December 4th is Cabernet Franc Day! This red grape variety is often underrated compared to other world-renowned and more widely planted varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, but… did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon wouldn’t even exist without it? Many people are unaware of the close relationship between the two, but genetic studies have shown that it’s the cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc that gave rise to Cabernet Sauvignon.…
-
Did you know that the third Thursday of November is Beaujolais Nouveau Day? Ahead of this important date for wine lovers, we invite you to discover ten facts about this often-misunderstood French red wine. 1. What is Beaujolais Nouveau anyway? This French red wine is made 100% from Gamay grapes! This is the only grape variety authorised for the production of Beaujolais Nouveau. This grape variety produces delicious wine with…
-
Sherry’s enormous diversity of styles, flavours and aromas provides endless creative possibilities for bartenders all over the world. Fortified wines – both dry and sweet – grown near the city of Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain, have been used in Sherry cocktails since the 19th century. In fact, the Sherry Cobbler is believed to be one of the most popular cocktails of the early 20th century, according to…
-
The scariest night of the year is fast approaching: Halloween! And how better to celebrate than with some creepy cocktails? If you want to bring something different to the table than the usual (and immortal) Bloody Mary, here are some very original Halloween cocktails. White Spider 🕷️ 2 parts vodka 2 parts white crème de menthe Ice In a shaker, add all the ingredients and stir for a few seconds.…
-
Merlot is the most common grape in the world after Cabernet Sauvignon, but how much do you know about this mild and elegant wine? Discover the story behind its name, origin, taste profile as well as pairing tips in our Beginner’s Guide. What’s behind a name? The name comes from the French “merle“ meaning “blackbird” because these friendly creatures feed on Merlot grape juice. What’s more, the bird’s blue-black feathers…
-
Every year, the Old Fashioned features on the list of the most popular cocktails in the world. This iconic apéritif cocktail has even given its name to the glass it’s served in – the Old Fashioned Glass. Read on to find out more about the history of the drink, how to make it, plus some fun facts to impress your friends. History of the Old Fashioned Towards the 1860s, complex…
-
We’ve all heard of bourbon, and many of us enjoy its caramel, buttery, spicy and smoky flavour. But do we really know what it is? If someone asked you to tell the difference between bourbon and whisky, would you know the answer? In this article, we’ll get to grips with the basics of bourbon, including its characteristics, how and where it’s made, and the differences between whisky and bourbon. What’s…
If you’re a fan of discounts and offers, you need to know about Singles’ Day, the alternative to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While November 11th is the date to commemorate Remembrance Day in the UK, in China, and increasingly throughout the world, this is a day when almost all shops offer fierce discounts. The Origin of Singles’ Day The Chinese celebration was launched in 1993 at Nanjing University by…
Discover how Italy’s famous caffè corretto (literally “corrected coffee”) came to be, as well as uncovering some of the country’s many regional variations, tips for making your own at home, and much more in this whistle-stop tour through Italian coffee-spiking tradition. The Birth of Caffè Corretto The tradition of caffè corretto originated with the workers of northern Italy, in particular those in Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy and Valle D’Aosta. During…
You don’t even need to pack your bags or grab your passport! Today we’re taking you around the world with these exotic cocktails! Ti-punch or a Caribbean Twist Some of the most exotic cocktails are actually the easiest to make. This cocktail is fresh, citrusy, and won’t take you more than five minutes to make. Plus, it’s made directly in the glass and only needs a handful of ingredients that…