The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
The latest drinks news, from alcohol-free Merlot to a new whisky podcast
Boozy coffee
Our favourite bars may be closed but that doesn’t mean we can’t create a buzzing cocktail hour at home!
Fans looking to take their shot at mixing up an Espresso “Quarantini” or a boozy take on the popular Korean Dalgona coffees, need look no further than The Barista Brothers Coffee Liqueur (£7.99).
Regarded as a perfect pick-me-up post-dinner or smooth accompaniment to a boozy brunch, it’s no surprise the Espresso Martini is cocktail of the hour.
Make this at home using equal parts of The Barista Brothers Coffee Liqueur and Saint Germont Vodka (£13.99) – both drinks available from Aldi – then shake together with plenty of ice.
Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with two coffee beans.
Supporting bartenders
Jose Cuervo has teamed up with Lucky Liquor Co. and Mothership Scotland to create Keeping Faith With Paloma, a refreshing take on the classic Mexican tequila cocktail.
Priced £8, profits from the sale of the at-home cocktail will go to The Drinks Trust, which provides essential support to those working in the drinks industry.
Available from mothershipscotland.com
The peppercorn puncher
Step up cocktail hour at home by bringing Merchant’s Heart Pink Peppercorn variant into the mix.
It’s simple, but packs a punch with the piquant combination of soft spice with citrus notes creating a flavour explosion.
Try mixing with cognac and garnishing with orange zest and pink peppercorns, or add to your favourite gin for a G&T with a difference.
Available at Sainsbury’s, Ocado and by direct delivery from Merchant’s Heart.
200ml bottle from £1.30 / 6 x 150ml cans from £5.
Alcohol-free Merlot
Want to stay as healthy as possible while working from home but finding it hard to ditch your favourite red?
Eisberg has added a new alcohol-free wine to its range – Merlot.
Full-bodied with intense plum and blackberry flavours, it is made in exactly the same way as regular wine, but with the alcohol gently removed at the end.
Even better, there are only 29 calories per 125ml serving.
Available from Ocado, RRP £3.50.
Podcasts and tastings
Ian Macleod Distillers has continued to lighten up lockdown via a range of podcasts entitled Whisky Unscripted, as well as hosting a live tasting of Tamdhu’s finest range with distillery manager Sandy McIntyre.
Hosting the podcasts are global brand ambassador Gordon Dundas and experimental ambassador Gordon Dallas, who offer a fun and informative guide to the whisky industry.
There are eight episodes to be enjoyed – to hear a trailer with the two Gordons, visit whiskyunscripted.podbean.com
Meanwhile, during this challenging time, £1 from the sale of each bottle purchased from tamdhu.com (as well as all other Ian Macleod Distillers websites) will be donated to Drinks Trust to support their mission of providing care and support to hospitality employees.