Liz Hinds Hats off to the Dutch! For it’s largely thanks to Dutch merchants that we have brandy today. Back in the seventeenth century in order both to preserve the quality of wine over a long journey by sea, and to be able to transport more of it at one time, the …
Mother’s ruin or Dutch courage? What’s the story behind gin, one of our most popular spirits. Gin takes its name from Genever, which in turn, is named from the French word, genièvre, meaning juniper. Juniper is an evergreen bush with very aromatic greeny-blue berries with medicinal qualities. Gin is said …
Legends and stories abound about the Mexican spirit tequila, but how much is true? The Myths Tequila is made from cactus juice No, it’s not. It made from the sap of the agave plant, a succulent and a relative of the lily. There should be a worm in the bottle …
There’s an old gentleman down our way who for years, has been in the habit of saying, ‘Whisky when you’re sick makes you well; whisky when you’re well makes you sick.’ He uses it as an excuse to enjoy a glass or two of malt each night – ‘In moderation …
Just the words, Mint Julep, conjure up images of the Deep South: the heat, plantation workers in the fields, Scarlett O’Hara with her sunshade – and her young men sipping their long cool drinks. When the Mint Julep was first created in the 18th century, the most important ingredient wasn’t …
Some people will tell you the Highball got its name from a railway signal, but the oldest reference we could find offers a different explanation. Round about 1888, in St. Louis University Club, a drink of bourbon and soda served with an ice ball was popular with members who referred …
Three quick whisky cocktails, two of them simple and traditional, the third, a little more unusual, for you to make and enjoy. Whisky Mac What you need: 2 parts Scotch whisky 1 part Green Ginger Wine Place ingredients in a traditional whisky tumbler, and mix by holding the base of …
“A medium vodka dry Martini – with a slice of lemon peel. Shaken and not stirred.” James Bond (Sean Connery) in Dr No. Imagine a cocktail party where the men are dashing and the women glamorous – and you at the centre the perfect host! Now if you’re feeling inspired, …
Tantalising and tasty nuts and nibbles! That’s the motto for preparing cocktail party food and we’ve some advice to help make your party the yummiest thing since chocolate. Provide a variety of finger-food including something for the vegetarians. Your guests won’t want to get too messy so sloppy saucy dishes …
What do Holly Golightly, James Bond and Del Boy have in common? They all love a good cocktail. And we’ve got a themed cocktail party to suit each of them. Of course you don’t have to choose a theme. If your friends aren’t into dressing-up (in any way) your party …