8 Cannes Film Festival Inspired Cocktails To Try

Come with us to the South of France for the summer, soaking up the glitzy French Riviera, as the arrival of the Cannes Film Festival, each year, truly signals the start of the summertime! Now, in its 77th edition, but still retaining its glamorous edge, the Festival was originally set up to rival the International Venice Film Festival and takes place for two weeks annually in May - it attracts the international glitterati, plus there is lots of sun, sea and fun to experience whilst traipsing up and down the famous La Croisette promenade at Cannes, hoping to see and be seen!

If you are able to book a flight and obtain a ticket to this prized event for the summer, there are free open air evening film screenings at the Beach Cinema that are also available for the public to watch. You can expect to see Hollywood stars for the 77th edition, with Meryl Streep being a guest of honour at the opening ceremony - also director Greta Gerwig, of Barbie fame, heads up the jury and the opening night film will be the comedy The Second Act from French director, Quentin Dupieux starring Léa Seydoux (previously seen in the James Bond film No Time To Die). Judith Godrèche’s short film Moi Aussi (Me Too) will appear at the Un Certain Regard programme’s opening ceremony, with Canadian director Xavier Dolan as the chair of this programme’s jury.

You might be wondering why we’re just focusing on a French film festival, but, did you know that not only does the Cannes Film Festival have official wine and sprits suppliers, such as Campari and Rémy Cointreau, but there are also many cocktail parties occurring throughout the festival? Starting with the exclusive opening night cocktail do, there are many after parties, dinners and drinks events each night of the festival as cocktails, wine and films truly make great pairings! The Carlton Hotel on the Croisette and other venues are known to create special Cannes Film Festival cocktails as part of the excitement for the festival. 

Sometimes, there might even be new celebrity drinks’ launches too at Cannes – Brad Pitt launched his French Riviera inspired gin, The Gardener Gin, at the Carlton Hotel during the 76th Cannes Film Festival!  However, if you are not visiting the French Riviera for the festival but still wish to experience some of the luxury, and have that excuse to dress up, then we’ve got you covered with our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection of gorgeous cocktails to try in some beautiful cocktail bars or to make at home (or at your accommodation in between film screenings), the choice is yours!

Birdcage

Nestled within an art deco setting in the stylish Palm Court restaurant of the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, the Birdcage cocktail is representative of the hotel’s history and is also inspired by Charles Beaker’s ‘Jigger, Beaker and Glass’ and ‘Knife, Fork and Spoon’ books. Legend states that the cocktail’s name is in memory of the fact that birds nestled within the eaves of the bar’s roof! That sounds cosy to us and rather apt for a film script, you heard it here first! The cocktail is served within a bird shaped glass and is actually presented in a gilded birdcage to add to the magic of these gorgeous surroundings to make you feel every bit the film star! Created by Salman Ullah and designed to recreate that golden era of travel, it is a tart but soft, well blended cocktail with the botanicals from the gin providing that extra flavour and an orange peel garnish as the bird’s tail. Featuring Melifera gin, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sage honey and lavender bitters, this cocktail will transport you to the French coast as the French Melifera gin is inspired by the Immortelle flower from an island on the French Atlantic coast!

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

Tot & Voltaire

A visit to the underground Hokus Pokus bar, in London’s King’s Cross area, unveils an air of mysticism with a steam punk vibe which resembles a sci-fi film setting and is so gorgeous that it will take your breath away! Its focus on creativity within mixology will leave you feeling like a guest of honour at a magical drinks lab! Trust us, this bar has that wow factor and amongst its potions is the Tot & Voltaire cocktail, which contains peach infused Black Tot Carabian Blend Rum, white vermouth, green apple and Xin and Voltaire Aurelie Sorbet. The Xin and Voltaire sorbet provides that deliciously creamy sensation within this refreshing, citrus cocktail and is a French brand offering a frozen whisky cocktail. The added wow comes as Tot & Voltaire is served with a complementary  Molecular Sphere of house made orange potion and caviar of pomegranate. This cocktail will provide that ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your evening within an innovative bar!

Price: £18
Address: The Megaro Hotel, 1 Belgrove Street Underneath, London WC1H 8AB
Website: https://www.hokuspokus.co.uk/menu

Peach Bamboo

Step inside the downstairs bar of the multi-level Dram Bar as a new addition to the London cocktail bar scene which opened in November 2023. Using sustainable ingredients within its cocktails, the Peach Bamboo created by Chris Tanner is a tasty fusion of fruit from the naturally fermented peach alongside Tio Pepe, Carpano Bianco and the renowned French St Germain Elderflower Liqueur. This is a twist on the classic Bamboo Cocktail with that distinct flavour of the vermouth and the fino sherry combining to create a refreshing and light profile to tantalise your taste buds. Its elegant, luxurious taste will evoke that Mediterranean desire and you can even sit outside on the terrace to enjoy the Peach Bamboo or indulge in a game of pool, there are many options at Dram Bar!

Price: £14
Address: 7 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LZ
Website: https://www.drambar.co.uk/

Royal Vesper

This is a sparkling cocktail developed in the glamorous Sheraton Grand London’s Palm Court restaurant and has film star history carved into it! The Royal Vesper is an adaptation of the Vesper cocktail of James Bond fame from Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel, and the subsequent films, and is named after Bond’s first love. This cocktail contains gin, of course, Sauvelle Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Supasawa, lavender syrup and champagne for that truly French connection! Tangy and fruity like a rosé champagne cocktail with a dried lime garnish, its balanced but strong flavour profile holds its own against savoury snacks such as rice crackers and wasabi.

Price: £20
Address: Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/longr-sheraton-grand-london-park-lane/dining/

French Riviera 

Of course, this French Riviera cocktail is aptly named for our selection and it was created in a cocktail class at TT Liquor Bar (now known as TT) in Shoreditch, London. Its inspiration comes from the South of France and also a classic cocktail bearing the same name, which was created by head bartender Tom Byrne in 2015 at the former Charlotte’s Bistro in Chiswick. Its ingredients include Hennessy and honey with the French Cognac depicting the South of France’s charm and the honey providing the sweetness to the palate. The French Riviera is a refreshing citrus blend that you can re-create at home to take out in to the garden and showcase your cocktail making flair!

Ingredients
40ml Hennessy
15ml White Rum
15ml Lemon Juice
1 Spoonful of Apricot Jam
1 Spoonful of Runny Honey

Method
Add the cognac, rum and lemon juice to your cocktail shaker.
Add a big spoonful of apricot jam and a big spoonful of the honey to the mixture and stir all ingredients vigorously.
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes and shake hard for approximately 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture in to a glass and add new ice cubes.
Add a dehydrated orange slice to garnish.

You can also pop in to TT, as it has a cinema and a shop, and you can be taken downstairs to its renowned Cellar Bar and visit its caverns and indulge in more cocktails! Presently, there is a hip hop inspired cocktail menu  for music lovers, where the delicious Liquid Swords cocktail can be sampled. This blend of Hennessy, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, maraschino and Moët champagne, sounds sweet but as it is connected to the rapper GZA and the 1995 Liquid Swords album it will definitely surprise many! This cocktail will appeal to Kir Royale lovers with its sweet and sour profile and don’t forget to keep the music pumping!

Price: £14 (Liquid Swords)
Address: 17B Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA
Website: https://tt-london.co.uk/cocktail-bar-shoreditch/

French Garden

Here’s another French based cocktail that you could make at home to capture that French Riviera glamour.  The French Garden cocktail was created by Raphaelle Chaize, who is the Beverage Expert at Giffard. Giffard is a recognised French liqueur and syrups specialist and its rhubarb liqueur features within this cocktail and offsets the lemon juice perfectly to create a nicely tangy blend.

The French Garden is a light tasting cocktail, that is not overly sweet, and the sparkling wine adds that extra kick to this concoction. This will be an ideal cocktail for those balmy, late summer evenings, whilst dancing to Europop classics, and will appeal to fans of the classic French 75 cocktail.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon pink berries
20ml Melifera Gin
20ml Giffard Rhubarb Liqueur
15ml Lemon Juice
10ml Honey Syrup
Champagne/ Crémant to top

Method
Crush the pink berries in the cocktail shaker and combine with the honey syrup.
Add all of the ingredients, save for the champagne, into a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the two thirds level. Shake the mixture vigorously for approximately 7 to 10 seconds.
Strain into a chilled glass and top with a champagne or crémant float 

Bees Knees

As you sit by the beach or else on a party boat cruising up and down the Côte d’Azur or perhaps you might be indoors preparing for an al fresco summer party, you can quickly prepare the Bees Knees cocktail to add a sting to your plan!  This cocktail uses the French Melifera gin, honey water and lemon juice – it really is as simple as that!  The lemon and honey provide a sharply sweet contrast as a refreshing flavour against the juniper taste within the gin. This will be the ideal cocktail to make and bring to an outdoor cinema screening, on the beach or elsewhere! Bees Knees will pair perfectly with some mackerel based canapés or sliders!

Ingredients
50 ml of Melifera gin 
10 ml of lemon juice 
15 ml of honey water (a spoonful of honey diluted in hot water)

Method
Pour all of the ingredients into a shaker. Add ice cubes and shake the ingredients vigorously. Pour the cocktail through a sieve in to a glass and serve. 

Clarendelle Rosé Spritz

French rosé wine truly epitomises that essence of the French Riviera and its lifestyle as well as being that renowned pale pink Provençal style of rosé, which hails from the South of France. Clarendelle Rosé also neatly falls in to our selection and flexes its wine muscles as it was a wine partner for the Oscars film awards! Domaine Clarence Dillon is Clarendelle’s family company and supplied all of the wines for the awards ceremony. But, as we are talking about cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a rosé spritz- make it yourself or opt for a Cannes specialty of a rosé and champagne cocktail near the Croisette! This rosé spritz is intended to evoke that special spark for your dining experience, it is sensual, not overly sweet and the added presence of bubbles amplifies that sense of occasion! The fruitiness of the rosé is not diluted within this cocktail and pairs well with the elderflower as that match made in Heaven! A twist on a Hugo Rosé Spritz and a French Spritz, you can indulge in this well balanced cocktail before an afternoon of retail therapy! 

Ingredients
25 ml Giffard Elderflower Syrup or St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
75 ml Clarendelle Rosé wine 
1 tablespoon lemon juice
50ml Champagne/ crémant to top 
Splash of sparkling water to top
Mint leaves (if required)
Add lime wedge garnish (if required)

Method
Mix the rosé wine, elderflower syrup and fresh lemon juice and gently stir.
Add ice cubes to a glass and pour in the rosé mixture. Top with champagne/ crémant. Add sparkling water (or elderflower flavoured tonic water) to taste, as a float.
Stir all of the ingredients.
Garnish each glass with mint and lime wedges, if required.

As we like to spoil you, we have one more addition to our Cannes Film Festival inspired selection! For that extra special French luxury treat which will lavish you with that royal treatment and wrap you up in its effervescence in Cannes or at home, you just can’t beat a glass of classic champagne, such as Pommery Brut Royal!

Pommery Brut Royal

An elegant, cool glass of Champagne brings out that excitement in everyone, as the quintessential drink of luxury which instantly conjures up images of being pampered! A flute of Pommery is ideal for those red carpet style moments and celebrations. This Champagne house utilises the traditional method with a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

It is a pale lemon colour non vintage Champagne and those notes of biscuit and brioche are instantly on the nose combined with the green apple and pear aromas. Pommery’s fine, dry but smooth finish ensures that a glass will be perfect as an aperitif for those formal evening events and it will ensure that your night starts on the right notes!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £45 (currently on special offer at £35.99 until 21 May 2024)

Et voilà, these cocktails should conjure up the spirit of the joy of the French Riviera and the glitz of the Cannes Film Festival for you, whether or not you decide to travel to France! Plus, it is the ideal opportunity to try some new cocktail bars and French drinks, which sounds good to us too, during the summer months with or without a film pairing session. There’s no excuse needed really – Santé!

By Latoya Austin

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

Find more info here

Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

Find more info here

Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

Find more info here

Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

Find more info here

Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

Find more info here

Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!

What is the Best Thing to Drink on Aeroplanes?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a holiday starts, but sipping on an in-flight drink whilst cruising above the clouds is a guaranteed way of getting into the mindset. But have you ever noticed any differences in how your favourite drinks taste at 35,000 feet?

Well, you’re not imagining it. The altitude lessens the ability of our senses to detect complexities in flavour, and the pressurised, dry air subdues taste buds, dries out the nose and de-intensifies aroma. It is easy to forget just how much our taste relies on our small, and in the cabin, you may well notice that your favourite aromatic wine on terra firma is unusually shy in the cabin. Did you know that even the loud engines compromise taste, for example!? So, bearing that in mind, how do we drinkers adapt to these conditions and avoid disappointment when the drinks cart comes around?

The key is to opt for bolder, fuller, and more intense flavours, whilst avoiding subtle, more nuances and fragrant drinks. Particularly when it comes to premium aged liquids like older whiskies and wines, the full sensory experience involved in enjoying these is best left till your feet are back on the ground!

When deciding in-flight white wine, you’ll get more out of powerful whites like Chardonnay, Rhone blends, and Viognier-based bottles. For reds, look out for punchy Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah.

Tomato juice is sold in surprisingly huge quantities by airlines, nearly as much as beer in the case of Lufthansa. Research shows that this umami flavour profile may not only avoid the compromise of other tastes, but actually may be enhanced! So, if a Bloody Mary is an option or perhaps savoury gins, then these may taste even better than usual.

One semi-myth of in-flight boozing is that you get drunk quicker. Some say that the pressure change thins the blood, strengthening the effects of any alcohol consumed. What’s more likely however is that the lack of oxygen, dehydration, fairly empty stomach (airports are expensive and plane food’s reputation isn’t the best), limited movement and vacation excitement contributes towards an intoxicated feeling – so there’s some truth to it we suppose. One thing to note; carbonated booze is very popular on flights, and these are absorbed by the body at a faster rate, so if you want to avoid any tipsiness until you reach your destination, maybe steer clear of these.

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!

The Most Beautiful Distilleries to Visit in Cognac

Cognac is a simply stunning part of France that we explore in The Three Drinkers in Cognac. There is so much to see and do and although we’ve covered everything except the drinks in our guide here, it’s now time to cover what the region is most famous for – its distilleries. Let’s begin with some of the amazing locations we visit in the Amazon Prime series!

AS FEATURED IN THE THREE DRINKERS IN COGNAC

Courvoisier

The opening minutes of the first episode sees The Three Drinkers visit Domaine Guilloteau to see the operational production process, a picturesque winery owned by the iconic Courvoisier. The public attraction however is The Maison Courvoisier, the famous 19th-century house in the heart of Jarnac. The 90-minute tour covers the nuances of distillation, ageing and blending, Napoleonic history, local geology, a trip down into the cellars, and of course, a tasting of the delicious end product itself, in VS, VSOP and XO styles.

More information here

Rémy Martin

Not only can the historic Grande Champagne vineyards of Rémy Martin be seen in Episode Three, but also the tasting room of the house and even ‘Paradis’ in Episode Four. Dating back to 1724, it is the only cognac house founded by a winemaker (no prizes for guessing the name) and pioneered the region’s first wine cooperative – Alliance Fine Champagne. Their award-winning visitor experience is varied with plenty of different tour options, from train visits around the elegant estate to the magical Infinity Experience. One thing is certain however, you will see how this legendary liquid is made from grape to glass and you will taste from that glass at the end.

More information here

Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is the other best-known liquid in the area, and Episode Two explores its stunning home – the 17th-century Château de Bourg-Charente. Since 1921, the family has used it to store, age and blend their Cognacs but over the last decade, expansion of the site means it is also where the other most important ingredient in Grand Marnier is distilled – dried orange peel. If you want to know more about this incredible product then watch the show or check out our guide here!

More information here

Audemus Spirits

Episode Four of The Three Drinkers in Cognac shows the charming Audemus Spirits helping Aidy and Helena with their own gin. Famed for its inventive and renowned Pink Pepper gin among others, this one-of-a-kind distillery is also a living room. That’s right, a far cry from the majestic Cognac houses, this is a much smaller operation hence there are no public tours or anything unfortunately. Keep your eyes peeled on the website though for events that do pop up, and to peruse the unique blends Audemus produces.

More information here

MORE BEAUTIFUL VISITS

Au Coeur du Château - VSOP Baron Otard & VSOP D'Ussé

For a visit that combines history and cognac, it doesn’t get much better than the Château Royal de Cognac. Overlooking the stunning Charente, this castle began as a fortress a thousand years ago before evolving into a stately home. Catching the eye of Baron Otard, the site was transformed into a formidable Cognac house. So, not only will you see how the robust castle walls help produce delicious eaux-de-vie, but there are also secret cellars, old prison cells and eye-catching Gothic and Renaissance architecture to keep you entertained.

More information here

Hine

Deep in bustling Jarnac, Hine’s tours have developed a top reputation for clearly explaining the nuances of cognac production in layman’s terms. Not only are they producing some of the most unique cognac blends out there (such as their rum-esque VSOP), but their super engaging, visual and entertaining tour and exhibits leave you knowing the process inside out. They have a few different options when exploring their riverside house at 16 quai de l’Orangerie so just see which suits you best!

More information here

Hennessy Les Visites

Hennessy is another of the Big Four Cognac Houses, and one of the flagship brands of the drink’s cool comeback. The 90-minute tour is the complete package, with audio-visual presentation, art, boat ride, guided tasting with side dishes, ancient cellars and of course, every Hennessy bottle made including one-off rarities. Perched right beside the Charente and with the bridge in the background, you are guaranteed to feel the prestige of Hennessy before you even set foot on dry land.

More information here

If you want more things to do in and around Cognac, check out our other Things to Do here (you’d be amazed at what you can get up to!).

The Weirdest Drink Laws Across The World

We’ve probably all heard of some bizarre law that, for some reason, hasn’t been officially overturned... and when it comes to drinking, it’s no exception! These laws are still technically active and it’s very likely that you’ll have broken this first one – you criminal!

UK - It is illegal to be drunk in a pub!

First up, we have the UK's 1872 Licensing Act, which makes it illegal to be drunk in a pub. Yes, you read that right - it's illegal to be drunk in the place where so many go to do exactly that. The technicality here is that it’s actually illegal to be drunk anywhere, thereby including the pub. The law was meant to encourage moderate drinking, but it’s safe to say in terms of enforcement these days, you’re only really in trouble for ‘drunk and disorderly’ behaviour. And let's be honest, if police were actually arresting drunk people in the pub, most of us would be in trouble!

UK & US - Being drunk in charge of livestock

Diving deeper into the UK 1872 Licensing Act and we found more weird laws! Before you even think about saddling up or herding your livestock into the pen, you better be sober as a judge. This law states that anyone who is drunk while in charge of a carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine or loaded firearm, shall be liable!  To be fair, on the whole, this seems pretty sensible but just know that if someone in your drunk group heads off to their farm whilst everyone else gets a kebab (you never know - it could happen), they might end up breaking the law!

Across the pond in the US, the state of Colorado takes animal riding laws just as seriously. Drinking while on horseback is a big no-no in the state, and anyone caught violating this law could be slapped with a fine or even some jail time!

Bolivia – Married women can only drink one glass of wine at bars!

Next, we have Bolivia's law that prohibits married women from having more than one glass of wine in a restaurant or bar. Apparently, if a woman enjoys more than one glass of wine, she's at risk of becoming too flirtatious! As you’ll see in some of the other laws, the extent to which this sexist law is actually enforced is highly questionable. Any anniversary dinner where the husband reminds their wife of the law after only one glass of wine might just be their last!

Canada - Bartenders can’t infuse their own alcohol!

This is a strange one but yes, in Canada the bartenders can't infuse their own alcohol unless a customer has very specifically requested it, which is surely a loophole often made the most of. Nonetheless, for those taking the law literally, this one's a real buzzkill for all the creative mixologists out there. It massively limits the innovation of signature drinks and Canada's probably missing out on some seriously delicious drinks because of it!

Scotland – You can be fined two beers if you have underwear beneath your kilt!

As a mix of civil and common law, Scottish law is known for being an unusual blend of traditions and old principles throwing up some unusual rules in the process. Famously, the tradition with the iconic kilt is no underwear and if you’re found to be wearing any, you have to buy the person who discovered it two beers. But if someone’s sneaking a peak under your kilt, would you really want to go for a pint with them straight after?!

Germany - Bicycling while drunk

Drunk cycling is taken extremely seriously in Germany, so much so that the authorities can now seize your driver’s license and even order the offender to undergo a medical and psychological evaluation! If you haven’t sobered up by the end of that then you really shouldn’t have been anywhere near the bike in the first place!

Hawaii – No ordering more than one drink at a time!

In the UK, if someone doesn’t get their round in, they might be seen as a bit stingy. But in Hawaii, they would have good reason because they might just end up in a cell! You can only order one drink for yourself, and it can’t be drunk on the beach either. Having done our research, it looks like this may be in the process of being abolished so if anyone is still using it as an excuse for not getting the drinks in on your Hawaiian holiday, catch them out.

Australia – You cannot crush a beer can with your breasts!

Yep, it is illegal to crush beer cans with your breasts. In fact, five years ago a 31 year old barmaid working at a hotel near Perth found herself in court and being fined $1000 for doing just that! So if this is your party trick, then you’re going to have to find something else to impress with if you’re heading Down Under!

El Salvador – Death sentence for DUI?

Finally, in El Salvador, it’s possible to be sentenced to death for a first offense of driving drunk. Although drunk driving is a serious crime, and an extremely silly decision, does a firing squad need to be involved? It seems a little extreme, no?

Many of these aren’t enforced of course, but as you can see some of them very much are and if it’s enshrined in the law, then it’s better to be safe than sorry! So, just remember that if you’re a little tipsy in Colorado then leave the horses alone, if you’re trying to impress friends at an Australian party just learn The Rubik’s Cube and if you’re wearing a kilt, fully commit to it!

7 Stunning English Vineyards to Visit in 2023

English wine is by no means new. After all, the Romans here were turning vines to wines 2000 years ago, but the buzz around it is. Stand-out English sparkling wine in particular, using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier is now competing on the global stage.

The handy thing is, the vineyards behind these quality bottles also happen to be nestled in some of the most beautiful, green and glorious countryside in England, so tours and tastings are an absolute pleasure. Suspect British weather aside, these vineyards stand up to anything on the continue for a truly memorable visiting experience.

SUSSEX

Roebuck Estates

Born in 2013, Roebuck Wines set out to make sparkling wine that rivals bottles from the rest of the world and with their shelves now burdened with awards left right, and centre, including a Decanter Platinum just months after opening, they have managed it, becoming a champion of fine English wine in the process. Roebuck are lucky enough to have several top-class vineyards around the market town of Petworth. The home vineyard near Tillington looks over the beautiful South Downs and their Roman Villa vineyard sits in a serene valley, but there is also Little Brockhurst, Waterlands and Hazelhurst, all offering different soils and vines but each as beautiful as the next. There are plenty of experiences and events for those following the winery and, in the sunshine, it truly is a bright and beautiful landscape with some of the best fizz around.

Website

Bolney Wine Estate

Bolney Wine has established a great reputation for wide-ranging wine varietals as well as tourism, offering memorable experiences of one of the oldest English vineyards. Visitors (and their dogs!) can walk the vines and browse the wines of the vineyard shop, dine at the Eighteen Acre Café, or take part in their renowned tour and tastings, be that the Cheese & Wine version (£30), or the Ultimate Wine & Food experience (£60). The natural beauty of Bolney will become immediately apparent as you explore the vine to wine process through the tasting of award-winning creations and expert tutoring.

Website

Rathfinny Wine Estate

Rathfinny’s enviable location on a south-facing slope in the South Downs is part of the reason they have become such a leading light for Sussex bubbles, and the historic Flint Barns there make for a magical trip. Whether cosied up by the wood burner inside or soaking up the sun below expansive Sussex skies, Rathfinny is a dreamy place to tour around and even better, there’s a gastropub on site and you can also stay at the award-winning bed & breakfast. If for some reason you want to get away from all that, the coast is only three miles away!

Website

CORNWALL

Camel Valley

The Camel Valley made a few headlines by becoming the first UK vineyard to be awarded a Protected Designation Origin (PDO) from the European Union for its Darnibole vineyard. Built up by a husband-and-wife duo in the late 1980s, their son has since taken Camel Valley even further winning award after award for their efforts. Stunning red, white and sparkling can all be enjoyed but their Cornwall Brut is their most famous blend, and a number of different tours and tastings are available from ‘Daily Guided’ experiences in the morning to the Grand Tour in the evening. You’ll finish with a glass of the good stuff on the terrace overlooking the river, what more could you want?

Website

HAMPSHIRE

Hattingley Valley Wines

Rural Hampshire is home to one of the most awarded wineries in the country, producing elegant and sophisticated wines, and in particular flagship sparkling wine, since 2013. Winery Tour and Tastings can be booked from their site, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the work of Head Winemaker Emma Rice, two time winner of UK Winemaker of the Year, as well as the harmonious countryside atmosphere around every blissful corner.

Website

Hambledon

Hambledon in Hampshire is known as the ‘cradle of cricket’, once home to the most powerful club in the country formed in the 1700s, but that’s not all it’s known for. Established in 1952, Hambledon is England’s oldest vineyard. Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones looked out over his open field and took the plunge to get even closer to his love of wine. The vines quickly flourished on the south-facing chalky slopes, and in the 70s Queen Elizabeth II even served it to President Pompidou (despite French customs doubting English wine even existed!). These days visitors can enjoy a tour of the truly historic vineyards, a tasting of the leading sparkling wine and a bite to eat at the fine pop-up restaurant. A true pioneer of English wine, and the most historically rich vineyard in the country.

Website

KENT

Simpsons Estate

Tucked away covertly into the North Downs slopes near Canterbury is the Simpsons Estate, spearheaded by veterans of English wine Charles and Ruth Simpson. From their traditional method sparkling wine using glorious champagne grapes to their sleek dark distinctive packaging, to their more unusual innovations like 100% pinot meunier, Simpsons have certainly made a name for themselves. All-encompassing tastings and tours are offered on most days, but the Friday sunset session is particularly sought after. Truly, Kent’s finest.

Website

Truth be told though, Kent wine has so much to offer and deserves a guide all of its own. Oh wait, we’ve done just that here!

Tasting Planes and Tasting Trains: The Best Wine and Spirits Tastings

In the world of wine, a tasting flight is sometimes used to describe a selection of wines for tasters to sample and compare. Well, in New Zealand, one company has taken that to new heights by making it a literal reality.

Booze trains (and now planes too) are a growing attraction for drinks lovers like you and me to experience local drinks on the tracks or in the skies. Far removed from the usual hectic, cramped stress of transport, these idyllic odysseys are sprouting up all over, so here’s a rundown of a few you might want to check out!

UK

Real Ale Train - Watercress Line Dining

Chugging through the Hampshire countryside is the Real Ale Train. Departing from Alton Station near Farnham along the Watercress Line to Alresford, breweries from the surrounding areas will be on the menu with pints reasonably priced at £4, or half pints for £2.

Every ticket comes with a complimentary pint to kick things off, and you can buy individual tickets for £20 or secure a charming six-seat compartment for £150.

The Real Ale Trait also stops by the West Country Buffet where you can feast on chilli, burgers, curry and more before washing it down with more great local brews.

Check out the website for the release of new dates because they sell out quickly!

Keith & Dufftown Railway

North East of the Cairngorms in Scotland, the Keith & Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, as well as being one of the longest and gloriously scenic. Ten miles of line awaits between Dufftown and Keith, passing the Glenfiddich viaduct, mountain scenery, Loch Park, Drummuir Castle…and that’s not even half the journey!

Various events are held on board, such as the Whisky Train in Spring trying specialist drams from the many distilleries in the area. There’s also the Emerald Isle Express for £40 per person offering ‘whisky’ as you travel through the land of ‘whisky’.

Events come and go, but the same stunning route remains so it should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking to explore this part of Scotland.

Explore their website for any new events and to book and to see the train in action check out Episode 2 of The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime.

East Lancashire Railway – Rail Ale Trail

East Lancashire Railway’s Rail Ale Trail takes you onboard one of their beautiful heritage steam or diesel trains and through the lush valleys and quaint villages, guiding you through the history and heritage of the area and delving into surrounding area’s brewing traditions.

Whilst you’ll enjoy a local bottle of ale on the train, this experience involves more guided tours to traditional pubs in the Irwell Valley and a hearty pub lunch.

The tours all begin at Bury Bolton Street Station, but from there they vary. Some involve short walks, others almost hikes. The price looks to be set at £59.50 regardless though so explore their website for more information! Journey goers rave about it once it’s finished so you’ll have to be quick.

It’s worth mentioning that they also have gin nights and wine nights occasionally too if that’s more your thing!

Other Rail Ale Trails

Rail Ale Trails are massively popular and available all over it seems, and whilst they do often provide some local ale on board, they are more focused on visiting pubs along the way. Here are some Rail Ale Trails that might be nearby you:

Churnet Railway, Staffordshire
Devon & Cornwall’s numerous trails
Great Central Railway, Loughborough
Spa Valley RaSpa Valley Railway, the High Wealdlway, the High Weald

INTERNATIONAL

Invivo Air – Cloud Wine

The image at the top of this article is of the world’s first winery airline! That’s the promise of Invivo Air, who not only produce their own wine in New Zealand but have created a flight from Auckland to Queenstown to try them on.

30 guests tasted over 16 wines whilst cruising at 18,000ft, as well as a vineyard tour with winemakers’ dinner and overnight stay at the 5-star lakeside Hilton Queenstown Resort and Spa. That’s a lot packed in! Celebrity wines like Graham Norton’s and Sarah Jessica Parker’s are nestled amongst Invivo’s own and New Zealand’s finest, with the cabin even decorated with hanging vines.

Ahead of the launch, the founder said: “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.”

Otago is known for its award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir, and it’s not just fine wine but fine food included. Guests will dine at the Botswana Butchery, a new five-star seafood joint that has opened exclusively for Invivo Air. Local New Zealand cuisine such as fresh oysters, whitebait, lumina lamb and salmon are all on the menu.

At the time of writing, there has only been one flight but more domestic flights are on the horizon as well as international availability. To experience Cloud Wine, go to their website for further details on pricing.

Wine Train, Napa Valley – Legacy Experience

A legacy is handed down over time, through family and tradition. And lots and lots of wine. Charles Krug. V. Sattui. The legacy of these Italian families represents a combined winemaking history of more than 200 years. And some very fine vintages. Some say this is where it all began. And this is where your journey begins

America has some amazing wine trains on offer but one of the best-known ones is the simply named Wine Train. Their legacy experience provides a 6-hour adventure through the iconic Napa Valley, with a 3-hour train ride departing in the morning. After a welcome glass of sparkling wine, your first tasting occurs onboard the open-air car by your onboard Maitre’D at the legendary Napa Valley welcome sign.

After this, you have a four-course meal inspired by the stunning surroundings and a further 2 hours of tasting at Charles Krug and V.Sattui Winery, exploring 7 prestigious blends. Finally, it’s back on the train which is an attraction in itself with plush velvet, gleaming brass, smooth marble and a dreamy vintage aesthetic. What a way to explore one of the world’s most important wine regions!

Unsurprisingly, this is pricier than most wine trains and tickets vary around $500, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it looks amazing. See what’s in store for yourself on their website!

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Bourbon Excursion

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is two beautifully restored 1940s dining cars pulled through Kentucky by two 1950s locomotives. Departing from Bardstown which just so happens to have been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America numerous times, the breathtaking Kentucky countryside awaits. The Jim Beam distillery, Jesse James’ safe house, and the Jackson Hollow Trestle in Bernehim Forest for starters.

During these two-and-a-half hours of exploration, a gourmet four-course dinner is served. On top of this, master distillers guide guests on a journey through bourbon history, pairing select liquids with your meals. Everything is included on this 32-mile roundtrip so if you’re a bourbon lover and want to visit its home, $127 doesn’t sound too bad, right?

For more details on the Bourbon Excursion, visit here.