About Time: You Switched up Your After Work G&TBy Alicia Grimshaw
If you’re getting bored of a simple G&T this lockdown, try experimenting by adding these deliciously different spirits to your tonic or favourite mixer for a change to your after wfh drinks. With suggestions from around the world including Italy, Barcelona, The Netherlands, Mexico and The Caribbean, these easy serves will transport you to sunny beaches and vibrant cities from the comfort of your own home.
Italy: STARLINO Rosé Aperitivo
STARLINO Rosé is a delightful and refreshing Aperitivo made by blending Rosé wine, spirit, pink grapefruit peel, orange peel and eight other botanicals. At 17% ABV, STARLINO Rosé offers a lighter and refreshing alternative to a G&T when mixed with tonic.
STARLINO Rosé & Tonic
1 part STARLINO Rosé | 2 parts Tonic Water
Garnish: Slice of grapefruit
Method: Fill a tumbler glass with ice and add 1 part STARLINO Rosé followed by 2 parts tonic. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit
STARLINO Rosé RRP: From £23 for 75cl. Available from: Amazon and Master of Malt
Spain: El Bandarra Al Fresco
At 14.5% ABV, El Bandarra Al Fresco, when mixed with tonic, offers a lighter, lower alcohol Aperitivo that is refreshing, vibrant and exciting. Crafted in Barcelona with quality local Garnacha wine and natural Mediterranean botanicals, El Bandarra Al Fresco is soft and bittersweet with a touch of grapefruit.
El Bandarra Al Fresco + Tonic
1 Part El Bandarra Al Fresco | 2 Parts Tonic Water
Garnish: Wedge of Orange
Method: Pour 1 part El Bandarra Al Fresco and 2 parts Tonic Water over ice and garnish with a wedge of orange.
El Bandarra Al Fresco RRP: £20.99 for 1 litre. Available from: Amazon, 31 Dover and The Drink Shop
Mexico: Cazcabel Coconut Tequila
Coconuts from the Mexican city of Jalisco are prized all over the world and their succulent sweetness is blended with the dry, earthy tones and crisp citrus edge of Cazcabel Blanco Tequila to make Cazcabel Coconut.
Cazcabel Coconut T&T
25ml Cazcabel Coconut Tequila | Tonic Water
Garnish: Lime Wedges
Method: Add Cazcabel coconut in a glass filled with ice and top up with tonic water.
Cazcabel Coconut Tequila RRP: £24.99 for 70cl. Available from: Amazon, Master of Malt and The Drink Shop
The Netherlands: Spirited Union Grapefruit & Rose Rum
Vapour distilled for floral aromas – this rum is made by distilling the skin of blush-pink grapefruits to match the refreshing floral taste of Swazi rum. The rum is enhanced with infused blood orange for a bitter-sweet sour taste and has been vapour-infused with fragrant garden rose petals and elderflower to give an intense floral aroma. The result is the perfect union of citrus and blossom.
Spirited Union Grapefruit & Rose Rum & Tonic
50ml Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose Rum | 150ml Tonic Water
Garnish: Wedge of Grapefruit
Method: Pour 50ml Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose in a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Add 150ml tonic water and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Spirited Union Grapefruit & Rose Rum RRP: £27 for 70cl. Available from: Amazon, 31Dover, Master of Malt
The Caribbean: CUT SPICED RUM
A premium Caribbean Rum infused with real spices including aniseed, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, coriander seed, lemon and vanilla. If you don’t like tonic but are still looking for an easy and delicious mixer to enjoy with your CUT SPICED RUM, try Franklin & Sons Pineapple Mixer for a fruity and refreshing twist.
CUT SPICED RUM + Pineapple
50ml CUT SPICED RUM | 200ml Franklin & Sons Pineapple Mixer
Method: Add CUT SPICED RUM to rocks glass and fill with ice then add Franklin & Sons Pineapple Mixer. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
CUT SPICED RUM RRP: £22. Available from Amazon and Master of Malt
Scotland: J&B Rare Whisky
Created in the 1930’s, this iconic whisky is distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland with a blend of 42 malt and grain whiskies, the heart of J&B Rare is formed from the finest Speyside single malts. A unique process of blending mastery brings together the bold flavours of single malts with lighter grain whiskies, adding fullness and depth to the blend. J&B Rare is delicious topped up with soda for a simple highball serve.
J&B Rare Highball
50ml J&B Rare Whisky | Soda Water
Garnish: Dehydrated Orange Wheel & Sprig of Mint
Method: Add 50ml J&B Rare to a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with soda water and garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel and a sprig of mint.
J&B Rare RRP: £22.50 for 70cl. Available from: Waitrose, thewhiskyexchange.com, and masterofmalt.com
