7 Delicious Rum Cocktails

For some reason, some drinkers pigeonhole rum cocktails as a vacation-only choice, but rum is much more than poolside Pina Coladas…as good as they are.

The tropical rum cocktails are some of the world’s favourites, and deservedly so, but it’s a versatile spirit so here is the best of everything rum from legendary recipes to delicious twists.

Rum Sour

More known for whisky, the Sour style cocktail works really well with rum. You could use a golden rum to pair the tropical brûléed feel with sunny citrus, but we prefer the warming of a spiced rum. The silky egg white adds some decadence and texture, there’s a wonderful tang and sweetness from the lime, orange and syrup, and the toasty spiced rum adds a punchy hit of rich flavour. It’s a lot going on but it really works.

Ingredients
50ml Rum (Bacardi Spiced works well)
25ml Orange Juice
25ml Lime Juice
12.5ml Syrup (Monin works well)
15ml Egg white

Method
Mix all ingredients together without ice and shake, add ice and shake once more. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

Rum Old Fashioned

The rum Old Fashioned is such an underrated twist. The oaky spice of the dark rum, the zesty structure of the bitters, the bright citrus…this will definitely win the traditionalists over.

Ingredients
50ml Dark Rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
1 tsp sugar syrup
Few dashes of orange bitters
Orange Peel to garnish

Method
Add ice 3/4 of the way up a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and add all ingredients. Stir for 30 seconds until nicely chilled. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

PIñA COLADA

This is probably the definitive tropical cocktail, right? Sweet and creamy, it’s the ultimate smoothie (okay it’s not officially a smoothie but if you label it as that you can have another one). Unfortunately, no one knows exactly who invented it but whoever you are, we thank you!

Ingredients:
60ml white rum ((Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple Wedge

Method:
Blenders at the ready. Combine white rum with the same amount of coconut cream. Add 120ml of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, a handful of ice, and blend. Garnish with pineapple and an umbrella for the complete holiday vibe.

CINNAMON TWIST

Another creamy rum concoction here with the Cinnamon Twist. Swapping out the fruit for cinnamon creates a wonderfully indulgent milky, spiced rum punch, a recipe that has been around in different forms since medieval times! Spices in the rum will pair perfectly with the cinnamon which brings us to the syrup. You can do this individually (simple syrup plus cinnamon powder) but by adding cinnamon sticks to water and sugar, the syrup is easy to make and gorgeous in all kinds of other cocktails.

Ingredients:
60ml Golden Rum (Mount Gay Black Barrel works well)
44ml Milk
22ml Cinnamon Syrup

Method:
Shake with ice, then strain over a singular hefty ice cube in a chilled rock glass!

DAIQUIRI

We often hear that people dismiss a Daiquri as a childish option, with sickly sweet slush puppy vibes. Maybe that’s you? Well, we’re here to say give it another chance. When fresh lime juice is used, the right amount of syrup and it isn’t blended, it can be simple and so refreshing. Rum and lime are a match made in heaven and the syrup counteracts the tang perfectly - just get the ratios right!

Ingredients:
60ml Light or White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish: lime

Top Tip: Fruity-flavoured syrups add a lovely twist to the original recipe - try banana and strawberry instead of simple syrup!

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Do not blend! Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish.

MOJITO

One of the world’s favourite cocktails, is the Cuban-born Mojito the single most refreshing cocktail on the planet? Rum, mint and lime - it’s aromatic, zesty, reinvigorating and punchy. Ernest Hemingway loved it, and so do we.

Ingredients:
50ml White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
Soda water
Garnish: mint

Method:
We want to get all that flavour from the mint so it’s vital to crush it with the lime juice and sugar. Add ice and a white rum that you love. Top up with soda water, give it a gentle stir to combine and sip the evening away! Top

HURRICANE

One of the many cocktails born out of Prohibition, this New Orleans icon is perfect for when you’re wanting a potent flavour bomb. It has a few more ingredients than most cocktails, but it’s worth it in the end trust us. The trio of fruit juices are key here, so try and make sure you freshly squeezed for as many as possible. It’s zippy, tropical, and sweet and with the double punch of light and dark rum, there are layers of notes to explore until the very last sip. You won’t feel neutral about it that’s for sure!

Ingredients:
40ml light rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
40ml dark rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
15ml lime juice
15ml passion fruit juice
15ml orange juice
15ml simple syrup
10ml Grenadine
Garnish: orange wheel

Method:
All the hard work is done fetching the ingredients here, so just add them to a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a hurricane glass with more ice and voila! An orange garnish works a treat for good measure.

Chances are if you’ve made it to the end of these tasty rum cocktails, you love your rum. So, if you’re drinking it regularly you may as well go the whole hog and make yourself a little home bar! After all, you’ve probably got most of the ingredients already.

Piña Colada With A Twist: 7 Recipes To Make At Home

Those of you who know your Spanish will know that Piña Colada translates to ‘strained pineapple’, a reference to the fresh pineapple juice in the original recipe. Add rum and coconut and bam, you’ve created one of the world’s favourite cocktails and an icon of Puerto Rico! But do we know more about its backstory than the famous Puerto Rican origin?

Well, sort of. 1954 is the most likely year of invention, and San Juan is the location. The person most agree created it is Ramon Monchito, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel at the time. But like with all hit cocktails, others in the local area claim they came up with it first, so we’ll never know for certain.

Although this is already the definitive tropical cocktail, we love experimenting with twists and variations and particularly with the Piña Colada. It’s sweet, boozy, and creamy which most of us love, but if you’ve never taken to it, then check out these stunning variations below!

The Original Piña Colada

You can’t start experimenting until you’ve mastered the original. The nearest thing you can get to a cocktail smoothie (it must be healthy then, right?) is all about those three bold flavours working together. The texture and fragrance from the coconut, the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice (fresh is a must!), and the punchy warmth of the rum – incredible.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge (garnish)

 Method
You have two choices here! First, you can blend everything with ice and serve a thick smoothie-style mix. Or you can shake everything thoroughly with ice and strain over crushed ice. The blended method is the most popular but try both! If any cocktail umbrellas are laying around, now’s the time to use them.

Baileys Colada

This variation adds a touch of luxury and creaminess to the Piña Colada by using Baileys Irish Cream instead of white rum. The Baileys adds a smooth and velvety texture to the drink, as well as a hint of chocolate and vanilla flavouring. The lime juice balances the richness of the cream, while the pineapple and coconut keep that signature refreshing tropical twist. How delicious does that sound?

Ingredients
60ml Baileys Irish Cream (you could use others of course!)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice
Pineapple wedge (optional garnish)

Method
In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients except any garnishes and ice. Shake well to combine. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Strain the cocktail over the ice. Finally, sip this creamy concoction and feel like royalty!

Jalapiña Colada

Go with us here because this unexpected and spicy twist on the classic Piña Colada will be a thrilling ride for your tastebuds. The addition of jalapeño peppers adds a fiery kick that is tempered nicely by the creamy sweetness of the pineapple and coconut. It creates a surprisingly moreish and lingering warmth that takes the original in a completely different direction.

Ingredients
60ml white rum (darker would work too)
60ml coconut cream
120ml pineapple juice
1 small jalapeño pepper (sliced)
Jalapeño slice/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Begin by muddling the sliced jalapeño in the bottom of a shaker to release its spicy essence. Add the rum, coconut cream, and crushed pineapple juice to the shaker. Shake vigorously with ice, then strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño and enjoy the tropical heat.

Chocolada

This variation adds a decadent and indulgent twist to the Piña Colada by using chocolate liqueur instead of rum. Darker chocolate would work, but to pair dreamily with the pineapple and coconut, we prefer white chocolate liqueur. This is great as a boozy dessert and perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Yum!

Ingredients
60 ml white chocolate liqueur (like Mozart)
30 ml chocolate syrup
120 ml pineapple juice
60 ml coconut cream
Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional garnish)

Method
In a blender, combine all the ingredients except the garnishes and blend until smooth and frothy. If you like, you can pour some melted choc/choc sauce around the glass which looks gorgeously inviting. Pour into your glass and depending on your taste, you can shave some chocolate over the top or spray with whipped cream to go all out.

Citrus Piña Colada

Okay, now this isn’t the craziest adaptation, but this is actually the Piña Colada you’ll be served in many establishments these days. There is a school of thought that there should be citrus included in the blend and it’s easy to see why. Limes add a very subtle sharp bitterness and fragrance, and the lemons cut through with some light acidity and go really well with the coconut.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
40 ml fresh pineapple juice
50ml coconut cream
10 ml fresh lemon juice
10ml lime juice
Lime/lemon/pineapple wedge (garnish)

Method
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake well. Strain it into a glass of crushed ice and voila!

Caramelized Banana Colada

Banana is such a perfect match for the Piña Colada, pairing perfectly with the coconut and pineapple and complementing the tropical rum too. But, for an even more sumptuous twist, how about caramelised banana? The rich and buttery sweetness adds a luxurious depth of flavour and a robust cooked quality that creates boozy smoothie royalty.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
1 ripe banana (caramelized)
Caramelized banana slice (garnish)

Method
First, the banana. Add the sliced banana to a medium-hot pan with a little butter, a generous sprinkle of sugar and a dash of cinnamon, tossing gently to cover the slices. About 3 minutes on each side should be enough. Leave to cool. After that it’s business as usual, blending everything with ice (or over ice)! Yum!

Tequilada

This variation adds a Mexican twist to the Piña Colada by using tequila instead of rum. Tequila adds a smoky and earthy flavour that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of coconut and pineapple. Coconut water replaces cream here too, creating a more refreshing and hydrating cocktail that lets the tequila notes shine through. Fruity sweetness, soothing refreshment, and vibrant agave - olé!

Ingredients
60ml tequila
100ml coconut water
80ml pineapple juice
15ml lime juice

Method
Super simple - shake all the ingredients and pour over a glass prepared with ice cubes. A true fiesta in a glass.

Next stop on the summer refreshment train... strawberry-based cocktails!

The Best Dark ‘n Stormy Variations

As iconic waterside cocktails go, the Dark ‘n Stormy is right up there. Invented in the 1920s by British sailors looking for a tipple to help with seasickness, it soon became apparent that it was popular with everyone and not just those struggling in the choppy waters.

Goslings Black Seal rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer were the original combination, and unlike most cocktails, this matters. Goslings have actually trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy (with one apostrophe) and taken legal action against companies in the past.

These days, Goslings use their own Ginger Beer creation too, but if Goslings Black Seal isn’t the rum in your Dark n’ Stormy, then it isn’t technically one at all!

Now of course, when it comes to mixology at home, you can do whatever you like! Baring that in mind, let’s take a look at the best ways to switch up this classic!

The Original Dark n’ Stormy– for the traditionalists

Dark rum and ginger are the two key ingredients here, but many add a dash of lime for a bit of zip. It’s so fresh and vibrant with the sweet and warming spice intertwining gorgeously with thick, caramelly rum. Such a vivid tropical flavour that will transport you away to sunnier climes.

Ingredients
50ml dark rum (Goslings Black Seal)
80ml ginger beer
20ml lime juice (optional)
Lime wedge (garnish)

Method
Probably the easiest cocktail to make – add your ginger beer over ice and top up with dark rum!  

Sunny ‘n’ Stormy – for the orange lovers

Similar to a Moscow Mule, this just adds a little orange sun to the original. Angostura bitters give a bit more intensity and marmalade notes to the cocktail as well as a touch more spice, and freshly squeezed orange juice and zest adds fresh citrus to the equation.

Ingredients
45ml dark rum
60ml ginger beer
20ml orange juice/zest
Dash of angostura bitters
Orange wedge (garnish)

Method
Shake dark rum and orange juice with ice and strain into your glass. Top up with ginger beer and add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and orange zest on top! 

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Orchard – for the cider lovers

This a fantastic autumnal twist on the tropical Dark ‘n’ Stormy. The ginger, cinnamon and spiced rum bring satisfying warmness and comforting flavours that match perfectly with the hearty apple cider. The thick and gently fizzy texture is also super moreish.

Ingredients
45ml dark spiced rum
50m apple cider
20ml ginger beer
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
Add your cider and rum to a glass, top up with a small pour of ginger beer and garnish with apple and cinnamon! For a touch of sweetness, add apple juice too!

Dark ‘n’ Stormy Espresso– for the coffee lovers

Coffee is such a versatile and intense taste that even just adding a little is a surefire way to mix up your favourite cocktail. Whilst the original has a kick, this takes it one step further with warm spice and bitter, earthy espresso livening up the cocktail.

Ingredients
30ml dark rum
25ml espresso
50ml ginger beer
Lime juice (optional)

Method
Pour your ingredients into your glass in layers. So, dark rum first over ice, then ginger beer, and then slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy!

Stormy Weather – for the wine lovers

Wine, particularly Shiraz, works surprisingly well in the Dark & Stormy set-up. Similar to The Bishop cocktail, the rum brings the caramelly depth of tropical notes, whilst the Shiraz brings loftier sweet red fruits. Often already arriving with subtle peppery spice, Shiraz complements the ginger to create a rich, fruity and vibrant cocktail.

 Ingredients
35ml dark rum
35ml Shiraz wine
Splash of ginger beer
10ml syrup
Lime juice

Method
Shake well with ice because it’s important everything is thoroughly mixed here. Strain, top up with ginger beer and away you go!

Need a dark rum to star in your Dark ‘n’ Stormy variations? Check out these gems for under £30!

The Best Dark Rums to Try in 2023

With dark rum on the rise, the amount of choice is overwhelming. There are all kinds of rums, made in different ways and priced at different levels. The dark rum that you fall in love with is of course impossible to predict, but these are some reliably delicious bottles we love to begin your search. And if you already love the Pirate’s Drink and fancy a new go-to, you might just find your new favourite below too.

£15-25

Watson's Trawler Rum

In case you hadn’t already guessed from the name or bottle, this tawny red Dominican rum is in the dark Navy style, using aged spirits from Barbados and Guyana which are blended harmoniously in the UK. A treasure chest of flavours, expect candied orange zest, raisins and prunes, smoky oak, molasses, and toasted sugar. At this price, it’s perfect with just a splash of cola and lime but would also make a stunning Rum Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.09

Havana Club Añejo Especial

A Cuban staple on UK supermarket shelves, Havana is a reliable benchmark for most rums, and their Añejo Especial is no different. Like other Cuban rums, it is light for a darker rum, with delicious soft caramel, spiced oak, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla cream to be enjoyed in a dessert-esque palate. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, mellow and easy-drinking dark rum then look no further. Sip straight or try this in a tasty Mai Tai.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.74

O.V.D. Demerara Rum

O.V.D? It stands for Old Vatted Demerara. So yeah, this is Old Vatted Demerara Demerara Rum but that’s not the only reason it’s memorable. Distilled from molasses in a wooden still in Guyana, it is eventually bottled in Glasgow and it’s in the UK that it has developed somewhat of a cult following. Renowned for a modern profile of rich toffee, sultana, buttery caramel, the thick and syrupy mouthfeel is to die for. Keep to cola mixes and mellower cocktails and you really cannot go wrong.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.24

£25-£35

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve

Appleton needed something special to celebrate their 250th birthday and this sweet and velvety smooth rum was the perfect present for themselves and us. Aged for 8 years in Jamaica, the warm spices, honey, and toffee marry together in precise harmony and it scooped Gold at the prestigious San Francisco Spirit Awards. We think this is made for sipping neat but there is no doubting how much it would elevate something like a Dark n Stormy.

Size: UK 700m/ UK 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £29.94 / $32.99

Alnwick Rum

Alnwick is an in-your-face dark rum with a big kick of spice. The recipe goes way back to Northumberland over 90 years ago, and currently uses a blend of rums from Jamaica and Guyana, combined in Holland and bottled in Scotland – what a journey. Gloriously rich with caramel, woody vanilla, Demerara notes and dried raisins, this is a lip-smacking liquid comparable to stronger Navy rums that will add great intensity to any rum cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.24

£35-45

Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old

This Panamanian Rum is finished in whiskey barrels to impart a distinct vanilla sweetness and subtle smoke. The astounding toasted elegance, sugary spice and rich creaminess won it a Gold gong at the 2009 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition, so try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.94 / $39.99

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

One of the region’s best-known brands, Diplomático is known for its unique mixes of distillation methods, and their Reserva Exclusiva is made using copper pot stills – the process allocated to their most complex rums. The molasses-based rum matures in whiskey barrels to fill out with oaky vanilla spice, peppery plum and Christmas cake reminiscence. Award-winning, super classy and gorgeous instead of whiskey in a Manhattan.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.95 / $41.99

Copeland Smugglers Reserve Overproof Rum

If it’s not the brooding beautiful design that catches your eye, then it might just be the 57.2%. Copeland, known for their gin, have released this double pot distilled number which rests in bourbon and Pinot Noir casks. The result is deep and dark depths of burnt caramel, vanilla orange intertwining in a flavour that is definitely intense, so you pour over a little ice, orange peel and a subtle mixer of your choice. When you’re in the mood for this, it’s a dream.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.2%
Find here: £44.95

£45+

Angostura 15 Year Old "1787"

This is likely to be unlike any dark rum you’ve tried before. Moving away from the mellow, smooth, and spiced rum blends, this is old-school sea rum packed with molasses and spices. The liquid is so characterful, with a taste that reminds you of rum’s heritage. Charred oak with rich dried fruits marries cinnamon and crunchy sugar in a fantastic Trinidadian rum made for explorative sipping.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £67.99

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old

21 years of tropical maturation blesses the carefully selected blends that balance out this spectacular Jamaican rum. Scotch-like in its complexity, elegance and smoothness, warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon dance with leathery raisins (way more appealing than it initially sounds by the way) in a silky mix that feels thick and full. The special packaging sets you up for big expectations and the amber nectar within definitely exceeds them.

Size: UK 700ml /US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £150 / $164.99

There are certain things that any fully fledged rum lover needs, so if you haven’t made your own dedicated home bar yet then check out these 7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs!

Renegade Rum: The Importance of Terroir in Rum

Compared to the worlds of wine and whisky, rum has a tendency to be viewed slightly differently. Someone looking to change this and lean on the importance of terroir and provenance is former Bruichladdich head Mark Reynier, with Renegade Rum in Grenada.

Setting his sights on rum after two decades of developing whisky, Renegade Rum’s philosophy was part strategic but also part accidental. On the one hand, Reynier’s approach for Renegade dates back seven years, and he answered the basic questions pretty quickly; sugarcane not molasses, and traditional pot stills not columns. These would enable him to shine all the light on the terroir of spirits and Grenada’s stand-out conditions. But this is where the first big problem arose.

No one in Grenada wanted to farm sugar cane. After three years of searching, Reynier adopted the ‘if you need something doing, do it yourself’ mantra and began growing across an array of areas. This unplanned step into farming meant Reynier could use a diverse range of terroirs and microclimates and keep precision tracking over the provenance, with the ‘cane code’ on every bottle logging every production detail you can think of.

With the philosophy and methods of winemakers and the expertise of single malt distilleries, Renegade has evolved into a terroir study of rum, and more precisely the building blocks of sugar cane. Each Étude bottle, their first aged rum, displays a single terroir of cane that went into it, be that from New Bacolet or Pearls.

Both were aged in premium French and American oak before being bottled at 55% ABV but have subtly different offerings. New Bacolet is filled with deep, dried fruits and sweet oak, whereas Pearls is rounded with less fruit and more cinnamon oak spice. We’re intrigued to see where this laser focus on rum terroir goes, and what other mouth-watering open-book bottles come out of it!

The small-scale bottlings of Étude have now rolled out across the world, you can visit Renegade Rum’s site for way more information on their fascinating work here and if you’re interested in investing in a cask then this is where to head!

7 Chocolate Liqueurs Perfect for Easter

We’re well and truly on the side of ‘you’re never too old for an easter egg’, but if one thing is better on Easter, it’s got to be a silky chocolate liqueur.

So, whether you’re into rich dark pours, vanilla whites or just adding some sweet chocolate magic to your favourite spirit, celebrate Easter with one of these delicious bottles.

For the rum lovers

Amaz-In Chocolate Créme Liqueur

Grenadian chocolate and Grenadian rum come together like an absolute dream in this velvety liqueur. It’s thick, rich and although the chocolate at the forefront is dangerously moreish, the subtle fruits underneath complete the profile really nicely. It’s perfect for sipping over ice, drizzled over a pudding for a touch of decadence, and of course, it’s crying out for a Caribbean cocktail.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £36.65

For the fruit lovers

Amarula Raspberry, Chocolate & African Baobab

If you're a fan of distinct and original chocolate liqueurs, then you simply have to try this South African gem. The creamy but surprisingly light Amarula, a liqueur created from the fruit of the Marula tree, is joined by the standout addition of tart raspberries, sweet chocolate as well as nutritious African baobab fruit (one of the best-tasting superfoods on the planet). This combination of delicate citrus, raspberry tang and sweet caramelly chocolate cream is mouth-watering and it’s what won Amarula a Gold at The Liqueur Masters in 2021.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £17

For the tequila lovers

Mis Amigos Chocolate Tequila Liqueur

Mis Amigos have leaned into the potential of earthy, vegetal agave by blending it with rich dark chocolate and cocoa, and the results are delicious. It’s another Gold medal award winner, praised for its super smoothness and versatility in cocktails. Try it in a Chocolate Margarita which might sound a bit odd, but just trust us it’s sublime.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 25%
Find here: £22.99

For the grappa lovers

Bottega Nero - Cioccolato Nero e Grappa (Dark Chocolate)

For those not familiar, grappa is an Italian pomace brandy, so it’s usually made using leftover grape skins from winemaking. This blend is literally like drinking the smoothest milk chocolate there is in terms of texture, but with the rich depth of flavour dark chocolate gives. The distinct personality of the drink is completed by the Veneto grappa adding an oomph to the indulgence. Be warned - once people try this, they are desperate for more!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £18.99

For the white chocolate lovers

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

For nearly a century Godiva has been mastering the art of chocolatier-ing in Belgium, and as one of the most trusted premium chocolatiers, they have moved into liqueurs. Godiva White Chocolate is everything you want it to be and more, with delicate white chocolate and soft Madagascar vanilla combining for total unapologetic lushness. A White Chocolatini is probably the single most indulgent cocktail you can concoct, and we’d recommend it over most puddings.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: UK £34.99 // US $49.21

For the bourbon lovers

Charlie Parry's Chocolate Bourbon Liqueur

Bourbon and chocolate are a classic marriage, with the sweetness of the chocolate pulling the caramel from the bourbon, and the bourbon’s smooth, smoky depth wrapping the chocolate tastefully. Elegant dark chocolate is used here to avoid over-sweetness, and instead, there’s a curious rich bittersweetness created alongside toasted oak and sweet vanilla. If you love your Old Fashioned then you simply have to try this in one. If you’re in a very different mood then it also works great in milkshakes or over a quality vanilla ice cream!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £19.95

For the vodka lovers

Riverside Chocolate Vodka Liqueur

Some bottles just deserve attention, and this is one of them. Isn’t she a beauty? Riverside Spirits up in Cheshire is responsible, and they’ve filled it with something more than worthy; a velvety sweet chocolate vodka. The warmth of the vodka kicks in beautifully through the rich dark cocoa for an incredibly satisfying sip. Serve it with a little ice and it’s amazing.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £24.95

We’re chocolate mad at the moment with Easter around the corner so check out these top choc and drinks pairings if you want to keep the two separate!

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Drinks Guide

Mother’s Day is nearly here which you no doubt already knew (most of you anyway ;)) so if you’re wanting to gift some drinks that are a little bit different from the same options every year, look no further.

For whatever drinks Mum likes, we’ve got our briefcase full of options open and ready for your perusal. Wine, gin, whisky, rum, Irish cream... there’s even mead! A glass of these on the big day from you and you’ll earn serious brownie points.

For the wine loving mum

Pasqua - ‘Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t’

The Pasqua family have been pulling together classic white wines in the Soave area of Venito since the 1920s, but this bottle expresses them best, living up to the bolshy name. Designed by CB Hoyo, the striking label is 100% gift-worthy and as soon as you set eyes on it, you know you’re in for something distinct. Inside is a blend of vintages from 2015 to 2018 and the complexity is remarkable, with light freshness and floral notes pinned down by strong structure. Think fruit-forward peach, mandarin and subtle zest with a rounded comforting finish hinting at nuts and freshly baked bread. Unique and definitely worth gifting this Mother’s Day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32 Harrods

Specially Selected Fleurs D'eau Sparkling Brut Rosé

Aldi’s sparkling range is seriously underrated, and this perky blend is full of fruit with juicy melon and pear on the nose and a delicate and superbly balanced dry palate of strawberries, redcurrants and a little honey. Each sip feels harmonious, and is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.99 Aldi

For the gin loving mum

Mirabeau Rosé Gin

One of our favourite gins inside and out, Mirabeau kicks off with the familiar botanical base (juniper-forward, angelica, coriander, orris, citrus) but then comes the showstopper. Local Saint Tropez twists of Provence including rosemary, thyme and bay and of course, their splendid Classic Rosé distillate elevates this to the next level. So, satisfying, glamorous and brimming with fresh fruit and florality. It’s the cheapest way to transport your Mum to the French Riviera this Mother’s Day!

It's a cocktail game-changer too, as we discovered here!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £28 Waitrose

Whitley Neill Banana & Guava Gin

This is Banana & Guava gin that’s eye-catching for different reasons. Bringing summer forward, this is a smooth and refreshing gin for Mum’s with a sweet-tooth. The guava is juicy and tropical, the banana is ripe and distinct, but the overall blend carries itself with a sophistication and balance you might not initially expect.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £26 Tesco

For the whiskey loving mum

The Three Drinkers & Sliabh Liag - The Legendary Red Silkie Irish Whiskey

That’s right, we’ve worked with the wonderful Donegal distillers Sliabh Liag to produce a classic Irish whiskey that leans into our love of good wine. Velvety rich liquid carries plush red fruits from Pomerol barrels in Bordeaux, and it’s all wrapped in very subtle smoke with a little candied orange and caramel. Humble brag, but we think we’ve made something very special (Sliabh Liag did all the hard work of course!). Oh, and £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

For the rum loving mum

Depth Charge Spiced Rum

This is powerful Caribbean rum with oodles of flavour. Lime and mandarin bring fresh and zippy citrus to the core, but baking spices linger on the tongue moreishly too. It’s the opposite of forgettable with great vibrance – cola notes, peppercorn, orange, caramel, vanilla and a citrus streak throughout holding it together. There’s so much to explore neat over ice, but its versatility means it’ll be a hit with your usual rum mixers. A guaranteed hit for a Mum that likes spiced rum that’s for sure.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.95

For the Irish Cream loving mum

Coole Swan Cream Liqueur

In a nutshell, this is white chocolate Irish Cream – I know right? Decadent Belgian white choc, single malt whiskey and fresh Irish Cream combine for the pinnacle of decadence. It’s unbelievably velvety with surprising balance given the sweetness. Serve it chilled or as a special Mother’s Day treat drizzle it over cheesecake for a truly indulgent dessert.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: £26 Tesco (£22 Clubcard Price!)

For the Cocktail loving mum

Vineyards Peach Bellini

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed offering, then why not start the day with some fizz for that special touch? Sweet peach fizzes in this crisp and refreshing ready to go Bellini. A smile in a glass and lovely way to start the day!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.15 Tesco

Raspberry Mojito

If you’re short on time, then don’t look down on these super affordable cans of Raspberry Mojito. They’re perfect for a refreshing fruity blend with raspberry and lime tang, but still have that cocktail style to add the extra touch on the big day. You could even be sneaky and pour it into a tall glass – would anyone know?

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.95 Morrisons (Buy 4 for £6)

For the cognac loving mum

H by Hine VSOP Cognac

H is a delicious VSOP Cognac from one of the region’s oldest houses, Hine. A blend of over 10 Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie, this smaller bottle will leave any Cognac loving Mum wanting more – but there’s always her birthday! Apricot, acacia, white pepper and iris can all be picked up when exploring this floral nectar that brings modern craftsmanship to a heritage brand... just as the bottle suggests.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.95

For the mead loving mum

Gosnells Mead Tasting Box

Yes, there are mead loving mums, and they’ll be sure to appreciate the country’s top mead brand, Gosnells. This stylish set includes four different meads using bees from various urban and rural areas, and a booklet guiding you through the process and how the taste is affected. You also get four honey tasting pots as well! If you’re looking for a slightly unique gift, this is it.

Find here: £35 4 x 500ml mead bottles + 4 x 30ml honey pots

For the No-Low loving mum

Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

We love Belvoir for their beautifully packaged and wonderfully crafted range of fizzes and cordials – I mean just look at this. It well and truly has the special feeling that some non-alcoholic drinks can fail on. It’s a Mother’s Day twist on their adored Elderflower Pressé with fresh lemon, freshly picked flowers and rose petal extract for delicate and 100% natural sparkling water. It tastes as delicious as it sounds – if not more and has gift written all over it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £2.25 (usually more!)

REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea

Another striking bottle, this kombucha uses Dragonwell Green Tea for a fizzy delight that’s kind of similar to Prosecco, but arguably a lot lusher. It’s one of the crispest liquids out there, with no artificial sweetness and a really elegant profile. It also has some health benefits too so it looks amazing, tastes great and it’s good for you!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £8 Waitrose

LA Brewery Rose Infused, Sparkling Kombucha

People are just loving kombucha right now so here’s another lovely bottle. The best of Devon’s white rose petals are infused alongside wild elderflower for a deeply floral and delicately poised dry liquid, that refreshes as much as it tantalises. It’s got fun fizz and just the right touch of acidity to be a great Mother’s Day white wine alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £10

If you’re after more of an experience for Mother’s Day, then consider booking one of the many tasting trains cruising through the glorious British countryside.

12 Stunning Welsh Spirits You Need to Try

The range and quality of Welsh spirits are astounding, with master producers in every field. For some reason, it’s not always the first country on people’s lips when it comes to drinks so if you want to explore the finest Welsh spirits then we’ve got some belters for you below.

Whisky, Gin, Rum, Vodka, Liqueur, Vermouth – let’s dive in. Lechyd Da!

Whisky

Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky – Autumn 2021 Release

Sat in the shadow of Snowdon is Abergwyngregyn and the Aber Falls distillery. They’re new to the game having formed in 2017 and because of the pandemic, their inaugural release had to wait until 2021 – but it was worth it because it just might be the best value you can get from a whisky in the UK. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso, Pedro Ximémnez, bourbon and virgin oak casks so you’ll notice generous doses of rich fruit and warming spice. The cherry on the cake is that local farmers are sourced for their Welsh barely with one eye always kept on sustainability. Bravo.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.44

Penderyn Portwood

This is Penderyn’s best whisky that justifies the price tag with every sip. Unbelievably smooth and light, rich and creamy notes of roasted nuts and chocolate blend with a resemblance of plum wine and a gorgeous jammy undertone. The initial ageing in Bourbon casks and second maturation in Port pipes has worked wonders. Simply sit back and savour over ice.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £54.90 / US $84.99

Gin

Brecon Botanicals Gin

Hinted at by the illustration, this special gin (from Penderyn again) infuses botanicals from the four corners of the world. Strictly speaking, only the final stages are completed in Wales but it’s so good that we’re still including it. Joining the pure Brecon Beacons water is a beautiful bouquet of citrus and bergamot, oriental spice, and coriander. Award-winning for good reason and incredible value to boot.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £23.65

Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin

Aber Falls might have a very remote setting, but we’re circling back there for their bold Marmalade Gin. It would have been easy to go overboard with the sweetness here but it’s balanced perfectly with punchy fresh range. It smells, looks and tastes absolutely divine and is developing a loyal fanbase already. It throws up so many interesting serves too, but ice, tonic and a slice of orange isn’t a half bad place to start.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.3%
Find here: £23.90

Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin

Tucked away in the cellar of the 17th century Hensol Castle is their craft gin distillery, and this benchmark London dry is the cream of their crop. It’s wonderfully refreshing with a seesaw of zest and floral notes from 11 locally sourced botanicals like lavender, marigold, and jasmine. Stunning.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: £30

GWYR Gower Gin

Gower is a Welsh name with the original meaning of, ‘pure’, which is fitting for this gin. Juniper, lemon, pink grapefruit and fennel are the botanicals at play for a naturally crisp gin that manages earthy savoury notes and citrus sweetness so well. Full of flavour by itself, but try it with some ice and pink grapefruit tonic and it sings.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.95

Rum

Anglesey Rum Co. Skerries Dark Rum

Super smooth and deep in flavour, this is a delicious 100% pure cane molasses dark rum. If that wasn’t enough molasses, it’s also added after distillation is finished and the result is a really deep flavour with notes of chocolate, salted caramel and demerara sugar. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s stunning with cola, but also give it a go in a Dark Daiquiri.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £38

Devil's Bridge Spiced Rum

Now that’s a gorgeous eye-catching bottle, and not just because of the plethora of awards on the side. The legend goes that the Devil built the bridge in Wales in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross! We’re sure he would have taken a bottle of this instead, it’s that good. Initially matured in bourbon barrels in the Caribbean, the magic is sprinkled in Wales with bara brith (spiced Welsh fruit cake) added, as well as Glengettie black tea and Shirgar Carmarthenshire butter... so make no mistake, it may begin miles away but this is a Welsh rum alright. Buttery and rich, there’s so much depth to the spice with no synthetic quality at all. Distinct and delicious!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Bullion Rum

If you’re going to come out with a fully gilded bottle then it better be good, and there’s no sense of being underwhelmed here. Behind the glimmering gold is a selection of secret herbs and spices as well as salted caramel for a subtly sweet and warming tipple. It’s bold enough to enjoy on the rocks, but it’d be interesting to experiment with it in cocktails too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.95

Vodka

Benjamin Hall Vodka

For below £20, this is a must-buy. It’s to-the-point grain vodka with smoothness beyond the price point. It tastes really clean with none of the afterburn that scorches the reputation of cheaper vodkas and would be an ideal go-to for any vodka cocktails.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £17.95

Cream Liqueur

Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur

Let us introduce you to this mouth-watering Penderyn liqueur using malted barley spirit and fresh cream. It’s in the same vein as Bailey’s, but thicker and with a hefty kick. The quality of the spirit under the cream shines through for a liquid that feels lush rather than sickly sweet. This won’t last long, trust us.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 17%
Find here: £16.90

Vermouth

Still Wild Extra Dry Vermouth

Wild thyme, coastal herbs and a hint of seaweed are some of the cold distilled wild botanicals that flavour this Pembrokeshire vermouth. There’s a bold brightness to every sip and inviting but complex herbaceous and floral notes that run through. The slight salty finish is crying out for a crisp Martini.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: £26

If you’re after a few more whiskies and aren’t afraid to cross over the border, check out our Top 10 English/Welsh Whiskies here.