Non-tipsy cocktails for Christmas

As Christmas comes nearer, the planning of lunches and Yuletide and New Year celebrations with family and friends commences. With an exciting and flavourful range of premium organic soft drinks, Luscombe has something for every occasion and every taste, from elegant alternatives to alcohol to delicious additions to mocktails and cocktails. 

All of Luscombe's drinks can be purchased online from www.luscombe.co.uk.

Cranberry Crush

A festive favourite, vivid Cranberry Crush is a wonderful accompaniment to traditional roast turkey but also guaranteed to make a statement on any drinks table.  Using the best organic cranberries combined with Madagascan vanilla, it has a hint of caramel from Damascene rose water which rounds the crisp sharpness of the berries.  Available in a box of 12 x 27cl, £21.30.

Damascene Rose Bubbly

Raise a toast with a flute of chilled organic Damascene Rose Bubbly, an elegant alternative to Champagne. Gently effervescent and delicately fragranced with a distinct yet subtle flavour, Damascene rose water is married with organic Muscat grape juice and Sicilian lemon and is part of Luscombe's no added raw cane sugar range.  Delightful served at Christmas gatherings paired with canapés, it is available in a box of 12 x 27cl, £21.30 or 6 x 74cl, £22.00.

Hot Ginger Beer

With warmth and spice, Luscombe's authentic Hot Ginger Beer is a popular choice during the festive season. A classic winter warmer which packs some punch, organic Hot Ginger Beer is crafted using only the best organic Peruvian fresh root ginger, Sicilian lemons and carbonated Dartmoor spring water, giving it a distinctive yet not overpowering heat. Available in a box of 12 x 27cl, £21.30.

Ginger Beer Gift Set

Searching for a gift or stocking filler for a spice lover, Luscombe's Ginger Beer Gift Set includes four 27cl bottles made up of their famed Hot, Cool and Passionate Ginger Beers.  The organic Cool Ginger Beer is just as complex in taste as the punchier organic Hot Ginger Beer but boasts a subtler warmth. While the intriguing organic Passionate Ginger Beer brings together the heat, spice and full body of a ginger beer with the sweetness of organic passion fruit juice - resulting in a luxurious twist on a Luscombe classic. The Ginger Beer Gift Set is available to buy from luscombe.co.uk, £12.99.

With the help of master mixologist Louis Xavier Lewis-Smith, Luscombe has created two seasonal cocktail recipes, 'Open Fire' and 'The Sicilian', perfect for wowing guests this festive season.

Cocktail Recipes

Open Fire

Ingredients

35ml Hattiers Resolute Navy Strength Rum 

15ml Chestnut Liqueur

15ml freshly squeezed lime

15ml runny honey 

Top with Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer

Garnish - Lime wheel

Suggested glass - Rocks or tumbler 

Method

Combine the first four ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 

After a good shake to dissolve the honey, strain into an ice-filled tumbler and top with Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer. 

Garnish with a chunky lime wheel.  

The Sicilian

Ingredients

35ml Devon Distillery SloeD 

20ml Campari 

20ml sweet vermouth 

Top with Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade 

Garnish - Clove-studded orange peel

Suggested glass - Rocks / tumbler 

Method

Stud a long slice of orange peel with cloves. Don't be shy with the cloves. 

Put the sloe gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice and stir for a good 15 seconds. 

Strain into a rocks glass with the studded orange and lots of ice, and top with Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade. 

Give the drink one last little stir for luck and to get the cloves working.  

Luscombe crafts a range of organic fruit juices, crushes, bubblies, tonic waters and mixers plus a traditional organic Devon cider.  They have been producing beautifully crafted drinks on a farm in Devon since 1975 with founder and owner, Gabriel David, having become renowned for his pursuit of perfection and no compromise approach to creating an elegant and multi award-winning range of drinks that use the very finest organic ingredients and Dartmoor spring water.  Follow Luscombe on Twitter: @luscombedrinks, Instagram: luscombedrinks or 'Like' on Facebook.   

Cherish Christmas memories with the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

You can truly cherish family and friends this Christmas with a gorgeous, highly desirable Bonne Maman Advent Calendar – the 24 doors offer 23 mini jars of exclusive seasonal flavours of delicious jam - each one different - along with two very special surprise gifts on day one and day 24.

This year's Advent Calendar features a joyful creation of a Christmas carousel centred around a snowy Christmas tree laden with decorations and gifts. 

The first 23 doors each hide an adorable mini jar of jam or marmalade, every one offering an exclusive fruit variety or unique flavour combination created especially for Christmas 2022.

The perfect way to say Joyeux Noël to loved ones during the holiday season, the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar starts the Christmas countdown with an additional little present on day one and then on Christmas Eve another perfect mini gift behind door 24 to usher in the big day itself.

Each day offers a new, delectable and seasonal taste sensation to enjoy at every breakfast or tea over the Christmas period. Delight in finding a 30g mini jar of White Nectarine & Peach with Lemon Verbena? Or perhaps Pear with Cocoa Nibs? 

Or perhaps discover a new favourite with Chestnut & Orange with Spices? Apricot with Bergamot? or Strawberry & Star Anise?  The empty jars can also be saved and upcycled into pretty Christmas decorations or stocking filler treats for Christmas day itself.

The Bonne Maman Advent Calendar is available to order from September online at www.bonnemaman.co.uk  at £25.99 + p&p. The calendar will also be available from Ocado, Booths, Fenwick and WH Smith plus other selected specialist stores. 

 

That's Christmas: Superb Christmas Drinks for Every Occasion from Ha...

That's Christmas: Superb Christmas Drinks for Every Occasion from Ha...: Served neat, over ice or to create delicious festive cocktails perfect for the party season, the UK's first B Corp certified rum, Hattie...

Luxury Hot Sauce Brand Chilli No. 5 Wins 6 Great Taste Awards

Chilli No. 5, the world's leading luxury hot sauce purveyor, is pleased to announce that they have won an incredible six 2022 Great Taste Awards.

Great Taste is the world's largest and most trusted food and drinks accreditation scheme, with a coveted Great Taste Award providing a highly respected seal of approval.

Chilli No. 5 garnered a 1-star Great Taste Award for its hot and spicy Jamaican Jerk hot sauce, Chinese Hot & Sour spicy stir fry hot sauce, Pizza Pizzaz gourmet chilli oil, Devilish Dijon hot mustard sauce, and Heavenly Harissa. Chilli No. 5's hot and fiery Chilli Flakes scooped a coveted 2-star Great Taste Award.

Products at the Great Taste Awards are put through a rigorous judging process and blind-tasted by a panel of more than 500 experts, including chefs, buyers, food writers, and retailers, ensuring only the very finest are given Great Taste's seal of approval.

The products are judged on taste, texture, appearance, and quality of ingredients, with 1-Star, 2-Star, or 3-Star Awards up for grabs. A 1-Star Great Taste Award means that the product is “simply delicious”, delivering fantastic flavour. A 2-Star Great Taste Award means a product is deemed “outstanding” and is above and beyond delicious, while a 3-Star Great Taste Award means a product is considered “exquisite.”

The Great Taste Awards join a growing list of accolades Chilli No. 5 has won since launching in 2020, including seven awards at the 2022 Farm Shop and Deli Show.

“Our six Great Taste Awards prove Chilli No. 5 offers some of the world's best luxury hot sauces,” said Rumble Romagnoli, CEO and founder of Chilli No. 5. “These awards are due to our unwavering commitment to creating the world's finest healthy hot sauces, made from the very best ingredients, and our team's dedication to creating innovative hot sauces that pair beautifully with just about any cuisine on the planet.”

2022 Great Taste Award-Winning Hot Sauces

Jamaican Jerk

Chilli No. 5's lip-smacking Jamaican Jerk luxury hot sauce embodies the flavours of the Caribbean, infused with spicy Scotch bonnet peppers for a truly authentic taste of Jamaica. It's an ideal marinade for meats, seafood, and vegetables, adding incredible depth of flavour.

Chinese Hot & Sour

Chinese Hot & Sour offers an authentic taste of the Orient and is an ideal accompaniment to a wide range of Asian-inspired dishes. This healthy hot sauce is packed with roasted tomatoes, red peppers, onions, Szechuan peppers, and sweet caramelised pineapples.  

Pizza Pizzaz

Their award-winning Pizza Pizzaz chilli oil is a refined oil infused with a beautiful array of ingredients, including garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Chilli No. 5's exclusive five chilli blend. Perfect drizzled on pizza, pasta, and grilled meats and seafood.

Devilish Dijon

Devilish Dijon is a tasty hot and spicy mustard sauce made with the finest ingredients. It is designed to enhance a wide selection of savoury dishes, perfect with a juicy steak or a selection of cold cuts.

Heavenly Harissa

Chilli No. 5's Heavenly Harissa is a gorgeous North African-inspired healthy hot sauce filled with roasted red peppers, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. This tasty hot sauce's beautiful smoky flavour makes it perfect for BBQs or as a tasty dipping sauce.

Chilli Flakes

Finally, their incredible selection of Chilli Flakes, made from the world's hottest peppers, adds incredible heat to soups, stews, curries, meats, vegetables, and seafood. But, use with caution – these are for serious chilli connoisseurs only!

https://chilli-no5.com. 

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Top award-winning doughnut and ice-cream businesses teams up for doorstep deliveries by Tilly

Three award-winning Derbyshire businesses have joined together in a partnership to bring tasty treats direct to hungry people across the nation.

Bluebells Dairy and Project D are working with personalised gifting company Colleague Box as they launch their latest venture; a self-powered gifting trailer that can visit your home or place of work.

From September the Colleague Box van, dubbed 'Tilly the Trailer' will be available for local deliveries, for businesses wanting to reward employees, and also households in the region who fancy a sumptuous snack that's made in Derby.

The award-winning company operated by husband-and-wife team Adam and Natalie Bamford are also offering corporate deliveries of Project D's delicious doughnuts nationwide, with an option to add your own branding to each doughnut.

Colleague Box CEO Natalie Bamford said: “We're really excited about being able to offer Project D doughnuts in our gift boxes now, and then both the doughnuts and Bluebells ice-cream will be available to purchase via app Deliveroo and delivered, once she's up and running, by Tilly our trailer. Both are iconic Derby brands who we have a lot of respect for.”

The collaboration came about after all three businesses, plus Darley Abbey Wines and fruit liquor company Hogg Norton, were invited to the Houses of Parliament by MPs Pauline Latham and Amanda Solloway, to exhibit their good in Westminster as part of 'Derbyshire Day'.

Natalie says this collaboration is yet another way of diversifying what Colleague Box has to offer clients, following their recent foray into selling flower bouquets and plants. 

She said: “Visiting the Houses of Parliament with Colleague Box was surreal and another milestone for us and our business.

“Going from a startup business created in our spare room to showcasing it in London was definitely a 'pinch me' moment!

“A number of companies I met are practically on our doorstep; like Colleague Box, Project D and Bluebells Dairy are based in Spondon. Finding out more about their journeys and building connections with them was very beneficial.

“Part of the Colleague Box mission is to grow responsibly and sustainably and, where possible, we aim to work with local suppliers, too”

Husband Adam is excited about taking their trailer to new places and bringing the gifting experience to different workplaces in the UK.

He said: “We're thrilled and excited about launching our new service and we're absolutely over the moon to have Project D and Bluebells Dairy onboard, too.

“Colleague Box has a five-star food hygiene rating – this was one of the requirements needed to enable us to sell our boxes via Deliveroo. And now, with our state-of-the-art trailer, we can provide companies with everything they require for an event including draught beer and cocktails, stone-baked pizzas and merchandise, too.

“If the past couple of years has taught us anything, it's that we really missed getting together during COVID. More than ever, milestones are being celebrated; work anniversaries, sporting events and historic occasions like the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

“Tilly is quite something. If there's no room at your place of work, we can fit our gifting experience into a meeting room or whatever space is available within your premises.

“We can then tailor gifts to be taken away or enjoyed on-site. It's an excellent way for companies to reward employees' accomplishments. We're really excited about Tilly and our collaboration with Bluebells and Project D.”

To find out more, visit www.colleaguebox.co.uk or connect on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

 

English Cheesecake Company Announce Violife Partnership

Top cheesecake producer, the English Cheesecake Company, has announced an exciting and exclusive partnership with the leaders in the plant-based dairy alternatives, Violife.

Following a recipe reformulation, English Cheesecake Company has integrated Violife's Creamy Original Flavour across their vegan-friendly cheesecake range. 

Comprising of Double Chocolate Cookies & Cream, Vanilla Cheesecake with Lotus Biscoff and the company's newly launched Salted Caramel Cheesecake Sundaes, the dairy-free line up has been highly commended by customers who claim “you can't tell it's vegan” and “it tastes just as smooth and creamy as a regular cheesecake”.

Formulated with coconut oil and enriched with vitamin B12, Violife's smooth, creamy vegan alternative to cream cheese lends itself very well to English Cheesecake Company's signature crunchy biscuit base and extremely indulgent flavour combinations.

Josh Laurier, who holds the post of Operations Director at English Cheesecake Company says: "Violife are at the forefront of vegan alternative innovation, so we're absolutely thrilled and delighted they chose to partner with us on reformulating our vegan cheesecake products.

When our NPD team brought me the new cheesecakes to try, I genuinely couldn't tell the difference with our regular product, that's how good they are! These vegan-friendly cheesecakes taste so deliciously creamy. Now customers wanting a dairy alternative know they don't have to compromise on taste!”

Victoria Slater, who is the Head of Violife UK & Ireland is very pleased to join forces with the English Cheesecake Company in what is the brand's first retail partnership: “Violife wants to show consumers what we eat can make a significant positive impact on our world, by making the simple change from dairy cheese. 

We're so proud to be working with the English Cheesecake Company, meaning consumers who are looking for an indulgent vegan dessert can change their cheese without compromising on their favourite cheesecake flavours.”

English Cheesecake Company's vegan-friendly Salted Caramel Cheesecake Sundaes are available to purchase in-store and online at Sainsbury's now, with the cheesecake twin slices launching in the next couple of months. 

English Cheesecake Company Double Chocolate Cookies & Cream Cheesecake (Twin Slice) 214g (£3.75)

English Cheesecake Company Smooth Vanilla Cheesecake with Lotus Biscoff (Twin Slice) 213g (£3.75)

English Cheesecake Company Salted Caramel Cheesecake Sundaes 2x90g pots (£3.75)

(Editor: Lotus Biscoff? Sign me up for that!)

Lotus Biscoff Chocolate Bar lands at Co-op

Lotus Biscoff lovers (such as myself!) can now get their caramelised biscuity fixes in chocolate form.

Why? because Lotus Biscoff's Milk Chocolate Biscoff Cream bar will officially be landing in 500 Co-op stores across the country from  today,August 15th.

It's a chocolate bar with a twist, the Lotus Biscoff bar features the iconic smooth Lotus Biscoff spread encased within a creamy Belgian milk chocolate shell that's lovingly speckled with crunchy Lotus Biscoff biscuit pieces. A flavour combination that you just will not be able to resist. 

What's not to love about the concept of a delicious Belgian chocolate bar with the unique caramelised taste and crunchiness of the iconic little red Lotus Biscoff biscuit? Get down to your nearest Co-op now to try it for yourself!

And word has it that more flavours will be coming soon, so look out for them!

Lotus Biscoff Milk Chocolate Bar with Biscoff Cream 180g will cost £2.80.

Bax Botanics Achieve Masters of Malt Listing With New Premium Alcohol-Free RTDs

From sourcing organic and ethically grown botanicals, to only using sustainable and recycled materials during production, everything is designed by nature with the idea of inspiring connection with the natural world. 

The combination of herbs, berries, roots and botanicals are used to create complex flavours that make them the perfect substitute for boozy, sugary ready-to-drinks this summer. As the NoLo sector grows and grows, the new RTDs are perfect for those who seek balance without compromising on taste or quality.

Each of Bax Botanics's non-alcohol distilled spirits have a unique recipe that brings a number of different botanicals together to create a complex and nuanced character. Every botanical is distilled in one of three three stills - Ebenezer, Hephzibah & Edith – each named after a Bax family member with a unique connection to the business.

Smooth Sea Buckthorn & Tonic: Sea Buckthorn is mellow and fruity when distilled. It's the perfect compliment to the quinine in tonic, and the orange, rosemary and spice lends to a flavourful experience, heightened with an orange peel twist garnish for a really luxe, 'at the bar' experience. Expertly blended by Rose and Chris Bax, this tipple is crafted to be the perfect digestif - post food, with the herbs and botanicals designed to create a relaxed, content feeling. 

Food pairing: Barbequed pineapple, salty snacks, spicy street food, cold meat platters. 

Perfect for: Fans of Copperhead, Monkey 47, Opihr Gin, digestif fans.

Zingy Lemon Verbena & Tonic: Lemon stimulates the senses and gets the taste buds going - therefore it is the perfect ingredient for an aperitif, pre-food. The invigorating taste of Lemon Verbena is quintessentially English Garden - delicious! Subtle mint, fennel and florals come through too for a real summer meadow experience - perfectly served chilled, over ice with a slice of cucumber. 

Perfect for: Fans of the classic citrussy G&T, Hendricks, or Bombay Sapphire, those looking for a super luxe booze-free alternative. 

Food pairing:  Salads, fish and seafood, smoked salmon and cucumber, sour cream and chives.

Rose Bax, Founder of Bax Botanics said: "We created our canned serves to make exploring alcohol-free, distilled drinks even easier for everyone. More and more people are seeking out the highest quality and the most unique flavours in their RTDs. We hope we're serving up a little bit of luxury for the summer for those who want to enjoy a special treat at picnics, barbeques or road trips.”

Zingy Lemon Verbena - £28.80 for 12 cans.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/pre_bottled-cocktails/bax-botanics/bax-botanics-zingy-lemon-verbena-and-tonic-12-x-250ml-pre-bottled-cocktails/?srh=1 

Sea Buckthorn - £28.80 for 12 cans.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/pre_bottled-cocktails/bax-botanics/bax-botanics-smooth-sea-buckthorn-and-tonic-12-x-250ml-pre-bottled-cocktails/?srh=1  

https://www.baxbotanics.com - 'designed by nature'

Devon Cove Opens Pop-Up Tasting Room in Kingsbridge

Should you be in hailing distance of Kingsbridge, please do be aware that Devon Cove has launched ap Pop-Up Tasting Room in Kingsbridge.

Top-selling and award-winning spirits brand Devon Cove has recently opened 'The Tasting Room' in Kingsbridge where visitors to the town will have the chance to sip on their deliciously smooth potato vodka and liqueurs, meet the producer and even have a go at making cocktails. Creative cocktails will also be served at the pop-up tasting room, too.

'The Tasting Room' has opened on Kingsbridge High Street for the entire month of August with masterclasses available to book on to on August 17th and 18th. Book online (£40 per head) at www.devoncove.co.uk.

Leanne Carr, who is the founder of Cove Vodka, says: “I've been wanting to offer more opportunities for people to taste our products so I pounced on the chance to use this fabulous space in Kingsbridge. 

"We're so looking forward to sharing our products and our story. If you haven't tried Devon potato vodka yet, you really must! This is vodka but it's absolutely not as you know it.”

Devon Cove creates an exceptionally tasty vodka using only King Edward potatoes which are lovingly grown on their family farm which overlook Hope Cove, a mere few miles away. 

It's the only potato vodka to be produced in the county of Devon, it's as pure and clean as the sea air around it and uniquely smooth to the taste. 

Visitors can be able to give it a try, alongside some other award winning products such as their divinely fruity Cove Damson Liqueur, rich and velvety Cove Coffee Liqueur and their brilliantly successful cocktail kits. 

Leanne's family have been growing potatoes in the area for over half a century, but it was only relatively recently Leanne thought up the idea of turning the crop into something with just a little more kick than chips!

Since their launch in 2019 they've gone from strength-to-strength, literally! They've managed to snaffle bagged a number of high profile awards, expanded the range of liqueurs (with more on the way, too!) and launched a cocktail club subscription service so you need never be without a good cocktail at home. 

Leanne has become somewhat of a master mixologist and looks forward to sharing her expertise with customers throughout the month of August. 

Cove Vodka and Cove Liqueurs and Cove Cocktail Kits, are available to purchase online at www.devoncove.co.uk. Nationwide delivery is available. 

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