The Best Dark Rums to Try in 2023

With dark rum on the rise, the amount of choice is overwhelming. There are all kinds of rums, made in different ways and priced at different levels. The dark rum that you fall in love with is of course impossible to predict, but these are some reliably delicious bottles we love to begin your search. And if you already love the Pirate’s Drink and fancy a new go-to, you might just find your new favourite below too.

£15-25

Watson's Trawler Rum

In case you hadn’t already guessed from the name or bottle, this tawny red Dominican rum is in the dark Navy style, using aged spirits from Barbados and Guyana which are blended harmoniously in the UK. A treasure chest of flavours, expect candied orange zest, raisins and prunes, smoky oak, molasses, and toasted sugar. At this price, it’s perfect with just a splash of cola and lime but would also make a stunning Rum Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.09

Havana Club Añejo Especial

A Cuban staple on UK supermarket shelves, Havana is a reliable benchmark for most rums, and their Añejo Especial is no different. Like other Cuban rums, it is light for a darker rum, with delicious soft caramel, spiced oak, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla cream to be enjoyed in a dessert-esque palate. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, mellow and easy-drinking dark rum then look no further. Sip straight or try this in a tasty Mai Tai.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £19.74

O.V.D. Demerara Rum

O.V.D? It stands for Old Vatted Demerara. So yeah, this is Old Vatted Demerara Demerara Rum but that’s not the only reason it’s memorable. Distilled from molasses in a wooden still in Guyana, it is eventually bottled in Glasgow and it’s in the UK that it has developed somewhat of a cult following. Renowned for a modern profile of rich toffee, sultana, buttery caramel, the thick and syrupy mouthfeel is to die for. Keep to cola mixes and mellower cocktails and you really cannot go wrong.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £23.24

£25-£35

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve

Appleton needed something special to celebrate their 250th birthday and this sweet and velvety smooth rum was the perfect present for themselves and us. Aged for 8 years in Jamaica, the warm spices, honey, and toffee marry together in precise harmony and it scooped Gold at the prestigious San Francisco Spirit Awards. We think this is made for sipping neat but there is no doubting how much it would elevate something like a Dark n Stormy.

Size: UK 700m/ UK 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £29.94 / $32.99

Alnwick Rum

Alnwick is an in-your-face dark rum with a big kick of spice. The recipe goes way back to Northumberland over 90 years ago, and currently uses a blend of rums from Jamaica and Guyana, combined in Holland and bottled in Scotland – what a journey. Gloriously rich with caramel, woody vanilla, Demerara notes and dried raisins, this is a lip-smacking liquid comparable to stronger Navy rums that will add great intensity to any rum cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.24

£35-45

Ron Abuelo 12 Year Old

This Panamanian Rum is finished in whiskey barrels to impart a distinct vanilla sweetness and subtle smoke. The astounding toasted elegance, sugary spice and rich creaminess won it a Gold gong at the 2009 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition, so try for yourself and see what all the fuss is about.

Size: UK 700ml/US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.94 / $39.99

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

One of the region’s best-known brands, Diplomático is known for its unique mixes of distillation methods, and their Reserva Exclusiva is made using copper pot stills – the process allocated to their most complex rums. The molasses-based rum matures in whiskey barrels to fill out with oaky vanilla spice, peppery plum and Christmas cake reminiscence. Award-winning, super classy and gorgeous instead of whiskey in a Manhattan.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.95 / $41.99

Copeland Smugglers Reserve Overproof Rum

If it’s not the brooding beautiful design that catches your eye, then it might just be the 57.2%. Copeland, known for their gin, have released this double pot distilled number which rests in bourbon and Pinot Noir casks. The result is deep and dark depths of burnt caramel, vanilla orange intertwining in a flavour that is definitely intense, so you pour over a little ice, orange peel and a subtle mixer of your choice. When you’re in the mood for this, it’s a dream.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.2%
Find here: £44.95

£45+

Angostura 15 Year Old "1787"

This is likely to be unlike any dark rum you’ve tried before. Moving away from the mellow, smooth, and spiced rum blends, this is old-school sea rum packed with molasses and spices. The liquid is so characterful, with a taste that reminds you of rum’s heritage. Charred oak with rich dried fruits marries cinnamon and crunchy sugar in a fantastic Trinidadian rum made for explorative sipping.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £67.99

Appleton Estate 21 Year Old

21 years of tropical maturation blesses the carefully selected blends that balance out this spectacular Jamaican rum. Scotch-like in its complexity, elegance and smoothness, warming spices such as ginger and cinnamon dance with leathery raisins (way more appealing than it initially sounds by the way) in a silky mix that feels thick and full. The special packaging sets you up for big expectations and the amber nectar within definitely exceeds them.

Size: UK 700ml /US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £150 / $164.99

There are certain things that any fully fledged rum lover needs, so if you haven’t made your own dedicated home bar yet then check out these 7 Things Every Rum Lover Needs!

What Do the Letters on Cognac Bottles Mean, and Which Should I Try?

The labels on drinks are often confusing, especially to a newbie looking to explore a new liquor. It might seem like a small thing, but browsing the supermarket shelves and seeing all kinds of new words, terms and acronyms can be overwhelming enough to put people off all together. After all, if you’re spending a good chunk of change on something, you want to know what it is! So, without further ado…

What do the letters on Cognac bottles mean?

The letters on Cognac bottles are age statements, with each set of letters setting a minimum age for the Cognac.

Now, Cognac will include different blends, so this only sets a minimum age for the youngest blend meaning most of the liquid may actually be older. Let’s go through the letters you will most commonly come across.

Firstly, there are VS and VSOP bottles, most regularly used in Cognac cocktails like those listed in our Beginner’s Guide, and shown throughout The Three Drinkers in Cognac:

VS

This means Very Special, and the youngest Cognac will have been aged for at least two years. By the way, if you see three stars, this means the same thing!

Martell VS Single Distillery

This is a bold and intense 2017 Cognac that uses eau-de-vie from one distillery, rather than a selection as is the norm. The citrus zest gives way to juicer plum in one of the smoothest liquids at this price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.99

VSOP

This means Very Superior Old Pale and is a blend of barrels of which the youngest is at least four years old. If you see VO (Very Old) then this means the whole thing is four years old.

Courvoisier VSOP Cognac

This VSOP from iconic Courvoisier won the prestigious Master award for Super Premium VSOP at the Luxury Masters. It’s matured for between 8 and 12 years so well beyond the minimum requirements of a VSOP, and is sourced from the renowned Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne Cognac regions. Vanilla and citrus give great depth and the warmth is super soft and pleasant with touches of coffee, brown sugar, buttered toast, oakiness, and cinnamon.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 / US $45.99

Beyond this, you will find variations of older cognac that may include terms like ‘Napoleon’ which is unofficial but usually refers to an age of at least six years, and some Vintage bottles that will print a distillation date but not a bottling date. More common though are XO and XXO:

XO

This means Extra Old and the youngest Cognac in the blend must be 10 years old or above. Bear in mind that if you have XO from before April 2018, that minimum is dropped to 6 years because the rules tightened up recently!

Rémy Martin XO

A blend of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, this is a quality Cognac masterfully produced by the historic Rémy Martin. Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard grapes are all used before 10 years of oak ageing. During this time, the grapes intertwine, and complex layers of oaky vanilla, caramel and spice are infused. It’s perfect for sipping with warm pastry notes to be explored alongside honied fruits and welcoming baking spice. Deliciously rich and smooth and many Cognac lovers’ go-to.

Size: UK 700ml / US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £163.99 / US $236.99

XXO

No prizes for guessing this one, it’s Extra Extra Old, using Cognac of at least 14 years of age.

Hennessy XXO Cognac

Head turner, collector’s bottle, whatever it is this is a very special XXO Cognac. The minimum for XXO is 14 years, but many of the blends in here are aged for much older, with some sat in French oak for more than 50 years. All that time results in so much richness with expressive notes of bitter orange, nutmeg, liquorice, subtle peppermint, and delicate spice. Complex, elegant and so refined, you could sit with this Cognac for hours.

Size: 1L
ABV: 40%
Find here: £520

There is another term that you’re likely to come across if you fall for Cognac as hard as we have and that’s Hors d’âge:

Hors d’âge

Outside of Age. This is a term assigned by Cognac’s governing body for liquids that are usually much older and want to distinguish themselves beyond the XXO minimum and display high quality. 

André Petit Hors d’Age Grande Reserve de Famille 1990 Cognac

As we say, Hors d’âge overlaps with other age statements so don’t think that this category is ‘better’ than the others. It’s all down to personal taste and how you plan to use the Cognac, so every category brings something to the party. This André Petit bottle is less intense and more mellow, with woody, earthier notes, and richer subtle fruits. The 3 decades of ageing, on top of traditionally old methods at the time, has created a distinctive style that’s longer in the mouth and so satisfying. A glass of sophistication indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £147

As is the case with exploring most new drinks, it’s sensible to start in the mid-ranges. There’s no need to splash out on something you’ve never tried before, but at the same time, you don’t want to be burnt by a low-quality Cognac that puts you off it all together.

We suggest pulling together some of the simple cocktails in our Beginner’s Guide with a bottle of VS or VSOP Cognac, and then exploring some older sippers!

Bandra Bhai

London has an abundance of speakeasies. Yes there are a lot of great ones, but most seem to follow a similar style. If you are looking for a great speakeasy with a twist, then head to Fitzrovia - Bandra Bhai is the place to visit. This speakeasy is located beneath its sister restaurant - Pahli Hill. If you are able to get there early, it will be nice and quiet, but it definitely livens up later in the evening.

The bar is a tribute to the Indian smuggler’s dens in the 1970s, and has beautiful decor that fits the theme to a T. In the past these dens were often fronts, claiming to be photography studios or even sexologists. There are even some original signs as you come down the stairs for a sexologist clinic - all adding to the authenticity. 

The cocktail menu has just been updated and does not disappoint. Drinks are named simply after the main ingredient (such as date, mango, or pistachio) and are stunning interpretations of classic sips. One of our favourites was the date cocktail, mixing whiskey and dates and served almost theatrically covered with smoke. This drink is smooth and savoury - a perfect combo in our eyes.

A crowd (and bartender) favourite is the Mango. The drink is a blend of Desi Daru Mango vodka, lime, mango and yoghurt. Don’t stress, you won’t be given a drink with clumps of yoghurt. The yoghurt is clarified so that the liquid used in the cocktail is clear and creamy. This drink is delightful, the sweetness balanced by the creaminess. It almost reminds us of a scoop of mango sorbet. It is simply that good.

If you are peckish, then there are loads of traditional Indian snacks to choose from. The small plates are very generous, and one could easily fill up on them quickly. If you are not in the mood for a cocktail, then there is also an extensive wine list, as well as spirits to choose from.

Bandra Bhai is great for a date night, or celebratory drinks

Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Range:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 8/10

Address: 79-81 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SJ

8 Must Try Savoury Gins

There can be no doubt that sweet and floral gins are dominant at the moment, but with gin’s popularity showing no signs of slowing, it’s savoury gin that distillers seem to be increasingly focusing on.

This far-reaching style swaps out the sweet citrus and berries for, well, savoury botanicals instead. Think saline, vegetal, herbal, and spicy notes! They make a refreshing difference from your usual fruity gins and are often some of the most unique tasting liquids out there, perfect for adding a new dimension to cocktails, or for savoury G&Ts! Without further ado, let’s dive into the best of them…

Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin

Opihr is the place where King Solomon bought his gold, silver, and spices from, and although no one knows where it was, it is linked to the ancient spice routes between East and West - it is this route that Opihir’s gins are inspired by. Scooping the top Master award at the 2018 Travel Retail Masters, this is a London Dry style gin with spicy twists. Moroccan coriander and Indian cardamom are pungent at the fore, but layers of punchy complexity are detectable with cumin (Turkey), angelica root (Germany), bitter orange (Spain) and peppery cubeb berries (Malaysia). Intense, spicy and with a loveable warm earthiness. You might find a sweet and citrusy mixer provides the perfect balance in a serving so try lemonade.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.74

An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin

Seaweed is a botanical we’re seeing more and more, and particularly in savoury gins of course. Irish Maritime makes use of not just one or two varieties, but five locally harvested seaweed species! Supporting these are a line-up of more familiar botanicals fronted by vegetal juniper for a touch of heat and lemon for some subtle sweetness. A true coastal delight that’s put together seriously well, try it with an elderflower tonic for a stonking savoury G&T.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find here: £30.94

Seven Hills VII Italian Gin

A Gold medal award winner at the Gin Masters in two different categories, Seven Hills is super light and delicate gin, that isn’t as juniper heavy as some but carries self-assured herbaceous freshness. Blood orange and pomegranate impart some tang, chamomile and rose hip the florality, and from the celery and artichoke botanicals, some vegetal notes. Like the best savoury gins, it’s super unique and we’d recommend trying this one in a Negroni... it only makes sense!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34

Audemus Umami Gin

Based in Cognac, we just had to visit French producer Audemus during The Three Drinkers in Cognac because we’re such a fan of what Miko is doing (and we needed help with our own gin-making in the series!). Setting up shop in his front room, Audemus is all about experimentation and bold new flavours. Many distillations fail (e.g., trout eggs) but some turn out amazing, becoming part of flagship gins. The stunning (and actually lightly savoury in itself) Pink Pepper is their most famous creation, but their oak-finished Umami is the savoury headliner. Sicilian caper distillate, parmesan and juniper front a blend that rests in ex-Cognac casks for a fabulously rounded profile. Umami is one of our five basic tastes, so to have it stimulated by a gin with such distinct flavours really is a must-try experience.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £34.99

Portobello Road Savoury Gin

One of the most beautifully designed gins on the market, Portobello Road’s Savoury Gin is a Corsica-inspired dream. Pleasantly complex, it’s herbaceous with rosemary and basil, bergamot brings citrus tang, and green olives and sea salt bring punchy salinity. In a world of sweet and floral gins dominating, this style is actually more reminiscent of traditional juniper-led gin and as such, has an incredibly refreshing and moreish taste. It's screaming out for a Dirty Martini.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £36.24

Pollination Gin

This is a really interesting, award-winning London Dry style gin that features a diverse blend of 29 botanicals, each from the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere, the area surrounding the Dyfi Distillery. Encompassing Snowdonia’s foothills, the Dyfi Forest and the estuary marshes, Pollination Gin punches with a bold herbaceous and floral profile, particularly the latter. Vivid images of summer meadows and pine forests come to mind with botanicals like wildflowers, aromatic leaves, dried fruits, almonds, conifer tips and beyond. If any gin will transport you into nature, it’s this.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £36.94

Black Tomato Gin

Roll up, roll up Bloody Mary fans. Tomato and vodka might be a more familiar combination, but how about tomato and gin? Produced in the Netherlands, homegrown organic black tomatoes are used with a few drops of sea water to create a completely distinct gin. There is satisfying richness to the fruit, sweet, sour and salinity are balanced perfectly, and the texture has a moreish viscosity and weight to it. Serve with Mediterranean tonic and some basil and prepare to surprise yourself.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42.3%
Find here: £37.94

Gin Mare

One of the better-known savoury gins, Gin Mare is in that position for good reason. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer, this heady herbaceous Spanish expression features rosemary, thyme, basil in an aromatic palate, heaps of citrus zest and tart juniper. Delicately poised salinity, citrus, herbs, and warming spice intertwine for a stunningly crisp gin that leaves you with a clean feeling aftertaste. So classy and elegant, just serve with a lightly flavoured premium tonic because each botanical is distinct and waiting to be explored with this gin. Super food-friendly too by the way!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 42.7%
Find here: £39.99

Plenty of the Indian gins have a savoury feel to them, so if you like some earthy spice in your gin then check out The Best of Indian Gin & Spirits!

The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac

Cognac’s versatility is underappreciated, and we think it makes one of the best cocktail stars out there. It adds incredible depth of flavour and a welcome splash of oomph to your mixes, a belief that was only cemented by the unforgettable cocktails made and enjoyed in The Three Drinkers in Cognac

The Cognac cocktails might not be as famous as some of the other spirits, but we’re trying to change that so let’s start with some delicious cocktails made in the show!

French Twist

Towards the end of Episode One, Beckie Sullivan shows us how to pull together this wonderful French Twist cocktail, with richness yet lightness, and sweetness yet tang – all in perfect harmony. Aidy, Helena and Eddy compete to make the best garnish, so you can design your own here or just steal one of theirs... maybe just pick the winning one though...

Ingredients
50ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
30ml Dry Curaçao
40ml Sparkling Water (we love Fever-Tree)
10ml fresh lemon juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish (creative one yourselves!)

Method
Give everything except the sparkling water a good long shake with ice until chilled, then double strain over ice and top up with your soda!

Sidecar

One of the most famous ways to let Cognac shine through is the Sidecar, and that’s exactly what Aidy makes in Episode Three. There’s tangy lemon and sweeter orange but the star of the show is that delicious Cognac.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml fresh lemon

Method
Shake with plenty of ice, strain and pour. To make the cocktail into more of an experience, rub lemon over the glass so that you smell it before you taste it!

Sidecarmalade

Aidy and Maxime didn’t leave it there though! Gloriously simple, the great thing about the Sidecar is how adaptable it is... enter the Sidecarmalade! Using two local additions really gives the cocktail a new lease of life. Verjus (green juice) is basically unfermented grape juice, but with a feel much more like lemons and limes. The tartness is balanced out by delicious sweet marmalade for a cocktail that combines sweet and tangy citrus perfectly.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Rémy Martin 1738)
20ml orange liqueur (like triple sec)
10ml verjus
Dollop of marmalade

Method
Brush some marmalade around the inside of the glass for a gorgeous glistening effect. Shake everything with plenty of ice so the marmalade is mixed throughout, then strain and pour!

The Gala Highball

Highballs are one of the best ways to show off a quality spirit because all you have to do is add a mixer and plenty of ice. Ginger ale works wonderfully well, but our choice in Episode One of The Three Drinkers in Cognac was Sicilian Lemonade for more zip and refreshment.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac (we used Courvoisier VSOP)
80ml Sicilian Lemonade
Plenty of ice

Method
Highballs are simple so let’s keep it that way – pour everything over ice and give it a little stir.

French 75

When we say French 75, you’ll probably think of gin, but Cognac was traditionally used more, and it works so well. The Champagne adds great lightness and elegance to this bittersweet blend that is fruity, rich, and refreshing. Nom! Of course, Cava or Crémant work just as well!

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
10ml fresh lemon
10ml syrup
Champagne to top up
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Shake everything except your Champagne with ice and strain into your flute. Pour that gorgeous fizz over the top and just ease it into its new surroundings with a gentle non-bubble-breaking stir. Top off with lemon!

The Harvard

A twist on the Manhattan, The Harvard isn’t the most well-known of cocktails, but it is one of the oldest, first appearing in Kappeler’s 19th-century cocktail book. If you like cocktails that pack a punch, look no further. Hearty fruits from the vermouth and Cognac are balanced out by some bright citrus, dashes of bitters and a little sweetness. Delicious.

Ingredients
30ml Cognac
30ml Italian sweet vermouth
10ml syrup
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange twist (garnish)

Method
Mix everything with ice and once it’s fully stirred and chilled, strain and garnish! Voila!

There are plenty of other amazing cocktails in the show using other fantastic ingredients from the Cognac region too so if you want even more ideas, or just to see exactly how some of the above cocktails are made, get watching!

The Rise of Moscato: What Is It and Which Should I Try?

What is Moscato?

Moscato is a sweet, floral, and slightly fizzy wine made from the muscat grape, known for its peach and orange flavours and low alcohol content. As you might have guessed, Moscato is just the Italian word for the muscat grape family!

Historically viewed as a dessert wine, Moscato has become incredibly popular with lyrics like ‘still over in Brazil sipping Moscato’ and, ‘lobster and shrimp and a glass of Moscato” rapped by Lil’ Kim and Drake in recent years. The subtle fizz (frizzante), the easy-drinking notes of peach, orange, and nectarine, and often sub 10% ABV means drinkers have flocked to this varietal in their droves making it America’s fastest-growing wine!

Another reason behind the Moscato surge is its food-friendliness. Not only is it a delicious sipper on its own and a fantastic cocktail ingredient, but the sweetness of the wine also pairs with spicy dishes incredibly well. Is there anything this wine cannot do?

Muscat vines are versatile and are grown not just all over Italy but also in France, Spain, and Australia to name a few. There are actually hundreds of varietals within Muscat so it’s a wine that includes many different types, the most popular being Moscato di Asti and whilst most is white, you can also expect to see pinks and reds out there, each with varying levels of fizz, acidity, and sweetness. Let’s get into the best of them…

Which Moscato should I try?

Michele Chiarlo Moscato d'Asti Nivole 2022

The wall of peach, apricot and honey fragrance is intense in this d’Asti, which is a benchmark of the varietal. The bubbles are only slight, the fruit feels fantastically fresh and at only 5%, the light sweetness is quaffable all night long.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £18.73

Hugh Hamilton Goldilocks Moscato 2022

Australia is loving Moscato over the last few years, and this release from the McLaren Vale region is a top example. Previously pink, Goldilocks is back to blonde with one of the freshest and juiciest Moscato wines out there. Ripe orange and fleshy melon feature in this summery delight.

Size: 375ml
ABV: 6.5%
Find here: £13.50

Still Moscato - Bodegas Ochoa Vendimia Tardía Moscatel 2021

This is a Spanish Moscato from the Olite, the wine capital of Navarra. At the boozier end of Moscato, this is a tropical delight that’s punchy with raisins, orange blossom and notes of honey on toast. Definitely one to enjoy with desserts!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £16.95

Pink Moscato - Yellow Tail Pink Moscato

One of the more familiar faces on supermarket shelves, this Australian Rosé style Pink Moscato is a strawberry dream. Raspberry and crunchy green apple round off a sweet and refreshing expression wonderfully. A glass of summer.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 7.5%
Find here: £7.99

Red Moscato (Black Muscat) - Quady Elysium 2021

The Black Muscat varietal is used to make the trendy Red Moscato, and this liquid from Quady in California is a top-notch example. Still bursting with ripe berries and aromatic rose, there is also a vibrant acidity and caramelisation behind the crimson hue, as well as a very delicate touch of spice that isn’t there with paler Moscato.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £14.99

Sweet Moscato - Domaine Boudau Muscat de Rivesaltes 2022

Over to Languedoc-Roussilon in France for Domaine Boudau’s sweet and fruity style. There is a richness and complexity here that goes beyond most Moscato blends, and a silky texture that fills the mouth with sweet tropical citrus - think sun-kissed lemon, pineapple, and lychee. Elderflower, poached pear, and candied orange add layers to what is a mouth-wateringly intense sweet Moscato.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15.5%
Find here: £18.50

If you’re interested in trying new types of wine just like Moscato but don’t know where to start, then how about you let an expert sort it all for you? Try these Wine Subscription Services to get a whole range of different and exciting wines straight to your door.

The Best British Ciders To Try

For a long time, cider lagged behind British icons such as craft beer, gin, and whisky but that is changing. Over the last decade, modern British cider has generated more and more anticipation and interest, and competition is intense.

For those of you that want to explore the flourishing scene, or for those card-carrying cider guzzlers who want to try something different, explore our tried and tested Best British Ciders below, just in time for World Cider Day!

WHAT IS CIDER?

In a nutshell, cider is an alcoholic drink most commonly made using fermented apple juice, so similar to the winemaking process. However, because the fruits used contain less sugar, the alcoholic content normally ends up being lower. It’s been around since the Romans, but in the 13th century it really took off when people found out it was actually safer to drink than the water in many places!

Often more associated with beer, cider is more like wine in that the terroir, temperature, and apples (though not just apples!) create completely unique and varying regional profiles. From dry to sweet and modern to traditional, every cider is different.

It’s worth pointing out that in America, ‘hard cider’ is alcoholic but ‘sweet cider’ is often more of a fruit juice. France, Spain and the USA all produce fantastic ciders, but British Cider is some of the finest so let’s get stuck into the most common kind of cider you’ll find – apple.

APPLE CIDERS

Cornish Orchards Golden Cider

Cornwall produces some mouth-watering ciders, and this is a classical fruit-forward expression. Fantastically fizzy, a variety of bittersweet and dessert apples dominate this crisp and ultra refreshing cider. For a hot summer day, a chilled serve of this is perfection – clean, ridiculously easy-drinking and full of flavour.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £2

Henry Westons Vintage Cider

Since Henry in 1879, generations of the Weston family have been producing cider in the Hereford village of Much Marcle. They scooped a double gold for this Vintage and their cloudy version at the Cider Masters Awards last year, and for another cider, we’ll revisit later! This mellow but full-bodied blend carries an oaky, deep flavour that allows apple to be the star of the show, in a silky smooth medium dry mouthfeel. There’s a reason it’s one of the UK’s most popular ciders and at 8.2%, it really is dangerously moreish.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 8.2%
Find here: £2.10

Burrow Hill Sparkling Cider

Cider has been made at Burrow Hill for centuries and all this experience has led to huge success at the national championships. Behind that gorgeously designed bottle is a medium dry pour revealing red apple skins and autumnal notes of warming cinnamon and zesty orange. At the centre of it of course, is the apple, eleven varietals of which meld for a robust and bittersweet flavour. This also screams food-friendly and would be a great one to crack open at the BBQ. Burrow Hill is also home to the innovative Somerset Cider Brandy which is definitely worth a look and a try too!

Size: 500ml
ABV: 6%
Find here: £3.15

Gospel Green Brut Cider

Hailing from Hampshire, this is a premium pale gold cider made using the same production techniques as Champagne. Double fermentation adds new levels of complexity with tantalising elderflower and brioche supporting the zip of green apples. With fine bubbles, light acidity, and velvety smoothness, this traditionally made expression is a fantastic cider to try if you love sparkling wines and want something new.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8.4%
Find here: £12.99

FLAVOURED CIDERS

Thatchers Blood Orange Cider

This is a stunning sweeter style of cider flavoured with natural blood orange for sweet, tangy, and floral feel. Sweet apples like Fuji and Gala have been picked to make this bottle of summertime that hits with flavoursome fizz before mellowing into well-balanced vibrance. Some flavoured ciders are sickly sweet, but even at 4% ABV, this gets it just right.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.30

Brothers Toffee Apple Cider

Brothers are relatively new kids on the block and have already built a reputation for experimenting with all kinds of curious flavours from Cherry Bakewell to Rhubarb and Custard. Beginning life as a stall at Glastonbury in 1995, drinkers wanted to buy the cider all year round and the rest is history. Their Festival Apple is the go-to cider for the upcoming festival, but it’s their Toffee Apple that we want to shout about. Undeniably, this is a sweet cider that won’t appeal to some, but we say give it a chance. There are still subtle sharp apple notes, but mostly it’s that instantly recognisable toffee apple flavour with vanillery cream soda. A far cry from traditional farmhouse apple cider sure, but for something totally unique as a treat, it’s delicious.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.45

Napton Cidery Recipe No5

For such a new producer, Napton has made a big cider splash. What started as a hobby making use of unwanted apples from the nearby village has become a top-class cidery on the national and even international stage. Recognized by the great taste awards and International Cider Challenge, their only fruit cider, blackcurrant, is dreamy. Fresh blackcurrants bring all the sweetness to a super elegant and refined cider.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.50

Lilley's Mango Cider

Somerset producer Lilley’s provides a fantastically varied range, but their Mango is a favourite of ours. It’s light and aromatic but with exotic mango sweetness providing great oomph. There is no cloying sweetness and certainly no blandness, just sunny refreshment, and fantastic natural flavour. It’s also a dream to wash down Indian food with.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £2.35

NO/LOW CIDERS

Westons - Stowford Press Low Alcohol 0.5% Cider

One of the highlights of the most recent Cider Masters was the high-standard of low-alcohol entries, and this Stowford Press cider has stunning depth of flavour and character, earning it the Gold medal (the latest in a growing list of gongs by the way). Bittersweet with apple and honey notes, it’s gorgeously smooth and refreshing and makes for the perfect summer sipping alternative.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £1.80

Prefer cocktails on a sunny day? Check out The Most Popular Cocktails for Summer here! Or how about combining the two with these glorious Summer Cider Cocktails!?

6 Easy Apple Cider Cocktails for Summer

When you think of a cider cocktail, you probably jump to steamy autumn concoctions, but it’s actually perfect for adding gorgeous fruity depth to summer refreshers too! Bourbon, gin, wine... whatever your poison, check out how they marry cider for a moreish mix below!

Apple Cider Bourbon – for the bourbon lovers

A spin on the classic whisky sour, the caramel, vanilla, and spice notes from the bourbon meld with the hearty cider for an apple pie-esque delight. If your bourbon has a touch of sweetness to it, then the tartness of the lemon and cider will offset perfectly but add a little syrup if necessary. Bringing it all together is the egg white for that silky froth and after a sprinkle of cinnamon, voila!

Ingredients
35ml bourbon
80ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
1 egg white
10ml syrup (optional)
Sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)

Method
Shake up bourbon, lemon juice, apple cider, egg white and syrup if you prefer for 20 seconds. Add ice and shake it all over again until it feels chilled. Strain into a serving glass, dust with cinnamon and enjoy.

Cider 75 – for the gin lovers

Taking over effervescent duties from the champagne of the French 75 here is the cider, so make sure you get a bubbly one. Less floral and lighter than the original, this is a fruiter, zipper mix with punchy flavour. A good juniper-forward gin will match the lemon and apple flavours really nicely, or go fruit mad with a berried gin.

Ingredients
50ml gin
20ml lemon juice
80ml apple cider (bubbly)

Method
Ridiculously easy. Shake everything except the cider with a load of ice and fine strain, before topping up with the fizzing cider and gently stirring.  

Cider Spritz – for the sparkling wine lovers

This is a hearty twist on the summer classic, with Aperol’s herbal orange pairing up with a cider of your pairing – though we recommend trying Thatchers Blood Orange. Alongside your sparking wine, this will be sweeter than the original, with two loads of bubbles for complete refreshment. Orange notes, floral notes with a touch of bitterness – this is a summertime winner.

Ingredients
70ml cider (try Thatchers Blood Orange)
70ml sparkling wine (Prosecco or Caava)
20ml Aperol
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
All you have to do is combine and stir everything here (gently, don’t kill those bubbles!)

Cider Sangria – for the white wine lovers

This is a lighter, crisper, and less rich sangria compared to the usual mix. With earthy warmth, ginger beer and cider always go well together, and a nice dry acidic white (Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect) cuts through deliciously. A couple of different apples adds layers, lemon and orange brings fresh citrus and every sip is super comforting.

Ingredients (for a jug)
2 different types of diced apple
1 sliced lemon
1 sliced orange
250ml apple cider
250ml ginger beer
1 bottle of white wine

Method
The great thing about sangria is that it’s just combining everything into a big pitcher, so add everything in, give it a good stir and if you like, let it refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

Top Tip: Roll the diced fruits in cinnamon sugar and leave overnight before adding!

Cider Margarita – for the tequila lovers

Most apple ciders have an earthiness to them that really sings with the earthy fresh agave of a blanco tequila. With lime and triple sec in the mix, this is one tangy Margarita, but with enough cider sweetness to balance the levels, and heaps of freshness.

 Ingredients
30ml apple cider
50ml tequila (ideally Blanco)
20ml lime juice
20ml Triple Sec
Sugar, salt and cinnamon (for rim)

Method
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, and roll it in the sugar, salt, and cinnamon mix. Shake all of your ingredients with ice and strain over the prepared glass and fresh ice. Vamos!

Orchard Martini – for the vodka lovers

Vodka is probably the most pairable spirit and it provides a great backbone to this cider cocktail that combines apple cider with Triple Sec and lemon juice for sweet tartness and intense fruity flavour. If you find that there’s not enough sweetness from your cider and/or vodka, then a little orange juice works a treat to sweeten the deal.

 Ingredients
40ml vodka
25ml Triple Sec
60ml apple cider
20ml lemon juice
15ml orange juice (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon

Method
Super simple, just shake the lot with ice until it feels cold to the touch. You can add the cinnamon in at this stage, or sprinkle over at the end, it’s up to you but it does add a warm touch that works nicely.

Well, if you’ve eyed up one of these stunning cocktails, you’re gonna need the star of the show, so check out our Best British Ciders here!