Sloe Gin – What Is It and What Should I Try?

What is Sloe Gin?

Sloe Gin is a quintessentially British creation that uses high-proof gin and sloe berries, along with a touch of sugar to create a liqueur. Thanks to all the sloe berries decorating British hedgerows, it’s beloved here but if you ate them on their own, they’d be quiet tart. When worked into a Sloe Gin however, they add a warm richness that’s incredible for the colder seasons.

Making your own DIY Sloe Gins is a big thing, and you can find our handy guide on that here, as well as more information about this delicious liqueur. But, if you want to leave it in the hands of the experts and try some ready-made concoctions, these are some of the best to try.

The Best Sloe Gins to Try

Sipsmith Sloe Gin

Sipsmith’s London Dry is tremendous, and to make this Sloe Gin, they leave hand-picked Autumn sloes to rest with it for 4 months, bottling once optimum flavour is achieved. It’s not overly sweet, and instead smacks of quality, with velvety redcurrants, cassis and soft cherries.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 29%
Find here: UK £23.95 / US $42.99

6 O'clock Sloe Gin

With an abundance of handpicked sloes from Gloucester, this tried-and-true recipe is perfect for drinking at anytime because the sloe to gin ratio is high. It’s very dry, with intense fruit flavour and warming spice, but enough bittersweet notes to retain appeal all night (or day).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: £24.66

Hayman's Sloe Gin

Winner of the top award in 2019, the yin and yang of sweetness and tartness is perfected here, with sloes steeped for months in their stellar London Dry. You get all that plum flavour, without overbearing sweetness, as well as complementing notes of almond and richness. A splash of tonic and an orange slice is delicious with this.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £25.49 / US $29.99

Plymouth Sloe Gin

The bartender’s buddy and many Sloe drinkers’ go-to, Plymouth Sloe Gin is adored for its value and natural depth. It’s an explosion of natural berries, with none of the sugar overload. The touch of tartness is perfection, and the thick, luxurious mouthfeel is to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 26%
Find here: UK £26.99 / US $33.99

Foxdenton Estate Sloe Gin

Another absolute gem, Foxdenton picked up the top award at the 2016 Gin Masters for this Sloe. This is a far cry from poor quality toothache-inducing sloe gins, with the perfect touch of smooth jammy fruits but a bitter, pale dryness and juniper integrity that doesn’t get lost. A glass of quality, best enjoyed neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 27%
Find here: £29

Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin

Like so many gins, Wrecking Coast Honey Sloe Gin is divinely bottled. Inside? These Cornish producers have crafted a jammy, honey-kissed concoction that's equally at home in a hip flask on a chilly day or as the star of a summery spritz. It's an innovative collision of locally picked rich slows, Cornish honey, and a pinch of spice for a luxurious mouthfeel and moreish earthy warmness.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 34.5%
Find here: £30

Elephant Sloe Gin

What do you get when you combine award-winning Elephant London Dry Gin with wild sloe berries? A rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and oh-so fruity Sloe Gin, that’s what. Totally distinct, from the spice to the nutty notes to the blackberry sweetness, not only does Elephant Sloe Gin deliver a completely rounded Sloe Gin experience, but they also donate 15% of profits to elephant conservation.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: UK £31.45 / US $54.99

Sloe Gin is delicious neat, if you find that a little too intense, try one of the above as a G&T for a refreshing yet rich red fruits delight. Check out our perfect tonics here!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Sainsbury’s. Honestly, even without the discount, these reds and whites are exceptional value, but when they’re on offer they’re an absolute must-try. Let’s dive in!

*Updated: 20/10/2023*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts October 2023

Santodeno Negroamaro

Santodeno Negroamaro, the "bitter black" grape that's anything but bitter. Hailing from the sunny heel of Italy's 'boot,' this wine is fantastically rich and moreishly inky, with a full orchestra of dark fruits and a welcome touch of spice. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Feuerheerd Reserva Douro Red

Aged in barrels that once cradled the precious nectar of Vintage Port, this deep ruby limited-edition Portuguese blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz grapes showcases deep, earthy flavours of cassis blueberry and blackberry as well as refined spice, all wrapped in a velvety finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Carnivor Zinfandel

This ticks all the Zinfandel boxes and more. Full of the robust, well-structured Zinfandel the Lodi, California region is known for, this is the ultimate carnivore companion. Dark cherry and blackberry jam ride smoothly with full-body and glorious richness. Top notch value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

B. Ink by Grant Burge Red Blend

A black hole of ink-redible flavour, you can expect dark-chocolate coated raspberries, velvety tannins and intense fruit-froward jamminess. Cinnamon and vanilla provide surprising depth at this price too, in a wine that feels like a signature opulent Australian red.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Bosman Nero d’Avola

Easy-drinking personified, this South African red is bursting with plums, cranberries, and a clean spice. It’s modern, completely, and utterly food-friendly with tomatoey pasta or steak, and perfect for fans of fruit-froward, dark and delicious ripeness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

From the idyllic vineyards of Garda, this sip of Italian sunshine brings delicate fruity character and plentiful hits of citrus. Its crisp elegance matches the bottle, and the soft florality rounds the profile off wonderfully. Fantastic value Pinot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato

This is an ideal midweek drinker that punches above its price tag. The initial bold bouquet settles into peach sweetness and crisp red apple, with perfectly poised acidity and structure. Stunning colouring too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon

Easy-drinking New Zealand Sauvignon here, with zesty, tropical vibes. It’s impressively fresh and cleanses the palate wonderfully, with just enough body to wash down hearty meals too. There is perhaps not the body and depth of others, but for complete refreshment and fresh fruit, it’s great for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Lovely, light, and fresh, this Marlborough Sauvignon is alive with grapefruit citrus and plenty of acidic zing. We recommend serving it chilled and enjoying the clean refreshment, zest and smoothness of this wine, because the balance is stellar for under a tenner.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Discounts October 2023

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Remarkable at this price, there is so much vibrance and fresh zest in this Sauvignon Blush. It offers the crispness of white wine and a citrusy punch, all while indulging your taste buds with peaches and strawberries. It’s so sophisticated that you’d never guess the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

It's like summer in a bottle, bursting with luscious red fruits and a crisp, zesty kick. This rosé is a masterpiece from the legendary Jean-Claude Mas, a winemaking wizard. Delicate, pale, and oh-so-crisp, it's perfect for those light dishes, grilled delights, or your favourite salads. With a dash of rich strawberry and a hint of rhubarb, it's like a refreshing, sweet cream finale to your day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Madame F Rosé Wine

This delicate yet fruity Rosé lives up to the glamorous bottle. A unique blend of vibrant Grenache and red berry Shiraz, the smooth strawberry sweetness is a total crowd pleaser. It’s food-friendly too, pairing wonderfully with seafood paella because of the citrus acidity included. Also, it’s a collaborative effort with Queer Britain, a charity dedicated to creating the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé

Delicate floral notes in the aroma lead to a palate bursting with ripe berries and soft peach, ending with a zing of pink peppercorn spice. This dry and crisp Rosé from the stunning Île-de-Beauté, France, offers the perfect balance of flavours. It’s even picked up a bit of a reputation for attracting red or white drinkers over to Rosé, because from the cork to the profile, it’s a classy affair.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

This blush, with its delicate pink hue, is a real glass of happiness. Bursting with refreshing flavours of passionfruit and cranberry, it’s robust, fruity, and dry, with a food-friendly zing too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

*The below deals were available at the beginning of the month and have now finished.*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts EARLY October 2023

Santodeno Appassimento Sangiovese

Hand-picked grapes, slow-dried to perfection, go into this Emilia Romagna Sangiovese, resulting in a rich, jammy delight with a luxuriously long finish. There’s just enough acidity to cut through the super smooth blackberry and cherry too, making it ideal for heavy Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Barossa Ink Shiraz

An opulent, intense, and unsurprisingly inky Shiraz from the heart of Australia's premium Shiraz playground. Think dark brooding fruits, with elegant mocha and dark chocolate notes from the oak ageing. Let it breathe for an hour to soften the tannins and enjoy it with a sizzling steak – delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia

Terre di Faiano produce a number of great value belters, none better than this sumptuously elegant organic red from sunny Puglia. From the forest floor, dark fruits on the nose to the cherry, plum and baking spice palate, it’s an unbelievably smooth ride with plenty of fruit but no heaviness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Journey's End Spekboom Syrah

Spekboom is also known as the elephant bush in South Africa, and that’s what the Gabb Family committed to planting back in 2021, because they have a special ability to absorb CO2. The Syrah wine of this range is serious bang for buck, plush with spiced dark fruits and silky tannins but whilst also going deeper with notes of black olives, blackberry, and smoky oaky touches.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

From vineyards in the mountains north of Lisbon cooled by the Atlantic ocean, this rustic, light-bodied Portuguese red carries fresh fruits. Think blackcurrant and strawberry to fill out the mid palate, with a touch of acidity softening the finish. Let it breathe for a good while, and it’s dreamy easy drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8)

Altano Rewilding Edition Douro

We love shouting out wines that give back and this one not only supports the conservation efforts of Rewilding Portugal, but would also be recommendation worthy without that. Altitude and attitude go into this wine, resulting in a superbly balanced, soft fruity-driven ruby red with an elegant richness throughout. Think plum and damson. Ideal with meat and pasta dishes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

This win is one hell of an adventure. Grown sandwiched between wild oceans, ancient valleys, and towering mountains, it is finally bottled at the Villa Maria winery... located in the crater of a volcano. Once it reaches the glass, it provides signature Marlborough Sauvignon, with exceptional crispness and refreshment, zero bitterness and lots of flavour but lots of lightness too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

This might not be what you expect from a Pinot Grigio, but it’s a refreshing change. Different from most European Pinot, this Waihopai Valley, New Zealand wine arrives in salmon ink blush, with notes of quince, pear, nectarine and interesting minerality too. Relatively rich and full-bodied for this kind of wine so well worth trying.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Staying in New Zealand and in the Awatere Valley, where bees and butterflies flourish amongst the coastal vines. This Sauvignon brings a tropical touch, utterly smooth with mouthwatering notes of passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, lime, and mango, as well as pleasant minerality and vivid acidity. Well rounded and exceptional for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11.50)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

Straight from the sunny slopes of Côtes De Gascogne is a perfect mid-week Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect alongside pasta, chicken or cheese, there’s plenty of signature acidity to cut through and refresh, but all softened by the Colombard grape. Bright, punchy and stacks of citrus to refresh – just lovely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £9)

Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc

This is a familiar Marlborough Sauvignon profile done really well. Fresh fruit, perfect crispness, and a zesty easy-drinking nature make it a delight. Tropical fruits like pineapple lurk amongst background apple notes and vibrant citrus, with a vein of mineral goodness for balance. Food-friendly and well-rounded, with generous depth for the money too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these October offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop...

8 Halloween Garnish Ideas

As the nights close in, Halloween looms, and that gives you the perfect opportunity to make some of the best themed cocktails of the year. Hosting a haunted gathering? Want to get into the spirit at home? Or maybe you just want an excuse to knock up a cocktail? These Halloween garnish ideas are pretty easy to make but add the perfect chilling touch to your boo-zy potions.

Orange Peel Jack-o’-lanterns

Start your Halloween celebration with a burst of pumpkin-themed flair. Cut a small piece of orange peel, shape it into a classic wicked grin or a sinister face with a small, sharp knife, and clip it to the rim of your glass, or skewer it, or simply drop it in. Now, your beverage looks like it's sipping from its very own jack-o'-lantern.

Lychee Eyeballs

This is a classic because they look so good. Take a lychee and after removing the pit, insert a blueberry into its hollow centre. Add a few drops of red food colouring to give it that bloodshot look. Now, let your eerie eyeball float in your drink, watching your every sip. Or, if you want a more gruesome look, skewer the eyeball!

Strawberry Bloody Hearts

Add a dash of romance (or something much gorier) to your horror-themed drink with strawberry hearts. Simply slice strawberries into heart shapes and skewer them on toothpicks. You could also add some edible blood/dyed red syrup for extra special effects. Attach these crimson hearts to the rim of your glass, giving your drink a touch of macabre love.

Kiwi Frankenstein

Channel your inner mad scientist with a Kiwi Frankenstein. Slice a kiwi into thirds, preserving one part for its helmet-like-hair. Using cake decorations for eyes and a dash of black food colouring for a mouth, bring Frankenstein to life. Now for the bolts, which you can recreate by piercing with a cocktail stick.

Pineapple Bat Wings

Give your drink an eerie ambiance with pineapple bat wings. Carve out bat wing shapes from pineapple slices and perch them on your glass. It can be added to make tropical beverages adhere to the Halloween theme, but this sorts that right out.

Apple Witch Hats

Stir some witchy charm into your potion with apple witch hats. Grab a cookie cutter, ideally star shaped, and slice your apple in half. Attach these apple hat shapes to your glass, and you'll be spellbound.

Bloody Rim

This is another idea that’s so simple but effective. Dip the edge of your glass into a syrupy mixture dyed red with food colouring. Let it ooze and drip down the glass and for an extra touch of wickedness, add red or black sugar crystals to complete the look.

Spooky Spider Web

For an intricate and spooky garnish, use a spider web stencil to decorate your drink with ingredients such as cocoa powder, cinnamon, or powdered sugar. You could even try to make an Espresso Martini with cocoa powder web dusting and decorate the coffee bean garnish as a trapped fly!

But it’s not just garnishes where you can have spooktacular fun – pop these on our Easy Halloween Cocktails and you’ll blow guests away.

GŎNG: Western Europe’s Highest Hotel Bar

Nothing gets you in the mood for an incredible bar like grand surroundings, and that’s precisely what GŎNG, the sophisticated Asian-themed cocktail bar nestled on the 52nd floor of The Shard, offers. Looking out from one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Shangri-La in The Shard is London's tallest hotel, and it houses GŎNG, Western Europe's highest hotel bar.

Designer André Fu drew inspiration from 'dougong,' an ancient Chinese architectural element featuring interlocking wooden brackets. This concept marries the historical and the modern, much like London itself, resulting in a stunning, oriental-inspired interior. Rich cinnabar red lacquer panels, bespoke mauve carpets, and antique bronze cabinets come together to create a unique, visually striking yet intimate atmosphere.

Competing with the easy-on-the-eye interior however is, of course, that perfect river-facing view. The setting is unrivalled for both sunset admirers and late-night revellers, whether at the champagne bar, the cocktail bar, or even the dramatic infinity skypool, mesmerizing views of the city below are everywhere.

But what's a remarkable setting without extraordinary concoctions? GŎNG Bar has recently introduced its "Hues of Culture" cocktail menu, a celebration of colour’s significance in history and culture. You can choose from ten carefully curated cocktails, each representing a unique artistic expression inspired by colour psychology and history, for example, Vermilion Sling capturing the red of the Forbidden City, or Silent Blues inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Hokusai’s Kanagawa Wave.

The cocktail menu is guaranteed to pique your curiosity, with various innovative and charming servings like miniature hot air balloons, vintage bottles, and even previously crushed Peruvian ants as garnish!

GŎNG provides an unforgettable and definitive luxury cocktail experience, bringing together stunning interior, glistening sky-high views, art, culture, gastronomy, and mixology to continuously impress and surprise.

Visit the website here
Level 52, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London

L'Atelier Robuchon: Back With A Bang

L’Atelier closed its famous two Michelin-starred Covent Garden site back in 2018, just nine months after the founder and one of the most decorated chefs of all time, Joël Robuchon, sadly passed away. Well, now it’s back.

Now in Mayfair, Italian born Andrea Cofini takes charge as Head Chef having previously headed up Robuchon Shanghai and the sister L’Atelier in Paris since joining in 2014, both of which hold two stars. Accomplished in the Robuchon style, the new Clarges Street L’Atelier carries the same three principles as before – excellence, simplicity, and consistency, principles that apply to every stage of dining here.

First, the hospitality, where from the first step into the restaurant to the last step leaving, the hospitality and attention to detail of the staff brings a friendly and peaceful feel to the countertop open kitchen experience. The charming art deco dining room is beautifully designed, but it’s the cuisine that is front and centre, and the absolute star of the show.

Classic French gastronomy meets touches of Asian influence from Cofini’s Shanghai stint. Expect to see kambu, seaweed, special vinegars and alike, as well as world renowned Robuchon favourites like the purée de pomme de terre, AKA the best mashed potato in the world, sea bream carpaccio and roast quail with foie gras. Seasonality is highly valued too, so expect an array of different dishes.

Let’s not forget that Robuchon bucked the trend in French fine dining with this theatrical chef’s workshop, where à la carte ordering isn’t frowned upon, and guests aren’t limited to the tasting menu. It is still very much there, with the Discovery menu offering a mouthwatering journey from caviar to lobster, to sea bass, right through to lemon and cucumber jelly and roasted figs with mascarpone foam. However, you could also opt Les Langoustines with langoustine ravioli, black truffle, and foie gras sauce, followed by Dover Sole and the simply named, Le Chocolate for dessert – with crémeux Araguani and cookie crumb. It’s an expansive selection, with the quality of a tiny, set menu.

Other Robuchon trademarks are back too, like the champagne trolley offering Laurent Perrier delights and even premium English bubbles, and the extraordinary breadbasket with salted brioche, bacon and mustard twists, squid ink rolls and more. Finally of course, the sommelier option is there and well worth going for, with beautiful pairings to elevate each dish to that next level, if that is even possible.

L'Atelier Robuchon is a dazzling and theatrical ride. As comfortable and perfectionist in uncomplicated flavours as it is in open-minded invention, it celebrates its award winning past but as always, looks to the future.

6 Clarges St, London W1J 8AE
robuchonlondon.co.uk/latelier

To read more restaurant reviews, click here.

Galvin at Windows: The New Autumnal Barolo & Truffle Menu

After the sun-kissed panoramic views of summer, the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane ushers in autumn in style, with Head Chef Marc Hardiman and the team at Galvin at Windows putting on a spectacular five-course Barolo & Truffle tasting menu.

This autumnal dining escapade features a lineup of opulent dishes, each paired with thoughtfully selected Pio Cesare wines. The Italian Vineyard, celebrating 140 years master winemaking, offers wines that perfectly complement Chef Hardiman's innovative culinary creations. From the rich and deeply flavoured Barolo Ornato 2016 to the Barolo Mosconi 2018, each sip takes the dining experience to sky high heights… beyond even the 28th floor!

They’ll be poured out in accompaniment of dishes like slow-cooked beef cheek ravioli with 5-year-aged Parmesan cream and white Alba truffle, as well as the Pheasant Farci au Gratin, finished with celeriac, blackberry and, yes you guessed it, more truffle. And if that's not enough to tantalize your palate, there's the Scottish Highlands venison Wellington with glazed chestnut, red cabbage ketchup, and sauce Périgueux, a symphony of flavours that promises to transport you to culinary heaven.

The Barolo & Truffle menu at Galvin at Windows is available for £299 per person, and with limited availability, you'll want to secure your reservation early. To sweeten the deal, the first 70 bookings will receive a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer champagne, adding an extra touch of elegance to your evening.

This special menu is available for just five weeks, from Friday, October 13th, to Saturday, November 18th, so mark your calendars because it's a limited-time opportunity to experience the ultimate in autumnal decadence.

For more information or to book, click here.
22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE

Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

For more wine content, make sure you click here!

The Harvest Mule Cocktail

It doesn’t get much more autumnal than this bold and boozy mix of whiskey, cider, ginger beer, and cinnamon. You could make this and stay true to the famous Moscow Mule by sticking with vodka, but we much prefer getting whiskey involved for a soul-warming autumn cocktail. The cider brings a hearty sweetness and those unmistakable apple flavours which complement naturally with the warm spice of ginger beer and cinnamon. Many different whiskies pair well with warm spices and apple flavours too, especially Irish whiskies to cut through gentle spice, and bourbon with its vanilla notes. Not only is it seasonal, sweet, and soothing, but with the fizz of ginger beer and chilled temperatures, it’s surprisingly refreshing too. It’s the complete package.

Ingredients (for 1 jug/pitcher)
60ml whiskey/bourbon
60ml apple cider
60ml ginger beer
Cinnamon for rim
Optional garnishes: cinnamon stick

Method
1.      Ideally, for a Mule you’d use a copper mug for that extra cold absorption, but it doesn’t matter if too much if not!
2.      Wet the rim of your mug/glass and roll in cinnamon. If you’re really feeling Fall, then adding in nutmeg or pumpkin spice also goes nicely.
3.      Super simple this – pour whiskey in, followed by cider and lastly, top up with ginger beer.
4.      Give everything a long stir with big blocks of ice. Of course, stir with a cinnamon stick if you’ve got one to hand!

For more autumnal cocktail recipe, how about our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Autumn Sangria.