How to Choose the Best Corkscrew for Your Favourite Wine

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You just want to crack open your favourite bottle and pour yourself a glass. Surely it can’t be that difficult!? So why are there so many types of corkscrews? Which is the best and do you need more than one?

Drinking wine should be a relaxing experience, but a crumbled cork, or one stuck part way down the neck of your bottle is anything but. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at five of the most popular corkscrews and answer those questions, so you find which one is right for you and the wine bottle you are trying to get into!

What are The FIVE Most Popular Corkscrews?

The Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Chances are, if you walk into most restaurants or bars, you’ll find waiters, bartenders or sommeliers using one of these, the most common corkscrew out there.

Pros:
1. Small and portable
2. Affordable
3. Comes with a blade to cut the foil.
4. Doubles up as beer or crown cap opener.
5. The adjustable hinge makes it easy to draw the cork with leverage, as long as you pierce the cork in the middle and drill in a clockwise direction.

Cons:
1. For brittle old or dry corks in aged bottles, the need to drill twice might snap and break the cork.

The Screwpull Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

This is a variant of the more common design widely available.

Pros:
1. Extremely easy to use. Place the opener over the bottle neck and just turn clockwise.
2. The cork is drawn without the need to pull.

Cons:
1. No foil cutter or crown cap opener attached. 
2. A little bulkier and generally pricier than the Waiter’s Friend.

The Butterfly or Winged Corkscrew

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Designed by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi in 2003, with Anna’s smiling face. This is a designer and collector’s item for your wine connoisseur friends, or yourself. Other designs and brands are available.

Pros:
1. The double arms or wings make opening a bottle a doddle. 
2. As you twist clockwise down the cork, the arms raise automatically.
3. You just need to push them down to the default positions and the cork is drawn.
4. Some other models double up as crown cap openers with their top.
5. A wide range of designs and materials available.

Cons:
1. No blade or foil cutter attached.
2. It does most jobs effortlessly but may not be foolproof for an old and brittle cork.

The Lever Wine Bottle Opener

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Highly intuitive and simple to use: turn the lever by three-quarters of a circle till the worm/spiral is raised. Securely hold the two handles round the neck of the bottle; then reverse the lever to its original position and now the worm is totally inserted into the cork. Now, turn the lever once more and the cork is drawn effortlessly. 

Pros:
1. Most designs come with a stand as well as a foil cutter. 
2. This is probably our favourite option for either natural or synthetic corks.

Cons:
1. Bulkier and heavier than most other options; not really portable.
2. A wide range of prices depending on the brand and design.

The Two-prong (Ah-So) Wine Bottle Opener

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Also known as the Ah-So opener, this is best for very old bottles (10 years +) with natural cork which could have become dry and brittle. You push the longer prong down one side of the cork, followed by the shorter one on the opposite side. Then wiggle it back and forth to slide the two prongs further down. With a firm grip on the sides of the two prongs as well as the top handle, slowly turn the cork to draw it whilst feeling your heart beat. 

Pros:
1. It does not pierce through the cork thus reduces the risk of snapping it.

Cons:
1. Best use a foil cutter to make a clean space.
2. Requires trial and error, and a little practice on how best to wiggle the two blades down the sides of the cork, before turning and drawing it.

Which Corkscrews Work Best With The Most Common Bottle Closures?

The Best Corkscrews for A Cork with a Foil Cover

Photo Credit: Will Wong

You can use any of the above; and probably wouldn’t need the Two-Prong one. My favourite at home is the lever as it simply requires two seamless motions with very low risk of pushing the cork down or breaking it.

The Best Corkscrews for A Cork with No Foil

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Such bottles are best stored horizontally in the dark away from fluctuating temperatures. We have had the unfortunate experience of losing half a bottle of natural wine on the rack; as the pressure inside the bottle pushed the cork out when summer temperatures hit 42ºC!

Having said that, you don’t need a foil cutter and could examine the state of the cork easily against natural light or using the torchlight on your mobile phone.

Again, any of the first four corkscrew options work.

The Best Corkscrews for A Wax Seal

Photo Credit: Will Wong

They look classy and alluring, don’t they? This ancient method has made a comeback especially with natural, organic and biodynamic wine producers. 

Whilst we have seen experienced winemakers use a knife to cut the wax away from the bottle’s rim, others vouch that this is totally unnecessary. You can just pretend there is no wax there and drill right through. Once you’ve screwed the ‘worm’ all the way in, simply pull the cork up and it should break through the wax seal. ‘What if the wax proves stubborn and starts crumbling around the neck?’ you ask. Fear not. Get a piece of clean damp cloth to wipe round the bottleneck and slowly draw the cork. Wipe away any remaining debris and you are good to pour, swirl and sip!

What is the Best Overall Corkscrew?

So, which corkscrew should you get? Is there one best all-rounder or do you need different tools for different bottles?

Well, The Waiter’s Friend probably ticks most boxes. It’s budget friendly, light and portable. We would start with that if you are relatively new to wine, or get a low cost butterfly option.

Opening very old bottles (over ten years in storage or vintage-wise) requires a different approach. Yes, get that foil cutter and wiggle your way through with the Ah-So (not necessarily pricey and widely available online).

Photo Credit: Will Wong

Honestly, the best option is not having to use one at all. Natural cork (mostly from Portugal) has been the industry standard and tradition for centuries; and now increasingly synthetic ones are here to stay. 

Whilst debates between using the more sustainable natural cork and metallic screwcaps carry on, I love their simplicity to open and also the ability to store vertically if you don’t have enough space on your wine rack. There are now premium screwcaps designed to allow varying tiny amounts of air into the bottle.

As seen above, this Austrian producer has cleverly used the screwcap and bottleneck to promote a distinctive visual and national identity. For various reasons, many producers especially in Australia and New Zealand have been bottling with screwcaps for decades. That applies whether the wine costs £40 or £400. This might alter for the once all-important export market in China as screwcaps are perceived as closures for cheap and inferior wines. 

What’s your preferred corkscrew and why? Or maybe you have some tips that have served you well over the years? Get in touch and let us know!

If you’re interested in the right way to store wine correctly before opening it, then we’ve got another guide here on just that!

By Will Wong

Rogues of the Regions: Your Guide to the Most Unique Scotch Whiskies

From the misty highlands to the rugged islands, from the peated bounty of Islay to the verdant valleys of Speyside, Scotch whisky is as varied as the landscapes surrounding its beautiful distilleries. The Scotch Whisky regions have long histories and flavour styles developed from, and woven into Scottish landscapes, traditions, and terroir. These flavours have developed and grown with the innovation and craftsmanship of the Scottish people residing and working in those regions. The following six suggested drams will take you on a sensorial journey around Scotland to see the whiskies that boldly defy the norms and shake up the status quo in the five official - and one unofficial - regions of Scotch. 

Bladnoch Taking Lowlands Whiskies on a Rise to Luxury

The Region: 

Lowland whiskies are renowned for their approachability and make for excellent introductory drams, appealing to both novice and seasoned whisky enthusiasts for different reasons. 

The Rogue: 

Bladnoch has changed hands several times over its 207 year history, but the most recent ownership has brought about exciting changes and a lot of noise to the distillery occasionally called the “Queen of the Lowlands.” After a 2015 private purchase, the distillery’s 2017 relaunch set them apart from other Lowland whiskies. Bladnoch’s “taste-first” whisky making philosophy - now guided by ex-Macallan Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage - rises out of a non- restrictive house style. They have developed several expressions varying broadly in flavour profile and even more broadly in price. They definitely still maintain the signature Lowland approachability in flavour and affordability for their core range. And also, this brand is investing in quality and releasing luxury lines to show it. The suggested bottle below is reasonably priced for any whisky lover, while some of their expressions have, in lieu of a price tag, a link to register your interest for very limited luxury releases. 

The Different Dram:

Bladnoch Vinaya - this spirit starts with aromas that take you to an open meadow around a distillery. You’ll definitely get the Lowland style of grassiness and floral scents. After sipping, you’ll feel the pepper zingyness and start to taste the tree fruits like a warm and cozy apple pie. The finish is a light vanilla that may just give you those 46.7% vapours and have you slumping down on a chaise lounge. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £49.50

Fettercairn (re)Defining Highland Whisky in a “Cool” Way

The Region: 

Highland whiskies are known for their diversity, offering a broad spectrum of techniques, flavours, and expressions.

The Rogue: 

The uniqueness of Fettercairn - outside of the unicorn-festooned bottle - emerges from its distinct production process. Experimentation and innovation in the mid-1950s led to the development of an entirely unique cooling ring distillation system - a process that pours water down the vertical column of the copper still. The cascading water causes rapid cooling of the vapours inside. The cooling  leads to extended copper contact and more reflux during distillation, resulting in a more refined spirit. Extra copper contact also helps to eliminate sulphur compounds which bring unwanted flavour and aromas to the finished product. Additionally, Fettercairn whiskies often undergo a variety of cask finishes, adding layers of depth and character to the final product. The higher age statements of Fettercairn are rich and bold with their Scottish oak finishes and candied tropical fruit flavours.  

The Different Dram:

Fettercairn 12 - on the nose, you get vanilla and honey sending most of us into dessert-brain territory. Upon sipping, you take an unexpected, but not unwelcome left turn into caramelised pineapple with a bit of ginger. The finish gets oaky and coffee-esque, making you wish someone would barrel-age your morning pick-me-up.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £43.50 (usually more!)

Bruichladdich Boosting Barley and Pulling Peat from Islay Whiskies

The Region: 

Islay whiskies are famed for their intense and divisive taste. The maritime influence and use of the abundant peat bogs on the island can impart distinct flavours of smoke, brine, seaweed, and iodine. 

The Rogue: 

Bruichladdich is uncommon on Islay producing a range of unpeated or lightly peated expressions - very different from many of its full-force island-mates. The distillery focuses on terroir-driven spirit, showcasing the influence of local barley, water, and climate on their whiskies - even specifying the field of origin on some bottlings. They embrace traditional methods alongside modern techniques, They use traditional Victorian-era equipment, including wooden washbacks and a cast-iron mash tun, which contributes to the character and flavour of their whiskies. Bruichladdich is also renowned for its wide range of cask finishes and experiments with ageing, resulting in whiskies that push the boundaries of complexity and tradition. Community engagement has also been a pillar of Bruichladdich’s modern approach. The company maintains a strong presence on social media, interacting with fans and sharing insights into the production process. It’s also undeniable that the striking teal bottle has led to success on store shelves and back bars. 

The Different Dram:

The Classic Laddie - this is a bold, fun, strong spirit. It smells like sweet barley sugar and orange peel. And then when you taste it, there’s grapefruit, honey, a slight salty minerality, and lots of warming cereal grain. At 50% it’s gonna feel toasty warm on the tongue, and that coupled with the bright fruits and honey sweetness, it’s all breakfast. Hopefully you’re not having whisky for breakfast… but maybe brunch. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £44.50

Mortlach Moves Speyside Whiskies to Center Stage

The Region: 

Speyside whisky brings flavours of bright orchard fruits like apples and pears combined with light nuttyness, all wrapped up in folds of vanilla, caramel, and toffee.

The Rogue: 

Contrary to the expected bright fruits and easy sweetness, Mortlach is known as “The Beast of Dufftown” for what is often described as meaty or weighty malts. Mortlach's spirit is rich, multi-layered, and full-bodied, distinguishing it from the more straightforward production methods used by other Speyside distilleries. This is due to their unique strategies around distillation known as “The Way” wherein the spirit is said to be distilled 2.81 times. This very un-round number comes from the first distillation being split and redistilled different amounts in the six completely uniquely shaped stills. The results of these are then recombined to create Mortlach’s complex flavour. Ageing also plays a big part in the Mortlach signature heft. While many Speyside whiskies are aged predominantly in ex-bourbon barrels and occasionally sherry casks, Mortlach whiskies undergo maturation in a wider variety of cask types. 

The Different Dram:

Mortlach 16 - other expressions can graze the affordability threshold for some but this dram sits well within the “special treat” pricing tier. The initial aromas are going to take you straight to a house full of loved ones with tables overflowing with festive foods. Rich, dried festive fruits with bold savoury notes just below. The taste will sit you right down at those tables and nourish you with a charcuterie of delightful pairings all packed into one dram - jams, oak, and spices wrapped in a “beasty” overtone.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £99.90 (usually more!)

Kilkerran Made It Campbeltown - Party of Three

The Region: 

Cambeltown whiskies are the result of a combination of maritime influences and peat smoke, along with fruity and sweet notes. 

The Rogue: 

Once home to over 30 whisky producers, Cambeltown at its lowest dwindled to two. The Glengyle Distillery, revived after over 80 years in 2004, is now producing Kilkerran whiskies with distinguishing characteristics of rarity and experimentation. While Kilkerran embraces traditional whisky-making techniques, it also incorporates modern innovations. The distillery experiments with different cask types and finishes, as well as various peating levels, showcasing a balance between tradition and innovation. Due to the very small-scale production, each expression results in a limited number of bottles which has become a feeding frenzy for collectors around the world.

The Different Dram:

Kilkerran 12 - the 12-year is a lightly peated whisky aged in a combination of bourbon casks and sherry casks. Bright toffee and light peat on the nose put you on the outer rim of a campfire. Once you take a drink, light butterscotch and vanilla pair with orange peel and traditional Campbeltown salinity. After trying this, you’ll wanna book a caravan and spend some time exploring the great outdoors. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

Jura Stretches the Edges of Islands Whiskies

The Region: 

Island whiskies form a diverse and mineral-rich category within the spectrum of Scotch whisky regions. While not officially recognized as a distinct region by Scotch whisky regulations, the island distilleries, including those from Skye, Jura, and Orkney, share common characteristics shaped by their coastal environments. Also we just really like ‘em.

The Rogue: 

Just a ten minute ferry from Islay, Jura is wildly different from the neighbouring region. Jura’s core expression, Jura 10, is divisive amongst whisky enthusiasts because of the strong malty character and rich spice notes. The island of Jura, surrounded by the sea and rugged terrain, influences the character of the whisky, imparting coastal notes. The distillery is known for its use of a diverse range of cask finishes, including bourbon, sherry, and wine casks, which contribute to the complexity of the whiskies. Additionally, the distillery experiments with different barley varieties and peating levels, creating a range of expressions that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Jura's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in its small-batch production and community-focused hands-on approach, ensuring each bottle embodies the spirit of the island. 

The Different Dram:

Jura 14 year old American Rye Cask - On the nose, Jura’s signature smooth and malty profile is prominent. The flavour of this whisky transports you to a US state fair with caramel apples and pecan pie. A burst of baking spices swirl around the normal dry rye effect on the tongue. The finish has cinnamon and oranges mixing with warming nutmeg. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.00

By Zach Sapato

5 Ready to Drink Cocktails To Share With Your Bestie

Sharing is caring so they say and indeed that's what the best friendships are made of! And what better to share than the tasty concoction of a ready-to-go cocktail? Thankfully, the ready to drink cocktail market has been developing rapidly which makes it so much easier to have lovely cocktails for two at apéro hour, whether they come from a can or a small bottle. These types of cocktails also make pre-drinking easier without the hassle of getting together unusual recipe ingredients! Here is a selection of fabulous cocktails and mocktails for you to share with your friends!

Tom Savano - Passionfruit Martini

A very smooth, well blended but also tangy Passionfruit Martini, this is a bar quality cocktail and isn’t overly syrupy. You can always add that shot of prosecco on the side for that well known fruity Martini cocktail combination! This is a very drinkable cocktail blending the passionfruit with vodka, Madagascan vanilla and lime. As it is served in a bottle with a stopper, the cocktail can be savoured throughout the night and the next day (if you’re up to it that is).

Size: 500ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £22 (price reduction online)

Gordon’s Premium Pink Gin and Tonic

This is the classic go-to G&T combination where the fruity sweetness of Gordon’s London pink dry gin smoothly blends with the bitterness from the Schweppes tonic in perfect harmony. The botanical base is bright and lively, perfect to bring a little sun to your day. A handy size to bring to picnics, it’s also ideal for drinking before a night out, or whilst you practice those TikTok dance moves with your bestie.

Size: 250ml
ABV: 5%
Find here: £1.80

Something & Nothing French Rosé  + Hibiscus and Rose Spritz

Made with French rosé wine and hibiscus and rose seltzer, this is a lighter drink that’s ideal for chilled occasions - think BBQs, picnics or just destressing after work. The rosé adds floral and fruity notes to the spritz and being such a food-friendly profile, it would also work a treat with small bites. It’s vegan friendly too!

Size: 330ml 
ABV: 4%
Find here: £3.79

ISH Spirits Non-Alcoholic Mojito

A delicious blend which has been awarded the IWSC Bronze prize, it is hard to believe that this is a mocktail! It smells and tastes just like a Mojito thanks to the well-balanced botanicals in the non-alcoholic ISH Caribbean Spiced Spirit - you really get a taste of that rum twist. It’s the perfect treat to take on a road trip with your bestie!

Size: 250 ml
ABV: 0.5%
Find here: £2.59

The Drinks Bureau - Shirley Temple

Another classic mocktail on the list, the Shirley Temple takes its name from the famous actress who appeared in films such as Heidi! This is a cherry flavoured drink containing warm ginger, a sweetness that is offset with a great tangy flavour and bitters that give it a real depth. It’s a perfect drink to sip on with your friends whilst enjoying a movie!

Size: 250ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £12 for 4 cans

There you have it - these ready to drink cocktails are full of flavour and great for sharing, so get out those cocktail glasses or drink them from the can wherever and whenever, who needs an excuse! To see more tasty cocktail suggestions, click here.

By Latoya Austin

Sensational Scottish Whisky Tour, Curated by You

Image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels

Scotland is well known as a land of rolling hills, towering castles, craggy peaks, and perfectly aged Scottish whisky. Whisky connoisseurs come to Scotland to taste some of the best liquor in the world and tour the distilleries that have been there for hundreds of years. Experiencing this unique place and nation and the iconic distilleries Scotland offers is best done in style and luxury. We’ve compiled the ultimate luxury whisky tour checklist. Take our advice, and you’ll see the best that Scotland’s whisky makers have to offer and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

A Brief History

Scotch Whisky is believed to have begun due to a lack of grapes in the area. Instead of making wine, Scots used grain mash to create the first forms of the whisky. The original name for the drink translates (from Gaelic) to mean “water of life.”

Travelling in Style

Start your whisky tour as you mean to finish it: in style. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your holiday begins when you arrive in Scotland: the adventure will begin the moment you step into your private jet to make the journey there. Booking a private jet charter means that you and your party will have the entire cabin to yourself and that you can personalise your travel schedule to a much greater degree than you would on a commercial airline. Book your plane for the trip to Scotland and travel from region to region to taste some of the most famous and delicious Scottish whiskies.

Famous Distilleries To Visit

Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne

Since 1833, there has not been one month in which whisky has not flowed from Glengoyne Distillery. The highlands-style single malt crafted at Glengoyne is unique because, though it is a highlands-style scotch, it matures in the lowlands.

Interestingly, this distillery is located along the border between the high and lowlands, with the stills resident in the highlands and the casks residing in the lowlands. This distillery is a testament to the complexity of this intricate industry and how complex the art of whisky-making can be.

Closest airport: Glasgow: 33 minutes away.
Luxury accommodation nearby: Kimpton Blythswood Square, Glasgow.

Image by Ridham Nagralawala via Unsplash

Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown

Glenfiddich is possibly one of the world's best and most famous whiskies and best known in Scotland. Nestled in the little hamlet of Dufftown, Glenfiddich has been operating since 1886. Glenfiddich still works with traditional distillation methods using copper pot stills and classic oak barrels. The single malt created here draws in guests from all over the world. You can attend tours and tasting sessions at the distillery to get acquainted with the product. Glenfiddich has dealt with some hardships over the course of its history but always comes out on top: they’ve won more awards than any other single malt scotch in the country.

Closest airport: Inverness — 1 hour and 20 minutes away
Luxury accommodation nearby: Rocpool Reserve Hotel

Image by Cottonbro Studio via Pexels

Laphroaig Distillery, Isle of Islay

The distinctive smoky, peaty flavour infused into Laphroaig whisky is what makes it stand out above a lot of the other excellent options. The distillery on the Isle of Islay has been operating since 1815 and was founded by members of the Clan MacDonald. The abundance of peat on the island is the reason for the distinctive taste that the whisky takes on, something that only island whiskies have the option of doing. The pristine white walls and slate grey rooves of the distillery building itself blend seamlessly into the stormy island views and make for an enticing day trip.

Closest airport: Islay — 11 minutes away
Luxury accommodation nearby: The Machrie Hotel and Links

Unknown Gem Distilleries

Tamdhu Distillery

Clocking in at just over 170 years old, the Tamdhu Distillery is an incredibly underrated location in the Speyside whisky region. Records show that the founders of Tamdhu were the first in Scotland to secure a shipment of sherry casks from Spain, and that is how they’ve done things ever since: in oak sherry casks. The brand believes the wood lends a distinctive taste to the scotch.

Benromach

Also located in the Speyside region, you’ll find Benromach Distillery. This family-owned distillery likes to keep things as simple as it can and prides itself on its distillers relying only on their highly trained senses to create their award-winning ambrosia. The character in each drop clearly shows that their process is one to appreciate because we predict that this whisky will soon compete with the all-time greats.

Torabhaig

This distillery’s claim to fame is that it makes superb whisky and is the second distillery ever to have been licensed to produce single malt scotch whisky. Being an island distiller, the location is a massive part of what makes this drink so unique, as the purest spring water (from an island spring) is used to create the scotch. The copper stills and wooden washbacks used in the process ensure that Torabhaig will continue to produce excellent whisky for hundreds of years to come.

Your Scottish Whisky Adventure Awaits

Travelling in high style, visiting some of the most well-known distilleries in the world, sampling some underrated gems, and staying in the most luxurious hotels available is the perfect way to experience whisky country. Your Scottish whisky tour will be the experience of a lifetime. For more Scotch whisky articles, including our recommended bottles, click here.

Why Puerto de Indias Are Releasing An ‘Unfair’ Blackberry Gin

It’s not often that you’ll find us praising a bottle of booze being decreased in size, but on this occasion the point it’s making is well worth it.

Seville-based Puerto de Indias are rolling out special editions of their tasty Blackberry Gin, but with 14.3% less liquid inside than usual. Perhaps you’re wondering how they arrived at such a specific number? Well, it reflects the ONS figures that women earn, on average, 14.3% less than men per hour.

Set for a release on International Women’s Day this Friday 8th March, journalists, bartenders, and influencers will be sent these ‘unfair’ bottles to draw attention to the gender gap issue. Whether it’s the issue of women being paid less for the same work or not being given equal opportunities in various industries, this bottle and IWD is a reminder of the work still to be done.

To get people shouting about it, Puerto de Indias are encouraging #shakeforpayequality, where you can join in by making a cocktail and raising your glass to women.  Sticking with the blackberry gin as it was a women-led creation, you can whip up their delicious Black Mojito starring it.

As well as rolling up their sleeves when it comes to the big issues, their gin is award-winning for a reason. They’ve blazed a trail with premium berry gins, first with their renowned strawberry and now with this. If you want to join us with a Black Mojito this Friday, this is how you make it!

Ingredients
50ml Puerto de Indias Blackberry Gin
3 wedges of lime
2 or 3 good-sized blackberries
8 spearmint leaves
Sprinkling of sugar
Soda or sparkling water

Method
Take a fairly wide glass and drop your lime, spearmint, and blackberries into it, along with a teaspoon or so of sugar to let it macerate. Then the good stuff, pour in the beautiful Blackberry Gin and top up with some bubbles - soda or sparkling water. Cheers!

It doesn’t look like the special edition of the bottle is available to buy, but you can find the full-size bottle at a number of retailers including Master of Malt here, where it’s currently on offer for £26.95!

Which Cocktails Can You Make With Absinthe?

The mysterious and often misunderstood absinthe is criminally underused in cocktails. If you want the full low-down on the spirit then check out our guide here, but in short, it’s a highly alcoholic spirit with a fascinating past interwoven with artists, bohemians, prohibition, the Moulin Rouge and much more.

Most drinkers that aren’t overly familiar with it are most likely to identify it as a testing, throat burning shot of 60% alcohol, but there is a lot more fun to be had with it. Whether verte (green) or blanche (uncoloured), well-made absinthe brings a unique spicy-sweet aniseed flavour with layers of herbal cleanliness offsetting the booze nicely. Wormwood and fennel are the two other botanicals you’ll commonly find.

As with any spirit, the best way to dip your toes into it (not literally) is with cocktails. The serious oomph and complex herbal intensity can bring a sprinkling of magic to a cocktail, elevating it impressively. Let’s take a look at a few easy-to-make classics and couple of more challenging serves for the mixologists out there.

Death in the Afternoon

If you want simple, then you’ve got it. The only complicated thing here is sourcing yourself a good value and good quality absinthe and Champagne, after that it’s just combining the two. The namesake of Hemingway’s Spanish bullfighting book, he apparently created it himself to make a totally refreshing and gorgeously light cocktail. The acidic brightness, the soft brioche, the herbal botanicals, it’s such a yummy palate cleanser.

Ingredients
40ml Absinthe
Champagne to top

 Method
Absinthe first, and then top up with Champagne before a gentle stir to combine. That’s it.

Absinthe Spider Highball

A Highball is a simple cocktail which is essentially a spirit and mixer, perhaps with a garnish or other ingredient. We always recommend it as an introduction to a new spirit, and the Spider is a simple serve bringing out the boozy spice of absinthe with the warmth of ginger ale. Angostura bitters bring some bitter complexity to the depths too.

Ingredients
20ml Absinthe
2 dashes of Angostura
Ginger ale to top up

 Method
Pour in your absinthe to an ice-filled glass, top up with ginger ale and swirl into a couple of Angostura dashes.

Absinthe Mojito

This brings out the cleansing refreshment that absinthe can be so delicious for. We’ve gone for a 50/50 mix of lemonade and soda, but you can adjust this depending on personal preference and absinthe used. The combination of fresh and sweet citrus with the cooling mint and complex herbal spice of the absinthe is intense but so yummy.

Ingredients
45ml lemonade
45ml soda
25ml absinthe
Lime wedges and mint leaves (garnish)

Method
Drop some lime wedges into glass half-filled with crushed ice along with a few sprigs of mint. Pour over absinthe and your lemonade and water, before giving it a good churning stir to extract the flavours.

Corpse Reviver No.2

Okay, so if you’re really cautious about the absinthe flavours, then this is one for you. One of the common ways absinthe is used is for rinsing the glass. Because it’s so intense, it still has a great impact on the cocktail even though it’s poured away. Originally designed to ‘revive a corpse’ i.e. remedy a hangover, this is a committed start to a second day of drinking.

Ingredients
1-2 dashes of absinthe
25ml Gin
25ml Cointreau
25ml Lillet Blanc
25ml fresh Lemon juice
2.5ml sugar syrup (optional)
Lemon twist to garnish

Method
Add some absinthe into your glass and swirl to coat the glass before discarding. Next, shake all your other ingredients with ice until the shaker feels chilled, and strain into your rinsed glass without fresh ice.

The Green Beast

For a rather intimidating name, this is somewhat of a cocktail clean freak. Absinthe is often use as a rinse or just in small doses, but here it stars with little else competing. It’s a modern classic, offsetting the intense absinthe with the coolness of cucumbers, water, and lime. A little syrup is needed for balance, but mainly this is a clean, vegetal delight with green flavours everywhere.

Ingredients
30ml absinthe
20ml simple syrup
20ml lime juice
100ml chilled water
4 slices of seedless, peeled cucumber (some for garnish) 

Method
Muddle the cucumbers with the syrup in the bottom of your glass, and pour over absinthe, lime juice and ice. Bring it to the top with chilled water, and delicately place a cucumber slice for garnish.

Green Fairy

An icon of the Moulin Rouge, The Green Fairy is one of the better-known absinthe creations… so much so that some people simply call absinthe by it. The spirit takes centre stage here, dancing with the zip of lemon, the bitterness of Angostura, the sweetness of a little sugar and the silky texture of egg white. It all comes together for an intensely herbal zing that packs a hell of a punch for a fairy.

Ingredients
25ml absinthe
25ml lemon juice
25ml chilled water
10ml Sugar syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 egg white (or 15ml aquafaba)
Lemon peel to garnish

Method
Dry shake all these ingredients and then repeat with ice (you’ve got to earn cocktails round here). Strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. A twist of lemon peel to garnish and you’re away.

Last Resort

We’ll finish with something a little more complex, but still pretty easy to pull together. This concoction only uses 20ml of absinthe, but remember it’s concentrated and intense flavour and plays a vital role here. Building on the Brandy Sour, the Last Resort cocktail uses the fresh tang of absinthe and lime juice to complement the richness of French pear brandy. One egg white provides that moreish frothy viscosity, and alongside Peychaud’s bitters, all the ingredients accentuate one another’s botanicals and aromatics deliciously.

Ingredients
20ml absinthe
50ml French pear brandy (Massenez Poire Williams)
20ml lime juice
20ml simple syrup
2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
1 egg white
Grate nutmeg for garnish

Method
Swirl the absinthe in the glass, and add pear brandy, lime, syrup, and egg white into a shaker with no ice – this will emulsify the egg whites. Then repeat with ice and double strain into your glass before topping off with a little freshly grated nutmeg and the beautiful bitters.

You’ve got your cocktail recipes, now all you need is a great bottle of absinthe to get them made – check out our recommendations at the end of our Absinthe Guide.

Six Stunning Margarita Variations

A timeless classic, the Margarita is synonymous with summer fiestas and cocktail bars the world over. As many classics are, the Margarita of old is a perfect recipe, combining flavours of tequila, lime, cointreau and salt. They can be frozen, shaken, stirred, spicy, smokey and just about anything you can set your mind to. If cocktails are art, then margaritas are the canvas.

Agave drinks are so ancient, they can be dated back to 300 AD! Back then, they were a ritual drink, as were most fermented drinks of the time, but these are stories for another time. Tequila reared its world-changing head over a thousand years later, and it is the Margarita that took tequila global in the mid 20th century, cementing its place in drinks history, and onto the menu of every restaurant, dive bar and high end cocktail bar. 

In 2023, I won the UK El Recuerdo Mezcal Competition with a Margarita twist, so I know a thing or two about the Marg. Here is the winning cocktail, and below it, five more tasty twists on the Margarita that you can easily try at home.

What’s up, Guac?

Some of the worlds’ most interesting cocktails take inspiration from culinary staples and this delightfully balanced take on a classic Marg does just that. Guacamole is a staple food in Mexico, where all Tequila and Mezcal is made. This drink takes the flavours of Mexico's most famous mole - cilantro, basil and cucumber - to make a devilishly refreshing summer cocktail.

Ingredients: 
60ml or 2oz Mezcal (El Recuerdo)
25ml or 0.75oz Lime
25ml or 0.75oz Cilantro Syrup
10ml or 0.25oz Agave Syrup 
Bar Spoon of Mexican Jalapeno Chilli Salsa (Habanero Tabasco works if you don’t have a local chilli shop)

Method:
Throw all the ingredients into a shaker, strain into a coupe glass (or whatever you like to sip your Margaritas from) and garnish with your prettiest edible flowers

TOP TIP: Don’t be scared, the syrup is so simple, no mixology required, simply throw the following ingredients into a blender, sieve the pulp out and you’ll be ready to go! 

25g Coriander
15g Basil 
50g Cucumber
100g Sugar
100g Water

Now that you know we mean business, here are five more stunning Margarita variations…

The Best Margarita for Spice Lovers: El Pepino (Spicy Margarita)

The ‘El Pepino’ (Spanish for ‘The Cucumber’) is a modern classic that has captured the imagination of bartenders all over. It’s rare that a twist on a classic comes along and so quickly becomes a staple in the bar scene. Fresh ingredients are the key to the El Pepino, cucumber and jalapenos directly in the cocktail shaker. No need to muddle, just shake hard! This refreshing, spicy and salty concoction will be a hit at your next summer fiesta!

Ingredients: 
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup
2 Cucumber slices
Fresh Jalapeno (start small, scale up to preferred spice level)

Method:
Add ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake, strain over ice in a rocks glass. If you’re feeling fancy, rim the tajin for extra effect. Use the leftover pressed limes to wet the glass rim and sprinkle the tajin around the intended area.

The Best Margarita for Floral Lovers: Santa Muerta

From the mind of cocktail wizard and mixologist, Calum Anderson, this simple margarita variation is a bouquet of flavours. Equally sweet and sour with a fresh, fragrant floral nose and a simple ingredient list that can be picked up from any supermarket! You can buy yourself flowers, but I bet you’d rather have one of these… 

Ingredients:
35ml or 1oz Tequila
15ml or 0.5oz Violet Liqueur
25ml or .75oz Elderflower Cordial
25ml or .75oz Lime Juice
25ml or .75oz Apple Juice

Method:
Add ingredients in cocktail shaker, shake, strain over cubed ice, garnish with edible flowers.

The Best Margarita for the Coffee Obsessive: Muerto Bali Hai

Taking a legendary Tiki drink and colliding it with a Margarita sounds like a recipe for disaster or a delicious miracle. The Muerta Bali Hai is the latter. It might sound obscure, but the tropical combination of coffee, pineapple, lemon and tequila come together to create an indulgent drink that will delight coffee and tiki lovers alike. If you enjoy unique drinks, this is certainly one for you.

Ingredients: 
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
15ml or 0.5oz Kahlua
25ml or 0.75oz Lemon Juice
50ml or 1.5oz Pineapple Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup

Method:
Add ingredients in a shaker, shake, strain over ice in a hi-ball glass. Garnish with pineapple leaves for that cheeky tiki look.

The Best Margarita for Summer Time: Frozen Coconut Mangorita

Sipping frozen margs on a hot summer day is the perfect way to enjoy tequila, however, the addition of mango builds on this perfection, adding a bright tartness that balances with the sweetness of coconut cream leaving you wanting more. Don’t be scared by the blender, it’s super easy to whip up multiple mangoritas at once just by doubling the measurements and throwing it all in the blender cup. This cocktail is bound to impress guests and not leave you wasting valuable party time by mixing complicated drinks.

Ingredients:
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
25ml  or 0.75oz Cointreau
15ml or 0.5oz Coconut Cream 
70g or ½ a Mango

Method:
Throw the ingredients into a blender with a scoop of crushed ice and blitz until silky smooth. 

TOP TIP: If you don’t have crushed ice, beat some cubed ice in a plastic bag with a rolling pin until you DO have crushed ice.

The Best Margarita for the Smoky Lovers: Mezcalita

Mezcal is the fastest growing spirit in the world, with more and more punters turning to the ancient agave spirit as their base for the Margarita. It may be the most simple drink on this list, but if you haven’t tried Mezcal before, this is the perfect introduction to one of the oldest and most unique spirits in the world.  

Ingredients:
50ml or 1.5oz Mezcal
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup

Method:
Add ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake, strain over ice in a rocks glass.

For those, like me who can’t get enough of the Margarita, follow this link for More Stunning Margarita Variations…

By Miley Kendrick

Best Wine to Gift Mum this Mother's Day

There’s a reason that a thoughtfully selected, delicious bottle of wine is one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts. Sunday 10th is just around the corner (hopefully that hasn’t caught you off guard), and we’ve curated a selection of wines perfect for the big day.

There’s something for everyone, beginning with flourishing English wines before luscious reds and crisp whites to finish. The wines we’ve picked here absolutely justify their price tag and beyond, but we’ve included a few different price points so that you can deliver, no matter how much you have to spend. Let’s get into the good stuff and raise a glass to the Mums!

English Sparkling Wine for Mother’s Day

Asquith Gardens Traditional English Sparkling Wine

One of the English sparklers picking up awards on the international stage, this Asquith Gardens wine is made using the traditional method from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. 5 years of ageing lead to luxuriously fine bubbles, and notes of apple, floral honey, marmalade, and biscuit. It goes toe-to-toe with far more expensive Champagne and is a steal at this price point.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £18

Ridgeview Fitzrovia Rosé NV

Fit for a Royal (and a President), this blend was chosen to be served at many Buckingham Palace banquets such as Obama’s visit in 2011. It’s harmoniously balanced, delivering fresh notes of raspberries, a little honey sweetness and a zip of citrus. It pairs perfectly with shellfish and lean fish and is an outstanding example of English sparkling rosé that is bound to make Mum’s Day!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £40

Chapel Down Rosé Brut

One of the trailblazers in English wine, Chapel Down make a stunning sparkling rosé that’s brimming with fruits. Strawberry and raspberry lead the charge, flanked by bright lemon and lime and supported by delicate orchard fruits. It’s so crisp and balanced and every sip reminds you that you’re in safe hands. It really is a top notch English sparkling rosé and is excellent value for money too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £29

Champagne for Mother’s Day

Champagne PIAFF Blanc de Blancs NV

Where there’s a celebration, Champagne is never far away but with lofty price tags, you want to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck. From Mansard’s Côte des Blancs vineyard comes this dreamy 100% Chardonnay expression, with a striking, persistent mousse lifting the floral and subtly nutty nose. Beyond that, delicate white fruits, brioche fullness and pleasing minerality build a solid structure. The wave of freshness comes first, before the mellow pastry profile takes over. It’s intense and restrained in perfect measure and exactly what Champagne is all about.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £69.30

Red Wine for Mother’s Day

Ravenswood Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel

This is Cali Zinfandel from Lodi that’s full-on in the best way possible. 18 months of American and French oak ageing has developed a tasty bouquet of red and dark berries. The fruits come through with intense concentration of flavour- think woody Christmas spice, plush blackberry and a really unique coconut note. Smooth, quaffable and deeply delicious. Perfect for a red wine loving mum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £12.50

Malbado Malbec

Mendoza Malbec now and this bottle really is superb value for the money. It brings that signature Argentinian profile - warm, smooth, and seductive with dark fruits with a subtle waft of smoke (perfect for hearty meat pairings). Peppery spice tickles the tongue nicely at the end too. It’s rock solid Malbec with great character, and a sure fire hit with most Malbec drinking Mums.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £12.50 (usually more!)

DV Catena Malbec

This is one of those great wines that makes you think the price tag is wrong because it has so much going on. A Mendoza Malbec, the cocoa and coffee bean notes are rich, the dark plums and cherries are concentrated and floral vanilla notes add a delicate touch. Silky, spicy and one of the best in the supermarket- Mum would never guess it is £13!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £13

Bread & Butter Pinot Noir

If your Mum likes Pinot Noir, and particularly American Pinot then this Napa Valley wine is perfect. It balances the lofty, floral and pretty nose with a distinct earthy, almost leathery note. The barrel really shows with strong vanilla oak, and of course the signature red berries dazzle at the heart of it all. A perfect gift for Mum.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £13.50 (usually more!)

White Wine for Mother’s Day

McGuigan Black Label Moscato

This delivers on all the sweetness you want with a Moscato, but for such a low price it does so much more. Guava, kiwi and lychee make for a tropical whirlpool, holding onto some sour tang for great balance. It’s surprisingly refreshing, and not over sweet (the downfall of many Moscato bottles). A really fun and affordable Australian sipper that may just become Mums regular favourite.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 8%
Find here: £6.50

Graham Norton's Own Sauvignon Blanc

Made by Invivo, this is a great Awatere Valley Sauvignon from the nation’s favourite chat show host, Graham Norton. You’ll notice straight away after the first sip that it’s less up forward fruit and more savoury, saline, and even a little smoky. The classic grassy hints come through too. Some celebrity wines are a bit dodgy, but this is really, really nice.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11%
Find here: £7.50 (Clubcard Price)

Mount Impey Malborough Sauvignon Blanc

In the Marlborough Wairau Valley stands Mount Impey, the peak of the Holdaway family’s biodiversity reserve. This vast landscape is home to countless species under threat, including the New Zealand Eastern Falcon adorning the label. Every purchase of this wine helps to support this effort. But crucially, what’s inside is a delight too. The green vegetal notes and gooseberry intertwine with bold citrus and soft peach. There’s a really good kick of acidity too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £11 (Clubcard Price)

1000 Stories Chardonnay

This is an eyebrow raising wine, in the best way possible. If you haven’t heard of 1000 Stories, they focus on fermenting their wines in charred ex-bourbon barrels. Their Chardonnay is a really yummy example, reimagining the Cali classic with toasted caramel and oaky vanilla. Expertly though, the loveable characteristics of the grape are not lost, because in come those delicious orchard fruits with a little citrus zip. Great for a Mum who likes exploring twists on classic wine profiles.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £13.50 (Clubcard Price)

If you’re after some other drinks for Mother’s Day, then check out our recommended Spirits and Ciders that are perfect for the occasion.