Celebrate Lockdown Lifting In Style – The Drinks Guide

To help you kick start the last weekend of current restrictions (in al fresco style), we’ve collected some of the very best fizz and gin offerings out there! With these two tipples proving to be the most popular at the minute, this one-stop guide is deal for those looking to let their hair-down.

The Fizz

Taittinger Brut Reserve NV (£44.15)

One of the world’s most recognisable producers of Champagne, Taittinger have one of the finest reputations for producing the finest bubbly. 

Known for its golden yellow colour with a consistent, fine, lingering mousse, Taittinger Brut Reserve NV is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Its elegance and lightness give it the flexibility to be the Champagne for all moments but it is always an excellent aperitif.

Ideal for any celebration this Spring and one of our top choices for raising a glass to restrictions ending this spring.

Available at most major supermarkets, www.champagnedirect.co.uk, thechampagnecompany.com

 Graham Beck Brut Rosé (£18.95)

A fine and lively mousse but bundles of fun, the Graham Beck Brut Rosé  is a great alternative to Champagnes or your Prosecco. Made from the traditional Méthode Cap Classique base wines of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, its unique silver-pink hue is obtained by an enzymatic reaction during the transport of the Pinot Noir fruit to the cellar. 

You’ll notice fresh lavender and very subtle hints of berry and cherry. Light, refreshing, fun and easily quaffable, the fruity hints are ideal for balmy Spring and Summer evenings. Pick yours up from WineUtopia.

Denbies Sparkling Bacchus (£16.95)

A sparkling example of a fabulous fizz from our very own shores! Denbies Wine Estate is located in Dorking, Surrey and is responsible for 10% of the UK’s entire plantings.

Pale straw green in colour with an elegant and persistent mousse the 2019 Denbies Sparkling Bacchus is bursting with fresh honeysuckle, red fruits and rose petal on the nose. The palate is lean and crisp with a zingy citrus fruit acidity culminating in a long and creamy finish. Perfect on its own as an aperitif or with air dried ham, mild cheeses or even with white asparagus. Find out more on the Denbies website.

The Gins

Hernö Juniper Cask Gin (£47.90)

This Swedish artisan offering from the Hernö distillery takes gin’s core ingredient and elevates it sublimely.

This gin has been crafted and carefully aged in barrels made from juniper, in what is believed to be a world first! If you are looking for a gin with more to offer, then this aged gin is a wonderful introduction into how much extra depth the ageing process can bestow upon the final product. In this case, there is a balance of sweetness on the palate and zesty orange notes, which are all underpinned by rich juniper. Unique, and worth the price tag, Hernö Juniper Cask Gin is a distinguished example of how high-end gins can raise the bar. 

You can try this multi-award winning gin here. 

Hayman’s Exotic Citrus (£28)

Hayman’s Exotic Citrus has arrived and it’s perfect for Spring and Summer 2021!  Bursting with vibrant notes of kumquat, pomelo, Persian lime and mandarin – chosen to complement the citrus-forward style for which Hayman’s is known – the naturally made gin offers lively, fresh citrus flavours, creating an enticing, elegant serve. 

The flavour profile of Exotic Citrus is derived from the fruit peels which are hand-peeled and sundried to ensure that their characteristic flavours and oils are retained.  The peels are then hand-selected for quality and the resulting depth and vibrancy of flavours are the direct result of Hayman’s unique two-day process, gently distilling the exotic fruit peels with its award-winning London Distilled Gin.  On the nose, the gin offers notes of lively citrus and crisp juniper, whilst the palate is tangy and zesty, giving way to a refreshing and wonderfully smooth finish. 

Hayman’s Exotic Citrus is best enjoyed over ice with premium tonic and garnished with a slice of fresh orange and sprig of fresh basil.

Hayman’s Exotic Citrus is now available to purchase through the Hayman’s online shop, RRP £28/70cl