The UK’s First Urban Winery Has Now Got Its Own Vineyard

London Cru, the UK's first urban winery, has taken a bold leap forward by acquiring Foxhole Vineyard in West Sussex, situated just a stone's throw away from the renowned Bolney Estate. If you’re not familiar with London Cru, then let us recap their story so far because they’re doing some very exciting things in the world of UK wine.

Tucked away down a SW6 alleyway is an old Victorian warehouse. Once used for gin production, Cliff Roberson eyed it up for a new lease of life in 2013 and despite being in central London, it was to become the UK’s first urban winery. But that’s not the only thing making London Cru stand out…

With a focus on crafting top-quality still wines, London Cru sets itself apart from the rest of the UK's winemakers. While vineyards are sprouting up across the country and producing incredible fizz, few have this same unwavering dedication to still wines.

Whilst they have been using European grapes from the likes of Languedoc-Roussillon and Piedmont, this acquisition of Foxhole Vineyard lays down an ambitious marker as they aim to trail-blaze the quality and variety of still wines being produced in the UK – we love to see it!

Located less than 50 miles away from their urban winery, Foxhole Vineyard perfectly aligns with London Cru's innovative spirit. The vineyard boasts 20,000 vines, predominantly Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, accompanied by a small pocket of Bacchus. This idyllic vineyard, with its south-facing hillside offering stunning views of the South Downs, is a testament to London Cru's commitment to the mission.

By controlling every stage of production from grape to glass, London Cru and Head Winemaker Alex Hurley aims to create a homegrown and unique British winemaking experience to replicate English Sparkling Wine’s newfound place on the international stage.  Very exciting times indeed!

The Best Whisky To Drink This Summer

In the UK we have a summer which, like last year can be very hot and last for weeks and weeks, but this is not the norm. The British summer is usually a lot more fickle and we may get the odd weekend of beautiful weather, but traditionally this won’t fall over the holiday weekend in August.

However, 2023 has been warm so far, in fact we have just had our warmest June on record, so in anticipation of another hot summer, I have put pen to paper to suggest some great whiskies for hot weather.

These may be heavier whiskies, but they make an astonishing highball, or sour cocktail, or lighter whiskies to sip over ice, or by themselves on a balmy summer evening in the sun.

Glen Moray Classic

I continue to come back and back to this whisky. It is such great quality versus what you have to pay for it. It can be found in so many shops, so is easily available, and is on offer reasonably frequently. A classic by name and a classic by nature. It is sweet with honey and fresh red apples, vanilla and a little lemon zest to keep things interesting. A great way to get the summer started. In a highball, over ice or sipped alone. This is a wonderful summer whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £23.44

Bankhall

This is an exciting new arrival from Bankhall distillery in Blackpool. A single cask to start with which includes some of the first liquid to come off the stills in March 2020. Made with English Barley and matured in a char 4 virgin oak cask for just over three years, only 225 bottles were produced. This would be the perfect whisky to sit on Blackpool beach and contemplate the growth in world whisky over the last five or six years. This whisky might be young, but it has plenty of vibrant flavours with vanilla and orange marmalade, butterscotch and mint leaves with tinned peaches. With a high abv, this drinks very well over ice on a hot day, and I’d be very happy if I was the head distiller Vince Olsen. Let’s just hope he makes more of the same.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.4%
Find it here: £99.95

Bushmills 10

From Scotland to England and now to Northern Ireland. Here we have a tropical dessert of a whisky. Lots of sweetness and freshness from a whisky which screams it’s from Ireland. This whisky is fabulous by itself, but with all the tropical fruit flavours and vanilla it is great in a whisky sour. Tart lemon and mangoes fizzing around the palate is brilliant on a summer’s day. Just don’t put too much sugar syrup in the cocktail as it hides all the delicate notes in the whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £34.69

Filey Bay

Back to England and we have another new kid on the block, this time from the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery. Using 100% home grown barley, and ex bourbon cask maturation, this is a sweet whisky which is great with simple ice and soda. To be able to make a good highball, the whisky has to be very good as any imperfections are brought out by the dilution, and this is certainly a well-made whisky. I’d suggest if you’re having a staycation in England this year, why not make the whisky English too?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £49.90

Masthouse Copper Rivet by Berry Bros & Rudd

Here we have yet another English whisky. This one is a little older than the other two at around 6 years old. Made in Kent, this is matured in the south of England and the warmer weather seems to have made a difference. There are complex fruit flavours and rich vanilla. This will stand up to cocktails, highballs, and at 59.7% pretty much anything you want to throw at it, it’ll handle well with its intensity of fruit and sweetness, a great young whisky from Berry Bros & Rudd. Very hard to find, I would suggest this is one for the serious whiskey fiends to find at auction. Expect it to fetch a lot more than the distillery’s own bottlings, and if you have no luck, maybe try a standard bottle and see if you like the flavours.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 59.7%
Find it here: At Auction

Orkney 2006 Berry Bros & Rudd

We finally make it back to Scotland in this round robin of the best summer whiskies the UK has to offer. Another dram from Berry Bros & Rudd and another big, intense whisky. This, like many Orkney whiskies before it has a lovely salinity which refreshes the palate on a hot day. But having been matured in an Oloroso Sherry butt, there is also richness and sweetness to balance out any cocktail. Although I would suggest this is a really good sipper. Perhaps with a little ice if wanted. With black cherries and black cracked pepper, this will liven up the pallet.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.1%
Find it here: £123.23

Glasgow Red Wine and Ruby Port Cask Finish

This is a whisky which I would drink as a sipping dram in the cooler months, with its big rich red fruit flavours, spice and sweetness coming from dark sugar and manuka honey. Added to that is a high abv, but with plenty of ice in a tall glass and add soda and it gives a glorious fruity summer fruits forward highball. Six casks were married and there were only 1925 bottles produced, but there is still a decent amount around for now. It’s not complicated, and it’s delicious. So, give it a go!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.5%
Find it here: £58.95

Glenglassaugh Sandend

Having been closed for 20 years, Glenglassaugh fired up its stills again in 2008. Finally, they have a new core range which is really worth shouting about. I have chosen for this article the Sandend expression. I’ve tried this on the beach in front of the distillery as two different cocktails, I’ve tried it straight up at 50.5%, and with soda, and I love it! It is created with ex bourbon, sherry, including Manzanilla casks which give a fresh sea breeze nature to the whisky. It is fruity, sweet, a touch of spice, and all these things combine to feel like you’re by the sea in the sun. So, head to a beach, or close your eyes with your feet in a bowl of water, and sip away!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.5%
Find it here: £52.20

There are so many great whiskies to drink during the summer months, these are my favourites at the moment, but if your lost for choice, then a good rule of thumb would be to try something from an ex bourbon cask, high strength for highballs, and a little richer in style for a sour. Happy summer drinking!

9 Bottles of Cava You Need to Try

Cava is a sparkling wine made in the same traditional method as Champagne, but in Spain and with local grapes like Parallada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. Because of this, it’s seen as one of the best Champagne alternatives, with a slightly more umami and brioche tinge that makes it a food-friendly dream.

The best thing about it though is the value! At a fraction of the price of French fizz, Cava provides fantastic quality, versatility, and character and if you find a bottle that you click with, it becomes many drinkers’ go-to weekly sipper!

So, if you want to give Cava a go, then you can’t go far wrong with the nine beauties below!

Bodegas Sumarroca Brut Reserva 2019/20

Organic, vegan, and biodynamically grown, this is a Cava with tonnes of thought and expert craftsmanship in it, and the awards to justify it. The pear and pastry aromas are to die for, flavouring a fizz that feels refined and fresh with the perfect touch of acidity. Most Cavas have under a year on the lees, but this has 24 months!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £11.85 (usually more!)

Freixenet Cuvée Especial Ice Rosé N.V.

This is the epitome of summer refreshment – a fizzing Cava Rosé from Freixenet. Garnacha brings ripe red fruits and spice, Pinot Noir provides freshness and acidity, whilst Chardonnay injects some intensity and balance. Plum, blackberries, strawberries... all delicately poised with florality and elegance. Pour over ice, sit back, and relax.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £11.95

Faustino Cava Brut Reserva

Made with Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes, this is a super sparkly Cava from Faustino. You get so much fruit and florality for your money with apple, pear, citrus, and brioche all there, as well as a moreish creamy texture that’s very pleasant. If you don’t like too much sweetness in your sparkling wine, try this!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £13.50

Bohigas Brut Reserva

A delectably soft Cava with great structure from near Barcelona, the 24 months on lees in the barrel has developed the layers of flavouring perfectly. White fruit aromas flood the nose, alongside lemon tart, and subtle vanilla. The mouth is bone-dry dry with more citrus, orchard fruits and a touch of minerality. A lot of drinkers’ go-to’s for a reason!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.05

Anna de Codorniu Ice Edition Rosé

A subtly sweeter Cava here from Anna de Codorniu, with a Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay blend. Tasty lemon notes feature from nose to finish and whilst there is a fruity sweetness, you also get good acidity and tang from that grapefruit and lime, and a great mousse. Serve with a load of ice and it’s a delicious sipper indeed.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.45

Cava Conde de Haro Brut 2019

It’s not just reds coming out of Rioja, but winning Cava too. This expression ages for two years, developing Champagne levels of complexity whilst retaining a youthful freshness. It’s a richer style of Cava with a full body, carrying delicious notes of biscuit, apple, and dried fruits. If you’ve not been won around by Cava yet, this is a fantastic representation of what it can be.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.95

Codorníu Ars Collecta Gran Reserva Grand Rosé 2019

Mouthwatering aromatic and food-friendly Cava here from Cordoníu. The berried bouquet feels bright and fresh, the acidity is measured to perfection, and the creamy bubbles round off a supremely well-balanced profile. Such an inviting hue too – the complete package. Nom!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99

Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2018

Let us introduce you to this benchmark Spanish Cava. The fresh and creamy feel is hinted at by the buttery nose, which blossoms into a characterful palate of lemon, toffee apple and crunchy apple. It’s long-lasting, super fizzy, bone dry and utterly refreshing – everything you want from Cava.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20.50

Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Cava Brut

Check out this bottle from the Segura Viduas winery, fit for a medieval King! Seriously stylish, the ageing comes through on the gently smoky nose and behind all that plentiful mousse is a palate plush with rich dried fruits, flower petals, subtle nutty bitterness and fresh apple and tangerine. There is so much depth here waiting to be explored. It would also be incredible paired with white fish by the way!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £24.95

Want to sip on something closer to home? Try these incredible English Sparkling Wines that are leading the way!

Heliot Steak House: A Cut Above

The grand Hippodrome Casino on Leicester Square opened in 1900 as a circus theatre, playing host to legends like Judy Garland, Charlie Chapman and a certain Clara Heliot, a lion tamer whose namesake restaurant now occupies the first floor – The Heliot Steak House.

Carving out its own spot in London legend, this premium restaurant and late-night bar overlooks sweeping views of the buzzing casino floor. With chandeliers dazzling and roulette wheels spinning amongst the lavish décor, the luxury Vegas casino vibe is well and truly pulled off, with a sophisticated touch of 1930s elegance thrown in for good measure. It’s pretty unforgettable, and that’s before the culinary experience has even begun.

Let's talk about the star of the show—the steak. Heliot Steak House specializes in award-winning USDA prime grade steaks sourced globally, including cuts from Nebraska, Argentina, Great Britain, and Japan. These exceptional cuts of Fillet, Sirloin, Rib Eye and Rib on the Bone undergo a meticulous aging process of four to six weeks before bespoke seasoning and cooking, resulting in incredible tenderness and flavour for every diner. Amongst tough competition, The Heliot was voted the Best Steak House in London, as well as the Best Casino Restaurant and other top gongs.

But the culinary adventure doesn't stop there. Executive Chef and expert Meatologist Ioannis Grammenos infuses his Greek heritage into the menu, offering delectable starters like Grilled Octopus with Roast Baby Potatoes & Tarama and Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce & Parmesan. Don’t fancy steak for main course? How about New Zealand Lumina Lamb Rack with Pitta & Raita, or Roast Chicken & Grilled Sweet Potato with Yoghurt Sauce? Make sure to save room for a diverse dessert menu too, with the likes of the Bougasta Custard Cream Pie and the renowned Chocolate Tree to pick from. This is just a taste of an extensive menu that is refreshed every few months, not to mention the weekly specials that make the task of ordering an even tougher one, but that’s not a bad problem to have, right?

For the perfect pairings for all of this, enter Salvatore Russo, General Manager and Head of Wine. With over 60 globally sourced bottles of red wine, including an impressive selection available by the glass, you'll be sure to find the ideal complement to your steak. With White, Rosé, Champagne and Sparkling too… there really is a stunning bottle for everything.

And if wine isn't your preference, fear not because you can always consult the wide-ranging drinks menu featuring spirits, beers, ciders, soft drinks, as well as the most exciting choice for us… an array of tantalizing cocktails, such as the Helicolada and the Take Me Down.

Together, Ioannis, Salvatore and their attentive team have combined their passion and expertise, married it with the glamorous surroundings to solidify Heliot Steak House's status as a West-End icon. Let the show go on!

Find the Heliot Steak House’s website here.

The Hippodrome Casino,
Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH London, United Kingdom

5 Stunning Cocktails Made with Chocolate Bitters

We like to picture bitters as the seasoning of the drinks world. Salt and pepper are in almost everything we cook, and just like them, bitters can add that touch of something to a cocktail to take it to that next level.

Bitters actually began as a medicinal product, with companies like Angostura infusing spirits with bitter ingredients like bark and certain herbs. These days you can find all kinds (like chocolate, which is dark and rich rather than bitter), and because they’re so intense and concentrated, you’ll usually find them in small bottles with teeny tiny droppers so they’re great value for money.

You can read more about the different kinds of bitters here, including a delicious chocolate flavour from Fee Brothers! For now though, let’s go through 5 tasty cocktails that show off exactly how fantastic chocolate bitters can be in mixology!

The Left Hand – for the bourbon lovers

The Left Hand is an evolution of the Prohibition-era Boulevardier, which is basically a bourbon Negroni. Without knowing the history of the cocktail, Sam Ross at Milk & Honey created something similar using chocolate bitters, which pull the cocktail into an exciting new direction. They round off the spiced smoothness of the bourbon and vermouth, temper the Campari sharpness and add some indulgent complexity to the mix.

Ingredients
45ml bourbon
20ml Campari
20ml sweet vermouth
4 drops chocolate bitters

Method
Add everything to a mixing glass, stir well with ice and strain! A cherry makes the perfect garnish but it’s not the end of the world if you sip as it is!

The Swizzle – for the rum lovers

There are a lot of variations of this, some leaning towards coffee, others whiskey, and others rum! The rich coffee, the caramelly notes from the rum, and the cocoa bitters all work so well together with the creamy sweetness of the coconut cream to add a different texture. Lime juice brightens and lifts the mix-up for a reinvigorating and rich profile that will definitely leave you wanting more.

Ingredients
45ml dark rum
20ml coffee liqueur/espresso
3 drops of chocolate bitters
15ml lime juice
15ml coconut cream
Cinnamon stick (optional garnish)

Method
Half-fill your glass with crushed ice, and pour everything in. Now for the swizzle! You can use a swizzle stick, or barspoon, but you simply need to submerge the utensil below the ice and hold it between your palms. Then, as if you’re starting a fire, rotate between your palms until it’s thoroughly mixed! 

Widow’s Kiss – for the cognac lovers

The original recipe for this goes way back to George Kappeler’s Modern American Drinks guide in 1895, using two French herbal liqueurs and apple brandy. It’s changed over the years and in celebration of The Three Drinkers in Cognac, we’re going to use a cognac rather than apple brandy. This Widow’s Kiss packs a punch, with fruits, honey, herbs and chocolate subtly marrying for a gorgeously rich and warm creation which could be served after dinner or as a nightcap. Deliciously bold.

Ingredients
50ml cognac (VS or VSOP)
20ml Yellow Chartreuse
20ml Bénédictine
3 drops of chocolate bitters
Cherry (optional garnish)

Method
Super easy this, just stir all your ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Yum!

Squeaky Wheel – for the mezcal lovers

This takes the Negroni framework and shakes it up into a smokier, richer number. Created by Nicholas Bennett of Cedric’s at the Shed in New York, the signature earthy smokiness of the mezcal complements the coffee gorgeously. Almond-flavoured, sweet amaretto is offset by bitter citrus for brightness, and the swirling chocolate bitters bring a spicy richness. So much flavour but with no harsh ages, this is truly stunning.

Ingredients (for a jug)
40ml mezcal
30ml bitter orange apéritif (Campari or Aperol)
20ml coffee liqueur
15ml amaretto
2 dashes of chocolate bitters
Orange twist (optional garnish)

Method
Stir around ice to combine and strain into an ice-filled glass. For a nice touch, rub an orange wedge around the rim before dropping it in as garnish. Voila!

Espresso Martini – for the vodka lovers

One of the most adored cocktails of the last few years, this in-your-face cocktail is perfect for a chocolate bitters addition. Bitterness, sweetness, frothy Espresso, smooth and crisp vodka, and now richer chocolate bitters for a Mocha Martini style twist. They add warmth and dark chocolate notes without the sweetness, keeping this cocktail in perfect balance.

 Ingredients
40ml vodka
20ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
25ml cooled espresso
3 drops chocolate bitters
1 tbsp syrup
Three coffee beans (garnish)

Method
Cocktail shakers out, then simply shake everything with ice and pour into a pre-chilled cocktail glass! Equally perfect after meals or at the bar!

Chocolate bitters are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bitters taking drinks to that next level, and if you often make cocktails at home you should definitely consider getting a few in – check out our ‘What Are Bitters?’ guide here!

7 Delicious Rum Cocktails

For some reason, some drinkers pigeonhole rum cocktails as a vacation-only choice, but rum is much more than poolside Pina Coladas…as good as they are.

The tropical rum cocktails are some of the world’s favourites, and deservedly so, but it’s a versatile spirit so here is the best of everything rum from legendary recipes to delicious twists.

Rum Sour

More known for whisky, the Sour style cocktail works really well with rum. You could use a golden rum to pair the tropical brûléed feel with sunny citrus, but we prefer the warming of a spiced rum. The silky egg white adds some decadence and texture, there’s a wonderful tang and sweetness from the lime, orange and syrup, and the toasty spiced rum adds a punchy hit of rich flavour. It’s a lot going on but it really works.

Ingredients
50ml Rum (Bacardi Spiced works well)
25ml Orange Juice
25ml Lime Juice
12.5ml Syrup (Monin works well)
15ml Egg white

Method
Mix all ingredients together without ice and shake, add ice and shake once more. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

Rum Old Fashioned

The rum Old Fashioned is such an underrated twist. The oaky spice of the dark rum, the zesty structure of the bitters, the bright citrus…this will definitely win the traditionalists over.

Ingredients
50ml Dark Rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
1 tsp sugar syrup
Few dashes of orange bitters
Orange Peel to garnish

Method
Add ice 3/4 of the way up a mixing glass or cocktail shaker and add all ingredients. Stir for 30 seconds until nicely chilled. Fine strain into a cocktail glass.

PIñA COLADA

This is probably the definitive tropical cocktail, right? Sweet and creamy, it’s the ultimate smoothie (okay it’s not officially a smoothie but if you label it as that you can have another one). Unfortunately, no one knows exactly who invented it but whoever you are, we thank you!

Ingredients:
60ml white rum ((Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
60ml coconut cream
120ml crushed pineapple/pineapple juice
Garnish: pineapple Wedge

Method:
Blenders at the ready. Combine white rum with the same amount of coconut cream. Add 120ml of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple, a handful of ice, and blend. Garnish with pineapple and an umbrella for the complete holiday vibe.

CINNAMON TWIST

Another creamy rum concoction here with the Cinnamon Twist. Swapping out the fruit for cinnamon creates a wonderfully indulgent milky, spiced rum punch, a recipe that has been around in different forms since medieval times! Spices in the rum will pair perfectly with the cinnamon which brings us to the syrup. You can do this individually (simple syrup plus cinnamon powder) but by adding cinnamon sticks to water and sugar, the syrup is easy to make and gorgeous in all kinds of other cocktails.

Ingredients:
60ml Golden Rum (Mount Gay Black Barrel works well)
44ml Milk
22ml Cinnamon Syrup

Method:
Shake with ice, then strain over a singular hefty ice cube in a chilled rock glass!

DAIQUIRI

We often hear that people dismiss a Daiquri as a childish option, with sickly sweet slush puppy vibes. Maybe that’s you? Well, we’re here to say give it another chance. When fresh lime juice is used, the right amount of syrup and it isn’t blended, it can be simple and so refreshing. Rum and lime are a match made in heaven and the syrup counteracts the tang perfectly - just get the ratios right!

Ingredients:
60ml Light or White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
20ml simple syrup
Garnish: lime

Top Tip: Fruity-flavoured syrups add a lovely twist to the original recipe - try banana and strawberry instead of simple syrup!

Method:
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes. Do not blend! Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and add the garnish.

MOJITO

One of the world’s favourite cocktails, is the Cuban-born Mojito the single most refreshing cocktail on the planet? Rum, mint and lime - it’s aromatic, zesty, reinvigorating and punchy. Ernest Hemingway loved it, and so do we.

Ingredients:
50ml White Rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
20ml lime juice
15ml simple syrup
Soda water
Garnish: mint

Method:
We want to get all that flavour from the mint so it’s vital to crush it with the lime juice and sugar. Add ice and a white rum that you love. Top up with soda water, give it a gentle stir to combine and sip the evening away! Top

HURRICANE

One of the many cocktails born out of Prohibition, this New Orleans icon is perfect for when you’re wanting a potent flavour bomb. It has a few more ingredients than most cocktails, but it’s worth it in the end trust us. The trio of fruit juices are key here, so try and make sure you freshly squeezed for as many as possible. It’s zippy, tropical, and sweet and with the double punch of light and dark rum, there are layers of notes to explore until the very last sip. You won’t feel neutral about it that’s for sure!

Ingredients:
40ml light rum (Havana Club 3-year-old works well)
40ml dark rum (Mount Gay XO works well)
15ml lime juice
15ml passion fruit juice
15ml orange juice
15ml simple syrup
10ml Grenadine
Garnish: orange wheel

Method:
All the hard work is done fetching the ingredients here, so just add them to a shaker with ice and shake until cold. Strain into a hurricane glass with more ice and voila! An orange garnish works a treat for good measure.

Chances are if you’ve made it to the end of these tasty rum cocktails, you love your rum. So, if you’re drinking it regularly you may as well go the whole hog and make yourself a little home bar! After all, you’ve probably got most of the ingredients already.

How Rap Fuelled the Cognac Comeback

In the 18th century, Cognac was so popular that smugglers literally could not meet demands for it, but as the 20th century rolled on, the luxurious drink fell out of favour and became a symbol of a bygone era. Even in France, whisky had replaced it as the king of sippers.

Slowly, it became known as the drink of old men, conjuring up images of stuffy clubs, dusty drinks cabinets and a kind of classical luxury that appealed to fewer and fewer people. As a result of this narrowing and ageing demographic, the 1990s brought economic issues to cognac houses and the surrounding region. Vines were being replaced, and a surplus supply filled the city’s cellars.

The 21st century looked bleak for cognac, that was until the world of rap and hip-hop got involved! Jay-Z’s, Can’t Knock the Hustle in 1991 was the first to mention a cognac brand by name, rapping, ‘sipping Remy on the rocks’ in reference to Remy Martin.  As the ‘bling era’ of rap dawned, the historic association of cognac with royalty and luxury set it on the path to being namechecked in plenty of other songs too.

In 2001, Busta Rhymes released Pass the Courvoisier II with P. Diddy and Pharrell… the latter of which who would later become an ambassador for Remy Martin. It is estimated that this song alone boosted Courvoisier sales by 30%!

2Pac, Snoop Dogg, you name it, they were all referencing cognac and cognac brands at the turn of the millennium and over a decade or so, the fortunes of the region had completely turned on its head.

Fans of American rap flocked to buy Hennessy and other brands, and these sales spikes spread across Europe too. New mixers like Coca-Cola and pineapple juice were popular, and rather than turn their nose up at this new image of cognac, it was embraced by the industry. To this day, the relationship exists with Martell announcing rapper Quavo as their brand ambassador in 2018.

Demand has never been higher for this historic drink, and if you want to learn more about the rich journey of cognac and the beautiful city itself, check out our Complete Beginners Guide here, or even better, tune in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac!

What Are The Best Wine Pairings for Fried Chicken?

Wine probably isn’t the first drink you think of when you think of fried chicken but those who’ve tried it know what a happy marriage it is. Fried chicken is cooked in different ways across the world, from Southern Fried style to Japanese Tempura style, and you can absolutely find the perfect wine for any fried chicken dish.

Sparkling wines effortlessly slice through oils and fats in the chicken, and those gorgeous bubbles refresh between each bite, but there are also still wines that work too! Let’s dive into the indulgent mix of fried chicken and wine...

CHAMPAGNE – for southern fried chicken

Les Pionniers Brut Champagne

A favourite of ours that we’ve mentioned on the podcast before, Champagne isn’t just for washing down the likes of caviar, it also goes incredibly well with fried chicken! You probably wouldn’t put this ‘high-low’ pairing together, but why the hell not, that’s what we say. Zesty acidity and fizzing bubbles cut through perfectly, and the brioche yeastiness pairs with the umami flavour nicely too. Fried chicken will carry intense flavours and spices, so don’t splash out on an expensive fizz – this Co-op sparkler (like most of their others) is incredibly good value with a gorgeous creamy structure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £21.25

CAVA – for tempura style chicken

Sainsbury's Cava Brut

When it comes to pairing wine with fried chicken, there is absolutely no need to splash out. Good quality Cava is made using the same method as Champagne but instead used local grapes like Paradella, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. You’ll find it’s packed full of zesty citrus, with a more savoury and tropical-led profile than something like Champagne. Its fresh, fruity and fizzy vibrance cleanses the palate wonderfully setting you up for another delicious bite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £6

PROSECCO – for spicier chicken

Graham Norton’s Own Prosecco DOC NV

Whether it’s buffalo wings, Nashville style, or Korean chicken, lots of fried chicken packs some heat, and so long as it’s not blow-your-head-off spice, bubbles with a touch of sweetness helps. Pick out a wonderfully light expression like this, and it’s gorgeously refreshing alongside a feast.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.2%
Find here: £12

RIESLING – for lighter chicken

Reichsrat von Buhl - Riesling Trocken 2021

We always look to off-dry Riesling when matching with difficult and intense dishes. Whatever the cuisine, Riesling is the reliable and adaptable all-rounder. Pick out a highly acidic and crisp German Riesling like this one to cut through grease and spice, providing bone-dry refreshment in between bites.  

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £14.95

Sauvignon Blanc – for traditional fried chicken

Co-op Fairtrade Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc

Loved around the world, a glass of Sauvignon tends to be pretty food-friendly and works particularly well with classic fried chicken. Those signature zesty, savoury, and herbaceous notes mirror the food, emphasising the citrus and herbs in the seasoning. Robust acidity refreshes the palate too, making Sauvignon Blanc a fantastic bubble-free alternative.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £6.85

The right drinks accompaniment can truly make or break a meal, so check out other guides including Indian, Thai, Mexican and Sushi!