This Valentine's Day, Meet MOTH's Canned Cocktail Bundle

This Valentine's, meet MOTH. New for 2024, MOTH's Valentine's bundle (£20 at mothdrinks.com) is perfect for every and any Valentine's celebration.

Wrapped in romantic hues of pink, each Valentine's bundle is filled with six ready-to-serve cocktails, Margarita, Espresso Martini,  Piña Colada and French 75, plus a special pack of MOTH playing cards so you can start a love game. 

Or play each other the nice way. The bundle can even be personalised with an old-fashioned love note, if you're looking to impress.

Margarita (125ml) 14.9% ABV

Fresh, sharp, salty and full of zing, we think you'll like it. Loves takeout night. Or the party where everyone's invited. With smooth, award-winning Tequila Enemigo. Classic triple sec. And a refreshing sting of lime – salud! Shows off in a chilled martini glass with a chilli salted rim. 

Espresso Martini (125ml) 14.9% ABV

Count on this to open your eyes. Smooth, bitter, balanced. With Wood Brothers vodka and chocolatey rich cold brew. Shake it, pour it and finish with a gentle squeeze of the can for a layer of creamy foam. Goes with sweet things, like a lover. Shows off with a coupe icy enough to write your name on and coffee bean garnish. 

Piña Colada (200ml) 10% ABV

Smooth pineapple and silky coconut as light as air. With our bespoke Duppy Share rum of unparalleled Caribbean warmth. Think pink skies in Puerto Rico. Get cheeky with a cherry on top. And sing that song from 1979 – if you like? Shows off with a highball and ice.

French 75 (200ml) 10% ABV

This one loves a soirée. Zesty, dancy and a little bit fancy. Wears a sequin beret. Pairs with a platter. Can keep a secret. Made with Tarquin's Cornish Gin. 

Every MOTH serve is presented in a fully recyclable can and created with award-winning spirits. Every ingredient is the best of the best, every sip is delicious, and the cocktails can be enjoyed anywhere. All you have to do is have the ice on standby, take a can from the fridge and serve. No faff and no mixing required: just the best blends and good friends. 

MOTH's Valentine's bundle is available at www.mothdrinks.com for £20. 

Savouring Love on a Budget: A Guide to Affordable Valentine's Day Dining

Valentine's Day, the day of love, is just around the corner. 

While many associate this romantic occasion with lavish dinners and extravagant gestures, it's entirely possible to celebrate without breaking the bank. 

This year, why not focus on the essence of togetherness and affection, rather than the price tag? In this guide, we'll explore creative ways to enjoy a delightful Valentine's Day eating and drinking experience on a budget.

Home-Cooked Delights:

There's nothing more intimate than preparing a meal together. Opting for a cozy night in allows you to control costs and create a unique dining experience. Select a simple yet delicious recipe that you both enjoy, and embark on a culinary adventure together. Not only does this save you money, it also adds a personal touch to your celebration.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients:

When planning your home-cooked meal, choose budget-friendly ingredients without compromising on flavour. Consider shopping for seasonal produce, which isn't only cost-effective but also fresher and more flavourful, too. Look for sales and discounts at your local shops and supermarkets to make the most of your budget.

DIY Decor and Ambiance:

Transform your home into a romantic haven without splurging on expensive decorations. Create a cozy ambiance with soft lighting, candles, (LED candles are safer) and maybe even a homemade playlist of your favorite love songs? Handwritten notes or small, thoughtful gestures can go a long way in making the evening special.

Wine on a Budget:

A romantic dinner isn't complete without a good bottle of wine. Instead of opting for high-end labels, explore more affordable options that still offer excellent quality. Many supermarkets carry hidden gems at reasonable prices. Check out Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrison's, Aldi, Lidl and Booths for some modestly priced but excellent wine. Own brand Propseco can be low in price but high in taste.

 Alternatively, consider a homemade cocktail or mocktail to add a personal touch to your beverage selection. 

Explore Budget-Friendly Dining Options:

If the idea of cooking at home isn't appealing, explore budget-friendly dining options in your area. Many restaurants offer special Valentine's Day menus or discounts on this occasion. Look for local deals, set menus, or prix-fixe options that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Wetherspoon and Hungry Horse are two good examples.

Daytime Adventures:

Consider celebrating Valentine's Day during the daytime to take advantage of lunch specials and matinee prices. A brunch date or picnic in the park can be just as romantic as a dinner date, and it often comes with a more budget-friendly price tag.

Gifts from the Heart:

Shift the focus from expensive gifts to thoughtful gestures. Create a handmade card, write a heartfelt letter, or put together a scrapbook of your favorite memories together. These gestures are not only more meaningful but are also budget-friendly.

This Valentine's Day, embrace the joy of love without the burden of overspending. Whether you choose to cook together, dine out on a budget, or opt for daytime adventures, remember that it's the thought and effort that truly make the day special. 

By being creative and mindful of your budget, you can create lasting memories without sacrificing the romance. Cheers to a love-filled and budget-friendly Valentine's Day!

(Image courtesy of Pexels from Pixabay)

Treat your Valentine (and yourself!) at Mint Leaf London

Unlock your beloved’s heart this Valentine's Day at Mint Leaf London; which is a fine-dining Indian restaurant, bar and lounge located in the centre of the square mile.

Join them for a swoon-worthy evening that's absolutely guaranteed to delight the senses! 

Couples will be presented with the opportunity to attach their love lock to a gate, which will be kept safe until Valentine’s Day next year, when it can be unlocked to reveal a special offer.

Toast the occasion with two unique concoctions adorned with a love lock and key. Treat your special someone to an opulent five course modern Indian set-menu featuring Gol Gappa followed by a Vegetarian or Meat Platter. Chicken Chettinad, Hariyali Seabass or Anjeeri Malai Kofta and an indulgent Mixed Berry Cheesecake and perhaps a glass of something bubbly!

This menu priced at £65 per person will be available on the 10th, 14th, 16th & 17th February. For a Valentine’s Day experience that won’t be forgotten, book now at this link https://widget.thefork.com/en-GB/48a91979-1ce5-478a-88df-c89231b5f639

To learn more about Mint Leaf London visit them here https://www.mintleaflondon.com/city.

And do enjoy some of their amazing cocktails, too. They also White Rhino IPA beer from India's first craft brewery.

Melt the heart of your Mother or the love of your life with cheese

Whilst it's lovely to treat your Mum to chocolates and flowers on Mothering Sunday aka Mother's Day, or your lover or spouse on Valentin'e Day, for a unique moment that you can savour together the world of European cheese offers variety, complexity and flavours to fall in love with. 

From the best-ever toasted sandwich for breakfast in bed, an intimate chat over a French cheeseboard to a carefully-curated cheese gift box, cheese offers the ultimate treat whatever your budget.

To recreate the nostalgia of bringing Mum or your spouse breakfast in bed, put together a meltingly memorable cheese toastie using a mix of soft and grated hard cheeses to suit their tastes. Cheeses that are well suited to melting under heat include, Raclette, Vacherin Mont d'Or, Comté, Mimolette and Beaufort.

For a heart-warming lunch or supper, keep it simple but delicious with a box of Camembert de Normandie gently heated in the oven or air fryer. Add a few slithers of fresh garlic and some fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, serve with fresh baguette and gherkins and share the gooey goodness.

To show your love for your mother or your spouse, melt their heart with a Neufchätel. A close cousin of Camembert, this cheese is made in the wetlands of Normandy, in the Pays de Bray to be exact. With its soft texture and bloomy rind, it can be moulded into hearts, squares or briquettes. The cheese paste is lightly salted, creamy and has a good milky taste.

For those who takes their food and wine seriously, put together a cheeseboard with wine pairings. Soft cheeses like Brie, Brillat Savarin and a lightly aged Saint-Marcellin taste even better served with Champagne. 

According to the award-winning chef owner of Bouchon Racine Henry Harris, the powerful Époisses is delicious served with a White Burgundy such as a cellar-aged Montrachet or a Côtes Catalanes. Bring the tasting to a close by serving a Bleu d'Auvergne with a glass of Monbazillac or Sauternes. Matching the salty cheese with the sweet flavours of the wine bring out the best of each.

If your mother is too far away to visit this year, there are temptingly good French cheese inspired gifts available to purchase online for nationwide delivery. There are also fantastic books dedicated to celebrating all things cheese.

Finally, for the mother or spouse who loves discovery and travel, there are fantastic cheese tastings and masterclasses available around the UK, hosted by French cheese specialists. To take her passion to the next level there are even English speaking French tours that are dedicated to discovering the history and terroirs of cheese making.

https://dairy-products-from-france.com/cheeses