Everyone is eagerly waiting for the warmer weather so that we can make the most of our new-found freedom post various degrees of lockdown and Covid-era restrictions. One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors responsibly is to create a picnic. Picnics are easy to organise, people can keep their distance, and everyone can […]
The History of Women in Spirits
The spirits industry has been male-dominant for quite some time, yet it was women who used to do the hard yards of distilling and distribution in the pre-industrial era. Back in the day, it was common practice to make spirits from the comfort of your home using the ingredients at hand, and the work was […]
This Is How to Store Your Spirits and Liqueurs Properly
We all have those bottles at the back of the bar or cupboard that are simply collecting dust. Perhaps you aren’t sure how to use them or maybe it was a gift. Or perhaps it’s an expensive bottle of whisky that you are savouring and only having a dram or two on special occasions. Over […]
The Martini Manual
These days you can find all sorts of Martini cocktails, ranging from the classic recipe to fruity versions, many of which are named merely on the basis of the cocktail glass used. In this article we will separate the Martini from the Martinis… What is in the Martini? The original Martini was, and still is, […]
Drinks from the Larder
Are you short of cocktail ingredients? Perhaps you haven’t had the chance to go food shopping or couldn’t find everything you planned to buy. Or maybe you stocked a bit too much at the beginning of the pandemic. Here’s how you can create Christmas drinks using your emergency larder, which surely is full of many […]
Food and Drink Pairing Ideas
This year we are celebrating Christmas and NYE in a very different way to what we are used to. In many places house guests aren’t recommended or they are limited to very few. Restaurants and bars may remain closed or with restricted timetables and seating, so we have no choice but to create our own […]
Christmas Gifts for Drinkers 2020
Due to many restrictions and shop closures, it looks like this year we are doing all the Christmas shopping online. I’ve researched the best boozy Christmas gifts one could ever wish for. The only thing you need to do is click the links and place the orders. Christmas made easy! You’re welcome! Subscriptions and memberships […]
The Pubs – First In, Last Out
Recently, I wrote about the future of pubs and how they may or may not survive post pandemic. It generated a spirited debate (no pun intended) and although there has been little clarity since the article, I wanted to provide an update based on much of the feedback I received. One thing to remember throughout […]
The Death of Pubs? The Drinks Industry Post Pandemic
A lot has changed in the past month; most of the world has been in various degrees of lockdown, forcing many businesses to close temporarily. Some may never reopen, and for those that do, the challenge will be to see if they can survive in the ‘new normal’ of a post-COVID-19 world. So, what will […]