The World’s First Powdered Beer

the world’s first powdered beer the three drinkers

We all know instant coffee, but how about instant beer? Well, a 500-year-old German brewery, ‘Neuzeller Klosterbräu’ has made just that. Beer lovers, rejoice.

It really is made in the same way as instant coffee or protein shakes. By simply adding water to 45g of powder, you create the same amount of beer as you would buying a 1kg bottle. Obviously, this could have incredible environmental benefits. Manager Stefan Fritsche says, “We have calculated that, if we now relate this to Germany, we can save about 3 to 5 percent of the CO2 emissions for Germany alone. And if you look at it globally, that would be about half a percent of CO2 emissions worldwide that we could reduce.”

From what we can gather right now, the beer is non-alcoholic but they are confident that they will soon be able to add alcohol and carbon dioxide in powdered form too. It’s worth saying that this isn’t only one type of beer either because Stefan says they can powderize any beer and are looking to share this method with other breweries… so your favourite beer could soon be bought from powder!

Of course, the taste has to be right, especially in Europe where beer is extremely popular and drinkers may be sceptical of its powdered form. But, with greener solutions always being searched out, could this be the future of beer?

To begin with, the brewery will target Asian and African markets where there is less of a traditionalist mindset over beer, and where the environmental transport benefits are even more relevant. It doesn’t look like a European arrival is any day now – the head requires a milk frother at the moment, and the alcohol isn’t ready to be added just yet, but with the taste pretty much there, it might not be far off.

So, what do you think? Would you give powdered beer a try? Or do you think it's sacrilege to mess with the traditional brewing process? Reach out on social media and let us know!

For more beer-illiant content click here!

Heinz and Absolut Team Up for Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce

heinz and absolut team up for tomato vodka pasta sauce the three drinkers

Heinz and Absolut Vodka, now that’s two brands you probably didn’t foresee combining. But here we are, with their new Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce; a classic Heinz tomato sauce infused with Absolut Vodka to create a rich and creamy pasta sauce.

It probably isn’t as odd as it sounds at first because vodka is often combined with pasta, adding a touch of heat and sharpness to complement the sweet, creaminess of most pasta sauces. In this case, cheese and basil are also included to finish off a tomato sauce that has gone down very well indeed with those who’ve tried it.

It all started back in 2020 when supermodel Gigi Hadid boasted of a spicy pasta recipe using vodka and after it went viral, Pernod Ricard (owner of Absolut) had the idea to team up with another iconic brand in Heinz. Time will tell if this becomes a kitchen staple for those easy-to-make pasta dishes, but if it does, we can’t help but wonder if some kind of Bloody Mary crossover will be next?

If you’re not a vodka drinker, then you understandably probably don’t want to spend money on a whole bottle just to use a little in a pasta sauce, so this is actually quite a neat way for people to see what vodka can bring to pasta! Want to try? It’ll be available in Waitrose stores from April 12th at £2.50 per jar, but you can pre-order from the Heinz site here if you’re super keen!

To read more of the latest drinks news, click here.

The Weirdest Drink Laws Across The World

the weirdest drink laws across the world the three drinkers

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

the weirdest drink laws across the world the three drinkers 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!

THE WEIRDEST DRINK LAWS ACROSS THE WORLD The Three Drinkers 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!

the weirdest drink laws across the world the three drinkers 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!

The Wonderful Women Of Wine

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

For far too long, winemaking was a male-dominated industry, partly because of the male inheritance of vineyards in days of old and the culture that this set in place. Happily, attitudes have changed, thanks in no small part to some fantastic, trailblazing, female winemakers like these women below.

This International Woman’s Day, let’s raise a glass to all inspirational and innovative women in wine wherever they are!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Heading up their stunning winemaking team in the Western Cape is one of the industry’s brightest stars, Praisy Dlamini who handpicks the grapes herself. To get to this point, she became proficient in Afrikaans, completed a degree in Agricultural Management, landed a 3 year internship at the Cape Winemakers Guild and became the first woman CWG Protégée, before rising through the ranks at Distell and Anchor Yeast. Alongside the drive and talent of Praisy, Amandla is very much a group endeavour with an all-female, all-black workforce from winemaker to accountant to stock controller.

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

This blend is so juicy and jammy without being overbearingly sweet with plum and ripe blackberry notes dominating the palate. With its silky smooth texture, it would work well with loads of foods, especially grilled meats, so fire up the braai!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £7.49 (usually more!)

Domaine Jones – Katie Jones

Domaine Jones – Katie Jones The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Katie Jones moved to Languedoc in 2000, taking up a role with Mont Tauch Co-op but when the recession hit, it became less about wine and more about money. Disenchanted, she turned to the cut-price vineyard she had bought a couple of years before in an area they call, ‘the land of great hope and early graves’ – ominous! With the hard work done to get it up and running, her early wines were an overnight success picking up award after award. She’s expanded since then, working three small and charming vineyards and has even overcome a tragedy in 2013, when vandals poured her entire year’s vintage down the drain, with the help of Naked Wines who clubbed together to support her, ‘the Queen of the Languedoc!’ The awards have continued coming and Katie is perfect proof of where persistence can get you.

Me & Monsieur Jones Rose 2021

Me & Monsieur Jones Rose 2021 The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

A gorgeous rosé blend of Carignan and aromatic Muscat from Katie’s ‘Monsieur Jones’ vines, that’s brimming with vibrant red berries and a touch of aromatic elderflower. Super refreshing but with enough weight to stand up to hearty meals served alongside it.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £10.99

Ramón Bilbao - Sara Bañuelo

Ramón Bilbao - Sara Bañuelo The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Ramón Bilbao was Drinks International’s Most Admired Wine Brand in The World in 2022, one of many prestigious awards it’s picked up in its long history. Leading the winery for the last few years as Technical Director of Rueda is Sara Bañuelos, rooted in the world of wine from her family in Rioja. She studied agricultural engineering as well as working in oenology and viticulture and since finishing, she has worked in La Rioja and now Ramón Bilbao!

Ramón Bilbao Sauvignon Blanc Rueda 2019

Ramón Bilbao Sauvignon Blanc Rueda 2019  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

This crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc is experimental in Rueda, with aromas of cut grass, zingy citrus, and exotic fruits such as lychee. It goes brilliantly with seafood and it’s also what Sara drinks herself ,so it must be good!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11 in Booths

Houghton Wines - Courtney Treacher

Houghton Wines - Courtney Treacher The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Margaret River region in Australia, with its colourful history of Scots, bandits and winemaking craftspeople since 1836, is Houghton Wines. Leading the charge since 2020 is Courtney Treacher, who began with Houghton as a cellar hand back in 2004. With only 14 winemakers in its entire history, Houghton relies on generational talent and makes wines that nod to iconic Western Australian styles, often with Bordeaux varietals, but modern varietal expression.

Houghton Heritage White 2021

Houghton Heritage White 2021 The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

70% Chenin Blanc, 23% Muscadelle, 5% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Grigio, this Heritage White boasts an inviting, floral nose, a fleshy rich palate and would sit perfectly beside carbonara, seafood and most white meats.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £11.99

Domaine d’Arbousset - Julie Rouffignac

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Domaine d’Arbousset - Julie Rouffignac

Alongside fellow oenologist Gérard Lafont, Julie unearths some of the most beautiful wines of Provence and the Rhône Valley. Domaine d’Arbousset is an organic, independent family-run vineyard, handed down through the generations that focuses its effort and expertise on a select few wines each year with respect for the environment they’re made in.

Arbousset Tavel Rosé

Arbousset Tavel Rosé The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Tavel is a Cru in the southern Rhône Valley that produces only rosé wines that tend to be quite dark and dry. This one is deliciously full-bodied with a gorgeous, deep pink colour and notes of grapefruit, raspberries and spices. Try it with grilled meat, spicy cuisine, cheese and fruity desserts.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £12

Bird in Hand - Sarah Burvill

Bird in Hand - Sarah Burvill The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Sarah is the senior winemaker at Bird in Hand but she has made wine in Australia, New Zealand and France. The Adelaide Hills have always been her home and is where Sarah developed her passion for sparkling wine in particular. The Bird in Hand winery sits on some of the world’s oldest soils and makes some absolutely spectacular, elegant wines!

Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Bird In Hand Two In The Bush Chardonnay

Simply an exceptionally pure and elegant, super rounded cool-climate Chardonnay. Nectarine, peach and cashews ride on a delicately textured mouthfeel. Think Chablis with a splash more fruit.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14

Mar de Frades - Paula Fandiño

Mar de Frades - Paula Fandiño The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Paula has been drawn to the countryside since a young age and more specifically, the vines that grow in them. She specialised in Technical Agricultural Engineering at University before specialising in viticulture and oenology. Under her guidance and inspired by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Mar de Frades is now one of Spain’s leading wineries and she was recently named one of the most influential female enologists in the country by Drinks Business.

Mar de Frades Albariño

Mar de Frades Albariño  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

The blue bottle is stand-out for all the right reasons, and the same can be said for the classic Albariño wine inside. With notes of ripe lemon, wet rocks and sea spray, this bottle serves as a benchmark for the region.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £16

McPherson - Jo Nash

McPherson - Jo Nash The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Jo Nash has been Chief Winemaker at McPherson since 2012 when she became pregnant with her fourth child, but she’s been part of the Australian winery for decades. Jo’s relentless belief in beautiful wine led her to buy a 20 year old vineyard in Victoria’s remote Grampians without running it by the accountant first... that accountant’s name was Gary, hence the name of the bottle below!

Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2019

Don't Tell Gary Shiraz 2019  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

100% Shiraz from the mountainous Grampians vineyard, this silky red wine is fermented in open vats followed by ageing in new French oak barrels for 12 months, producing a full-bodied wine with silky smooth tannins and notes of plush, oak spice, sweet blackberries and cherries.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £16.49 (£13.99 Mix 12)

Textura - Mariana Salvador

Textura - Mariana Salvador The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Part of a flourishing Portuguese wine scene, Textura is a relatively new winery on the slopes of Serra de Estrela in the Dão appellation. Overseeing the ‘low intervention, contemporary and fresh’ approach to winemaking is Mariana Salvador. With a trio of degrees in Food Engineering, Winemaking & Viticulture and Oenology, she has focused on varietals from the beginning, her favourite being Jaen which gives an amazing cool-fruited profile to their Tinto.

Textura da Estrela, Tinto, Dao, 2018

Textura da Estrela, Tinto, Dao, 2018  The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

35% Field Blend, 30% Touriga Nacional, 20% Jaen and 15% Alfrochiero, the wine ages in used French oak vats and barriques for 15 months, and offers delicious, floral and berry notes alongside airy pine and cocoa flavours.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: 6 Bottles - £80 (£13.33 per bottle)

SUSANA BALBO - Susana Balbo

SUSANA BALBO - Susana Balbo The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Simply put, Susana Balbo is a certified legend of winemaking. Graduating in the early 80s, the first female winemaker in Argentina, she has gone on to evolve her namesake brand into one of the most successful and respected wineries not just in Mendoza, but in the world. She also keeps it in the family, as her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo is now working with her as they expand into wellness and hospitality. In an industry run by men, she had to work twice as hard and still managed to completely redefine her trademark Torrontes as an elegant and classy wine. Three times President of Wines of Argentina, Susana is a true pioneer of Argentinian wine. Salud to the Queen of Torrontes!

Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021

Susan’s Torrontes is barrel-fermentated, with every drop then aged in new French oak for half a year with weekly batonage (lees stirring) to add a creamy texture. The end product is not only a mesmerising golden hue, but offers rounded, rich fruit with a crisp acidity and elegant complexity that feels exotic, floral and nitty, all at the same time.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £21.50

Cambria – Jill Russell

Cambria – Jill Russell The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Jill was one of the first to enroll in the Wine and Viticulture major at California Polytechnic putting the ‘learn by doing’ motto into practice and getting to grips with all things Californian wine. Broadening her horizons, she studied in Adelaide too before taking on Assistant Winemaker duties at Stephen Ross Wine Cellars. Building her experience in the Loire Valley and with Paul Lato Wines, Jill took on the dream role of winemaker at Cambria. Working closely with the Manager and her predecessor Denise Shurtleff (another female wine icon), she continues to develop an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and produces spellbinding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay

The hit of fresh fruit is instant and carries over into the palate. Think white peach, zesty lemon, Granny Smith apples and pear. The oak is soft and the acidity is poised in this masterful, Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £22.65

Giant Steps - Melanie Chester

Giant Steps - Melanie Chester The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Loved for the region’s expressive wines, Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne is home to Giant Steps, who specialise in low-intervention, cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Leading the way there since 2021 is the experienced Melanie Chester. After winning prizes at the University of Adelaide, she went on to cover diverse estates like d’Arenberg, Charles Melton and Quinta do Crasto in Portugal’s Douro Valley. She’s also panel chair at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards and has three major winemaking awards of her own under her belt. What a career already!

Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020

The single vineyard Pinot Noir is her brainchild and more than justifies its punchy price tag. A lauded Aussie Pinot, this wine boasts complex notes of sour cherry and cranberry on the nose, moving to softer, spicy plum and cherry, with a hint of coffee bean on the finish. Glorious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £40

Penner-Ash - Kate Ayres

Penner-Ash - Kate Ayres The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Continuing the tradition of Penner-Ash working with Willamette Valley growers is Kate Ayres. They have a gloriously diverse and high-quality portfolio made up of premier vineyards from the community, sourcing the most distinguished grapes. Kate’s first love was animals, but once she encountered the winemaking department at her University there was no going back. Oregon, New Zealand, Portugal, Australia – Kate explored the world learning about wine before returning back to near where she started, Penner-Ash in Oregon.

Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021

This Pinot Noir has a plush, rosy nose with wild strawberries, cherry and a combination of lofty floral notes and a slight earthiness. Easy-drinking and supple, the berry flavours really stand out in the most moreish way.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £59.41

Freemark Abbey – Kristy Melton

Freemark Abbey – Kristy Melton The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers

Building a reputation for making finessed and structured wines across Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Kristy approaches wine from a scientific background, having earned a Masters in Viticulture from the University of California in 2007. She’s been on many a ‘one to watch’ list and for good reason when you taste the vintages released under her watch.

Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The Wonderful Women of Wine The Three Drinkers Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Indulgent and rich, this deep garnet coloured wine completely fills the mouth with notes of dark chocolate, sweet oak, black fruits, mocha and a touch of earthiness. Velvety smooth, delightfully complex and with a satisfying drying finish, get this lots of air and have it with food. Sublime.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £45.93

If you enjoyed this then make sure you click here to read more wine news and recommendations!

Buckingham Palace’s Coronation Gin with Windsor Raspberries

The Three Drinkers Buckingham Palace’s Coronation Gin with Windsor Raspberries

Never has there been more pressure on a tipple to be fit for a King, because the Royal Collection Trust has launched its official pairing with King Charles III’s coronation on May 6th.

Royal Windsor is a pink gin, infused with juicy raspberries grown at Windsor Castle for an inviting vibrant hue. According to the Royal Household, these bright berries are offset by the rounded spice of pink peppercorns and cassia bark, and an added touch of sweetness from orange peel and rose petals.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for enjoying a gin cocktail, with one of her favourite concoctions being a gin and Dubonnet with lemon and ice. The King is also very fond of a crisp G&T when on his travels, but for the Royal Windsor gin, the recommended serving is a generous pour of the show stealer with fresh muddled raspberries topped up with pineapple juice, which sounds gorgeously sweet and suitable for the summer around the corner come May.

This isn’t the Royal Household’s first foray into gin either, because in 2020 its London Dry, again made using palace ground botanicals, sold out in only eight hours and the sloe gin of last summer was a roaring success too.

The 38% ABV gin is officially available now for £38 here but is currently only shipping to the UK, Germany, New Zealand and Australia.

So if you’re a passionate Royalist and want the perfect spring sipper to celebrate the Coronation, or you’re just a gin lover looking for an excuse to try a lovely-sounding blend, grab yourself a bottle of Royal Windsor.

To read more about the other products launched by the Royal Household, click here!

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Who better to answer the question, ‘what is the best cocktail bar in the UK?’ than the Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards. And who better to deliver the good news to the winners than our very own Aidy who hosted the ceremony!

An academy of drinks writers, leading business heads and influencers from all four corners of the UK arrived at this Top 10 as the finest cocktail bars in the country.

The full Top 50 is listed at the bottom of the page so you can see where your nearest amazing drinking spot is, but for now let’s dive in to the Top 10.

10. The Connaught, Mayfair, London

The Connaught, Mayfair, London The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

The Connaught Bar is the super sophisticated watering hole of its namesake hotel. Beautifully designed with platinum silver and classy furniture, you can expect to see the trademark martini trolley being ceremoniously wheeled over to a candlelit table, or showstopping ‘multi-dimensional’ cocktails leaving the bar. From mastering classics like the Bloody Mary to adaptations like the Faraway Collins, a twist on a Tom Collins using Star of Bombay gin at the heart of it, the cocktails are classics with modern interpretations and the setting is everything you want from a Mayfair haunt.

Website

9. 🔶🟥🔵 (A Bar with Shapes for a Name), Hackney, London

🔶🟥🔵 (A Bar with Shapes for a Name), Hackney, London The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Without a doubt the most unusually named bar on the list, this is ‘A Bar with Shapes for a Name’, although that isn’t really the name... it’s just the description you would give the bar because the actual sign is three coloured shapes. This Bauhaus style carries over into the unique inside space – functional, minimal and with no bottles on show. Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat designed it this way to reimagine what a bar is and could be. The lack of convention doesn’t end there, because the menu which is a 50/50 split of classics and in-house specials uses blind tasted spirits. The big names are only served if they genuinely taste good enough, which might explain the comparatively reasonable London prices.

Website

8. Speak in Code, Manchester

Speak in Code, Manchester The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Part of the flourishing cocktail scene in Manchester, Speak in Code is a relaxed, dimly lit, bare brick/dark wood bar with an imaginative and extensive plant-based menu. The gorgeous Victorian arch welcoming you peaks expectations which are more than met by signatures like Track 13 which uses grape skin vodka and chamomile wine, and Hot Buttered Rum Old Fashioned using fat-washed golden rum, demerara mix and cocao bitters. Keep an eye out for their incredible cocktail gift sets too!

Website

7. Three Sheets, Dalston, London 

Three Sheets, Dalston, London  The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Solidifying its No.7 spot from last year, Three Sheets by the Venning Brothers is a gorgeously designed sleek and simple bar with interesting seasonal ingredients. Their carbonated French 75 with Victory Gin, clear lemon, Moscato and orange flower is a stand-out signature serve, along with the Blackcurrant Americano.

Website

6. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

Panda & Sons, Edinburgh The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Panda & Sons is the Scottish representative in the Top 10, albeit one in disguise! Stroll past outside and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a barber shop, but this is all part of the prohibition-style false exterior that stylises the inside too – think dim lighting, cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture. Each ‘chapter’ of the menu offers something different, such as Chapter One’s technical fat washing, clarification and sous vide and Chapter Two’s modern classics. A fantastic speakeasy experience with endless lovely touches.

Website

5. Swift, Soho, London 

Swift, Soho, London  The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Swift on Old Compton Street is no stranger to awards, loved for its mirrored walls, leather booths and expansive range of unique cocktails. The ground floor is casual and lively, but the basement den regularly hosts live music, and offers over 300 worldly whiskies and a rotating cocktail theme – currently ‘Legends’, celebrating much loved great thinkers, artists and performers. Take Only in L.A, for example, an Ab-Fab inspired mix of Absolut Elyx and Martini Rubino.

Website

4. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester

SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Topping Manchester’s scene is Schofield’s Bar, named after the bartending brothers who created it. Situated on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House, they offer a combination of classic cocktails with in-house stylings paired with some of their favourite books! How about Casino Royale with a Vesper Martini? The Old Man and the Sea alongside a Mojito perhaps? The distinguished old-world venue also offers popcorn and charcuterie boards to snack on so it’s the kind of place you can happily whittle away the evening with everything you need.

Website

3. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers  Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

The first onto the podium is Tayēr + Elementary, a venue of two halves. ‘Elementary’ offers casual all-day cocktails served at speed thanks to a draught system including Old Fashioned and Aquavit. Seasonal produce-led snacking also features massively in the experience. Through the partition however, ‘Tayēr’ awaits – inviting darkness with unusual and regularly changing exotic cocktails introduced by guest bartenders.

Website

2. Lab 22, Cardiff

Lab 22, CardiffThe Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers

Behind a fairly innocuous door between a bakery and a restaurant is last year’s winner, the experimental and eclectically-styled cocktail bar. Pajtim Tani Hasa’s menu in particular has been heavily praised, winning the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu in 2021’s World’s 50 Best Bars. Science and personality-led, the current ‘Theory + Frontiers’ menu uses locally foraged ingredients to mimic well known flavour profiles. For instance, ‘Concrete Daisy’ uses rooftop honey and ‘Point Nemo’ incudes sea-salt chocolate fish scales. Besides being delicious, every drink is thoughtful and commenting on the world around us.

Website

1. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London 

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars The Three Drinkers Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London 

Back up to top spot is the Bethnal Green icon that is Satan’s Whiskers. It steps out of the swanky London style in favour of unassuming character, with taxidermy, unique décor, hip-hop, and exposed brick. A community cocktail bar of sorts, the offering changes every day but generally you can expect classics with twists, like the Industry Sour with lime, Chartreuse, Fernet Branca and egg white, or food pairings like the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla. Expert mixology and unrivalled atmosphere crown this the deserving winner.

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If Gastropubs are more your speed, then the Top 10 breakdown of those was also recently scrutinised and updated to present the best the UK has to offer!

The Top 50:

1 Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
2 Lab 22, Cardiff
3 Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London
4 SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester
5 Swift, Soho, London
6 Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
7 Three Sheets, Dalston, London
8 Speak in Code, Manchester
9 Bar with Shapes for a Name, Hackney, London
10 The Connaught, Mayfair, London
11 Little Mercies, Crouch End, London
12 Couch, Birmingham
13 Bramble, Edinburgh
14 The Pineapple Club, Birmingham
15 Ojo Rojo, Bournemouth
16 Disrepute, Soho, London
17 Artesian, Oxford Circus, London
18 Hideout, Bath
19 Nightjar, Shoreditch, London
20 Present Company, Liverpool
21 Publiq, South Kensington, London
22 Scarfes Bar, Holborn, London
23 Lyaness, South Bank, London
24 Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum, Chinatown, London
25 The Absent Ear, Glasgow
26 Happiness Forgets, Hoxton, London
27 Hey Palu, Edinburgh
28 Filthy XIII, Bristol
29 Homeboy, Islington, London
30 Soma, Soho, London
31 Coupette, Bethnal Green, London
32 Passing Fancies, Birmingham
33 Bar Termini, Soho, London
34 Seed Library, Shoreditch, London
35 Murder Inc, Soho, London
36 Penny Royal, Cardiff
37 Callooh Callay, Shoreditch, London
38 Silverleaf, Liverpool St, London
39 Public, Sheffield
40 Fox & Chance, Birmingham
41 Blinker, Manchester
42 Below Stairs, Leeds
43 Milk Thistle, Bristol
44 Gungho!, Brighton
45 Hedonist, Leeds
46 Amaro, Kensington, London
47 Cottonmouth, Nottingham
48 Tabula Rasa, Leeds
49 Lunar, Glasgow
50 Bench, Sheffield

Anosmia: The devastating effects of losing your sense of smell

what is anosmia the three drinkers

With a wine tasting career and fragrance studies leading her passions, when Helena lost lost her sense of smell for three weeks with Covid, she panicked. Very luckily for her, it came back. This is not always the case with anosmia, sadly. Here’s why you need to know about this debilitating ‘hidden disabilty’.

Our sense of smell is so much more important than we think. Sadly, it’s not until we lose it that most of us realise this fact. It is a hidden disability.

Covid-19 certainly raised the awareness of viral anosmia; losing your sense of smell after exposure to a virus, but the devastating effects this can have on a person from extreme weight loss to severe depression, are still not discussed or recognised in medicine as much as they could and should be. Smell is, after all, our most primitive sense, governing our most basic instincts as well as memory and all sorts of emotions. Losing it, whether total (anosmia) or partially (hyposmia) can have a devastating effect on our mental health and quality of life. 

This Anosmia Awareness Day, I want to highlight some of the negative ways anosmia can affect people, to raise awareness and help find new avenues of research into finding a cure.

Eating problems

Even hyposmia can have a significant effect on the enjoyment of food, which often leads to a lost interest in eating, which can then in turn become so severe, it leads to eating disorders and malnutrition. A desperate attempt to taste something can lead to the addition of too much salt or sugar, which brings its own negative effects on health. 

Social disconnection

Anosmiacs report feeling lonely and disconnected from the world, unable to engage in their environment or bond as well with other humans. Relationships appear more strained as your subscious is aware it is ‘missing something’ from the conversation - and it is. Bonding even with loved ones is harder. Losing a major part of one of life’s greatest human pleasures - to eat and drink with a tribe -  can also be devastating. We feel left out of a social connection, even if we are physically present. 

anosmia the three drinkers

Depression & Anxiety

These combined effects of anosmia can lead to paranoia, anxiety, depression and anhedonia; the inability to feel pleasure. How do we know if we - or our home - smells bad or not? Did we leave the gas on? Will I know if I step in something? How can we tell if what we are serving our guests is well cooked? It’s easy to see how anxiety can be ramped up and depression can find a way in, as so many of life’s pleasures are stripped away. 

Danger

Our sense of smell is crucial for warning us of potential dangers, often numerous times a day. From smoke or a gas leak to food that has gone off and bread caught, burning away in the toaster. Without it, we are stripped of some crucial survival skills. 

Can anything be done to help anosmia?

There’s not currently an official cure for anosmia but in some cases, retraining the nose to smell has had some positive effects, so it’s worth a try. Anosmia awareness charity Fifth Sense suggest smelling the same strong scents for around twenty seconds each day while really paying attention to what you are doing. Essential Oils are the most effective here as they are strong and they last a long time. Pick four very different ones will have a greater effect. They suggest rose, lemon, clove and eucalyptus.

Are you affected by a full or partial loss of smell? If you need help and advice or just want to find a community, check out Fifth Sense.

Words by Helena Nicklin

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year?

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year? The Three Drinkers

For anyone that listens to our Bring a Bottle podcast, you’ll know that we’ve been wanting tequila and mezcal to be fully explored for a while. With the growing popularity of cocktails like the Margarita and the Picante as well as the influx of celebrity brands, tequila, it is getting there but there’s still so much more that it has to offer!

Far too often, the spirit itself is being clouded by other ingredients when it should be the star of the show… and 2023 may well be the year. Someone who agrees with us is Cazcabel and although they may be somewhat biased, their Blanco is the UK’s best-selling 100% agave tequila, so they certainly know their onions…or agave we should say.

All research shows that the tequila train is showing no signs of slowing down, and is in fact speeding up. The global market is the fastest growing spirit after pre-mixed cocktails, the Margarita is the most popular cocktail in the world and everything looks set for tequila to transition from party drink to premium sipper… although who’s to say it can’t be both!

British drinkers are warming to the idea of swapping out vodka and gin from their tonics and experimenting with tequila as a short serve option – not just dismissing it as shots or cocktail fodder. If you want to get ahead of the trend then we’ve been shouting about our favourite tequila options from the rooftops which you can explore here.

Is 2023 Tequila’s Year? Cazcabel The Three Drinkers

Cazcabel is pioneering in the space though, and a fantastic option to explore. Located in the Jalisco highlands of Mexico, Cazcabel not only produces liqueurs but super value blanco and reposado expressions, showcasing how the earthy crispness of agave flavour can shine when paired simply with tonic.

Cazcabel Blanco - £25.70
Cazcabel Reposado - £25.99