further complexity till 2031. Of course you can open and drink it now, and it is probably more accessible than its Northern Rhône counterparts (Côte-Rôtie & Hermitage). Given Penfolds’ suggested drinking window, this fine Shiraz is still a baby that needs time to calm down. 

Fine Whites

e.g. most above £12 - Rhône whites such as Hermitage Blanc, Chablis, Chardonnay, white Burgundy, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Riesling. 

Less famous than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, and not the most widely grown; Riesling is often hailed as the noble grape by wine professionals, but not consumers who often associate it with German sweet wines with low alcohol. Occasional indecipherable labels in only German do not help either. 

Unlike Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling is renowned for its capacity to develop for years, even decades in bottle. As an aromatic grape varietal, Riesling does not need high alcohol to be made into a variety of wines from dry to off-dry, medium and sweet, and from light to full in body

Yet, if you were to taste a fruity and light Riesling from Mosel, Germany, usually between 8-10% ABV, side by side with a bone dry version at 13% ABV from the Clare or Eden Valley in South Australia, they could not be more different. Other fine Rieslings are also produced in Alsace and Austria; such as the Rabl Schenkenbichl Riesling Reserve 2018 (13% ABV) drinking to 2026 at least.

Vintage Champagne or Sparkling Wines

If you look closely at the above Hattingley Blanc de Blancs 2014 from Hampshire England, it clearly states ‘Traditional Method Brut’ Vintage 2014. In exceptional years, a portion of the best grapes are used to create a Vintage Champagne or Sparkling Wine. ‘Brut’ usually denotes dry due to the high acidity and lively dissolved bubbles in the wine. 

2014 was an exceptional year for some of the finest parcels of Hampshire Chardonnay that were used in creating this Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay). 13% of the wine was fermented in old oak barrels to add a creamy and toasty texture to the palate. Ageing on lees for over five years added further complexity. It was only disgorged in March 2020 and released in 2021. This costly and laborious winemaking method produces fine sparkling wine in small quantities commanding very high prices. 

High quality vintage champagne or sparkling wines should keep for 2-10 years after release, not the vintage year.

Sweet Wines

There are different styles of sweet wines such as the Canadian Icewine and German Eiswein made with frozen grapes. Other famous varieties such as Sauternes and the Hungarian Tokaji Aszú are made from ripe grapes affected by Botrytis (Noble Rot), a fungus that causes the water in the grapes to evaporate, resulting in high concentration of acids, sugars and flavours which are essential to produce premium sweet wines. 

This Disznókõ Tokaji Aszú 2017 is made mainly from Furmint, an indigenous Hungarian grape with natural high acidity very susceptible to botrytis. Tokaji Aszú spends a significant time ageing in oak, giving a balance of intense stone fruits (apricots), citrus fruits with vanilla and smoke, and aromas of dried fruit, caramel and nuts. The sweetness and full-body are balanced by high acidity with a long and intense finish. It is a treat with blue cheese, desserts, foie gras or on its own. The 2017 vintage will continue to develop complex flavours for up to 20 years in the bottle.

How should I store my wines?

Wine is a fragile living thing. Temperature fluctuations and strong direct light are combo killers; so a kitchen wine rack is definitely out. They need a consistent temperature, ideally around 13ºC but anywhere between 10-20ºC is acceptable; so avoid proximity to fireplaces or central heating radiators. 

Avoid placing your wines, especially sparkling wines near direct natural or artificial light.

With cork closure, it’s best to store the bottles on their side in a cool, dry and dark place. Screwcaps can be placed upright.

How long should I keep my wines?

Image credit: Will Wong

As you may have probably realised by now, this is a very difficult question besides the above general guidelines. With fine wines, it might be worth buying 3-12 wines of the same vintage if you have the space, patience and budget to open one periodically. This is a luxury and pleasure in being able to chart your favourite wine’s journey in your home.

Fortunately, help is at hand via a little annual wine bible: Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book (Ed. Margaret Rand) published since 1977. Besides the quick vintage charts as seen above, this little gem lists leading producers from Austria to Uruguay; with special emphasis on Bordeaux producers’ best vintages and their readiness to drink. It is indispensable as an up-to-date succinct reference source.

Last but not least, wines are to be drunk. More and more wines are now made to be consumed sooner rather than later. Having the patience and space to store wines properly is likely to be rewarded. But as Margaret Rand put it, some of these laid down wines might outlive you. It depends on how much you like your heirs.

By Will Wong

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Tesco May 2024

Tesco shoppers and wine lovers, listen up. The amazing bargain bottles this May are not to be missed, and you’ve got until the 20th May to get them. We’ve gone through every offer and narrowed it down to the best. Below are four stunning reds, four crisp whites and two sophisticated Rosés – all for under £10. Oh, be aware that you’ll need a Clubcard to take advantage of these brilliant bargains! Let’s go deal diving.

Tesco Red Wines May 2024

Don Carlo Nero D'avola

This Sicilian red is definitely worth picking up for under £10. It’s full bodied, brimming with violets, blackcurrant and rounded off by spice and vanilla. It achieves really impressive deep flavours without becoming too heavy and thick on the tongue. Intense.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £11)

Diablo Black Cabernet Sauvignon

This is another red, this time from the Maule Valley of Chile and aged in both French and American oak barrels. The results are full of personality with dark wood, tobacco and rich fruits layering up like a dream. Inky, deep and devilishly delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £10)

Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza

We love Spanish Rioja when it’s done right, and this is masterful. It has a spicy, cosy autumnal feel with blackberries and baked plums a-plenty, backed up by plenty of cedary oak. Cherry and chocolate fill out the big body nicely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £8.75 (Clubcard Price) (usually £9.75)

Apothic Merlot

This soaring Cali Merlot can divide opinion, but many great things do. It’s indulgent and jammy, with big buttery vanilla and sweet jam. In fact, it’s one of the sweetest Merlots in the supermarket, making it rich and filling. But we think it shows restraint where needed, adding spice for complexity. Give it a go!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (Clubcard Price) (usually £10.50)

Tesco Rosé Wines May 2024

Mud House Chile Sauvignon Blanc Rose

This is a really nice little Rosé, well balanced, crisp, and refreshing in nature. It has a lovely summery feel with a barrage of strawberry and citrus and interesting bitterness towards the end.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £9.50)

Crocodile Diamante Rose

This glamorous bottle hides a pale, crisp Southern Rhone Valley style Rosé. It’s a world away from in-your-face sweet fruits; rather, it’s delicate with a noticeably clean feel. Fresh floral tones and vibrant zippy acidity mean it it’s far from dull. Class in a glass.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £11.50)

Tesco White Wines May 2024

Diablo Golden Chardonnay White Wine

If you’re a fan of Chilean Chard then don’t miss this. It lures you in with some simple buttery notes but then comes a tropical flood with charred pineapple and interesting wet flint notes. It’s a bit all over the place, but it all comes together and the journey is interesting.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £10)

Villa Maria Earth Garden Organic Sauvignon Blanc

Benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon here. The texture stands out immediately, feeling heavy and full of elderflower, gooseberry, and ripe stone fruits. It’s so, so fresh and the minerality lingers bringing some edginess to proceedings. Great touch of salinity too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £10 (Clubcard Price) (usually £12)

Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc

Boschendal do some great work with conservation and biodiversity which is always a bonus when picking wines, but what’s inside has to be quality stuff too and this is. The cooler coastal vineyards bring expressive freshness to the lemon and lime citrus, but you also get the full range of Sauvignon notes with grapefruit tang, subtle nectarine, and tropical pineapple. It’s dry and minerally too so fantastic with shellfish. Top buy.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £8.50 (Clubcard Price) (usually £9.75)

Other Great Discounts Worth Checking Out:

RED WINE:

Diablo Red Blend – Was £10.50 Now £8

19 Crimes The Uprising Red Wine – Was £11 Now £9.50

19 Crimes The Banished Dark Red  – Was £10.50 Now £8

B.Ink Red Blend Wine– Was £10 Now £8

WHITE WINE:

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc – Was £10.50 Now £8

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc– Was £10 Now £7

ROSÉ WINE:

Maison Castel Rose D'anjou – Was £9 Now £8

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

6 Great British Rosé Wines to Try in Your Glass

The Great British wine revolution has been hitting the recent news headlines with increased popularity amongst wine lovers as more people discover that British wines actually taste good! Champagne houses such as Pommery and Taittinger have been in on the action too and are known to have purchased land in Hampshire and Kent, within Great Britain, as the British climate is also favourable for sparkling wines.

Similar grapes to those used in luxury champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) are grown on UK soils and are now also used to make English sparkling wine via the traditional method, but at a fraction of the cost for those of us enjoying those bubbles at home. However, most of the attention has remained focused on those tasty sparkling and still British white wines, such as Bacchus, so we’re here to shine the spotlight on delightful British rosé wines… perfect for Great British Rosé Week, at any time during rosé wine season or indeed at any other time of the year - there’s no reason needed!

Rosé wines are typically made using the same winemaking processes as red wines but the main difference is that the red grape skins are only in contact for a few hours rather than the weeks taken for red wines, resulting in that light pink colour that we all know and love!  There are many British vineyards to discover for a summer’s day trip with a tour and wine tasting – some vineyards might also offer accommodation if you wish to make a night out of it. In the meantime, let’s dive in to some British Rosé to tease your taste buds!

Halfpenny Green English Rosé 2022

With 30 years of farming divided amongst a family involved with the Halfpenny Estate and with south western facing slopes within the Severn Valley in South Staffordshire, this Rosé has that fashionable Provençal hue but packs in the fruitiness. There is a pronounced intensity of strawberries and stone fruits with a zesty contrast providing that refreshing taste that would be ideal for a trip to a summer’s meadow. As it is an off dry rosé wine blend with a hint of minerality, this Rosé will pair nicely with some cheese, crackers and light Mediterranean style salads.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £12.25

Tuffon Hall Beatrice Pinot Noir Rosé 2022

Beatrice is the name of the winemakers’ second daughter and therefore this is a very personal touch felt with this Tuffon Hall rosé, from North Essex, that bears her name. With four and a half generations working on this estate’s land, there is a genuine sense of the labour of love that pervades this wine. The land itself can be detected in the wine with an earthy smell balancing out the strawberries, raspberries and cherry in this medium bodied Pinot Noir rosé. This dry, tart but elegant award winning rosé will be one to share with friends, if you feel so inclined!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £16.99

Hattingley Valley Still Rosé 2022 

This Hampshire based Pinot Noir Rosé has been winning a plethora of awards such as the Best Still Rosé with good reason! It is served with a screwcap, with a bright pink hue and whilst it is light to drink that does not mean that its moreish strawberries and cranberries fruit flavour are not appreciated in providing that enhancement to its light intensity with a subtle, dry finish and tangy bite. This Rosé will complement seasoned fish dishes well.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20

Simpsons Estate Railway Hill Rosé 2022

From the North Downs of Kent, the Simpsons Estate was established in 2014 and its chalk soil forms part of the same chalk ridge that is located between Southern England and Champagne, in France, and even stretches as far as to Burgundy! It is therefore not surprising that this Rosé from their Railway Hill vineyard was a silver winner of the International Wine Challenge in 2020. This Pinot Noir Rosé is a slightly deeper pink than a Provençal style rosé but the bouquet of summer fruits is enticing on the nose. With a pronounced intensity of strawberries and cream with citrus to provide that refreshing, crisp texture this is a juicy Rosé that could be enjoyed alongside a packet of salted crisps!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £20

Denbies Rose Hill Rosé

Denbies has become the UK’s first vineyard and winery to achieve Net Zero status in wine production as part of its sustainability efforts. You can therefore visit this Surrey vineyard knowing that it is carbon positive and intentional about reducing its carbon footprint. Plus, this fruity Rosé is a balanced blend of Dornfelder and Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard which highlights the natural sweetness. It is an easy drinking, off-dry rosé to drink for apéro hour with its full flavour, medium bodied, smooth texture and that added citrus hint. For a full weekend visit, you could combine your Denbies wine tasting experience with some cycling in nearby Box Hill!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £11.99

Oastbrook Rosé 2022

Being described as similar to a cult winery in the Vines in a Cold Climate book, which discusses the English wine revolution, the Oastbrook Estate’s reputation precedes it! It is a Sussex based vineyard, which is an area that recently received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, and is close to the river Rother and within easy reach of British beaches on which to enjoy this late harvest succulent Rosé! The estate does have onsite accommodation too such as lodges and glamping, if you book quickly, meaning that you could be served this rich balanced rosé directly to your own private space. Slightly pink orange in colour with strawberry, melon, citrus and stone fruits aromas, this is an extremely palatable off-dry Rosé wine which can be drunk by itself and conjures up images of strawberries and cream and Wimbledon! Plus, having the bottle number on its label, from this small production, does make purchasing this Rosé seem like an extra special treat and you’re worth it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £18.50

You can’t say that we’re not generous as we have an extra treat, which does make this the lucky 7 recommendations! But, if you haven’t tried a Mirabeau wine before then it is definitely worth adding to your shopping lists! Technically, it’s not a British wine as it is grown in Provence but the owners of the estate are English winemakers who moved their family to France to set up their winery and fulfil their dream of making good quality rosé. So, without further ado, let’s explore a glass of Mirabeau…

Mirabeau X Côtes de Provence Rosé 2022

This quintessential Provençal salmon pink rosé blend, from the area that is north of Aix-en-Provence, is designed to impress with its delicate profile. It is a well-rounded vegan friendly Rosé, with a light intensity which becomes more profound over time to reveal crisp, fruit forward aromas combining strawberries, grapefruit, stone fruits and a degree of minerality with a long finish. It is a very quaffable, sophisticated and stunning wine which will be perfect for those lunchtime occasions at work or play or for those moments when you catch yourself daydreaming and imagining that you are by the French riviera!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £13

Rosé can truly be drunk at any time of year and gone are the days when you might only see a Pinot Grigio Blush or White Zinfandel on pub and restaurant menus, thankfully! What is your go to glass of rosé? We would love to find out your preferences and whether you now feel inspired to traverse the British countryside on a Rosé journey!

By Latoya Austin

The Top Drinks For Your Eurovision Party 2024

It’s that time again. On Saturday 11th May, Malmö Arena will host the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 – home to the most flamboyant and often ridiculous performances of the year.

Broadcast across the world and watched by millions, it’s a massive event, and with so many different nations performing and so much to comment on, Eurovision parties remain wildly popular.

If you want to really commit to the theme, then a variety of globetrotting drinks is the way to go. We’ve taken a look at the current favourites to win and paired them up with a drink or cocktail from their nation. Let the show begin as we build up to the most likely winner…

UK: Dizzy by Olly Alexander

M&S Lark Song English Rosé

Okay, okay, so Olly Alexander isn’t quite in the Top 10 with the bookies, but he’s only just outside of it so we’re including him anyway! Most of you reading this will be from the UK so any of your favourite drinks produced here will suffice to celebrate, but if you want something special, then use this opportunity to try English Wine which is flourishing. British Sparkling Wine’s reputation is going from strength to strength. Balfour is a cracking winery, and their English Rosé is one half Pinot Noir, the other half Pinot Meunier, Regent and Chardonnay. It’s refreshingly dry, brimming with ripe redcurrants and carries a zesty sweetness with subtle tang. So elegant, and with a celebratory feel too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14

Belgium: Before the Party’s Over by Mustii

Belgian Fruit Beer – Lindemans Kriek

We think that when Belgium comes around, you can’t look beyond Belgian Beer. There are so many to pick from, so go with a traditional Belgian brew that piques your interest. Duvel is their most famous, but we’re going to recommend something they specialise in – fruit beers, like Lindemans Kriek. It’s a low ABV (handy if you’re drinking for every country!) cherry beer, full of intense, tart and of course sweet fruity flavour.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 3.5%
Find here: £2.05

Norway: Ulveham by Gåte

Nuet Dry Aquavit

The national drink of Norway and very popular across wider Scandinavia, Aquavit is a flavoured liquor that’s been around since the 1400s. It’s very popular around Christmastime, and its name comes from the Latin for ‘water of life’. Usually, it’s distilled with potatoes and then mixed with a variety of herbs and spices – this Nuet Dry focuses on warming caraway, liquorice sweetness and refreshing citrus and blackberries. Skål!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.18

Ireland: Doomsday Blue by Bambie Thug

The Gaelic Flip

Sweden tied Ireland for most wins with 7 after their 2023 victory, so you can never rule Ireland out. There are so many drinks you could include to represent Ireland. A pint of Guinness of course, Irish Coffee (especially if they perform towards the end) or any number of Irish whiskies, but we’re going for a Gaelic Flip. The soft, rich fruits of Irish whiskey work so well in a flip and this cocktail is luxurious, soft, delicately spicy, and sweet. You could include Bailey’s too for even more indulgence.

Ingredients
50ml Irish whiskey
25ml sweet vermouth
15ml syrup
1tsp allspice liqueur
1 egg
Nutmeg (garnish)

Method
Dry shake all ingredients first to generate the lovely pillow of foam in the final serve. Add ice and repeat until everything is nicely chilled and mix. Strain into a cocktail glass and finish with some aromatic grated nutmeg. It’s a winner.

France: Mon Amour by Slimane

Kir Royale

Where to start with French drinks? So many options! Champagne may be a too expensive if you’re buying drinks for multiple countries. Pastis is their lesser-known national spirit but it’s aniseed again and quite niche. Wine is always an option but there’s so many to pick. We’ve gone for an iconic French cocktail – the Kir Royale. It’s a simple but sophisticated mix of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne, but Crémant will do just fine!

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne/Crémant
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

Method
Liqueur first with this cocktail, before topping up your Champagne flute to the top with your fizz. A blackberry or raspberry garnish is a must, and that’s it – a simple but delicious serve.

Netherlands: Europapa by Joost Klein

Jenever - Ketel 1 Graanjenever

Jenever is a really interesting spirit. It’s made from juniper, in fact it’s a literal translation, so it’s got similarities with gin regarding its botanicals and transparency. However, it’s also triple distilled and tastes somewhat malty, so overlaps with whisky too. Its roots go back to the 15th century, but it received its AOC in 2008 meaning it’s strictly regulated now. Ketel are now known for their vodka, but originally jenever was their game and this rich spiced fruits number is well worth picking up.

Size: 1L
ABV: 35%
Find here: £27.35

Ukraine: Teresa & Maria by alyona alyona & Jerry Heil

Dima’s Vodka

We think Ukraine’s performance is a good opportunity to try out some quality vodka. It’s a massive part of the country’s culture and we’re big fans of Dima’s. It’s made from a barley, wheat and rye blend and has a velvety smooth mouthfeel. A touch of vanilla and spice liven things up and this would be amazing in a Dirty Martini with the saltiness of the pickle.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

Italy: La Noia by Angelina Mango

Negroni

The most popular Italian cocktail using their most loved aperitif Campari – the classic Negroni. It’s easy to remember as a 1:1:1 split of your favourite gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. There’s a lot of bitter complexity with many different botanicals, herbs, sweet and fruity notes. It’ll be a nice bitter break between many other drinks too.

Ingredients
25ml 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.

Croatia: Rim Tom Tagi Dim by Baby Lasagna

Pelinkovac

Pelinkovac has been part of Croatia’s history for centuries, even making its way all the way over into the court of Napoleon III of France! Wormwood is the key ingredient here, best known for its use in absinthe, and it’s accompanied by a selection of aromatic herbs. It’s completely unique but if you imagine Jägermeister then it’s not a million miles away. You can make cocktails or highballs with it but try it chilled with lots of ice and a slice of lemon.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 28%
Find here: £24.29

Switzerland: The Code by Nemo

The Green Fairy

Absinthe is an often misunderstood spirit, so why not use Eurovision to get to know it? It’s a very boozy spirit that actually originated in Switzerland, hence the alpine feel of the anise, wormwood, fennel, and other herbs. It’s best enjoyed in a cocktail, and we think a Green Fairy suits a Eurovision Party; it’s a kind of absinthe sour with silky egg, bright lemon, and complex herbal notes. For other cocktails or absinthe recommendations, go here!

Ingredients
25ml Absinthe
25ml lemon juice
25ml chilled water
10ml Sugar syrup
1 dash angostura bitters
1 egg white (or 15ml aquafaba)
Lemon peel to garnish

Method
Add all the ingredients to a mixer and dry shake (no ice). Then, add ice and wet shake. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy! Garnish with lemon peel.

If you want more drinks to celebrate each Eurovision nation, then we’ve got a few others from last year here!

The Best Budget Tequila For Your Cocktails

If you’ve been cursed by a shot of nasty tequila like many of us have, you might think you need to really splash out to get something nice – but you really don’t. Sure, some high-end sipping tequilas can dent the wallet, but when it comes to cocktails, you need a robust tequila with great balance and smoothness… and there’s plenty of those under £30.

These seven stunning tequilas each provide something a little bit different to you cocktail experience, and we’ve paired them with an exquisite cocktail that they shine in. Let’s go agave diving!

El Tequileño Reposado

This Jalisco Reposado gives intense cooked agave notes, coated in a slightly bitter oak from three months of American oak casks. This maturation also delivers some lovely tobacco sweetness and subtle salted caramel. There are so many flavours going on without the use of additives that it’s impressive, especially at this price.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £22.95

The Mexican Mule

Ingredients
60ml/2oz El Tequileño Reposado
15ml/0.5oz fresh lime juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Top up with Ginger Beer

Method
Build over ice, preferably in a highball glass. Pour ginger beer to the top and finish with a lime wedge.

El Sueño Tequila Silver

This tequila is slightly different. We normally like to look for 100% agave, but this ‘mixto’ uses 70% agave with 30% locally-grown piloncillo, which is natural cane sugar. This isn’t a modern band trying to cut corners though, it’s backed up by five generations of tequila producers – and the purists that might swerve it are missing out. There’s plenty of vegetal agave, grapefruit tang and a nice underlying sweetness amazing for cocktails like this one.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.74

The Sueño Sunrise

Ingredients
50ml/1.75oz El Sueño Tequila Silver
200ml/6.75oz orange juice
15ml/0.5oz grenadine

Method
Shake the tequila and OJ with ice and pour. Gently add grenadine, pouring down the side so that it settles at the bottom. A maraschino cherry skewered is the perfect garnish.

Olmeca Reposado Tequila

This is an accessible Reposado leading with oaky agave. Candied orange brings a sweet citrus flavour and vanilla lingers too. It’s been highly praised at The Spirits Business awards and delivers an easy-to-love caramel flavour that’s dangerously moreish. Beautiful bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £24.39 (usually more!)

The Mango Margarita

Ingredients
45ml/1.5oz Reposado tequila
15ml/0.5oz triple sec
120ml/0.5 cup mango juice
Half a lime of juice
Salt for the rim

Method
Chill the Margarita glasses to frost them. Mix together everything in a shaker with ice. Then, using the condensation on the glass or lime juice, roll the rim in salt. Pour over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge. Salud!

Mundo Blanco Tequila

If you want to bring some serious complexity to your cocktails, then Mundo Blanco is perfect. Many drinkers use it as a sipping tequila because there are many earthy depths and fresh heights to familiarise yourself with. The agave nectar is a Highland/Lowland combo, so you get a really nicely rounded herbaceous and crisp profile. Top notch packaging too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £27.75

The Paloma

Ingredients
50ml/1.75oz Mundo Blanco Tequila
25ml/0.8oz grapefruit juice
12.5ml/0.5oz lime juice
7.5ml/0.2oz agave syrup
50ml/1.75oz pink grapefruit soda
Wheel of grapefruit for garnish

Method
Shake everything except the soda with ice and strain into a tall glass. Pour your grapefruit soda in and finish with a gorgeous wheel of grapefruit.

Cazcabel Reposado

When it comes to tequila, Cazcabel definitely know their onions… or rather, their agave. They’re the best-selling brand in the UK and for good reason. Their Reposado has won big awards, aged in oak for 9 months to develop glorious earthy flavours coated in sweet cinnamon. Dried fruits dance with noticeably vegetal agave for bold flavour. Very fun to use in cocktails like the one below.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.90

Caballo

Ingredients
60ml/2oz Cazcabel Reposado
30ml/1oz pink grapefruit juice
10ml/0.3oz agave syrup
Wheel of grapefruit for garnish

Method
Simple – shake everything with ice and strain into chilled glass. Refreshing and delicious.

Rooster Rojo Reposado Tequila

The Mexican Rooster is here to wake you up. The blue agave are steam-cooked for 10 hours, before special yeast is added to the juices for 72 hours of fermentation before distillation. It’s rested in oak, before the water used is filtered through Mexican silver. It has lovely sweet flavour - think caramel and all spice.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.94

Tommy's Margarita

Ingredients
60ml/2oz Rooster Rojo Reposado Tequila
30ml/1oz fresh lime
15ml/0.5oz agave nectar

Method
Shake it with ice. Strain it into a chilled couple glass. Garnish with lime wedge. Simple and delicious.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver

We couldn’t leave out the worlds oldest, and arguably biggest tequila brand. Slick, smooth and sweet, the nose delivers strong agave, which carries over on the palate with green pepper and lime. The balance is spot on which makes it a go-to for cocktail lovers.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £29.99 (usually more!)

The Matador

Ingredients
30ml/1oz Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver
60ml/2oz pineapple juice
22ml/0.75oz lime juice

Method
Like most tequila drinks, this is a simple wet shake before a good strain. Tropical delight.

If you want to explore the absolute best this misunderstood spirit has to offer, then how about The Best Sipping Tequilas?