SAVOUR & S I P
DRINKS Sober October Heroes PLANNING A BOOZE BREAK THIS MONTH? WITH SO MANY FABULOUS LIQUID ALTERNATIVES ON THE MARKET, IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO HAVE AN ALCO-HOLIDAY. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR BEST BUYS
WORDS BY NICOLA FOLEY
MOTHER ROOT GINGER SWITCHEL, £24 (480ML) Love the fiery freshness of a really great ginger beer? You’ll be head over heels for this lip-smacking number from Mother Root. A cordial which you team with soda water, it’s got zingy ginger, a bright tang of apple cider vinegar, a touch of pepperiness and subtle honey sweetness, finished off with a lingering chilli heat. It’s the perfect pre-dinner spritz. SAVYLL COCKTAILS, FROM £13.99 (BOX OF 4X250ML BOTTLES) Cocktail lovers in search of a non-hangover inducing alternative, check out the supremely sophisticated Savyll range. A collection of bottled AF cocktails, choices include an effervescent Peachy Bellini, a bittersweet Paloma Tequila and a Caribbean spiced Old Cuban. Unlike a lot of non-alcoholic drinks, they’re not drenched in sugar and artificial flavourings – plus they’re vegan, gluten free and low in calories. The branding is very chic, too. PYTHOUSE KITCHEN GARDEN SPRIGSTER, £25 GIFT BOX Made by the team at Piers Milburn’s Pythouse Kitchen Garden in Wiltshire, Sprigster launched earlier this year, taking its inspiration from the produce grown within the restaurant’s centuries-old grounds. The first thing you notice about
the drink (aside from the delightfully rustic packaging) is the vinegary scent. But this isn’t matched in taste. When paired with tonic, what you get is a jolt of biting freshness: bittersweet apple, rhubarb and ginger, with a touch of heat and a slight anise flavour. This won’t be for everyone, but those who enjoy tart, zingy drinks and botanical flavours will love it, as we did. NINE ELMS NO.18, £16.95 One of our most exciting discoveries has been Nine Elms’ No.18, a ‘Ruby Velven’ made to be drunk with good food. The bottle and box are super classy, making AF drinking as much of an occasion as cracking open a 15-year-old single malt, and the drink itself shares characteristics with a smooth red wine. It’s got a velvety mouthfeel and slightly earthy flavour, with notes of black fruit, cloves and botanicals: sweetness with a whisper of bitterness. When pairing with food, think about what goes with red wine and you’ll be on the right track – cheeseboards, antipasti and roast meat would all work a treat. It can be drunk straight up at room temp, or with a spritz (our preferred route). THOMAS TIPPLE’S TEETOTAL APERITIF, £2.50 These AF tinnies are ideal for a party or picnic when you’re on a booze break. Made by Thomas Tipple, this Italian-style aperitif will hit the spot if you enjoy an Aperol
Spritz, serving up a zesty and bitter blend of mandarin, grapefruit and rhubarb notes, with a whisper of aromatic botanicals. THE DISCOVERY PACK, £19.99 SOBERSAUCE (BOX OF EIGHT) There has never been more alcohol-free beer – but sadly there has also never been more terrible alcohol-free beer. For every punchy, satisfying AF brew, there’s a weak and watery counterpart that will have you regretting your sober life choices. Take the guesswork out of purchasing with the expertly curated, booze-free selection pack by Sobersauce. Featuring a mix of lagers, pale ales and medium-body ales, highlights include the peerless Lucky Saint (a Bavarian lager), Big Drop’s Pine Trail (a hoppy, light pale ale) and Nirvana Brewery’s crisp and bright Helles. It’s a great way of dipping into the best AF beer on the market, or would make a lovely gift for your sober or sober-curious buddy. CHEERS FromMother Root’s ginger beer with zing (above), to the unique flavour of Sprigster (right), there is no shortage of non-alcoholic options – and the packaging is often as delectable as the product
COCKTAIL LOVERS, CHECKOUT THE SOPHISTICATED SAVYLL RANGE
58 OCTOBER 2021 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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