Whisky Wanderlust: Crossing Oceans, Capturing Flavours

There are many whiskies that aren’t American that can be found in the USA. Now that the tariff war is long gone, the UK has left the EU, and many companies have increased their distribution, there are more whiskies than ever being offered to the US market from the traditional markets, such as Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

The following whiskies are some of my favourites which reach the US and don’t cost the earth. In the US there is the advantage of a larger bottle, and taxes aren’t quite so high, so there is great value to be had. So, with that said, let me introduce 8 bottles you are sure to love.

Mortlach 12 Year Old

The beast of Dufftown, Mortlach is one of the best sherry led whiskies in Speyside. It is big, oily and rich, but also has great finesse and depth of flavour with sweet honey and dates, with lots of fruit cake flavours and touches of spice, oak and chocolate. This is the most expensive whisky on my list, and it’s worth it. It’s great for gifting with its smart new branding brought in a few years ago. It is a decadent whisky which I would serve by itself, with a little water, or if you wanted a superior old fashioned, this single malt whisky would do the trick.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43.4%
Find it here: $53.99

Nikka Days

Japanese whisky prices seem to have gone through the roof lately, especially for single malts. However, the blended whiskies from Japan can be excellent as well. One has to be slightly careful in Japan with blended whisky as quite a lot of it is in fact Scotch! This one however is all Japanese with Coffey Grain, un-peated Miyagikyo single malt, Coffey malt and a touch of Yioichi malt, this is a complex and delicious blended whisky. There are sweet notes and bright floral notes mixing with fruits, vanilla and caramel giving a long finish. Like many things Japanese, this has precision and elegance.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $49.99

Tullibardine Artisan

This whisky is simply incredible value. Back in the 1980’s a single malt Scotch would have cost around $25, and this is the price of this single malt Scotch today! Matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels, it is sweet and unctuous with honey, vanilla fudge and digestive biscuits. Whisky Advocate Magazine in the US rated this whisky a best buy at 91 point. If you wanted to try malt whisky from Scotland for the 1st time, I’d recommend this one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $24.99

Speyburn Arranta

This single malt like the Tullibardine, uses ex-Bourbon barrels, but in this case they are all 1st fill barrels, meaning that no Scotch has been in them before this filling which gives them an extra sweetness and depth of flavour. This whisky also has a touch of spice and lots of orchard fruits giving it plenty of character but keeping it all smooth and easy to drink. For me this is best over ice on a hot day, or even with soda making a highball. It’s got enough oomph to handle being diluted yet still providing plenty of flavour.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: $44.99

Glenmorangie X

This expression from Glenmorangie has been made purely with mixing in mind. There is plenty of rich sweetness, but also spice and rich oaky flavours, It’ll make a great highball, but is best in cocktails like a whisky sour. It mixes extremely well with cola, especially diet cola as the sweetness in the whisky can really shine through and isn’t competing with a naturally sugary drink. My favourite way to drink it is simply with lots of ice, soda and a dash of lemon juice and bitters

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $39.99

Ballantine’s 12

This is one of the world’s best blends. If you are used to drinking Ballantine’s Finest, this will be a little different, Finest is lighter and more floral in nature, whilst Ballantine’s 12 year old is richer and has more honey, caramel and toffee notes. There is a touch of spice to keep things interesting, but ultimately this is a smooth easy sipping blended Scotch. With the youngest whisky in the bottle being 12 years old, there are older whiskies in the blend giving further depth and pleasure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $37.99

Glenfarclas 12 Year Old

This is the quintessential sherry matured Speyside single malt scotch. There are lots of Christmas cake flavours of raisins, currants, dates and apricots with complex spices including nutmeg, cinnamon and anise. There are sweeter toffee flavours and orange marmalade as well. A touch over 40% abv gives the flavours that little extra boost and the finish lasts for ages. If you’re feeling decadent, this makes the perfect Old Fashioned especially if you make one the traditional way with a cube of brown sugar rather than syrup.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: $50.99

Jameson Black Barrel

Last and by no means least, I have an Irish whisky. If you’re used to Jameson’s regular whisky, this is a good step up and you’ll find it hard to go back! The barrels used to mature this spirit have had extra charring which concentrates the flavours giving extra richness and smoothness which also comes from a triple distillation process which is different from Scotch’s double distillation. There is lots of vanilla sweetness and caramel with orchard fruits, a touch of tropical banana typical of Irish whisky, and warming spices. Don’t wait for a winter fireside with this one, it’s fabulous on the rocks in the evening sun.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $42.99

All the above I have enjoyed many times over the years, and they have never disappointed. They have even kept my bank balance happy. I love sharing these with whisky lovers and those new to whisky alike and they have changed many people’s minds over the quality of blends over single malts and that Japanese whisky doesn’t have to break the bank. Find a flavour profile you like the look of, sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

One Drink Three Ways: Crazy Gin Clear Lassi Gin

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

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The fusion of British Indian food is well known and widely loved, but why isn’t there a drinking equivalent? This was the question that the Singh’s pondered, and they decided to answer it themselves. Step up - Crazy Gin. Bringing together the refreshment of Indian yoghurt drink Lassi with classics from your spice drawer like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, Crazy Gin created the world’s first clear Lassi Gin. Balance it out with floral juniper and sweet pomegranate, and a fantastically unique and interesting gin was born. We’ve been wondering how Crazy Gin could breathe new life into cocktails and have listed the best ideas below. Have a try and let us know how you might build a cocktail around Lassi gin!

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Helena’s Choice: Mad Negroni

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I love a Negroni and because it’s so simple, it’s perfect to experiment with. The Mad Negroni is ever so slightly sweeter, fuller, and spicier and the result is totally moreish. Simply fill a mixing glass with ice, pour all the ingredients on top and stir well. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

Mad Negroni

Recipe

25ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25ml Campari

25ml White Port

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Aidy’s Choice: Crazy Gin Pina Colada

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If you like piña coladas, and makin’ them more insane...

That would work better with music to be fair.

The extra flavour of the Lassi gin brings an interesting twist to this classic. The cream of the Crazy Gin works wonderfully with the coconut, and the subtle spice with the turmeric intertwines beautifully to add a whole new layer to proceedings. Fill a mixing glass with one scoop of crushed ice. No messing around with this, pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir until everything is chilled. Strain over fresh ice cubes into a hurricane glass and garnish with pineapple leaves, pineapple slice, umbrella, whatever you want! 

Crazy Gin Pina Colada

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25 ml Coconut Cream

50ml Pineapple Juice

5ml Double Cream

10ml Sugar Syrup (2:1)

Pinch of Turmeric

Pinch salt

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Colin’s Choice: Crazy Gin Old Fashioned

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I love trying spin offs of my beloved Old Fashioned, and this quirky adaptation really works for a lighter and sweeter drink. The coconut and yoghurt flavours add an intriguing twist, filling the cocktail out. Stir all the ingredients together with ice, add a wedge of mango for complimentary garnish and enjoy on the rocks. 

Crazy Gin Old Fashioned

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

7.5ml Coconut Syrup (2.5g Demerara sugar, 5g Coconut water, mix until sugar has dissolved)

UK
ABV: 41%
Size: 500ml
Buy it now for £39.94

If you liked this, go and see what we recommend for Mandarin and Ginger Soda, Nouaison Gin Reserve, or Aloha 65!

The Top Things to Do in Cognac

The Three Drinkers in Cognac explores everything drinks in the beautiful region of Cognac, from the namesake star of the show to Grand Marnier to our own gin experimentation… but there are a lot of amazing things we couldn’t fit in too!

As much as we adore it, there is much more to Cognac than Cognac, so if you’re eying up a tour of the region or a quick day trip from Bordeaux, here are some other interesting things to get up to! Allons-y!

For the history lovers

Explore the Château de Cognac

Overlooking the Charente River, the Royal Castle of Cognac began life as a fortress built to halt Norman invasions in the 10th century, but in the 15th century it became a more peaceful place as one of the most beautiful stately homes in Europe. One of France’s most famous kings, Francois I, was born there in 1494 and despite this heritage it nearly fell into disrepute centuries later. That was until a certain Baron Otard stepped in, making the most of the robust walls to age the eaux-de-vie of his namesake Cognac House. The tour encompasses all of this and so much more including secret underground cellars, prison cells, Cognac production (and tasting) as well as stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture around every corner.

For bookings, try the official website here.

Caverns and caves

Situated a short drive east of Cognac is Caves Quéroy, a dramatic and magical cavern set into the surrounding forest. For under $10 for an adult, a tour guide escorts you through explaining the rich history of the surrounding area as well as all the stalagmites (or is it stalactites?) you can dream of. Further afield, there is the unforgettable Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean of Aubeterre to the south and the famous Caves of the Régulus – troglodyte caves cut into the cliff dating back millions of years.

There is no website for Caves Quéroy unfortunately, but Trip Advisor has a bit more info!

For the foodies

Amazing restaurants

One of the homes of luxury drinks was always going to have mastered gastronomy as well, wasn’t it? Unsurprisingly, top-class restaurants line the streets and river and, well, pretty much everywhere. L’atelier des quais provides one of the best views of medieval Cognac and there are no less than 7 Michelin starred restaurants too, from the traditional L’Essile to the modern La Poulpette to the creative geniuses La Ribaudiére (who we visit in the show!).

Sweet treats

Let’s not forget also about decadent chocolate makers like Chocolaterie Letuffe and mouth-watering boulangeries such as Maison Lemetayer that also treat Aidy and Helena on their travels. Chocolate and Cognac is an iconic pairing so stopping by somewhere like this to buy the perfect pairing for your Cognac is a must.

Place d’Armes

Inspired by the covered markets of the 19th century and designed by architect Victor Ballard, the iron-roofed Place d’Armes market is the liveliest in the whole region. Open Tuesday through to Sunday, it’s a food lover’s dream with mouth-watering selections of breads, pâté, organic produce, saucissons, seafood and most famously, that beautiful local cheese. Graze on the stalls with a glass of wine as you go, or take your buys to the nearby Charente River – glorious.

For the ACTIVE TRAVELLERS

Travel The Charente River

Cognac is the focal point of the region, but it’s small and easy to explore on foot so it’s worth making your way to some of the local towns and villages. Luckily, the stunning Charente river connects most of them! 147km of the river is navigable from Rochefort near the coast, to Angouleme inland. There are various places along the river where you can rent canoes, kayaks, pedalos or larger cruisers and if you’d rather stay on terra firma, bikes and e-scooter rental is common along the riverbank too and you can be at nearby Jarnac in under an hour.

For canoes in Cognac: try the Cognac Canoe Club
For boat hire in Cognac: try Les Canalous

Off-road biking and adventure sports

This part of France is also known for its picturesque cycling routes, particularly heading west out of Cognac towards the Atlantic. Whether you picture casually gliding through the French countryside, weaving through the forests or want to fully get your Tour de France on, there are routes for you. There are also adventure sports like treetop courses, zip lines, archery, orienteering races and horse riding at nature centres like Le Chambon Station, just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Cognac.

Explore cycle routes here!

For the relaxers

Jardin Public

When the sun is shining, there are few places better to kick back, relax, picnic, or read a book than this spot. Despite being in the centre of the town, it’s incredibly tranquil with historic buildings, beautifully maintained gardens, picturesque streams, fountains, and ducks ambling around for good measure. If you can’t pull together a glorious picnic from the shops and markets of the New Town then we’re sorry but there’s just no hope for you! 

Honestly, every corner of the Cognac commune is easy on the eye and the same for the countless smaller villages up and downstream. Loaded with history, beautiful drinks, mouth-watering food and rolling French countryside there is so much to see.

There are plenty of stunning places to stay in and around Cognac, but for the true five-star experience, we have to recommend the stately Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa. Converted from Monnet Cognac’s old cellar, it only opened in 2018. With its own elegant brasserie, expansive spa, jazz bar, lounge and Michelin-starred restaurant (Les Foudres)… it is more than fitting of the luxury brandy itself.

If you want to learn more about the inevitable star of the show though, check out Our Beginner’s Guide to Cognac here!

Tequila vs Mezcal: What’s the difference?

Celebrity brands, the dominant Margarita and the fastest-growing spirit in the world… it’s fair to say that tequila is on the rise, and it’s bringing mezcal along with it. As more and more drinkers discover tequila works as a premium sipper and not just a throat-burning shot, the word ‘mezcal’ is popping up more and more.

It’s still a mystery to some however, so today we’re answering all those questions you have about these two drinks. Are they the same thing? Is tequila a mezcal? Is mezcal a tequila? Which is better? Is there really a worm involved? Vamos!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEQUILA AND MEZCAL?

To put it simply, it’s all about the agave plant. Mezcal covers all agave-based spirits, whereas tequila must only be made using the Blue Weber agave plant and in five authorised states - Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas.

The situation is similar to that of many other drinks such as Cognac and Champagne in that tequila is a type of mezcal, but mezcal is not a type of tequila.

Oh yeah - the worm. Now, the origins aren’t that well known, unfortunately, but it doesn’t appear to be very traditional and probably began as a marketing ploy. Disappointing we know. You will still find it in many batches though and some people say it improves the flavour! Interestingly, this is associated way more with mezcal than tequila.

Tequila tends to be divided by ageing, from younger Blanco to Reposado right through to older Añejo blends. Mezcal, on the other hand, is usually split up into mezcal, artisanal, or ancestral, and these are more concerned with production methods. It has to be said however that ageing and production methods differ and overlap with both spirits.

These differences do of course have a knock-on effect on other similarities and differences between the two, so let’s explore these two incredible spirits further…

How mezcal uses agave

Whilst undeniably less well known, mezcal actually has a deeper-rooted Mexican history than tequila, with hugely varied production methods and terroir resulting in an interesting and varied spirit.

More closely associated with village and family production. It has been created in Mexico for at least four centuries and translates loosely as ‘baked agave’. The mezcal industry isn’t a wild west of unregulated moonshine-style setups though. It can only be produced in eight states for starters, with Oaxaca being the most common. Over thirty different agave plants have been used in mezcal but 90% of the time it’s Espadin, which is then usually roasted under stone and distilled in clay pots or copper stills.

Different areas grow different agave, however, such as Michoacán where strains such as Americana and Cupreata flourish. This, compared with the different terroir results in all kinds of varying mezcals being produced. And that’s before the impact of barrel ageing is even considered!

Mezcal is produced in nine different states in Mexico. The vast majority comes from Oaxaca, with the rest coming from the Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán and Puebla states. It is still mostly made by small-scale producers in tiny distilleries and its production is steeped in tradition, often being a family affair, with methods being passed down from generation to generation.

Unlike tequila which can only be made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be produced from many different varieties, as well as blends of more than one agave. The most commonly used agave are Espadín, Tobalá, Arroqueño, Tepeztate and Tobaziche.

How tequila uses agave

The production process of tequila and mezcal is mostly the same, but as mentioned above, it has to use Blue Weber agave and be made in a stricter number of states (though most come out of Jalisco). Also, it has to be minimum 50% agave, though you’ll notice that the best always use 100% anyway. What’s so special about Blue Weber, you might be wondering?

It has more sugar than the other agave plants which makes distillation easier, and the reproduction, strength and overall life cycle are much more favourable for production. Generally, it leads to a herbal profile with spicy citrus notes, but like mezcal, it is a very malleable spirit in terms of adapting the flavour. Tahona stone wheel crushing is used for added sweetness, barrels usually impart notes such as American oak’s caramelly vanilla or French oak’s dry fruits.

During the cooking method, agave earmarked for a future of tequila will normally be steamed, whereas as mentioned before, mezcal agave is more likely to be roasted. This is why the most famous way of spotting the difference between the two is smokiness, but with so much variety that is by no means a sure-fire way of telling.

3 mezcals to try

Ojo de Dios Joven

This is a joven blend, which equates to the youngest time of ageing possible. After ten days of roasting and double distillation, Ojo de Dios Joven is bottled. As a result, this is a mezcal that really pronounces the smokiness some drinkers adore, as well as a bold hit of fresh fruit. This is a really great entry-level mezcal to let you gauge what kind of blend you might be into.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £39

Ilegal Reposado

Hailing from the world-famous Oaxaca region, this mezcal shows off the power of American oak ageing. After being twice distilled in copper stills and absorbing those flavours in the barrel, it has slightly caramelly woody aromas and, although there is a touch of smoke on the palate, you’ll notice vanillery butterscotch more. Award-winning for good reason.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.45

Mezcal Tasting Set

If you’re a complete newbie then rather than committing to a whole bottle of mezcal, this may be the way forward. After all, if you’re trying a totally new drink then you might pick a cheap bottle to avoid wasting money only to find out it’s nasty stuff and you’re scarred for life (that’s not to say there aren’t affordable gems out there). There are five distinct samples here celebrating mezcal’s diversity to shine some light on your mezcal journey’s first steps.

Size: 15cl each
ABV: 42.4%
Find here: £28.95 5x15cl

3 tequilas to try

El Espolòn Blanco

This Jalisco highlands Blanco is beautiful in more ways than one. A Day of the Dead rooster riding skeleton makes this a bottle to keep, even if the liquid inside will soon be guzzled down. Bottled without aging, fresh agave fills the nose followed by a sweet florality. It’s a fantastic Blanco to try from one of the most renowned producers in Jalisco.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.45

Patrón Reposado

Patrón is one of the most respected tequila houses in Mexico, so you know you’re in safe hands with them. Their beautifully bottled amber Reposado has been adorned with Masters awards, praised for fresh citrus, smooth vanilla and a gorgeous honeyed agave. Reliably delicious.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.95

1800 Añejo Tequila

Another bottle that proves why tequila bottles are our favourites – this one honours the Mayan pyramids! Dressed in that inviting caramel colouring is woody spice from over a year of French oak aging. If you’ve found that agave-forward tequila or mezcal isn’t for you, then this is a great one to try.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £50

If you want to know more about the mezcal production process then there’s some fascinating insight in our, ‘What is What is Mezcal??’ article!

Santorini Wines: Your ABC Guide

Greek wines from both the mainland and the islands are becoming ever more popular as people return from their holidays having tasted some pretty special sips. Quality has skyrocketed over recent years and we are now starting to see more Greek wines on the shelves in our supermarkets and indies as well as on restaurant lists. Santorini seems to be leading the way with its zesty, foodie, white wines made from the Assyrtiko grape, so is well worth a closer look. Here is your ABC guide to the PDO white wines of Santorini with some to try…

What and where?

Santorini is a small archipelago of Greek, volcanic islands in the southern Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece, though "Santorini" is commonly used to refer to the largest and most famous island of the group.

Ancient history

Proof of winemaking on the island has been found dating back  to 20-30 centuries BC with some important findings from the bronze age. This is why the island is described as a ‘living museum’ with the oldest, uninterrupted vine cultivation in the world. The community is working towards earning Santorini UNESCO status to safeguard its vines and practices. 

Assyrtiko: Queen of Grapes

There are 64 wine grapes on the island of which 59 are known. However, only 3 of them are allowed in the PDO: Protected Designation of Origin, which ensures the highest quality in the wines. The hero grape is Assyrtiko - a white grape indigenous to Santorini. It has a vibrant yellow, thick skin and makes gastronomic wines that keep their freshness and acidity despite the heat and relatively high alcohol levels. Assyrtiko wines tend to be delicately aromatic, citrussy and very saline. They’re often aged on their lees (dead yeast cells) and see some bâtonnage (lees stirring) to add a richer, creamier texture. 

Labour intensive, unique viticulture

Santorini is super hot, exceedingly dry and very windy with infertile, volcanic soils. The subsoil is just over 60% pumice with very shallow, loose ‘volcanic dirt’ over the top. Pumice works well to save water here and black lava stones absorb heat away from the vines. To combat the heat and wind and to maximise the water that comes almost entirely from the morning mists, vines are trained into circular, nest shapes called ‘koulouras’. 

Ungrafted vines

On the plus side, there are no pests to contend with and very little disease as the environment is so harsh. This also means that vines here are immune to the phylloxera louse, so they remain ungrafted, with some roots said to be centuries old. These old vines have incredibly deep roots and give the wines dramatically low yields. The result is more concentrated, particularly mineral wines of top quality. 

PDO Santorini

PDO Santorini: Wines must be 85% Assyrtiko, with the rest made up of Aidani and Aithiri, which are softer and more aromatic. The best wines are said to be always made from 100% Assyrtiko. If the label just says Assyrtiko, it’s not PDO Santorini.

PDO Santorini ‘Nykteri’: Nyketri means ‘working all through the night’ as grapes were harvested in the small hours to keep them cooler. The expression now refers to oaked versions of these white wines, where the oak mabe older and larger to add more texture than flavour or newer for a more oaky taste. Whichever style, Nkyteri wines offer a lot of structure and are often described as ‘white wines that drink like red’.

PDO Santorini Vinsanto: These are sweet, late harvest wines that must be made with at least 80% Assyrtiko. They are dried in the sun and fermented very slowly in open vats before being aged in wooden barrels for at least 2 years. The result is moreish, sweet wines that are well balanced and fresh with notes of toffee, mocha, nuts and caramel. They love chocolate and cheese!

Modern Versus Traditional Styles

There has been lots of work in recent years to up the quality in all PDO Santorini wines to showcase the purity of the varietal. Since 2016 particularly, there has been a huge quality push with Assyrtiko becoming more premium, dry, steely, fresh and pure in style. Producers are being incentivised to keep their vines and not sell the land for tourism, so they are being paid much larger amounts for their yields. In turn, this has meant that much more attention is being paid to the winemaking process. There used to be a lot more residual sugar allowed in for example and styles really varied a lot with many Nykteri wines particularly being more oxidative, like a fino Sherry. 

PDO Santorini wines to try

Sigalas Santorini PDO Assyrtiko, 2021

£33 from Maltby & Greek 

Santo Nykteri PDO Assyrtiko-Athiri-Aidani, 2021

£28.50 from Maltby & Greek

Estate Argyros Vinsanto First Release, 2015

£39.90 from 8Wines

How to Approach French Wine as a Beginner

We all know France is one of the wine capitals of the world and makes some damn good wines, but how do you know what you are drinking? When looking at the label, most French wines are labelled with the region, and not by grape which makes this even harder to understand. So, here is a run down of some of the key regions or appellations so that you know what to expect next time you are pacing the aisle in the supermarket trying to decide which wine will pair best with your Sunday lunch!

Bordeaux

Everyone has heard of Bordeaux and their wines which makes sense considering it is the largest wine region in France producing the highest volume as well as the most prestigious wines. Red grape varieties consist of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as well as smaller quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The region also makes beautiful white wines from varieties such as Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
Bordeaux is split into three areas by the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne Rivers. South of the Gironde is the “Left Bank” including the sub-regions of Graves, Médoc and Sauternes.  North and East of the river lies the “Right Bank” area with Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The last area between the Dordogne and Garonne river is called Entre-Deux-Mers.

As a rule of thumb, Left Bank wines have a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and therefore have stronger black fruit aromas such as blackberry and blackcurrant. These wines are often oaked so you can also expect notes of cedar. Right Bank reds have more Merlot in the blend so will show more prominent red fruit aromas like red cherry and plum.

Entre-Deux-Mers is only allowed to produce dry white wines made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc. For something different, you can also try Sauternes. This subregion is part of the Left Bank of Bordeaux and produces amazing sweet wines made of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Try these:

Lafite Rothschild Legende Rouge Bordeaux

This is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The bold wine is medium to high tannins which are balanced by its high acidity. There are beautiful notes of vanilla and toast from oak-ageing as well as blackberry and plum.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £13 from Ocado

Chateau Mezain Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc

A popular white Bordeaux made using Sauvignon Blanc. This light wine is fruit forward with grapefruit, lemon and crisp green apple notes. A great option to pair with a lean fish or goats cheese salad.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £9 (down from £12.50) from Ocado

Sainsbury's Sauternes, Taste the Difference

A great example of Sauternes made from 100% Semillon. The dessert wine boasts flavours of white peach, honey and dried apricots. This is the perfect wine to have with (or as) dessert and is best served chilled.
Size: 375ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £12 from Sainsburys

Dordogne and surrounds

Dordogne is just to the East of Bordeaux and is a great option for a budget-friendly Bordeaux Blends - these wines will be made using the same grapes used in wine in Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Look out for wines from the AOC (this means Appelation Origine Controlee and is basically a legally defined area permitted to use certain labelling terms) Bergerac for classic dry red or white wines, and Monbazilliac for a sweet Sauternes dupe.

Try these:

Château Bel Air Bergerac Rouge 2020

A lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc to bring a little bit more tannin structure to this red. Château Bel Air is a fourth generation family farm and is a great alternative to a red wine from Bordeaux. This wine is expressive with notes of both black and red fruit as well as hints of oak.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £7.99 mix six price from Majestic

Château Combet Laroche Monbazillac

Monbazillac produces wine similar in style to Sauternes with slightly less lusciousness. This wine will pair well with a fruity dessert and has lovely flavours of honey, apricot and pear on the palette. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £7.99 from Lidl

South West France

From Bordeaux all the way South to the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Spanish border is categorised as South West France. The first region to discuss from this area is Cahors. The small region is slightly to the East of Bordeaux and is renowned for its Malbec. Although everyone now associates Malbec with Argentina, Cahors is actually the spiritual home of the grape! You can expect tannic red wines that are deep in colour with dark berry fruits of the nose. 

South of Cahors and Bordeaux is the Côtes de Gascogne. Wines labelled Côtes de Gascogne IGP will be dry white wines that are light in body made from the Ugni Blanc grape. Typical aromas on the nose and palate are crisp green apple with a hint of fresh zesty lemon.

Madiran is even further South and produces beautiful age-worthy Tannats. When young, this red can be quite harsh with intense acidity and tannins, but with some age can soften to reveal some red fruit such as raspberry as well as herbal notes such as thyme.

Last but not least is Jurançon at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here dry and sweet whites are made from Petit Manseng. The wines have a beautiful high acidity with grapefruit and apricot on the nose. Sweet wines are made via the passerillage method (late harvest) and develop dried apricot and raisin aromas.

Try these:

La Patrie Cahors 

A single varietal Malbec is a staple pairing with a juicy steak (preferably with pepper sauce to complement the peppery notes in the wine). You can taste a beautiful combination of fruit such as blackberries and black currant with spicy notes of pepper and tobacco. You can also age this wine for up to three years to let it develop vegetal undertones and riper fruit flavours.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £6 (down from £7) from Sainsburys

Sainsbury's Jurançon Sec, Taste the Difference

An amazing rich sweet wine made with Gros Manseng & Petit Manseng. Lovely aromas of fresh citrus (lemon and orange) with a floral hint of blossom. A great sweet treat and a great addition to your wine rack. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £7 (down from £8) from Sainsburys

Burgundy

Here is the home of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. For higher acid, fresh and zingy Chards then try a white wine from Chablis. For a different style of Chardonnay showing more toasty oak aromas and more body, then try a white from the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. The region is further South than Chablis so the general climate is much warmer producing riper fruit aromas of apple and lemon. Wines often have a creamy quality from malolactic conversion. For excellent quality reds then go for a wine from the Côte de Nuit for the fullest bodied Pinots. The Côte de Beaune is further south and produces lighter bodied reds that are fruitier with hints of red cherry and redcurrant. Note that it is very common for the wines to be labelled after villages in Burgundy rather than the sub-regions such as Nuits-St-George, Gevrey-Chambertin or Pommard.

Try this:

Louis Jadot Macon - Villages

If you like your Chardonnay with a bit more weight and structure then this pick from the Maconnais is for you. There is a buttery creaminess to this wine that is balanced by zingy lemon notes and refreshing apple and pear. This is ideal to sip alongside a creamy pasta dish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11 from Morrisons

Beaujolais

Gamay is the most planted grape in the region of Beaujolais and is known for medium tannin, medium body/mouthfeel, and beautiful fragrant red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. A traditional wine to try would be Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine is only released on the third Thursday of November directly after harvest and is meant for early drinking.The wine is light in body and tannin and has notes of red cherry, banana and cinnamon. More complex Beaujalais wines can be found from the crus (the highest “order” of wine) such as Brouilly, Fleurie, or Morgon.

Try these:

Les Iris Beaujolais

What a delightful red wine from the Les Iris winery. This lighter red is bursting with fresh red strawberries and red cherry. If you think red wine isn’t your jam, then try out this bottle and let us know your thoughts. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Stockist: £9 from Ocado

Henry Fessy Brouilly Beaujolais Cru, Burgundy

Stop what you are doing now and buy a bottle of this Cru wine while it is still in stock. The wine still showcases beautiful fresh wild strawberries, but with added herbal hints of thyme and vanilla. This is also a great comparison to really understand the different levels of Beaujalais quality.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £11.50 (down from £15!) from Ocado

Alsace

You can think of Alsace as an extension of Germany. It is situated on the border of Germany and France, and is sheltered from a lot of wind and rain by the Vosges Mountains. Wine production in Alsace is mainly focused on full bodied whites such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. You can expect an Alsace wine to be a high acid aromatic white wine.

Try this:

The Society’s Vin d’Alsace 2021

This benchmark Alsace wine is produced by the Hugel family vineyards for The Wine Society. This wine is a blend of grape varieties grown in the Alsace region such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Grigio. The flavour profile is extremely aromatic and has notes of lemon, peach, blossom and apple.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £9.95 from The Wine Society

Loire Valley

The Loire region of France is found running alongside the last 100km or so of the Loire river. It is a very geographically long and varied area with many different types of grape varieties and styles of wine. It is most well known for its Sauvignon Blanc. Definitely try one from the sub-regions of Pouilly-Fumé or Sancerre. This white will be high in acid, with lemon and lime on the palate and a lovely subtle smokiness if your bottle is from Pouilly-Fumé (fumé means smoky in French!) . If Sauvignon Blanc is not your preferred grape, then give the Chenin Blanc a try. The region of Vouvray makes both still and sparkling wine from this variety with different levels of sweetness, light to medium in body, and notes of green apple and melon. Reds are also produced, but in slightly lower quantity, and mainly consisting of Cabernet Franc or Gamay. Look for the region of St-Nicolas de Bourgueil for crunchy Cabernet Francs! Something to note is that you can get excellent quality sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. These wines will be labelled Crémant de Loire and are a cheaper option to Champagne.

Try these:

Tescos Finest Pouilly Fume

This Tesco option is a great example of the smoky flavour that Pouilly Fume is known for. Alongside the smoky notes, you can also taste refreshing gooseberry and lemon with a mineral finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15 from Tesco

Morrisons The Best Vouvray

Vouvray is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc so this pick is a must if you are wanting to know more about the grape. The wine is off-dry and has sweet honey notes as well as a refreshing apple finish.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 from Morrisons

Lacheteau Crémant de Loire Brut 

This pale fizz is great sparkling wine for a celebration! Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are used for the juice and add some fresh notes of pear and lemon to the classic biscuit and bread notes that we all know from Champagne. Remember to serve well-chilled (because no one likes warm bubbles).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12
Stockist: £12.50 (down from £16) from Ocado

Rhône Valley

There is a clear distinction between Northern and Southern Rhône when it comes to wine styles and grape varieties.

Northern Rhône

The Northern Rhône makes single varietal wines (wines made from only one type of grape). The only permitted black grape variety in the Northern Rhône Valley is Syrah, so you can expect red wines to be deep in colour, medium to high tannins with black fruits such as blackberry and black cherry with hints of black pepper on the nose. Sometimes Viognier is added in small quantities to add an extra aromatic flare to the wine- this is up to the winemaker and their particular winemaking style. Look for crus such as Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph or Hermitage for some excellent reds. White wine is also produced, mainly using Viognier. The wines are full-bodied and beautifully perfumed with scents of apricots and blossom. The best whites come from Condrieu - an appellation that only permits viognier.

Try these:

Guigal Condrieu

The first thing to address with Condrieu is due to the small supply and the high demand, it does not come cheap. However the 35 quid for this bottle is definitely worth it (especially if you are a die hard Viognier fan). The stone fruit notes of peach and apricot are what first comes to mind when you take a sip, followed by a honey sweetness. Condrieu is also known for its low acidity and weighty velvet feel. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Stockist: £34.99 from Waitrose

Grande Classique Crozes Hermitage

This wine is 100% Syrah and you can tell! It’s a wonderful combo of blackberry and black cherry with spicy notes of pepper and liquorice that are softened by the oaky notes of vanilla and clove. Any meaty meal will benefit from this meaty red.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Southern Rhône

As we move down the valley to the Southern Rhône, the climate becomes warmer and the steep slopes begin to flatten. Here in the Southern Rhône there are ideal conditions to grow Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre as well as some Cinsault. The Southern Rhône is often referred to as the blenders paradise because together these 4 grapes (as well as many others that are also permitted) make beautiful red blends and some stunning fruity rosés. Due to the number of different winemaking techniques used in the area as well as all the different grape variety combinations available, wines can range from light to full bodied, low to high tannins, and more fruit-forward notes or more earthy vegetal aromas. For more early-drinking, fruit forward blends - look for a wine simply labelled “Côtes du Rhône”. For a wine that has a bit more complexity and will most likely benefit from age, then go for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or Lirac as a more budget friendly option. Whites are usually textured and full-bodied, with lower acidity and made using Marsanne and Roussanne grape varietals.

Try this:

by Amazon Our Selection Cotes Du Rhone Villages

An excellent example of a Cotes Du Rhone blend and should be added to your Amazon cart asap! The juicy wine displays a fantastic bouquet of brambleberries, red cherry and subtle spice. With the added convenience of Amazon Prime next day delivery, what is there to fault?
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Stockist: £8.50 from Amazon

Languedoc and Rousillon

This is the generic appellation of the South of France that goes all the way from the Spanish border to Nîmes. Reds, whites and rosés are all produced in these regions. Reds are usually blends of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and some Mouvèdre. There isn’t a set style to describe this region due to all the different geographical elements, as well as winemaking styles and preferences. You can almost think of the Languedoc like a big melting pot of grapes. The most widely planted white grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and some Viognier as well as the current trendy “lipstinger” grape Piquepoul used in Picpoul de Pinet.

Try these:

Chateau Pena Cotes Du Roussillon Villages

This extraordinary red wine is deep, dark and delicious. It is black fruit forward with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and black cherry and a beautiful tobacco note due to the use of oak maturation. This wine will benefit with some age to help soften the tannins and bring out lovely notes of leather and forest floor. 
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £10 from Ocado

Excellence de l'Ormarine 2021

This refreshing white is made using Piquepoul Blanc grapes. This high acidity is balanced by keeping the wine on the lees (the dead yeast cells) to bring some subtle biscuity notes. The wine is zesty with prominent flavours of lemon and acacia blossom on the palate. We all know the food-pairing rule of thumb: what grows together goes together - so open up a bottle of Excellence de l’Ormarine the next time you have seafood!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Stockist: £14.19 from StrictlyWine

Provence

Provence has established an outstanding reputation for rosé. The majority of the wines are made largely with Grenache and some Cinsault. These pinks are beautifully pale in colour, light-bodied, with delicate notes of red fruits such as strawberry and raspberry. There are also some red wine producers, mainly in the sub-region of Bandol. These premium wines are made with Mouvèdre and are full-bodied, with high powerful tannins and need some age to display a beautiful combination of bramble and liquorice. If you are able to find a white wine from Provence, then it is most likely a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Rolle (an aromatic grape with high acidity).

Try these:

Mirabeau

If there was one wine to have on hand for all occasions, it would be Mirabeau Rosé. The beautiful pale pink wine is floral, fruity, and perfectly balanced. A sip of this will bring beautiful peach blossom, nectarine and melon to mind. This will be a hit at your next Friday wine night, Saturday barbeque or Sunday lunch (or when you need a mid-week pick-me-up!)
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £10 (down from £12) from Sainsburys

La Bastide, Bandol 

Obviously not everyone's first wine they think of when you say “Provence”, but a must-try nonetheless! The La Bastide is made using 100% Mouvedre and is deep, dark and delicious. This wine has notes of leather and earth from some age as well as spice and black fruit notes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Stockist: £15.99 from Waitrose

Jura and Savoie

Nestled in the mountainous Eastern France are the regions of Jura and Savoie. These up and coming areas are producing some distinctive and eccentric wines that are great options to bring out at dinner parties to impress your friends. The most notable style would be the Vin Jaune (directly translating to yellow wine). This white wine is similar in style to a fino sherry (except for the fact that it is not a fortified wine), with similar dry taste and flavours of dried apricot and lemon. Vin Jaune is usually made with the Sauvignan grape.

Try these:

Domaine Jean Perrier & Fils 'Altus' 2020/21, Savoie

A light and refreshing low alcohol wine from the mountainous Savoie region. This citrus dominant bottle includes classic notes of lemon and hint of hawthorn with a mineral finish. Super refreshing (and great when you have just finished a long day of skiing).
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Stockist: £11.99 mix six price from Majestic

Champagne

Last but certainly not least, let's chat about the one and only Champagne. This is the most northern wine region of France. There are three grape varieties permitted to use in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Blanc de Blancs champagne is made only using white grapes (ie: only Chardonnay) and is usually lighter in body with high acidity and hints of zestiness. Blanc de Noirs is made using black grapes (therefore Pinot Noir and/or Meunier). The grapes are pressed lightly and the juice is removed without any skin-contact, hence why the wine isn’t red! Champagne from Pinot Noir will have greater body and structure compared to the Blanc de Blancs.

Try these:

Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut

A great high-quality champagne brut (ie: dry champagne style) at a brilliant price. This fizz has gorgeous toasty brioche notes and a lovely long finish for you to savour.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Stockist: £14.99 from Aldi

Sainsbury's Blanc De Noirs Champagne, Taste the Difference

This elegant champagne is made using Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes. It has a lovely freshness thanks to the fruity notes and is rounded out by the toasty biscuit notes from the lees ageing that Champagne undergoes.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Stockist: £23.50 from Sainsburys

If you enjoyed reading this then make sure to check out our guide to the best English Sparkling wine from Kent or perhaps the Spanish region of Rueda is more up your street, if so, click here!

The Ultimate Summer Gin Selection: Unveiling the Top Picks for Sunny Days

Gin continues to be as popular as ever but that only means there are even more bottles to pick from… which is only a good problem to have if you know some gems. Therefore, allow us to introduce you to our ultimate summer gin selection!

A chilled glass of gin on a summer’s day is a dreamy ideal, so here are our top picks for whatever gins you love.

Roku Gin

This award-winning Japanese craft gin from the legendary House of Suntory contains six local botanicals (because Roku translates to six) alongside eight more familiar botanicals. Yuzu peel represents winter, Sakura for spring, sansho pepper for autumn and gyokuro tea for summer. The flavour and aroma are delicately poised and beautiful, with every sip feeling clean and crisp. Just serve with tonic and ice and it’s a winner. What a bottle too.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £27.45 / US $24.99

Canaïma Gin

This complex and exotic gin was created to support the Amazon rainforest and the native population that still occupy parts of it. And it really gets close to the cause, in fact the complex blend of rare botanicals (uve de palma, copuazu, merey fruit for example) are hand-picked by these Venezuelan native tribes before being blended with more traditional gin foundations (like black pepper and citrus). Expect fruity tang, herbaceous undertones, and subtle heat on an earthy backdrop. The best bit? 10% of all sales are reinvested to support reforestation as well as contribute towards sustainable jobs.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: UK £31

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin

If you’re going to make a gin that defines itself by how clean, crisp, and light it feels, then expert craftsmanship has to be involved to avoid the liquid becoming boring but of course, Glendalough have smashed it. Their Wild Botanical Gin aims to represent a seasonal year in The Garden of Ireland where they’re based. Juniper and pine for spring, summer flowers, autumn fruits and a spicy winter finish – delicious. On top of that great concept, everything is sustainably foraged and infused from fresh which just goes to show the expertise that go into a gin that seems simple on the surface. Bravo.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 41%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $29.99

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Now here’s a gin that’s exploding with flavour. Crafted by the curious mind of P.J Rigney, this Irish gin takes you on an adventure inspired by his global travels. The ‘gunpowder’ refers to Chinese gunpowder green tea, one of the four vapor-distilled botanicals (on top of eight others). Moroccan orris, Indian cardamom, Macedonian juniper, and meadowsweet from Drumshanbo town itself – the range is astounding. Floral, sweet, herbaceous and earthy, the flavours have had so much time to develop during the slow distillation so see for yourself why it’s won some huge awards.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £33.74 / US $41.99

Orkney Gin Company Rhubarb Old Tom

Released for World Gin Day 2017, here we have a tasty tangy twist on Orkney Gin’s Old Tom made using locally grown rhubarb. That classically sweet and smooth Old Tom profile plays off that authentic rhubarb tartness so well, and citrus, cinnamon and rose petals fill out the flavour with warm, zesty, and floral notes. This really is one of the best flavoured gins around, with two gold awards from the Masters and World Gin Awards in 2020 to show for it – gorgeous.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.90

The Botanist Gin

This gin is easy to find and even easier to enjoy, becoming a staple among gin lists. Exclusively concocted on the island of Islay in Scotland at the Bruichladdich distillery, they’ve gone all in on botanicals here with 31, 22 of which are native. Coriander and lemon peel provide some familiar qualities, whereas more exotic red clovers, mugwort leaves and creeping thistle mix it up. The end result? A velvety and herbaceous gin that balances earthiness with sweetness and reminds you of a spring garden – perfectly well rounded for a fresh G&T.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £36.44 / US $41.99

St. George Botanivore

Are you a botanivore? Maybe you are and you didn’t even know it. This American craft gin boasts no less than 19 botanicals for a plush, rounded profile – angelica root, bay laurel, coriander, orange peel and star anise among others. It strikes that sweet spot of approachability and rewarding complexity, with citrus freshness, earthy spice, and breezy refreshment. Very likeable indeed.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: UK £37.95 / US $33.99

Black Robin Gin

Any ornithologists out there might be able to have a stab at where this gin is from, because the lovely Black Robin on the bottle is an endangered and rare domestic bird from New Zealand – and indeed a percentage of sales go to its preservation. Exotic botanicals like native Horopito are infused with filtered spring water from underneath the distillery and (Just like Black Duck Vodka), whey spirit. This gin is all about subtle complexity, with a clean palate revealing super refreshing leafy notes, spicy cardamom and juniper, and a touch of liquorice and pear sweetness. Explore this neat, perhaps with a slice of cucumber and enjoy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £39.95

Prefer a glass of whisky when the sun is shining? How about these Summer Stunners!

7 Daiquiri Twists to Try Right Now

Rum, lime, and sugar – the holy trinity that creates one of the world’s favourite cocktails, the Daiquiri. So simple, right? Well, you might be surprised at how easy it is to get wrong. Or maybe not, if you’ve been subject to a sickly-sweet slush puppy version before.

The Daiquiri may well have been inspired by the Cuban Canchanchara cocktail, with its rum, lime, and honey ingredients, but it is American mining engineer Jennings Cox, based in Cuba at the time, who invented it at the turn of the 20th century.

With the U.S. exploiting Cuba’s abundance of iron at the time, many Americans spent time in the nearby town of Daiquiri. One such man was Jennings, who saw the Cubans mixing rum and coffee and started experimenting with his own inventory, eventually discovering the deliciousness of rum, lime, and sugar.

And once he discovered it, so did the U.S Navy and as soon as it landed on American shores and spread to Washington D.C and New York, it became a mainstay of American bars as well as the favourite cocktail for Ernest Hemingway and John F. Kennedy.

So, if you’ve never taken to it before then we’ll help you master the original, and if it’s still not clicking with you then don’t worry because we’ve got a selection of tasty twists for you to try!

The Original Daiquiri

The Daiquiri has somewhat lost its way a little, developing a reputation for overly sweet slush with sickly fruits masking any rum in the mix. If this is your idea of the cocktail, then this is the recipe to try first. Getting back to purity and simplicity, it’s simply fresh lime juice, a little syrup, and good quality rum at the centre of it all. The key thing is getting those ratios right for your personal taste, so easy on the sugar.

Ingredients
60ml rum (Light or White, like Havana Club 3-year-old rum)
20ml lime juice
20ml sugar syrup
Lime twist (garnish)

 Method
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Shake well but do not blend! Simply strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish – voila!

The Modern Daiquiri

Traditional recipes call for a single rum, usually white, but what you’ll often find in many top bars now is a blend of two or three. The different rums carry different bodies and flavours, so the white rum injects vibrance and tang, whilst the darker blends and somebody and richness. Okay, so this isn’t the craziest twist but if you’ve always enjoyed Daiquiris at swanky bars but nowhere else, then this might be why!

Ingredients
30ml white rum (e.g., Havana Club 3YO)
30ml Jamaican or demerara rum (e.g., Appleton 12YO)
20ml lime juice
20ml sugar syrup
Lime twist (garnish)

Method
The same as the original, simply shake everything except the lime with ice and strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass!

Strawberry Daiquiri

Probably the most famous strawberry cocktail, there’s a reason that you might be more likely to find this than the original. If you use ripe, fresh strawberries then you create a more fruity and less tangy twist on the original that’s perfect for summertime. See how sweet your berries are before adding the syrup!

Ingredients
60ml rum (light ideally, e.g., Havana Club 3YO)
50g strawberries
20ml lime juice
15ml syrup
Strawberry or lime (optional garnish)

Method
Setting up the blender is the hardest thing about this cocktail. Simply add everything in with ice and double strain over the glass. Use crushed ice to make your blender’s job that bit easier. Lime or strawberry for garnish. Delish.

Coconut Daiquiri

If you’ve never tried this, then you’re in for a tropical treat. The rich and creamy coconut creates a silky mouthfeel and moreish texture, pairing deliciously with the classic Daiquiri elements. A little intensity, a little tang, a little sweetness, and a lot to love.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
45ml coconut cream
15ml simple syrup

Method
Shake all your ingredients vigorously with ice for no less than 30 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Lime or coconut flakes would make the perfect garnish, and of course serving in a coconut shell would be the dream.

The Hemingway Daiquiri

The American novelist loved ordering Daiquiri during his Havana hotel stay in the 30s, but he did have feedback for the El Floridita bartender – ‘double the rum and lose the sugar’. Suffice to say, his version hasn’t taken off at all, but the evolved version has. Maraschino liqueur and grapefruit provide some of the lost sweetness as well as some fruity vibrance. 

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
20ml maraschino liqueur
20ml grapefruit juice
30ml lime juice
Lime or grapefruit (garnish)

Method
Yet again, add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake well. Strain into a glass of crushed ice and voila, the Hemingway.

Cucumber and Basil Daiquiri

Step into the garden of Daiquiri delights with this fresh and herbaceous twist. The Basil Cucumber Daiquiri combines the crispness of cucumber with the aromatic charm of basil, resulting in a cocktail that's unparalleled in its refreshment and natural fragrance.

 Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
60ml cucumber juice
10ml basil-infused simple syrup
Basil leaves and cucumber slice for garnish

Method
A regular syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar, so all you need to do is add a few basil leaves into the mix whilst it’s cooking to infuse that herby flavour. Remove them at the end! Once you’ve peeled the cucumber, blend everything with ice and strain (possibly double strain) over a chilled glass. Reinvigorating and unbelievably refreshing.

Spicy Daiquiri

This fiery and invigorating twist isn’t for everyone, but if you like it then you’ll love it. The spicy kick of jalapeño and the zesty zing of ginger creates a super lively cocktail that you certainly will not forget. The warmth and gentle spices in the rum will be brought to the fore, and the refreshing lime juice tames the whole mix down.

Ingredients
60ml white rum
30ml fresh lime juice
10ml ginger syrup
2-3 slices of jalapeño (adjust to your spice preference)
Jalapeño slice (garnish)

Method
Shake everything for a good old while to infuse the spices, and strain into a chilled glass – super simple to make, and exciting to taste. You could use Sriracha sauce instead for a slightly different spice profile – but go easy!

If you’ve got the taste for cocktail experimentations then check out our delicious Piña Colada twists here, from the Chocolada to the Caramelized Banana Colada!