Category: Cocktails

Sitting outside on a warm, summers afternoon is the perfect time to try Pineau des Charentes. Made in the cognac producing region of France, newly distilled eau de vie is mixed with grape juice before being aged. The result is a wonderfully fresh, fruity flavour and with an abv of 17 – 18%, it is perfect for every occasion. Serve cold as an aperitif, or a dessert wine, or if you’re looking for a longer drink, it is the ideal base for a summer cocktail – try our Pineau Royale recipe for something truly sumptuous or the Citrus Spritz made with Grapefruit and… Read more

Gin & Tonic has been around since the days of The Raj and nowadays is often drunk as a precursor to dinner.  But tonic goes well with a number of spirits so this summer is a good time to try something different.  How about a simple cognac & tonic?  It is such a delicious, refreshing libation to enjoy. ~ Cognac & Tonic Mix three parts tonic water with one part cognac. Serve over ice in a red wine glass with a slice of lemon. ~ And if that is to your liking, you can always replace the cognac with calvados to make Calvados & Tonic. This month… Read more

Today Thursday, 20th October, is World Calvados Day.  If you would like to try this fabulous French apple brandy how about making something different?  Calvados and tonic is France’s answer to the G&T and is a staple in Normandy.  Although traditionally served chilled, it is just as fabulous with heaps of ice, a ton of tonic and a simple lemon twist producing a drink that’s “A little bitter and sweet, refreshing and bright”. INGREDIENTS Serving: 1 50 ml Calvados tonic water, to top Garnish: lemon twist DIRECTIONS Pour the Calvados into a Burgundy glass over ice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with a… Read more

Negroni Week was originally scheduled to take place on 12-18 September brand but it will now take place in the UK on 3-9 October 2022.  The aperitivo brand, Campari, put all marketing activities in the UK on hold in the days following the Queen’s death on 8 September, including the week-long annual celebration of the Italian cocktail. Brad Madigan, managing director, commented “Whilst it felt appropriate to postpone Negroni Week in the UK, out of respect for Her Majesty the Queen, we are looking forward to being able to celebrate the landmark occasion of the 10-year anniversary with lovers of this cocktail across the country.” … Read more

Ingredients: 6 large eggs, separated ¾ cup of caster sugar 2 cups of whole milk 3 cups of double cream ½ cup of bourbon, ¼ cup of dark rum, ¼ cup of cognac Freshly grated nutmeg for sprinkling Method: Beat the egg yolks together in a large bowl until they become thickened and pale in colour. Then slowly beat in the sugar, followed by whisking in the milk and 2 cups of the cream. Gently mix in the bourbon, rum and cognac. Cover and place in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, beat the egg whites to stiff… Read more