TalkTV: Scottish Drinks for Burns Night

What better way to start your whisky journey is there than to taste a dram or seven this Burns Night! In celebration of the great Scottish Poet Robbie (Rabbie) Burns, we won't; quite be addressing the haggis, but we will be looking at some classic Scottish drinks, from Single Malt Scotch to Scotland’s other national drink: Irn Bru!

Rob Roy Cocktail

A classic, easy-to-make, delicious small cocktails for Scotch newbies and aficionados alike. 

It is said to have got its name when a bar in New York tweaked the classic Manhattan cocktail recipe to use Scotch whisky instead of Bourbon in homage to a new operetta called Rob Roy, that was playing in a theatre nearby. The protagonist of this story was a  Scottish folk hero named Rob Roy MacGregor. Simply pour the Scotch whisky, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or couple and garnish with the cocktail cherry. 

Whisky used: Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Whisky (£17.49 from Aldi.)

Vermouth used: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (£23.95 from The Whisky Exchange)

Cocktail Maraschino cherries by Hotel Starlino (£9.99 from The Bottle Club)

Ingredients:

50ml Scotch Whisky

25ml Sweet Red Vermouth

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

1 Speared cocktail cherry

Ne-bru-ni

Joy of joys, here’s a Negroni with a Scottish twist, swapping out the vermouth for the Irn Bru. At least it’s not as strong, so less bad for you, right? Don’t forget to use a classic, Scottish gin for the full Burns Night effect. Add the gin and the aperitif into a shaker with ice and shake hard for a full 30 seconds. Pour over a large cube of ice into a tumbler and top up with Irn Bru. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wheel if you’re feeling fancy. 

Gin used: Hendrick’s Gin (Find at Ocado for £27)

Aperitif used: Campari 

Irn Bru 1901 in a bottle - the original.  (Find at Ocado for £2.55)

Ingredients:

25ml Gin

25ml Bitter Aperitif

25ml Irn Bru

Oban 14 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Finally, we can’t toast Burns NIght without a single dram pof fine Scotch whisky and I;ve gone for an Oban 14. One of my favourite Highland Malt Scotches and a classic example of whisky from the Western Highlands, this tiny distillery uses pot still for small batches and more character. The 14 year old is full-bodied and has aromas and flavours of candied orange peel, heather, honey, a whiff of peat smoke and a slick of sea salt in the finish.

Find it at Ocado for £77.50

Don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, streaming 24/7 on Amazon Prime! 

See more on Scotch whisky in these articles: 12 Top Whiskies to sip this Burns Night

The Best Gins To Buy for Christmas

Gin will arguably be the most sold ‘gift’ spirit in 2020 given it has and continues to take the world by storm. Often times, gins can be a little bit one dimensional, so we set ourselves the mission of finding a variety of wondrous and whimsical creations to tantalise your tastebuds and reflect the true quality of this category. We’ve gone off the beaten path in some cases to seek out some true delights, ensuring there’s a little something for everyone along the way. Your only mission now is to find the tonic and garnish to match ;)

Etsu Japanese Gin

Say hello to the first Hokkaido based gin from Japan that has made its way overseas. The Asahikawa distillery on this Nothern island has taken somewhat of a tradition route on the botanicals (green bitter orange peel, coriander, liquorice and angelica route) but they boast a very traditional Japanese flavour profile which makes this gin anything but ‘standard’. 

Citrus, yuzu and light floral blossom notes hit you on the nose with peppers, green tea, meadow berries, more yuzu and sansho pepper on the palate. Super refreshing in style and perfect if you want to spice up your martini game. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £49

Tarsier Gin

There are so many gins out there on the market right now that differentiating between flavours has become a real problem. What I love about Tarsier is that they put that to bed immediately. These gins are inspired by travels across The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and boy can you tell.

Their first bottle of discussion, the Southeast Asian Dry Gin takes inspiration from the white sands of Boracay all the way to the bustling streets of Saigon. Citrus forward with aromatic and savoury notes that cascade into a long peppery finish. Mix this with Artisan Mixers Classic London tonic (pack of 4 for £6) for the perfect G&T.

Then there’s the Oriental Pink Gin – inspired by the tropical rainforests of Indonesia to the floating markets of Thailand and beyond. This beauty is bursting with dragon fruit, lychee, raspberry and floral notes. There is nothing else like it on the market and it makes one of the best gin sours I’ve had the fortune of tasting – throw in a little peach syrup to your gin sour recipe for a real treat. 

Lastly, we can’t fail to mention that 10% of all their profits are committed to the Philippine Tarsier Foundation on the island of Bohol, Philippines to help support these tiny little primates. Excellent gin and a chance to help out those gorgeous tarsiers… we’ll have another bottle, please!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40% - 45%
Special treat: Use the code ‘THREEDRINKERS’ to get 10% off orders over £30 
Find here: £34.99 - £37.99

Persie Gin

This wonder is located in Perthshire up in Scotland. What I love about them is the approachability when it comes to their offerings AND the charitable focus they have on helping vulnerable cats and dogs. Every Christmas thousands of animals are purchased as a novelty and then just discarded. By supporting this company you are actively helping combat that, all while tasting some bloody great gin. 

The range itself is split into two categories – ‘Distillery Originals’ and ‘Charity Releases’. Let’s start with the originals, Zesty Citrus, Herby & Aromatic and last but not least Sweet & Nutty Old Tom. Each one caters to a particular taste preference (or like me, just get all three and play with different tonics until you find the perfect match). 

Then there are the charity bottles which go right back to helping our lovely furry friends. The pussycat vodka entices a velvety and silky smooth mouthfeel, with a kiss of herbs and black pepper, and with a variety of charity dog gins/gin liqueurs to choose from, each paired to the personality of three pups; Labradors, Spaniels and Dachshunds, you really are spoiled for choice!

 Size: 50cl - 4.5L
ABV: 23% - 44%
Fine here: £25 - £299

Inspirited Gin: Create Your OWN Gin

With so many different gins out there, personalisation really is the future and Inspirited have hit the nail on the head with their ‘create your own’ discovery where you can create your very own bottle complete with unique botanicals. Yep, you choose your own spice, fruits, citrus, floral, nutty and exotic botanicals to distil up a creation that you and you alone have decided upon. There’s a growing number of experiences like this, but Inspirited is top of the game. They also offer a fantastic range of gins that are well worth checking out for some inspiration before you make your own!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 37.5% -57.1%
Find here: £31.99 - £49.99

Mistral Rosé Gin

From the beautiful lavender lands of Provence. 12 botanicals including local wonders such as thyme, basil, mint and eucalyptus create this lovely pink gin. I’d say this works wonders with more Mediterranean themed tonics. If you can’t travel to the sunny slopes of Provence given the impending global doom this year, and, probably next, you may as well drink them instead. Elegant, full of juicy flavours and perfect with a slice of pink grapefruit as a garnish. 

Size: 70cl - 4.5L
ABV: 40%
Find here:  £38 - £265

Oxford Artisan Distillery

These folks are pioneers of total creativity and are often seen in the news having come up with yet another whimsically delish creation. From Christmas pudding Rye and Rye Absinthe to Madeira Vodka and Ver Viola Gin, they’ve got it all. These folks are perfect for your friends or relatives who love something on the curiosity (yet bloody tasty) side – or simply for yourself if you’re looking to add a little vibrancy to your spirits collection.

Size: 20cl - 70cl
ABV: 22% - 70.5%
Find here:  £20 - £70

Northern Fox Gin

YORKSHIRE! – Okay, I’m a little biased based on the location, but once you try the gin you’ll be converted yourself. With a selection of 6 perfectly crafted imbibes, there’s a little something for everyone here too. The Yorkshire Dry and Pink gin are both a treat, but if you’re looking to venture a little more niche check out the Liquorice Root, Yorkshire Honeyberry or Yorkshire Citrus styles too! Wait, there’s more… they even have a Roasted Coffee Gin. So if you’re torn between buying single origin coffee beans or gin for someone who loves both… your dilemma has just been solved. 

Size: 50cl
ABV: 40% - 45%
Find here: £34 - £36

BEAUFORT SMOKED SIPPING GIN

Here’s something a little bit different and for all the right reasons. Inspired by Heston Blumenthal, Beaufort Spirit have created a ‘whisky barrel’ smoked water as part of their Smoked Sipping Gin. Szechuan pepper, pink pepper and citrus oils combine once poured to give the illusion of gunpowder smouldering in the glass. At 57% this gin certainly passes the ‘gunpowder’ test and has taken its place as the new ‘big smoke’ in town. Definitely one to discover if you like sipping gins. 

ABV: 57%
Size: 500ml
Find here: £40

Salcombe Gin & Seamist liquid garnish gift set 

The award-winning Salcombe Distilling Co. has launched ‘Seamist’; a unique liquid garnish inspired by the South West coast to elevate your favourite festive cocktails. Handcrafted with red grapefruit, coastal botanicals and Cornish sea salt, a small spray of Seamist over your drink is designed to transport you to the South West shoreline and the crisp aroma of its salty sea air.

Size: 10cl Seamist 70cl Salcombe gin
ABV: 60% Seamist 44% Salcombe gin
Gift idea: Find Seamist alone for £22 for 10cl or treat someone to a luxury gift set with both the ‘Start Point’ gin and the Seamist liquid garnish for £55.
Find here: £22 - £55

Mooze low alcohol and low calorie gin - ABV 12%

A great concept from founder Mel Sims, this is a much lower alcohol (and therefore calorie) gin than the usual suspects of around 40% ABV. It does a great job at keeping the mouthfeel, crispness and botanical flavour of a full proof gin too and is a perfect way to be a little more mindful about your consumption. It’s also vegan, sugar and sweetener free so all in all, that’s 36 calories for a double Mooze & Tonic compared to 154 for a regular double G&T plus less of a hangover. Win-win.

Size: 70cl Mooze alt gin
ABV: 12%
Gift idea: Can be sent to your recipient without pricing.
Find here: £24

Thinking about Christmas wine, vodka or whisky? Then don’t forget to take a look at our vodka, wine and whisky gift guides!

The Best Scottish Gins To Explore

Guess what? The sun is out. Cue the rain and thunder to begin the second you read this line (hopefully not). No but seriously, having presented a TV Series all about Scotland I picked up a gin discovery or 2 (or 7) along the way – and in today’s guide that’s exactly what I’ll share with you. Simple really, some absolutely stunning Scottish gins. Alrighty, delve in.

Loch Ness Gin

I adore this gin. When your family have lived on the banks of Loch Ness for over give centuries, you naturally have a great understanding of the area. Kevin and Lorien Cameron-Ross decided to take their knowledge of the local plants and herbs, intertwining that with their favourite spirit, Gin. Suffice to say whatever those pure waters of Loch Ness are doing to the refining process is working. Each limited-edition handmade batch is created from their home and the small-scale operation allows them to maintain the quality they set out to achieve with their liquid. While the monster may remain a mystery, knowing I’ll enjoy this gin is not.

ABV: 43.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £46.95

Côtes Du Roussillon Firkin Gin

As wine and spirits are two of my favourite things, it’s no surprise at all to find a wine-cask finished gin on this list and Firkin are by far one of the best out there. Being a limited edition release, there’s not that many of them out there, so if it sounds like your thing, you may want to act now. The casks previously held some of the finest Mas Cristine Côtes Du Rousillion, the result of which imparts a stunning rich plum and blackberry into this gin. Honestly, well done folks – it’s gorgeous. We tasted this in Part 2 of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, as well. There was a Chardonnay finished gin too, but as you’d expect it was so popular… it is no more!

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £35

Rock Rose Gin Spring Edition

There’s something about Rock Rose’s bottle that I find so enticing. Maybe it’s the porcelain or the wax seal, or the vibrant colours, hell, I don’t know, but it tastes bloody amazing. The sun is shining and we’re in the heart of Spring, so this seemed like an obvious choice. Distilled with local ingredients like coltsfoot, dandelion and gorse flowers which only grow during Springtime this seasonal treat embodies a cool refreshing sweetness bound together by a soothing yet earthy liquorice backbone. Also, no need to ever throw these gorgeous bottles away – keep them as a vase of serving water when you’ve got friends over. See, look at that – added value. 

ABV: 41.5%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £34.00

Daffy’s Gin 

Produced in Edinburgh by a former winemaker and whisky distiller, the stunning illustration on each and every bottle was designed by none other than Robert McGinnis, the man behind the James Bond movie posters. Named after the goddess of gin, this wonder was designed to be served in its purest form over ice. But honestly, it tastes delicious regardless of the serve.

ABV: 43.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £32.95

Tanqueray No. 10

Would you believe it, this little gem has been around for over 20 years?! Launched in 2000 it was named after the number of the still in which it was produced, Number 10. Created in small batches with a plethora of fresh citrus fruits, this has become one of the iconic gins of the world so much so, it’s the only one to secure a spot in the San Francisco Wold Spirits Competition Hall of Fame. A mean burst of citrus and pepper spices is what you can expect upon tasting and quite frankly it makes a kick-ass martini or gin sour.

ABV: 47.3%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £28.59

Edinburgh Raspberry Gin

Based right in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Gin has been distilling great liquid since 2010. They may be readily available across the country, but they still operate on a small-batch system. Gin purists may roll an eye at the ‘raspberry’ connection, but I have to say – at 40% the gin is there and the fresh Scottish raspberries and raspberry leaves really do add a refreshing fruity (but not sickly-sweet) burst making this a perfect contender for the warmer Spring and Summer days.

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £24.95

Hendrick’s Gin 

Ahh Hendrick’s, we know you from your whimsical and slightly odd TV ads, but we also associate you as being a gin for the people with your rose and cucumber flavours, galore. Seriously, there’s a reason this is one of the UK’s top gins, distilled at their Gin Palace in Girvan by Lesley Gracie, one of the top names in gin innovation. Back to the gin, it’s versatile, smooth and creates a fabulous G&T alongside being a killer choice for cocktails.

ABV: 41.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £31.55

Liked this? Why not check out The Best Gins for a Martini?