There's lots of news in the drinks world this week, with an Irish distiller picking up another award and some new launches on the way.
Plus if you're starting to think about Mother's Day on 14 March, we have some ideas for gifts, from artisan ready-to-pour cocktails from Craft Cocktails to a lovely afternoon tea from one of Cork's top hotels. Read on for all the info.
Time for tea
The Kingsley in Cork has launched a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea which contains an array of sweet and savoury bites. There’s black pudding and apple rolls, and leek and mushroom tartlets while sweet treats include homemade macarons, vanilla and strawberry cupcakes and red velvet cake truffles. Priced at €45 for two sharing with complimentary tea or coffee, you can also upgrade to include Prosecco (€11). Order at least 24 hours in advance by emailing [email protected] or calling 021 480 0500.
Award winner
Cork’s Clonakilty Distillery has added to its awards collection by taking home the Best Irish Sloe Gin award at the prestigious World Gin Awards in London. Ewan Paterson, visitor experience manager at the distillery, also received the Highly Commended award in the Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year category. Earlier this year, the distillery also received two Highly Commended Awards at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2021 with Paul Corbett, head distiller picking up the accolade in the Master Distiller/Master Blender, category and the distillery in the Irish Craft Producer of the Year category.
Shake it up
Craft Cocktails has launched two special drinks collections for Mother’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. The Mother’s Day set features four cocktails made with Regal Rogue vermouth and each of the four 200ml bottles contain two serves. For St. Patrick’s Day, the Green St Sour is based on a classic sour cocktail and uses Cocalero Clásico, a South American inspired botanical spirit. It’s available in two size - 200ml which serves two (€12.50) and 700ml which serves seven (€35). The cocktails are available from selected retailers, craftcocktails.ie or for collection from BAR 1661, Green Street, Dublin 7.
The innovations continue in Dublin 8’s Stillgarden Distillery. Its latest offering is a new vacuum distilled vodka, cleverly named Under Pressure (37.5% ABV). Creating it is a slow process, as oxygen is removed and immense amounts of pressure are applied during the distillation process to eventually create a smooth, fresh vodka with a slight sweetness. It’s €39, from stillgardendistillery.com
