Cheers to World Cocktail Day: Celebrating the Art of Mixology

As we raise our glasses on the 13th of May, we embark on a global celebration of creativity, flavour, and sophistication, welcome to World Cocktail Day! 

This delightful occasion honours the craftsmanship of mixologists worldwide, paying homage to the concoctions that tantalize our taste buds and enliven our spirits.

Originating in the United States in 1806, when the word "cocktail" was first defined in a newspaper, this libation-centric holiday has since transcended borders, becoming a cherished date on the calendars of enthusiasts and aficionados everywhere. And as diverse as the cultures that embrace it, the world of cocktails is a vibrant tapestry woven with an array of flavours, techniques, and traditions.

In the bustling bars of London to the hidden speakeasies of New York, each sip tells a story, a tale of innovation, tradition, or simply the pursuit of pleasure. From the timeless classics like the Martini and the Old Fashioned to the contemporary marvels such as the Espresso Martini and the Pornstar Martini, the world of cocktails is an ever-evolving canvas where experimentation knows no bounds.

Yet, beyond the sheer enjoyment they bring, cocktails are also a symbol of camaraderie and conviviality, a catalyst for connection and conversation. Whether shared over a candlelit dinner, enjoyed in a cocktail bar, or clinked together in a crowded club, these libations have an innate ability to foster bonds and create memories that linger long after the glasses are empty.

But let us not forget the artisans behind the bar, the mixologists whose skill and passion elevate the cocktail from a mere drink to a work of art. With meticulous precision and an intuitive understanding of flavour profiles, these modern-day alchemists transform simple ingredients into liquid symphonies that dance on the palate.

On this World Cocktail Day, let us raise a toast to the spirit of innovation, to the pursuit of perfection, and to the joy of indulgence. Whether you prefer your libations shaken or stirred, neat or on the rocks, take a moment to savor the magic in every sip and the shared experience that unites us all.

So, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, join us in celebrating the art of mixology and the boundless creativity it inspires. Cheers to World Cocktail Day, a day to revel in the pleasures of the palate and toast to the endless possibilities that await in every glass.

Remember, drink responsibly, and may your cocktails be as vibrant and unforgettable as the memories they create.

Cheers!

Sip, Stir, Spritz With Cocchi: Campaign Inspires Drinkers to Explore Different Ways to Use Vermouth

The increase in home bartending has seen a major increase in recent years. In fact some 37% of us are making more cocktails at home now than in the pre-COVID days and 46% of us are opting to embrace a more home-based lifestyle as against last year 

We are carefully curating our drinks trolleys and brushing up on our skills to offer a stunning cocktail experience without even our homes. This includes entertaining friends or family members or just chilling out after work or on the weekend.

And this is where Cocchi steps in. Cocchi is a multi-award winner and comes with a stellar reputation with bartenders on account of its depth of flavour and high quality.

Cocchi has launched a campaign aims to proudly proclaim that the high quality and fantastic flavour of Cocchi should extend beyond the cocktail bars and connect with consumers at home who are seeking out inspiration and new ideas whilst shopping for cocktail ingredients to use in their home bars.

So, what, exactly, is happening? The innovative campaign exhibits three easy-to-produce serves: neat for 'Sipping', a negroni for 'Stirring', and a 'Spritz' serve, all using the brand's heroic product, Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino.

The campaign will be supported by a marketing and communication campaign starting this month. It will launch across digital and social media platforms of key retailers before appearing in stores this Spring. Cocchi's ambassador will tour the UK and lead a series of special educational masterclasses and events across the UK, all featuring the three distinct serves.

Francesca Bava, Cocchi's Marketing Manager told us: “We're very excited to be presenting our first global campaign aiming at displaying the versatility of Cocchi vermouth to  home cocktail makers.

Francesca added: Vermouth has a key role to play in many cocktails like the Negroni, Martini or Spritz. We hope we'll encourage drinkers to be a little more daring and learn the many ways drinkers can enjoy it."

The campaign launches in the UK this month (May) and will role out internationally a little later in the year.

Vermouth was a firm favourite cocktail ingredient of my grandmother. Vermouth was something she learned to enjoy whilst working as a Can-Can dancer at the Moulin Rouge in Paris in the days before World War One!

Savyll Launches New Four-Pack of Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Now Available at Sainsbury's

London-based non-alcoholic cocktail brand Savyll Beverage Company is bringing their full range of premium, top quality non-alcoholic RTD cocktails to Sainsbury's. 

Savyll's highly anticipated new 4-can pack, boasting their most popular flavours, will hit the shelves of selected Sainsbury's locations from now on.

The Collection pack includes a peachy Bellini, minty Mojito, zesty Grapefruit Paloma, and a fiery Ginger Moscow Mule. These are perfect for dinner parties with friends, or a picnic in the park. Just chill, serve and enjoy. sip.

“Our mixed-flavour Collection Pack allows our customers to explore a classic range of four new utterly delicious non-alcoholic cocktail flavours” says Savyll founder, Avnish Babla, “ensuring there's a little something for everyone in every box”.

The new four-pack of non-alcoholic cocktails can be found in the Alcohol-Free section of the Beer, Wine and Spirits aisle in Sainsbury's, priced at £7.99.

Take your Mother to an island paradise with Jura

For those dreaming of island life while counting down the months to their next summer escapade, try award-winning Jura 10-Year-Old.

Close your eyes and prepare to be transported to the spectacular coastline of Jura and its remote, beautiful, beachside distillery.

Jura 10-Year-Old, from the UK’s number one single malt, is expertly finished in the finest aged Oloroso Sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain, for an added burst of sunshine goodness.

For those with a sense of adventure, Jura 10-Year-Old is the next best thing to a ticket to island paradise. Break open the seafaring bottle and try the islanders’ take on an Aperol cocktail with a Jura Sunset.

Simply fill a Copa glass with ice, combine Jura 10-Year-Old and Aperol before topping with tonic water. Mix well to combine and garnish with a wheel of fresh orange. Cheers!

Ingredients

25ml Jura 10-Year-Old

25ml Aperol

Tonic Water

Garnish: Fresh orange wheel

Jura 10-Year-Old is available from a range of retailers including Tesco, RRP £39 

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/299335273

If you are a vegan who's missing their Amarula, here's good news for you!

Because Amarula has launched a Vegan Cream Liqueur!

It's time to put the margaritas to one side, because the hottest drink this January is the Vegarita. 

Perfect for warming up wintery days and adding a touch of South African sunshine. Have a try at experimenting with this simple and delicious cocktail recipe (see below).

Hailing from sub-Equatorial Africa, Amarala is made from the delicious Marula fruit which is distilled and aged in French oak for two years. This lactose-free treat is then blended with a velvety vegan cream to create the smooth taste of Amarula.

Given a 5/5 for flavour by Sudi Piggot, Amarula Vegan has won multiple awards including a Great Taste and a Double Gold at The Spirit Awards.

Try this recipe and impress everyone, even those who aren't taking part in Veganuary!

 The Vegarita

Ingredients: 

50ml Amarula Vegan 

20ml pistachio syrup

10ml lime juice

50ml white rum 

Recipe:

- Pour all ingredients in a shaker

- Add 6-8 ice cubes into the shaker 

- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds

- Single strain into a rocks glass over ice

- Garnish with some crushed coconut bits

And That's Food and Drink says: And enjoy, repeating as often as desired!

Amarula Vegan Liqueur is available to purchase for £15.18 from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amarula-Vegan-Liqueur-Plant-Gluten/dp/B09LQYT11P

There's Only One Pumpkin Spice Drink You'll Need This Month

Apparently there's a really interesting and hot beverage trend this month. And here's how you can put a cocktail spin on it for October. 

Don Papa Rum's Pumpkin Spice Cocktail is simple to make and is sure to impress your family and friends. Just shake together the below ingredients and pour into a beautiful glass of your choice: 

45 ml Don Papa Rum 

100 ml Pumpkin Spice creamer 

45 ml coffee liqueur 

Whipped cream, to garnish (Optional) 

Pumpkin Spice mix, to garnish  

Don Papa Rum is the first premium single island rum from the Philippines and their ageing process highlights the original taste of Negros sugar cane. With notes of vanilla, honey and candied fruits, Don Papa Rum is the perfect base for your Pumpkin Spice creation.

https://www.donpaparum.com/

Distillerie De Grandmont Makes Its UK Debut

You may have heard of Distillerie De Grandmont, but you wouldn't have been able to purchase their sprits in the UK. Until now, that is. 

Because Speciality Brands, the award-winning drinks distributor, has signed an agreement with French spirits producer Distillerie de Grandmont and will exclusively distribute the brand's range in the UK from this October onwards.

Distillerie de Grandmont was founded in 2018 in the Haute Vienne by Karim Karroum who discovered a passion for vintage, artisanal spirits. 

Karim then went on a mission to rediscover liqueurs of the past using old-fashioned methods of production and on the way unearthing forgotten French spirit-making traditions.  

Speciality Brands is introducing three spirits to trade and consumers this autumn: Distillery de Grandmont Amer Gentian, Liqueur de Grandmont and Triple Sec Curacao Blanc.

Amer Gentian starts with a base of organic grain alcohol, before fresh and dried gentian root grown in the unique terroirs of the Massif Central for over 25 years are added. Wild, natural herbs and fruits are used in the recipe to accentuate the bitter florality of the gentian. This creates an incredibly complex and refined liqueur which can be enjoyed as an aperitif, digestif or served long with tonic water and a slice of grapefruit or in classic cocktails mixes/

Distillerie de Grandmont Liqueur de Grandmont Le Chemin des Moines (Monks' path) is a herbal liqueur offering a silky smooth texture with delightful notes of angelica, wildflowers, fresh grass, zesty verbena and honey, along with a subtle hint of turmeric, culminating in a subtle smoky camphor finish with hints of blackcurrant leaf. 

This complex liqueur is meticulously crafted using organic grain alcohol and a blend of wild herbs and spices. It works well as a digestif, revealing its medicinal and digestive qualities, but also lends itself to very well to classic cocktails such as The Last Word or Bijou.

Distillerie de Grandmont Triple Sec Curacao Blanc showcases bright and elegant citrus notes, primarily orange and tangerine, gracefully balanced with juniper and with a subtle bitterness. The process begins with organic grain alcohol as a base, enhanced by a secret blend of citrus fruits, peels, natural plants, spices, and herbs. Versatile and timeless, this triple sec elevates classic cocktails like Margaritas and Sidecars or can be enjoyed simply over ice with a splash of soda.

Chris Seale, who is the Managing Director, Speciality Brands says: “We were blown away by the quality of the spirits crafted by the Distillerie de Grandmont. These truly artisanal drinks revive traditional French recipes and production processes, and offer a rather unique tasting experience. Karim's passion for quality spirits is remarkable and these liqueurs fit perfectly in our range of premium, artisanal spirits. We're really excited to be presenting these to our customers for the first time.”

Distillerie de Grandmont's range will be available to all channels. Amer Gentian, 32% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £31, Liqueur de Grandmont 55% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £47 and Triple Sec Curacao Blanc 40% ABV, 70 cl, RRP: £35.

To learn more please visit https://specialitybrands.com

Poor summer brings about increased red wine sales, reports Waitrose

The old saying "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" seems to be holding true regarding wine sales, according to figures released from Waitrose.

Because the washout summer has made red wines the drink of choice, as sales soar for numerous countries including France and Chile.

A cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé is normally a summer staple but as we experienced the sixth wettest July on record, red wine and a cosy night in seem farm more appropriate, with the biggest increases seen in classic French fine red wine, especially with Burgundy leading the way (163%) and Chilean fine red wine, too.

Over the last month we saw temperatures of 14.9 degrees and this dip in temperature is reflected in customers drinking habits with red wine from all regions seeing an increase in sales in the past month.

 In comparison, in July 2022, temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees with searches for rosé wine and white wine up 30% and 47% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time this year. 

Jamie Matthewson, who is the Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose, said: “Our customers usually love a chilled glass of rosé in the summer and who can blame them? It’s a shame it's not had its moment in the sun this year but it has been great for red wine, whether you want to enjoy a chilled summer red, or really want to hunker down and enjoy a Malbec or a Merlot. Personally, I love a glass of red whatever the season!”

He went on to say: "Our customers are prepared just in case the sun decides to make an appearance, opting for red wine that can also be chilled with sales of Santa Tresa Frappato up 86% year on year. 

"An elegant Sicilian red, which is full of delicious summer fruit flavours and can be enjoyed slightly chilled, perhaps served with grilled tuna. 

"Cocktails are also on the menu with searches for the red wine based summer cocktail Sangria up 47% compared to the same time last year on Waitrose.com.

For those who prefer a spirit as a tipple the preference has been more for a warming autumnal drink, with sales of spiced rum, single malts and cognac are up. Old fashioned season has also come early with recipe searches for the classic cocktail up 292% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time last year.

Argentina Fine Red Wine +90%

Australia Red Wine +24%

Australia Fine Red Wine +19%

Bag In Box Red +23.4%

Burgundy Red wine +163%

Chile Fine Red Wine +206%

Germany Fine Red Wine +68%

Germany Red Wine +56%

Italian Red Wine +29%

Loire Red Wine +30%

France Fine Red Wine +270%

Rhone +30%

South African Fine Red Wine 68%

Spain Red Wine + 45.4%

USA Fine Red Wine +73%

Until today, Tuesday 29th August, Waitrose is offering 25% off all wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100, when purchasing any six or more bottles. The offer is available when shopping in branch, on Waitrosecellar.com, or online at Waitrose.com with a grocery delivery.

When taking advantage of the 25% offer on Waitrosecellar.com, customers are able to mix their own case with their favourite wines and Champagnes. With over 1000 wines to choose from on the Waitrose Cellar website, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Cases can include six or more bottles of the same trusty favourite, or a mixed selection of something new - creating your own bespoke case of wine has never been easier.

Cocchi? Coo! Celebrates All Things Negroni This September with Cocchi

The classic Italian aperitif's popularity has burgeoned over recent years as wise consumers in the UK and also beyond are continuing to discover more about Italy's vibrant and diverse drinking culture.

Tying in with celebrations that will take place next month in September, cocktail devotees will be able to enjoy a range of Cocchi-based Negronis for a few weeks with each venue presenting their own twist on the classic. Showcasing the versatility of this drink.

Available all through the month of September, The Zetter Townhouse in London's Marylebone will offer guests a negroni menu of three Cocchi-based drinks. On Sunday 17 September an exclusive takeover will also take place at the venue.  

Alex Palumbo, co-owner of award-winning Edinburgh bar, Hey Palu, will take part in a one night only guest shift, serving a curated menu of four Cocchi Negronis to mark the launch of Negroni week.

The takeover menu cocktail menu will include:

Strawberry Sbagliato: Cocchi Rosa, strawberries, Barsol pisco, aperitivo, prosecco

Mezcaloni - Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Los Siete Misterios mezcal, bitter, aromatic lime leaf

Negroni Minerale - Cocchi Americano, Botyard Double Gin, Fino Sherry, celery extracts, green olive

Caffe 'Serale - Cocchi Dopo Teatro, Lot 40 rye whisky, banana, bitter, coffee aromas

Cocchi is also partnering with famous Sri Lankan restaurant Hoppers King's Cross to offer their take on a Negroni-led menu. Following rom its successful summer terrace cocktail activation, Hoppers' bar manager Martin Balo has put together a menu of three Negronis with a tropical spin, ideal to enjoy before the end of the summer.

 Hopper's King's Cross menu will include:

Kokova Negroni: cocoa and orange spiced rum – Campari – Cocchi Rosa

White Negroni: gin – lemongrass and fennel bitters – Cocchi Americano

Negroni Sbagliato: Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino – pomelo Campari – Prosecco

Finally, if you would like to make a Negroni at home, here's Cocchi's recommended recipe:

25 ml Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

25 ml gin (we recommend Boatyard Double Gin)

25 ml Campari

Method: Add all of the ingredients into a stirring glass with an ample amount of ice and stir for about 30 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.

To attend Sunday 17 September takeover (19:00 – 22:00), book a table on The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, website: https://thezetter.com/townhouse-marylebone/ - Zetter Townhouse Marylebone 28-30 Seymour St, London W1H 7JB

For reservation at Hoppers King's Cross, 4 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG please use: https://www.hopperslondon.com/kings-cross/

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino is available nationwide including Waitrose and Amazon. RRP: £26.71 (70 cl)

Keep Everyone Cooled Down This Summer With St-Remy Brandy

Those lovely folks at St-Remy has the perfect cooler cocktail to keep you refreshed this summer, with the St-Rémy XO, Chardonnay and citrus it's just like summer in a glass!

The St-Rémy XO is made with 100% French wine grapes only harvested in the Loire valley, which will elevate the chardonnay is this cocktail elegantly. The notes of vanilla, oak and gingerbread will add a delicious spiciness that rounds off the concoction.

The recipe here serves four so mix up a batch for all your loved ones at your next garden party.

250 ml St-Rémy XO

500 ml Tonic water

150 ml Chardonnay wine (we recommend the Pasari Chardonnay from Cramele Recas)

50 ml Lemon juice

1 Grapefruit

Add all ingredients to a pitcher with ice and leave to cool for three hours. Zest a grapefruit peel above each glass, serve with a grapefruit slice and enjoy.

Available at Ocado, Morrisons, Amazon and Asda – RRP £24

Rum, but Hattiers style

Hattiers is the UK's first B Corp certified rum and it has taken a fresh, exciting look at the traditional art of rum blending with an uncompromising, interesting approach to quality and sustainability.  

Only sourcing fine aged rums from over 25 distilleries worldwide, their versatile and accessible blends consist of carefully selected rums married together along with only pure Dartmoor water.     

Why not explore the Hattiers Rum collection and embark on a flavourful journey that will leave you longing for more?

Here are some cocktails for you to experiment with and enjoy!

The Hattiers Spritz

This cocktail is the epitome of long summer days and sure to impress guests. Aperol and Rum? Don't knock it until you try it!

What you'll need...

50ml Hattiers Egremont Premium Reserve Rum

20ml Aperol Spritz

Grapefruit juice

Lime Juice

Prosecco, Champagne or English sparkling wine

Torched grapefruit and mint to garnish

What to do...

Add Hattiers Egremont rum, Aperol Spritz and a squeeze of lime juice to a highball glass with ice and stir

Top up with equal parts grapefruit juice and prosecco

Garnish with a wedge of torched grapefruit and a sprig of fresh mint

The Casa Surgey

Tom Surgey puts his innovate spin on a Champagne Mojito using Hattiers Eminence Blended Aged White Rum

What you'll need…

14 mint leaves

60ml Hattiers Eminence Blended Aged White Rum

15ml fresh lime juice

10ml sugar syrup

30ml sparkling wine or Champagne

What to do…

Slap the mint leaves in the palm of your hand and add to the bottom of a highball glass. Fill with crushed ice. Add the sugar syrup and fresh lime juice, followed by the rum

Take a bar spoon with a flat bottom and use the disc to churn the mixture. You're looking for a frosting on the outside of the glass so that you know the mix is super cold

Cap with more ice so that the glass is full and the ice glistens on top

Top with sparkling wine or Champagne

Take the mint sprig and clap it between your hands to release the oils so that every sip will be accompanied with the aroma from the mint

Hattiers' Resolute Mule

Singing with spicy ginger and caramel notes, the Resolute Mule is a refreshing cocktail with a twist.

What you'll need…

50ml Hattiers Resolute Navy Strength Rum

Hot ginger beer

Angostura Bitters

Brown sugar

Lime

Iced, crushed ice is best for this recipe

What to do…

Half fill a highball glass with crushed ice

Add a generous squeeze of lime and half a teaspoon of brown sugar

Add 50ml Resolute Navy Strength Rum and stir well

Fill the glass to the top with fresh ice

Top up with hot ginger beer

Add a dash of Angostura Bitters and stir 

Garnish with a wheel of lime

The Hattiers Rum range is available at hattiers.com as well as Waitrose & Partners, Harvey Nichols, Master of Malt, Fortnum & Mason, The Whisky Exchange, Enotria & Coe and Drink Finder. 

Hattiers Rum is justifiably very proud to use no colourants to make their rums look artificially darker and they never add sugar or spice to their blends. They believe rum drinkers should know precisely what they're drinking and as a result all component rums, countries of origin, ages and distillation methods are detailed on the back of each and every bottle.  Premium rums in their range include Egremont Premium Reserve Rum, Eminence Blended Aged White Rum and Resolute Navy Strength Rum.

For further information about Hattiers Rum please visit www.hattiers.com or like and follow Hattiers Rum on Instagram: hattiers_rum and Facebook: HattiersRum.  

Côte restaurants launch a new asparagus cocktail

Côte restaurants has taken the bold an innovative new cocktail which is likely to divide opinion. How so? The main ingredient is asparagus!

There's a very special focus on fresh asparagus as a delicious seasonal spring ingredient - Welcome Côte‘s new cocktail - Vive Le Asparagus!

This is the first time Côte has created a cocktail that is anything but a classic. It will be interesting to see what the reaction to this new cocktail is.

Côte restaurants has launched an innovative new cocktail set to divide opinion - made with Asparagus!

It's an ambitious new cocktail which will either be loved or loathed!

The new cocktail called Vive Le Asparagus celebrates the healthy seasonal vegetable traditionally collected by British farmers from St George’s Day to the Summer solstice.

The creative new cocktail is made with some special asparagus flavoured vodka, features an asparagus spear and has been created by a renowned mixologist.

The cocktail complements Côte’s Spring specials which feature asparagus and have been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen.

The crunchy, green aristocrat of the vegetable world is known to be an aphrodisiac and is celebrated for being high in vitamin K (healthy blood and bones), a great source of fibre, promotes good bacteria in the gut and is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Alas, the elegant earthy asparagus is not to everyone’s tastes, it certainly is a vegetable which is either loved or loathed in equal measure.

But Côte restaurants think the seasonal Vive Le Asparagus cocktail is a must try drink this season.

Highly respected mixologist and drinks author Dan Whiteside has created the cocktail for Côte which blends asparagus flavoured Portobello Vodka, Cold Press kiwi and apple juice, Elderflower cordial, Belu Sparkling water, fresh asparagus, garnished with dried rose petals.

Vive Le Asparagus will be available from May 19 - June 14 at selected Côte  restaurants (Newcastle, Exeter, Kingston, Henley, Solihull, Windsor and London restaurants St Christopher’s Place, St Katherine’s Dock, Sloane Square, Hay’s Galleria and the Barbican) priced at £9.95.

Mixologist Dan Whiteside said: “The cocktail has the flavour of asparagus, sweetness and floral notes of elderflower, body and acidity of the cold press juice.

“It’s an interesting take on a popular Collins cocktail, using fresh flavours such as apple, ginger and elderflower and combing with the unique flavour of asparagus. The cocktail combines a food that’s big in French cuisine with one of the most popular types of cocktails at this time of year.” 

Last month Côte launched its spring menu with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.

Steve Allen’s new menu additions celebrate La Saison Délicieuse with a collection of timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist. 

Former Claridge's chef Steve has elevated La Cuisine Française at Côte with the new dishes, created with produce from trusted British and French producers with the asparagus for the new specials sourced from a long term partnership with the Chinn family in the Wye Valley.

Steve said of the new menu: “I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring.  Our main focus is and always will be about the  taste of our food at Cote.  Simple, yet complex and delicious.”

French taste is great taste. Côte’s belief in quality, freshly prepared seasonal ingredients, served with respect and enjoyed in relaxed, stylish surroundings – has inspired their company since 2007. Now, with over 80 Côte restaurants across the UK, their menu has evolved to encompass the timeless French classics our guests know and love, alongside new dishes that capture the excitement of contemporary French cuisine. Fresh, delicious and thoughtfully sourced, Côte is an affordable taste of French luxury right here in the UK. What we bring to the table will always be the very best it can be. And that’s always been our promise – because in France they wouldn’t do it any other way

https://www.cote.co.uk.

​

Bee Better for the Environment on World Bee Day With Avallen's Buzzing Bar Campaign!

On this next World Bee Day (20th May) Avallen, the calvados brand which is on a mission to be the world's most planet positive spirit, is launching a campaign in bars and venues across the country in order to raise awareness of the plight of these perfect pollinators, or very own bees.

A fresh approach to traditional calvados, Avallen is unusual in that it's climate positive, this is due to the spirit being made with nothing but apples, water, and time. Each bottle of Avallen removes 2.82kg of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

Given that bees are a key part of the pollination process required to grow the juicy apples Avallen is made from, there's no better time for Avallen to launch an awareness campaign than World Bee Day.

The activation will highlight just how vital these fuzzy little winged warriors are; without bees, there would be no cocktails, no pizza, the coffee industry would collapse, and beyond that life would be very difficult indeed. 

So to do this, Avallen is engaging bars and hospitality venues up and down the country to serve a special cocktail for World Bee Day. For every cocktail sold, £1 will be donated to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust by Avallen, to champion the protection of the mighty bumblebee, help restore their habitats, and ban harmful neonicotinoids.

Avallen will also provide one bottle of stock, menu design and printing support, and sustainability training for bar teams, as well as promotion across their own channels.

It's an overlooked fact the humble bumblebee is vital to the pollination of many plants which only release pollen to the exact vibration of a bumblebee. If bumblebees die out due to agricultural intensification, then many spirits would also disappear.  There would be no potatoes for vodka, grapes for brandy or botanicals for gin. And that's before we even mention the demise of the fruit mixers.

Avallen have suggested a number of cocktails set to tantalise customers, featuring twists on classic drinks like the Forbidden Fruit Martini which is a riff on the popular Pornstar Martini and the Avallen Espresso. There's even a spritz option to serve in sunny, alfresco spaces. Bar teams are also being encouraged to get creative themselves and design their own Avallen calvados based cocktails.

On top of raising awareness on behalf of the bees, the campaign will introduce consumers to a more conscious way of drinking. By choosing to drink Avallen, consumers aren't just saving the bees, they're also improving the planet's biodiversity and battling climate change. Quite an achievement for merely sipping a cocktail.

Tim Etherington Judge said of the campaign: “World Bee Day is an exceptional opportunity for us to raise awareness of why wild bees are so important and how spirits that support biodiversity need to be the future of drinks. 

"What better way to do that than to let people taste Avallen and understand that great tasting products can still be planet positive and do a bit of good. Every person can help increase wild bee populations by simply dead heading flowers to encourage more blooms or getting involved in No Mow May. Small steps like this can make a huge difference- as well of course as drinking sustainable, bee friendly spirits.”

To find out how to get involved get in touch with tim@avallenspirits.com or keep your eyes peeled for the activations taking place in venues nationwide from Saturday 20th May.

What venues are already booked to participate?

Participating venues to date (more being added every day):

Filthy XIII Bristol, Amolfini Bristol, Tom Thumb Newquay, Scarlett's Hotel Newquay, STERLING Bar Manchester, Ugly Butterfly St.Ives, Cornwall, Eve Bar London, The Longstore Truro, Cornwall, The Library, Bristol, Hoot the Redeemer Edinburgh, Hey Palu Edinburgh, Gleneagles Townhouse Edinburgh, Common's Club, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, The Walcot Bath, Henrock Windermere, Bartender's Lounge Aberdeen, Lab 22 Cardiff. 

Avallen Spirits is a Climate Positive company with the environment at its core. Made from nothing but apples, water and time, Avallen calvados is completely natural with no additives or added sugar. Avallen's liquid is fresh, fruity, and proudly apple forward in its flavour profile which is aged in French oak barrels for 2 years. Avallen is now also available in a paper bottle – one of the first spirits to take this bold, sustainable move.  Far more robust than glass and six times lighter, weighing in at just 82 grams, this bottle significantly reduces the brand's carbon footprint, with each bottle being no less than six times lower in its carbon footprint than the average glass alternative.

www.avallenspirits.com

Crowned King of Cocktails with Cawston Press

From the Rhubarb Royale to the Elderflower Spritz, Cawston Press has crafted the perfect cocktail recipes to cheer on your Coronation celebrations.

With the King’s Coronation just weeks away, experts in Pressed Juice, Cawston Press has developed a selection of delicious cocktail recipes to welcome in the bank holiday celebrations. Perfect for street party tipples, the crowd-pleasing recipes are easy to assemble and contain Cawston Press’ No Jiggery Pokery promise, using juice with familiar ingredients with no added sugar or sweeteners.

Embrace the balmy days of summer with a Cawston cocktail, perfectly fit for a King, with recipes including Rhubarb Royale, Elderflower Spritz, Sloe Motion and a Guilt Free Spritz. Guaranteed to get you in the Coronation spirit, mark the special occasion in style and follow the Cawston Press cocktail recipes below:

Rhubarb Royale

INGREDIENTS

● 7.5ml / 1½ TSP Strawberry puree*

● 60ml Cawston Press Sparkling Rhubarb, chilled

● 40ml Sparkling wine, (ideally english), chilled

HOW TO MAKE IT

Simply pour all your ingredients into a champagne flute, give a quick stir and

garnish with a slice of strawberry. *To make a simple strawberry puree, blitz fresh

or frozen (defrosted) 100g of strawberries with 1 tsp of sugar, then sieve. We also

recommend using a splash of strawberry liqueur in place of the puree.

Elderflower Spritz

INGREDIENTS

● 1 bottle of Cawston Press Sparkling Elderflower

Lemonade, chilled

● 125ml of Dry White Wine

● Lemon

● Ice

HOW TO MAKE IT

Half fill a large Collins glass, or similar, with ice. Pour over the white wine of choice

and Cawston Press Elderflower Lemonade, stirring to mix. Finally, garnish with a

slice of lemon. Sit back and refresh.

Sloe Motion

INGREDIENTS

● 1 can of Cawston Press Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade,

chilled

● 200ml Sloe Gin

● Lemon

HOW TO MAKE IT

In a champagne flute, pour the 20ml shot of sloe gin (bit less than a standard shot

or 2 dessert spoonfuls) then top it up with chilled Sparkling Elderflower

Lemonade. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest.

Guilt Free Spritz

INGREDIENTS

● 1 bottle of Cawston Press Sparkling Rhubarb,

chilled

● 25ml shot of alcohol-free gin

● Lemon

● Fresh mint

● Ice

HOW TO MAKE IT

Fill a spritz glass with ice. Pour over 25ml of the alcohol-free gin and top with

Cawston Press Sparkling Rhubarb, stirring to mix. Finally, garnish with a slice of

lemon and a sprig of fresh mint. Sit back and refresh.

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If your Mother is into cocktails, make Devon Cove your go to!

The producer behind the multi award-winning and silky smooth Cove Vodka, Devon Cove, has expertly

curated a whole range of cocktail sets which make a unique and highly desirable gift for Mother's Day. 

These attractive gift boxes are wrapped in a colourful ribbon and include a handwritten gift tag with free nationwide delivery over £30.

Cove Passion Royale Cocktail and Salcombe Candle Gift Box £43.00

The gift box includes – Cove Passion Royale Cocktail Kit (20cl bottle of Cove Passion Liqueur, 2 x 20cl bottles of Prosecco, recipe) Salcombe Candle Company Hope Cove Seashells Candle and a personal gift tag. There's enough to make four cocktails. Cove Passion Fruit Liqueur is enchantingly exotic and silky smooth. Fresh passion fruits have been expertly combined with Cove Vodka to create a delicate, delicious liqueur.

Cove Hazelnut Liqueur, Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Gift Box £36.90

A deliciously indulgent gift for all mums! The box includes - 20cl bottle of Cove Hazelnut Liqueur (made with Cove's award-winning Potato Vodka and caramelised hazelnuts, 150g luxury hot chocolate from Salcombe Dairy and 80g chocolate dipped marshmallows from the Grown-up Marshmallow Company. Cove Hazelnut Liqueur is gorgeous sipped or mixed with a hot chocolate, or you can enjoy it served over ice.

Cove Passion Fruit Martini & Macaron Gift Box £42.90

The Passion Fruit Martini is Cove's take on the ever popular Pornstar Martini. They've combined their luxuriously smooth Cove Vodka, Passion Liqueur, vanilla, pineapple and lime to create a deliciously fruity and tantalising cocktail. Combined with a box of delicious macarons it's a fabulous gift. 20cl bottle of award-winning Cove Vodka, 20cl Cove Passion Liqueur, 20cl Monin Vanilla Syrup, 20cl Pineapple Juice, Simple instructions, A box of 6 macarons from Pretty Little Pastries. Serves 4. All you need are glasses, ice, fresh lime and passion fruit (optional).

Founded in 2019 by Leanne Carr, Devon Cove creates exceptional vodka using King Edward potatoes lovingly grown on Leanne's family farm overlooking Hope Cove. Already the recipient of multiple high profile awards, Cove vodka is as pure and clean as the sea air around it and uniquely smooth to taste. Cove Vodka, Cove Cocktail Kits, Cove Coffee Liqueur, Cove Damson Liqueur, Cove Rum, Cove Hazelnut Liqueur, Cove Passion Liqueur and a wide range of gift boxes are all available to purchase from www.devoncove.co.uk with free nationwide delivery over £30.

To keep up to date with all of Devon Cove's news and for cocktail recipes and inspiration 'like' @Devon Cove Vodka on Facebook, 'follow' devoncovevodka on Instagram or @devoncovevodka on Twitter or visit www.devoncove.co.uk

Mixology Expert Presents a Cocktail Course for Cost-Conscious, High-Style Entertaining

Everyone loves a holiday cocktail party, but in this economy, a full bar may not fit the budget. That's not a problem, says Certified Specialist of Spirits Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan. Throw a one-bottle party with diverse cocktails based on that one spirit, and that becomes part of the fun. Here are some short cocktail courses for the holidays from this acclaimed mixology expert.

Simonetti-Bryan is course lecturer for The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions, a DVD and downloadable guide to cocktails video course. She says, "If you’ve only got one bottle, embrace it. Theme your party to that spirit. There are a wide variety of creations you can make with just one spirit ... it’s knowing what the key ones are and how to make them well."

Vodka Cocktails

Vodka is so versatile, it goes with almost anything. Classic vodka cocktails include the Bloody Mary (which can also be made with gin) and the Moscow Mule (named for its gingery kick). Vodka goes well with a variety of mixers, and it can be infused or flavored at home. Just add ingredients such as citrus, apple, spices, ginger, or nuts, and let the bottle sit a day or more as the flavors infuse.

Vodka Bloody Mary recipe:

2 oz. vodka, 4 oz. tomato juice, ½ oz. lemon juice or juice of half a lemon, 4 dashes Tabasco(R), 2 dashes Worcestershire, 2 pinches of salt, and 3 pinches of pepper. Celery stalks to garnish.

Says Simonetti-Bryan: "People might know the ingredients for this cocktail but vary the amounts, which can change the flavor significantly. This recipe allows the full flavor of this cocktail to come out. It's best served in a tall glass."

Rum Cocktails

Rum is another versatile spirit, central to such classic cocktails as the Mojito, Daiquiri, Pina Colada, and Caipirinha. Here's a classic rum cocktail with the Simonetti-Bryan touch.

Mojito recipe:

2 oz. white rum, 1 oz. simple syrup (mix and heat 1 part water to 1 part sugar), ¾ oz. fresh lime juice, and 2 oz. club soda. Two sprigs of fresh mint to garnish.

A good selection of garnishes, mixers, fruit juice, and fresh fruit can make a cocktail sparkle. If you use the right ice (cubed, shaved, crushed, or cracked) and some well-matched glassware, no one will even think of what your party cost.

The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions is an eight-lecture course covering classic spirits, cordials and liqueurs, recipes, and a mixology toolkit. For further information on mixology courses and how to purchase a DVD or a digital video download, visit www.thegreatcourses.com.

For further information on The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails or The Great Courses please contact Kirsty Shaw or Gina Tunley at Punch Communications: +44 (0) 1858 411 600 or email tgc@punchcomms.com

• The Everyday Guide to Spirits and Cocktails: Tastes and Traditions is available from www.thegreatcourses.com/cocktail-courses for $27.95 (digital video download) and $29.95 (DVD). Shipping and handling costs apply.

• Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan is a definitive authority on spirits in the United States and among a small number of people to have received the highest credentials in the spirits and wine industry. She has a Professional Certificate in Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators. Ms. Simonetti-Bryan is also one of only a few hundred people in the world to hold the Master of Wine title (M.W.) from The Institute of Masters of Wine in London, England—the highest and most difficult title to achieve in the industry.

Winner of the Wiesbaden Tasting Trophy from the Institute of Masters of Wine, Ms. Simonetti-Bryan has trained thousands of professionals in the spirits and wine industry, has judged international spirits and wine competitions, and has hosted seminars with Food Network stars including Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay. She is a frequent guest on television programs, including Fox Business and Bloomberg TV, and has been featured in Fortune, Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

• The Great Courses is a highly popular series of university-level lectures crafted and delivered by top professors and experts. Designed to meet the demand for lifelong learning and to change the way people think about the world, The Great Courses currently offers more than 350 courses in a range of video and audio formats including DVD, CD, and digital downloads.

Courses span over 5,000 hours of content across ten subject categories: science and mathematics, history, fine arts and music, religion and theology, philosophy and intellectual history, literature and English language, business and economics, better living, professional, and high school. Since 1990, over 10 million courses have been sold around the world.

Marquis Vodka. Stylish and sophisticated

Marquis Vodka is stylish and it is sophisticated. It comes in a rather special bottle. No descriptions would do it justice, save to say that it consists of some rather special colours and a mirrored effect.

The bottle bears the inscription: "Nulli Secundus" which is, as I expected, is Latin for second to none.

Having tasted this rather special Polish Private Label Vodka, all I can say with confidence is that Second to None is probably a pretty accurate description for Marquis Vodka.

It's 80 Proof, 40% alcohol and is a 100% neutral spirits vodka. The bottle points out that it is made from "exceptional rye grain" and fully born out by the taste of this vodka which, it has to be said, is also pretty exceptional.

The taste is redolent of Polish nobility, of princes, princesses, kings and queens, of palace parties and of dashing Polish Cavalry Officers.

It is wickedly smooth, with a clean, crisp taste that is deceptively easy to drink. It's perfect by itself, although it works very well with Cola (your author's favourite is Royal Crown Cola) or as a very useful ingredient in many cocktails which will make it a firm favourite this Christmas and New Year.

It is available at discerning outlets nationwide and also at www.thedrinkshop.com at a price of £28.99. But the clever advice is to get at least two bottle in, perhaps more. Or you will risk running out very, very quickly, indeed!

Here is a cocktail that you can try:

Marquis vodka
50ml passion fruit puree
10ml vanilla syrup
10ml kaffir-infused simple sugar syrup

15ml egg white

 

Shake all ingredients in a Boston shaker, double strain into chilled champagne coupé and garnish with a floating slice of passion fruit.

Making cocktails this Christmas season? Make sure the answer is 1870!

Available to buy in Waitrose and priced at a very modest 89p for a 1 litre bottle, 1870 Mixers are the ultimate soft drink for a touch of luxury at home without a hefty price tag! 1870 Mixers can be enjoyed on their own over ice, or as the finest accompaniment to alcohol.

1870 are excited to announce the transformation of their classic mixer range, complete with exquisite flavours from around the world to compliment their pure Kentish spring water.

All of 1870’s seven varieties are made with pure spring water, bottled at source in Kent's Garden of England to deliver optimum taste and refreshment, in keeping with the brand’s heritage as a Great British mixer.

1870 have endeavoured to source the finest natural ingredients from around the world, to ensure a perfectly cosmopolitan blend of flavours. From Lemonade blended with Argentinian lemon oil and Ginger Ale made with fiery African ginger, to crisp Tonic created from the finest Brazilian essential oils, 1870 mixers have all been expertly blended using premium ingredients to deliver optimum taste. The range of seven variants can be enjoyed on their own as a refreshing drink, or as the finest accompaniment to alcohol. (EDITOR: And there's real Quinine in the Tonic Water!)

1870 are the original premium British mixers and the ultimate drink for entertaining, a special occasion, or simply relaxing of an evening. Grab a tall glass, plenty of ice and a dash of alcohol if you wish, for an exquisite taste sensation every night of the week.

For details visit www.1870mixers.co.uk

Available in 7 varieties – Tonic Water, Tonic Water Light, Soda Water, Bitter Lemon, Lemonade, Lemonade Light and Ginger Ale

Available in selected Waitrose stores nationwide, as well as all good independent and wholesale stores.

·         1870 is made by Silver Spring, one of the UKs largest independent soft drinks manufacturers. Founded in Folkestone , Kent in 1870. (EDITOR: Hence the 1870 name!)

·         All varieties are made with pure spring water from the Silver Spring in Kent .

·         Cocktails served at the ‘Around the World with 1870’ launch event were expertly blended with the following premium spirit brands: Crystal Head Vodka, Teichenne Kiwi, Four Roses Bourbon, Teichenne Raspberry, El Dorado 7, Teichenne Peach, El Dorado, Teichenne Apple, Goldschlager.

EDITOR: What about the all important question? Which is: What do they taster like? Extremely good. They compliment the spirit/s you are mixing them with, without overpowering the taste of the spirits, yet are strong enough to be ideal for serving chilled, as they come, over ice for a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink.)