The Best Spirits and Cider to Gift Mum This Mother's Day

We hope you already know that Mother’s Day is almost here, but if we’ve sprung it on you then fear not because we’ve assembled the very best prezzies for the drinks loving Mum.

If you’re tired of gifting the same old things every year, then look no further. These bottles, sets and hampers have that special something to earn some serious brownie points on the big day, including unique gin, vodka, whisky, rum, tequila, cocktails, and cider – perfect for whatever your Mum is into!

The Best Gin To Gift This Mother’s Day

Roku Sakura Bloom Gin

Classy inside and out, this new charming limited edition Japanese gin is perfect for Mother’s Day. The award-winning craft gin House of Suntory are behind it, capturing the beauty of Japanese spring in a bottle, more specifically the annual Hanami flower viewing festivals. Roku’s key ingredient, Sakura flower (aka cherry blossom), is front and centre as part of six unique native botanicals. It’s an elegant gin, mesmerisingly floral and has a hint of salinity curtesy of the blossom leaves. Get mum to try it in a G&T with premium tonic and a wedge of grapefruit - it will surely be her best Mother’s Day present yet!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31 Tesco

The Botanist Gin

Showing that the Scottish island of Islay is more than just smoky Scotch is The Botanist, a stylish gin embracing a staggering 31 botanicals, 22 of which are hand-foraged on the island. It’s so popular that you’ll now find it on many gin lists, so if your Mum is a gin lover, there’s a good chance she’s tried it out already (so how about a full bottle?) Unique botanicals like creeping thistle, mugwort, red clovers and water mint combine for a profile balancing herbaceous notes, earthy undertones, and fruity sweetness. It’s impressively velvety too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35.90 Master of Malt

No.3 Gin

Instantly striking, No.3 Gin could be the key to your Mum’s heart this Mother’s Day. Made by Berry Bros, the key refers to the unlocking of the Parlour at their historic address, Number 3, St James’ Street (which is also where the name comes from of course). A wine and spirit merchant since an incredible 1698, Berry Bros produce No.3 in Holland in a century old brick-encased copper still. This has been awarded the World’s Best Gin no less than four times, loved for its bright, fresh nose, juniper-forward palate with florality, spice and citric zing, and a lingering earthy finish. There’s so much flavour and history, it’s a surefire hit as prezzie.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £38.24 Master of Malt

Gin Making Kit

Well if you don’t want to buy a bottle of gin, how about getting Mum everything she needs to make it herself? If Mum’s ever said something along the lines of, ’I just wish there was a gin that was like X and Y but also Z’ then this is perfect, and really fun to try. Everything you need is included (16 botanicals, equipment, and recipes) – you just need to add your base spirit (usually vodka) and away you go. It’s designed for novices so walks you through every step, but also gives you enough knowledge to experiment with whatever crazy botanicals you dream up! Win win!

Find here: £45.99 Just Spices (usually more!)

The Best Vodka To Gift This Mother’s Day

Nine Tines Vodka

Nine Tines is North Yorkshire’s first hand-crafted vodka made from potatoes and using 20 different potatoes in each bottle from their own farm and the local area, it’s totally gluten free and grain free. An excellent example of English vodka, it has an exquisitely clean finish but the silky viscosity of the mouthfeel is what stands out most for us. It’s perfect as a sipping vodka but if you really want to treat Mum then check out Nine Tines website for their decadent chocolate martini - NOM!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £42 Nine Tines

Pod. Pea Vodka

Forget your wheat and potato because Manchester-based Ten Locks are now making vodka from peas! It’s way more environmentally friendly than other crops, and actually brings a really unique flavour. Now, obviously this isn’t like drinking mushy peas, of course not, but it imparts a delicate herbaceous vegetal note to the spirit, which is made with Lake District water. The packaging is recycled and the labelling is sustainable making everything about this vodka green - it’s quirky, it’s tastes great and we love it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.45 Master of Malt

The Best Rum To Gift This Mother’s Day

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum - Roast Coffee

Coffee is everywhere right now, but it really suits The Kraken. Cold brew Arabica brings a sweet liqueur profile to the classic spiced Kraken rum, which really doesn’t feel like 40% ABV (so warn your Mum maybe!). Think flavours of cinnamon and rich treacle combined with roasted coffee deliciousness. If your Mum likes sweeter rums with a spicy undertone, then this is definitely one for her.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £21.99 Amazon

Havana Club Selección de Maestros

A relaunch of Havana Club’s Cuban Barrel Proof bottles, this rum comes with a striking design revamp for that special feel. The casks used for ageing are some of the finest handpicked by the maestros roneros for the aromatics they impart. That, combined with the 45% oomph means tonnes of flavour. Think peach and citrus before a Bourbon-esque mouthcoating of creamy caramel, mocha and brown spice. It’s magically indulgent but with silky smooth depths for added complexity too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £59.74 Master of Malt

The Best Whisky To Gift This Mother’s Day

Jura 14 Year Old American Rye Cask Whisky

Jura is an incredible wild spot sixty miles from the Scottish mainland, with a small community focused around whisky distillation. Jura’s signature profile is smooth, bright and lively, and their 14 year old is matured in ex-bourbon and American rye barrels. It’s got great complexity with interesting notes of toffee and rich fruits as well as herbal and floral touches. A perfect gift for any whisky loving Mum.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £42.74 Master of Malt

Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Whisky

Despite being relatively new, Nc’nean are known for their consistently high-quality batches, and this is no different. Starting with organic barley, ex- red wine, bourbon, and sherry casks combine for a rich body plush with fruity sweetness. Vanilla fudge, honey and tangy pineapple complete a lively palate before oaky spice and shortbread lingers on the finish. Find out for yourself what all the awards are for (once Mum has had a try of course).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £48.45 Master of Malt (usually more!)

Glen Grant 15-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky

We love The Glen Grant and their 15-year-old might just be our favourite. It’s matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks so that seductive golden hue is brimming with harmoniously balanced bold fruits – think sweet orange and stewed orchard fruits with charred oak and vanilla. It’s incredible drunk neat, but if you’re looking for a cocktail to try it out in, check out our suggestions here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £65.75 Amazon

The Best Tequila To Gift This Mother’s Day

1800 Blanco Tequila

Tapping into the Mayan pyramids, this eye-catching bottle might be a challenge to wrap, but once open it does not disappoint. Double distilled, it’s a blend of white tequilas that results in a wonderfully well-rounded expression. It’s noticeably floral, fruity, and herbal, and all with a silky-smooth texture and zero burn. 1800 is known for punching above its price point, so this is a great gift for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £35 House of Spirits

The Best Ready Made Cocktails To Gift This Mother’s Day

MOTH Cocktails

MOTH is a great little brand making stylish and recyclable cocktails ready to go out the can. Gone are the days of naff ready-to-go cocktail tins because these are absolutely bar standard. They’re full-strength and if they were in a glass, you wouldn’t look twice at paying top prices for them. They have a few different selections, but their gin pack looks stunning for Mother’s Day.

Size: 125ml
ABV: 10%-14.9%
Find here: £20 for 6

The Best Cider To Gift This Mother’s Day

Sandford Orchards’ Katja & Katja Rosé & Chocolate Hamper

This brand-new premium hamper has been curated especially for Mother’s Day, containing two full bottles of elegant sparkling cider and some Willy’s chocolate handmade in Devon. Katja is created from Katy apples that are pressed and fermented with a white wine yeast leading to an almost prosecco like cider, and the Rosé version adds Rondo grape skins for that stunning blush colour – expect cherries, peaches, and apple blossom. This has to be a hit for any cider or even prosecco loving mum!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £30 Sandford Orchards

Nothing says celebrations like bubbles, so how about some beautiful pink sparkling rosé? These are our absolute favourites without breaking the bank!

7 Bottles of Irish Whiskey You Need in Your Glass

The journey Irish Whiskey has been on is quite incredible. From the 19th century golden age where it was deemed the finest and most popular spirit on the planet, to producing just 1% of the world’s supply only a hundred years or so later.

Fortunately, it’s sprung out of the doldrums in style, and decades of investment and innovation has seen distilleries bloom all over. Irish Whiskey is back where it belongs, delivering the quintessential fruity lightness it’s known for, as well as delightful wine-finishes and wafts of smoke.

So, if you’re celebrating St. Patrick's Day on March 17th or just want to expand your emerald isle collections with some gems, these are seven bottles you need in your glass.

Jatt Life Blended Irish Whiskey

From the same folks at Jatt Life Vodka comes this blended Irish whiskey. Aged in virgin oak and sherry casks, this is very characterful with luscious, rich dried fruits intertwining with woody spice. It’s a classic Irish whiskey expression with soft fruitiness, but wonderfully smooth and with impressive longevity too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.27

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Whiskey

From the best-selling Irish whiskey producer in the world, Jameson’s stout edition has a seductive bourbon nose with a little creamy chocolate dressing the fresher notes. These continue in the mouth with a touch of coffee, as the succulent viscosity becomes noticeable. Warm spices feature too, most prominently cinnamon. The old whiskey barrels had previously been used to age stout from Cork’s Franciscan Well brewery, and the results are quite spectacular – especially for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £28.95

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A glass of this is a true celebration of Ireland’s independence, from the label to the 40.7% ABV, a nod to the 7 signatures signing the famous 1916 document. But what about the liquid itself? Full-bodied and silky smooth, it’s matured in ex-Bourbon casks before a subtle sherry finish. The results combine majestically with fruity caramel, full-bodied brioche notes and bitter toasted coffee for balance. Delicious.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: £28.88

Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey

Top notch single malt now with the legendary Tyrconnell. The labels had a stylish rebrand, and the alcohol has been bumped up from 40% too. It’s softly integrated however with no harshness whatsoever. It’s fruity and light, but unlike most Irish whiskeys brings citrus over sweetness. The rich vanilla fudge lingers forever it seems, beyond even the oaky spice.  A benchmark.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.99 (usually more!)

Sliabh Liag The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

As captivating as the legendary silkies of Ireland themselves, we love this Donegal distillery. Their lighter expression is beautiful, but this smoky number deserves some serious love too. Peat was somewhat lost from Irish whiskey for a long time, but this harks back to the golden age with triple-distilled peated malt aged in sherry casks, before joining bourbon-matured and virgin oak-matured whiskies. The result is so harmonious, with those rich fruits still coming through, as well as salted chocolate and mellow wafts of smoke balancing out perfectly.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35.37 (usually more!)

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

Something different here. The bottle may say Irish Whiskey, but The Kasc Project is actually something of a globe trotter. Delving into the world of hybrid casks, Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut, yes that’s five different woods, are used for ageing. All combined in one barrel, it’s no surprise that the alluring honey colouring reveals so much flavour. Expect oaky treacle on the nose, stewed apples and sultanas, nutty vanilla and peppery warmth on the palate, and a dry finish with liquorice. It's really interesting and throws up Bourbon and Cognac comparisons.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.75

Bushmills 16 Year Old Whiskey

More expensive than our other whiskies, Bushmills’ 16 year old expression more than lives up to its price tag. It begins life in Bourbon casks, continues along to sherry before a final stint in Port, expanding its breadth of delicious flavour with each step. Think honey and stone fruits on the nose, spilling over into a summery palate of lofty tropical flavours, silky honey, and rich dried fruits. The oily viscosity coats your mouth wonderfully as the rising mocha notes and nutty spice lingers on and on. So much to explore.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £89.81

If you want to learn more about the fascinating world of Irish whiskey, then let us remind you of The Three Drinkers in Ireland, when we explored the beauty of the Emerald Isle.

Where is Rum Made?

The Pirate’s Drink, the Navy Neater, Nelson’s blood, kill-devil, demon water… rum goes by many names and is steeped in history. Originally using distilling sugarcane for medicinal reasons, ancient Indians were the first to begin the process.

In one form or another, rum has been made pretty much all over the world, but most popularly it found its home in the Caribbean islands. That’s only part of the story however, so let’s dive a little deeper into this legendary spirit.

What is Rum?

First things first, to work out where rum is made, we need to nail down what it actually is. In this modern world of innovative, diversified drinks, rum is more varied than it once was, but there are still boundaries.

Rum is a spirit made by fermenting and distilling molasses and/or sugarcane to produce a clear spirit that is sometimes aged further. Most countries require this liquid to be a minimum of 40% ABV to be classified as rum too, and there are even regulations (such as in the US) that state the taste, aroma and characteristic of the spirit must be ‘generally attributed to rum’.

Sugarcane has been distilled in India since 350BC, but it was the perfect conditions of the Caribbean that rum would become synonymous with, beginning on the sugarcane plantations in the 17th century. These days, it’s enjoyed worldwide with over 80 countries producing it.

Which Country Produces the Most Rum?

Working out which country produces the most rum is difficult because the export figures are often a result of import figures. For example, Italy is the world’s biggest exporter of rum, but also the biggest importer… so it’s getting it in to sell on essentially.

If we’re talking about making the most rum however, it’s undoubtedly the Caribbean. Islands like Barbados, Martinique, Cuba, Jamaica, Antigua and Trinidad, Puerto Rico and Tobago are where rum is made.

Nearby, South and Central American countries like Guyana, Belize, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela also produce large volumes.

Further afield, the Philippines is the biggest Asian producer, closely followed by India, and Australia also has a newer but flourishing rum industry.

Most rums you find will have one of these countries on the label, but as we said, if it’s got sugarcane, it can be made there!

How Do Rums from Different Countries Differ?

In the Caribbean, the different islands or production areas deliver very unique styles. Categorising them is no easy task, however. Because colonisation is so intertwined with the history of rum, you can find connections between the languages spoken and the rum style.

For example, English-speaking areas are associated with bigger, darker rums and heavy molasses, French-speaking with expressive, ‘agricultural’ rums, and Spanish speaking with smooth character. Let’s go through a few of the most iconic rum producing nations and the rum they make.

Barbados

Rum’s birthplace, Barbados is home to the world’s oldest rum distillery, Mount Gay. Barbados produces some of the highest quality bottles, both light and dark, specialising in traditional profiles. English colonised islands were first to push rum production, so these early styles in Barbados, Jamaica and others are synonymous with full-bodied pot-still rums.

Jamaica

With some of the biggest names in rum like Appelton and Hampden, Jamaica produces top-notch traditional rum, allowing the molasses to naturally ferment with preserved yeast and uncommon distillation techniques. The result? Boozier rum and plenty of ripe fruit notes.

Philippines

Utilising their booming sugar industry for over two centuries, the Philippines produces tonnes of white and golden rums, most famously Tanduay. Ex-bourbon American oak is a favourite in the Philippines, allowing for woody and spicy notes to pair up with the natural fruity, exotic characteristics.

Australia

A modern pioneer, Australia produces fine spiced and white rums. Since the rum revolution against William Bligh in 1808, sugarcane abundant regions like Queensland and New South Wales have been focusing on traditional rum styles. Previously known for intense, rough-around-the-edges rums, the industry has refined over the years to produce real quality.

Cuba

Another distinctive rum nation, Cubans have developed their Spanish-style rums – drier, clear and punchy. The iconic white rums (think Havana Club) are cocktail favourites. Softer and gentler than most, they gain flavour from barrel ageing rather than the neutral column still production… before the charcoal filtering removes the colour. Interestingly, the Spanish wanted to protect their brandy when they owned Cuba, so rum production was actually banned for many years.

Martinique

Nations previously colonised by the French produce ‘rhum agricole’ which uses fresh sugarcane juice instead of molasses, preserving the young character. Spiced rum is massive here, known locally as ‘shrubb’, but light rums are made too.

If all that talk of rum has got you a thirst on, then check out our latest rum recommendations here!

If you’ve got other drinks related questions floating around your head, then we’re here to answer them. For example, ever wondered, ‘Is there a correct way to drink whisky?’ Or ‘What can I mix with a gin instead of tonic?’

What Can I Mix With Gin Instead Of Tonic?

The only ever-present force in gin is juniper, with its earthy, piney flavour – everything else can and does change. Therefore, as long as your mixer pairs well with juniper, you should end up along the right lines. It does depend on the style and botanicals of the gin, however.

For example, is it pink with berries? Is it umami and marine? Is it floral and citrusy? There are all kinds of complex flavours floating around, and you want a mixer that enhances those qualities. Of course though, you want a gin mixer that you enjoy, and that’s really all that matters.

If you’re not into tonic for whatever reason, then try these popular suggestions instead – we think they’re the best way to go.

Is Lemonade a Good Mixer with Gin?

Particularly with younger drinkers, the polls show that this is the country’s favourite mixer with gin, ahead of even tonic. Be it pink lemonade with a little kick of red berries like raspberry and strawberry, or regular, it’s probably the best gin mixer for those with a sweeter tooth.

There’s more to this classic combo than just providing a sugar injection though. The tart, bright citrus that comes through with the lemonade contrasts beautifully with the rich, earthy juniper profile of gin. As long as the gin isn’t too sweet to begin with, lemonade will likely work.

Is Soda a Good Mixer with Gin?

If you just can’t get on board with tonic but really don’t want to overshadow the delicately poised botanicals in gin, then how about soda? It’s simply carbonated water (even more so than sparkling water), so it tastes just like water. Therefore, similar to whisky, it can actually open up the botanicals in gin and enhance your libation – without the bitterness that tonic water brings.

What you’ll get is what you expect, a diluted version of the gin which usually leads to a more savoury, zesty drink – one of the purists! Of course, with garnishes like lime, lemon or mint, syrup and cordial, you can take this in any direction you like.

Is Flavoured Tonic a Good Mixer with Gin?

Alright, alright, so this is still tonic but hear us out. The main reason some people don’t like tonic water with gin is the bitter taste, mostly from the quinine. However, where there used to be no variation with tonics, there is now a tonne of it, and these flavoured tonics don’t have high quinine content.

The great thing about a flavoured tonic is that by retaining the lightness of water with only subtle flavourings, it still very much lets the gin shine as the star of the show. So, if you’ve never clicked with original tonic but still want the gin front and centre, we urge you to try some flavoured tonics.

For example, a simple Mediterranean tonic with a little citrus and herbs is fantastic with citrus and herbaceous gins and an elderflower tonic really emphasises the florality in floral gins – you really would be surprised at the difference it can make.

We love Franklin & Son’s range for its creativity and quality, and they have so many flavoured tonics, lemonades and sodas that are dreamy mixers for all kinds of gin – like Rosemary and Black Olive, Sicilian Lemon Tonic and Rhubarb and Hibiscus. Check out a few we love here!

Is Ginger Beer a Good Mixer with Gin?

Topping up your gin with the warming fizz of ginger beer has become a bit of a trend in the world of gin. You might not put the two together straight away, but it’s surprisingly versatile. Sweeter Old Tom styles go well, and with spiced, wintery gins it really emphasises the botanicals like cardamom, orange, cinnamon, and it goes without saying, ginger.

It works really well with big-flavoured gins that might need tempering a little, and the spicy feel is brilliant for standing up to bolder gin notes.

Is Grapefruit Juice a Good Mixer with Gin?

You’re never too far from citrus when it comes to gin combos.  Grapefruit juice is really handy for gin too because it’s a very popular botanical. It has a bittersweet, tart freshness that makes for a delicious combination with gin. Pink or red juices are dryer and sweeter, but the white is more bitter and acidic, so it’s down to personal preference really.

If you’ve got a very sweet pink gin for example, white may cut through nicely but for most gins, a ruby red grapefruit juice adds a nice layer. It’s also a lovely way of making your drink summery without too much sugar. Any fruity, citrusy gins and it’s a winner.

If you want some stunning gins to try out these mixers with, then we compiled some special bottles recently for our guide here.

There are a lot of questions like this one that float around the drinks world, and another one we get asked a lot is, ‘Is there a correct way to drink whisky?’

Is There a ‘Correct’ Way to Drink Whisky?

Whisky is probably the most intimidating drink out there, steeped in history and incredible variety, including some challenging expressions that most beginners are likely to struggle with. Even with the resurgence of Irish whiskey, access to American creations and shedding of the ‘old men pouring dusty bottles with cigars’ image, we still come across the question of ‘is there a correct way to drink whisky?’ a lot.

Well, in a word, the answer is no. As with everything drinks related, it really is down to personal preference, palate, whisky experience, and the bottle itself. If you enjoy it, then it’s correct, no matter how strange. There are no set rules, but there are popular methods and nuances that will help you get the most out of your glass. The key, of course, is to experiment and discover what works for you.

If once you’re done, you want to pick out a whisky, or whiskey (American and Irish) to get started with, then we’re always updating our guides of the best bottles, so take a look here and across the website.

Drinking Whisky Neat

You’ll come across a lot of purists preaching neat drinking. No ice, no water, no mixers, just the dram. This is the simplest way to taste whisky because you’re experiencing the liquid on its own. Often, drinkers will cleanse the palate with some cool water between sips too.

For well-aged, high-end whiskies rich in complexity, this is usually the best way to get the absolute most from the tasting experience. Room temperature whisky tends to bring the most flavour, and with no mixer in the way, you’re able to explore all the subtle notes and depths of the dram.

Of course, if you’re a total newbie, then this might be a bit much because it will be intense and difficult to enjoy, let alone explore.

If you’re wondering how neat drinkers who still desire a chill to their drink achieve this, they use whisky stones to lower the temperature without diluting the dram, which is a neat trick that keeps the drink, well, neat.

Drinking Whisky On The Rocks

On the rocks, or with ice, tames the intensity of whisky initially, and then as it melts, it dilutes and has the same effect as a splash of water. It makes for a far more refreshing experience, so may be more of a summer favourite.

Will you detect the full plethora of notes and complexity? No, probably not, because the ice will dull them a little, but remember, it is only water, and a small amount won’t overpower the whisky whatsoever.

It’s important to consider the measure (single or double… or even triple) and the size and amount of ice. Bigger ice chunks may not be melted by the time you’re finished, but crushed ice will melt very quickly.  

Drinking Whisky with a Dash of Water

Adding a dash of water isn’t just about smoothing out the alcohol. It does do that, but with some whiskies it actually enhances the flavour. Whilst the purists enjoy neat drinking, they also embrace a few drops of water because, especially with higher ABV bottles, it really tempts out hidden notes. Even with accustomed dram drainers, a whisky getting towards 60% will numb the senses somewhat, so water really helps unlock some flavours.

How much to add is entirely down to you but remember the golden rule - you can always add more. Some people literally just add a drop or two, so start with tiny amounts, taste, and see if you can notice any differences in aroma, texture, taste, and finish.

Drinking Whisky in Cocktails

Some whiskies are straight up better suited for cocktail mixing. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worse, just that they’re bold enough to come through and work alongside the other ingredients. Cocktails are a team game after all. Whiskies range massively with fruits, spice, smoke, sweetness, and wood, so they’re versatile when it comes to mixology.

Also, as is the case with pretty much every spirit, cocktails are the best way to ease yourself into whisky. You’re not getting big, in your face hits of the spirit, instead, you’re getting a taste of it, tempered by whatever else is in the cocktail.

A simple Highball (whisky, ice, and mixer) is an accessible and simple place to start, be that with sparkling water, ginger ale, cola, or something else. Other popular whisky cocktails are the Old Fashioned, Manhattan and the Whisky Sour. You can find loads more whisky cocktails in our One Drink, Three Ways section.

One area that whisky leads the way in is hot cocktails, and with comforting flavours and heat surrounding it, it’s a super accessible way to get into the spirit. Irish Coffee and Hot Toddy are two favourites, but also try this Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky.

7 Affordable Tequilas Perfect For Margaritas

When answering the question, ‘What tequila should I use for a Margarita?’, the answer is not to break the bank – far from it. You just need a robust tequila with good balance and depth, and one that won’t burn your throat. Now, despite what its bar-shotting reputation might suggest, there are actually plenty of tequilas out there between £20-£30 that fulfil these criteria. Each one will take your cocktail in a slightly different direction too.

The Margarita was the most popular cocktail in the world last year and remains a favourite of so many, so if you’ve never tasted what the fuss is about, or you just want to be able to make a stunning version for guests, then these are some tequilas that will make it shine.

Oh, and once you’ve found the tequila for you, you can go here for the classic recipe, plus some variations that might tickle your fancy.

El Jimador Tequila Blanco

You can find El Jimador Tequila pretty much everywhere because it’s such a well-rounded Lowland Blanco at a good price. It’s 100% Blue Weber, distilled twice and immediately bottled for young freshness. Alongside some roasted agave, crisp, clean citrus bursts through here so it’s great for a fresh Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £21 (usually more!)

Olmeca Blanco Tequila

This is a trusty tequila that you can definitely rely on to elevate your cocktails. Hailing from Los Altos, this delivers the signature Highland style with a sweeter kick and delicate floral waft. A little green and black pepper supports, and it has that smoothness we want to integrate into the cocktail subtly. Serve for a sweeter Margarita with a little herbal nudge.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.29 (usually more!)

El Sueño Tequila Silver

Normally we look for 100% Blue Weber agave, but here we’re willing to make an exception. El Sueño is backed up by five generations of tequila producers, and here they’ve used 70% agave with 30% locally and sustainably grown piloncillo (natural cane sugar). Let the purists dismiss it we say, because it beats many 100% bottles hands down. Mellow vegetal agave intertwines with grapefruit tang for a full, flavoursome tequila that’s perfect for cocktail making. No mixto snobs here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.75

Ocho Blanco Tequila

This is a single estate expression to represent the underrated importance of terroir in tequila. A joint effort by the Camarena family and Tomas Estes, it’s made in the traditional method with slow cooked agave for deep flavours, satisfying viscosity, earthy notes offsetting citrus freshness and a gorgeous crack of black pepper. It’s great for fading the in-your-face agave flavour into loftier sweet fruits and lingers for a fantastically long time. Great for a flavourful, slightly thicker Margarita.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £27.25

Tapatio Blanco Tequila

Remaining largely unchanged since the 1930s, tequila drinkers love Tapatio and their silver expression remains the benchmark for great value. It’s brimming with all that blanco character so expect hits of raw agave, cracked pepper, vivid citrus, and earthy anchoring. It’s well known for its intensity so can more than look after itself jostling in a Margarita. If you want a Margarita with oomph, go for Tapatio.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.70

Pueblo Viejo Blanco

Pueblo Viejo are a rock solid option for tequila, and known within the tequila world for probably being a little bit underpriced. For a relatively cheap blanco, it’s a smooth joy to sip. The cooked agave comes through, but then the palate takes off in a surprising number of directions, with a grassy note, mineral hints, lively citrus, and herbaceous flavours, all before pulling everything together for a peppery finish. We think this would be perfect for a spicy Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.95

Mundo Blanco Tequila

Slightly softer at 35%, Mundo Blanco is a sipping tequila really, with plenty of earthy depths and fresh heights to explore. However, it also works for a luxurious, slightly more complex Margarita and remains under £30 so is cracking value. As beautifully presented by La Cofradia as it is in the mouth, it’s a Highland and Lowland mix for a crisp rounded taste with herbaceous hints. Easy to love.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £28.91

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

5 Boozy Pancake Day Recipes

Whether you’re one of those people who think Pancake Day is just for the kids, or you’re tired of the same old recipes and toppings every year, how about a grown-up twist - boozy pancakes.

Alcohol is massively underrated as a cooking ingredient and great for pushing the boat out this Pancake Day. These mouthwatering recipes range in simplicity, but use beer, Baileys, Chambord, coffee, vodka, and orange liqueur for indulgent boozy twists on classic pancakes.

Beer Pancakes

It won’t be one that you think of straight away, but beer actually adds a really lovely malty, yeasty flavour to the batter. And on top of that, the carbonation creates a lighter, fluffier pancake. Once it’s done, you can take it in a savoury or sweet direction and because the small amount of alcohol cooks away, the kids can try it too. A good place to start would be with a Belgian fruit beer like cherry, and then using the same fruit as your toppings… but all your usual toppings will pair up nicely. 

Ingredients (for 5):
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg (beaten)
250ml beer (light)
125g plain flour
50g caster sugar
30g butter

Method:
Mix together the dry ingredients first, so that’s sieved flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Next, whilst continuously whiskiberrng if possible, pour in egg, melted butter and your favourite beer, before stirring until smooth. Set this aside (ideally for an hour but it doesn’t matter too much) and get some medium heat into the pan with a little oil. For one pancake, use about 60ml of batter and cook for about 90 seconds on each side – or until it’s starting to turn a nice golden brown. The flip to show off is optional.

Baileys Pancakes

You just knew these would be included. The creamy profile of the country’s favourite liqueur is just begging to be used for Shrove Tuesday.  A splash of Bailey’s gives mouth-watering fluffy pancakes with added indulgent richness and creaminess. These will exceed your expectations, trust us. 

Ingredients (for 5):
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 large egg
150ml milk
125g self-raising flour
80ml Baileys Irish Cream

Method:
Nothing complicated here because you can just do as you would, except swapping some Baileys in for a portion of the milk. It’s best to mix the dry ingredients first, before whisking the liquids in until it forms a light and creamy batter. Fry in oil or butter for around 90 secs until golden. Toppings can be whatever you like but try white chocolate!

Chambord Pancakes

If you’re not familiar with Chambord, then you’ll probably recognise the glamorous royal bottle. It’s the original raspberry liqueur, a velvety smooth mix of not just raspberries, but blackberries, vanilla, citrus, honey, and a little cognac – now that sounds like pancake material to us. It’s a decadent, fruity twist that splits the Chambord into the batter mix, but also as an opulent drizzle. Nom. 

Ingredients (for 5):
50g plain flour
100ml Chambord
75ml whole milk
40g dark chocolate
50ml double cream

Method:
Okay, so first mix flour, milk and 50ml of Chambord until smooth (watch the gorgeous purple colouring come to life). Coat a pan with a little butter or oil and pour 60ml of batter in. Like usual, cook for 90 seconds. In the meantime, melt chocolate in a bowl of boiling water. Combine this with double cream, and then the other 50ml of Chambord until it thickens slightly. Pour this over your pancakes for berry heaven. Be aware that some alcohol will remain in this one though!

Espresso Martini Pancakes

It was only a matter of time before coffee showed up. For adding a kick to your breakfast pancakes, how about combining them with the UK’s favourite cocktail, the Espresso Martini? It has similarities with a Tiramisu, with spongey, rich coffee flavour, and soft mascarpone on top. This one requires a little more effort, but if you need motivation then just read the ingredient list – delish. 

Ingredients (for 5):
200g self-raising flour
1 tbsp coffee (optional dilution with 1 tbsp of water)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp golden caster sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
200ml milk
2 eggs
25g melted butter

For toppings:
100ml espresso
4 tbsp caster sugar
25ml coffee liqueur
130g mascarpone
70g zero fat Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp vodka
3 tbsp icing sugar
Chocolate shavings

Method:
First, the pancake. So, simmer your coffee with water (instant is fine) with the sugar and coffee liqueur in a pan until it thickens like syrup. Leave this to cool.  Whisk all the pancake ingredients together until completely smooth and pourable. Again, 60ml ish of batter per pancake into the pan (depending on pan size and preferred thickness). For the topping, beat the mascarpone with the yoghurt, a splash of vodka and icing sugar until nicely mixed and smooth. Dollop this on top, alongside the coffee syrup you made earlier, and shave some chocolate. What a creation.

Orange Pancakes

Another tasty route to go down is zesty citrus. You could experiment with gin and lemon, but we think it might get overpowered so how about orange liqueur. Using either Grand Marnier (richer) or Cointreau (sweeter), you get a succulent, sunny pancake full of delicious orange. It might be a little light on its own, so we’ve paired it with double cream but ice cream would be delish too. 

Ingredients (for 5):
5 regular plain pancakes
85g unsalted butter (softened)
25g golden caster sugar
3 tbsp Cointreau or Grand Marnier
½ orange (zested)

For toppings:
2 oranges (juiced)
1 lemon (zested)
175g golden caster sugar
3 tbsp Cointreau or Grand Marnier
200ml double cream (softly whipped)

Method:
Combine butter, sugar, liqueur, and orange zest in a bowl and spread over your plain pancakes. Heat in an ovenproof dish for 10 minutes on a medium heat. Meanwhile, make the sauce – add your zests, juice and sugar to a pan and heat through until syrupy. Add 2 tablespoons of liqueur and reduce the heat once it starts gently simmering. Let it cool. Then add a final tablespoon of orange liqueur, and drizzle over your heated pancakes with cream. Mouthwatering stuff.

If you’re planning a proper evening of pancakes and booze, then find out which drinks go best with pancakes here!

The Rhubarb Crush

How about this for a Valentine’s Crush? Keeping it simple, it’s a Franklin & Sons recipe that’s essentially a twist on a classic vodka lemonade. Of course, you could include extra touches like elderflower liqueur or vanilla syrup, but if you get yourself quality ingredients, simple can be best. Franklin & Sons have been leading the way with mixers since the Victorian times, and their spring rhubarb lemonade is zesty, fragrant, and refreshing with lemon juice and sparkling water. Get yourself a stunning vodka to go with, make it look beautiful with some flowers and voila, a crisp Rhubarb Crush for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day.

Ingredients (for 1)

50ml vodka
Top up with Rhubarb Lemonade (Franklin & Sons)
 Edible flowers

Method
1.      Pour out chilled vodka over ice.
2.      Top up with rhubarb lemonade.
3.      Stir gently to keep the bubbles going.
4.      Sprinkle some edible flowers.
5.      Enjoy!

If you’re still going strong with Dry January, then how about these Delicious Winter Mocktails? Or if you’re interested in more Frankin & Sons mixers to spruce up your serves then check out these.