Have the last three months flown by in a blur of working, home schooling and trying to keep to some kind of routine or have they been more of the ‘Groundhog Day’ type where every day has seemed a bit endless at times? Either way the team at English Spirit hope that you have kept healthy and can now start to make plans to meet up with friends and family.
If you’re planning a get together, then a special way to mark the reunion would be to serve up some of our fabulous tipples. We produce such an extensive range of spirits and liqueurs that it was hard choosing just six, but I’ve made my selection of summer favourites that are sure to keep your guests refreshed and impressed.
Cucumber Spirit - splash it into your Pimms for extra pizazz (42% ABV 50cl)
We’re missing out on the English summer season of events, what with Wimbledon and Henley Regatta being cancelled and Ascot Races taking place without the crowds. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have the quintessentially English Pimms and Lemonade. Cucumber Spirit is a unique drink. It is not a gin flavoured with cucumber, it is a spirit in its own right. Especially refreshing with tonic or lemonade but it also partners perfectly with Pimms and lemonade. So your could start your gathering with a welcome drink of one part Cucumber Spirit, one part Pimms and three parts lemonade. Serve with slices of cucumber and orange, ice and strawberries.
English Sambuca - no setting fire to it please (ABV 42% 50cl)
If your holiday plans have changed this year then our English Sambuca will give you that holiday feeling no matter where you are. I'm also confident it's going to taste far better than the free shots you might have in the tourist attracting restaurants of the Mediterranean. We make an elderberry eau de vie and then distil real star anise for an authentic flavour that you won't find anywhere else in the UK. This silky smooth digestif is best served over ice as the sun goes down. Sip don't shot to get the maximum pleasure.
Limongino - Summer in a bottle (ABV 22% 50cl)
This is a year round favourite, but it really comes into its own when the sun is out. We start with our Dr J's Gin (hence it's a Limongino and not a Limoncello). Unlike some of the lemon liqueurs out there, our Limongino is made with real lemons so the flavour simply bursts into your mouth. It's great over ice, but what I love about it, is that you can mix it with tonic or lemonade and get a nice long drink that can easily be enjoyed in the heat of the afternoon and through to the evening. If that hasn't tempted you then our Limongino recently won GOLD in the Spirits Business blind tasting competition. Order some and find out why they thought it was the best out of 219 products.
English Spiced Rum - Who needs the Caribbean? (ABV 42% 50cl)
Exactly as the heading implies, you don't need to go to far away climbs to get the best Spiced Rum. Did you know English Spirit were the first UK distillery to commercially produce Rum in the UK? We started making our Old Salt Rum, made with 100% molasses back in 2008. Way ahead of it's time and very much 'en-trend'. We take our golden rum and add a fruity floral spice combination of Hibiscus and English cherries. The result is a special drink that carries our signature smoothness with every sip. I'd recommend mixing with Ginger Beer, slices of lime and fresh mint for a perfect Light and Stormy cocktail.
St Piran's Cornish Rum - Cornwall meets Cuba (42% ABV 50cl)
Two gorgeous holiday destinations in one glass. Our new distillery and visitor centre is under construction in Cornwall on the beautiful grounds of Treguddick Manor. Also in the grounds is a water spring and we use the Cornish water to make our white rum. This rum is full of flavour and so smooth, it can be enjoyed neat. However, let's add some mint, lime, sugar and soda water and you can serve Mojitos better than any mixologist. Muddle the ingredients, add crushed ice and you'll find yourself dancing the Cuban Rumba like a pro. (Other easier dance moves are available!)
Seax Vodka - Our East Anglian flagship makes staycations a breeze (42% ABV 50cl)
I think the usual UK tourist destinations are already full. Therefore East Anglia is my staycation destination. Our Seax vodka is made from scratch using East Anglian sugar beet. This flavoursome vodka has on its label the Essex coat of Arms with its uniquely shaped Seax swords. I'm not an original Essex girl but I'm proud to call this county my home. We are featuring some of the amazing producers here in the region, in our Best of British promotion. Supporting local businesses is far more important than any suntan, but I still want to make my staycation feel more like a holiday. Therefore I shall be making myself a Saxon Seabreeze each evening. You just need Seax Vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. Serve in a tall glass with ice and a slice of lime.
I hope that's got you thirsty and in the mood for some summer celebrations. Our Master Distiller, Dr John Walters' mission is to produce the smoothest, best tasting spirits at an affordable price. You can get free next day delivery on orders over £50. If you like the sound of everything you can order all six and one of your bottles is on us. To get this special offer call our office on 01787 237896. It doesn't have to be the six I've chosen as we have many more to look at on our website.
https://www.englishspirit.uk/shop
Here's to a summer of health, meeting up with those you've missed and some wonderful drinks to add to the fun. Who's with me?