7questions

…with Northern Fox Distillery

1

Let’s start with the spirit. Will any old gin make a hedgerow liquor? Find yourself a premium craft British gin or vodka with an ABV of at least 40%. The better quality the spirit, the better quality the end result.

2

What’s all the fuss about foraged ingredients? Britain has an abundance of wild fruits, flowers, herbs and other natural ingredients growing freely. Spirits are the perfect way to enjoy hedgerow flavours, whether it’s toasted hazelnut vodka or rich damson gin.

3

Which flavour notes will I find in the hedgerow? A huge variety – from the mellow fruitiness of crab apples and rosehips to the fresher citrussy flavours of elderflower or nettles. It’s all there.

4

Hedgerow gin: on ice or with a mixer? We would serve a hedgerow spirit on the rocks to appreciate all those subtle flavours. If you do use a mixer, choose a good-quality light tonic and mix one part spirit to three parts tonic.

5

How do you store the liquors? Generally, homemade alcoholic drinks can be stored ambiently if the ABV is over 10-15%. Store them out of direct sunlight, however, as this can degrade any lovely natural colours.

6

What’s the perfect ratio of hedgerow ingredient to alcohol? Generally, the more fruit the better – in some of our recipes, it can be as much as 50 per cent. The higher the ratio of hedgerow ingredient or the longer you steep it, the stronger the flavour.

7

How do I make a hedgerow cocktail? Try a 25ml measure of hedgerow gin in a champagne flute, topped up with a dry sparkling rosé wine or champagne, garnished with a big juicy bramble. Or, if it’s chilly, a mulled sloe gin – a 25ml measure in a mug of hot cinnamoninfused apple juice, with lime and honey to taste.