Vodka
Mainly distilled from fermented grains, potatoes or grapes. The name derives from the Slavic ‘voda’ for water or ‘little water’. It’s the neutral flavours that make vodka such a great mixer, but the subtlety of the finer ones make for wonderful sippers.
Vodka to Mix
£3.40 Eristoff 37.5% (Georgia)
£3.50 Ketel One 40% (Netherlands) Like the rest of our upgrades you’ll really see where the extra pence go with this quality vodka, especially when mixing with soda or tonic. In a distillation run, they throw out the first and last 100 gallons to maintain consistency and quality. It’ll stand up to sipping and it’s super to mix.
£3.50 Ketel One Citroen 40% (Netherlands) They infuse Kettle One with citrus at the distillery. Infusing spirits is a great way of adding flavour without overpowering them or using sugary syrups.
Vodka to Sip
£3.60 Żubrówka 40% (Poland) Żubrówka, also known in English as Bison Grass vodka, is a dry, herb-flavoured vodka that is distilled from rye and bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Its flavour is unique and is described as having woodruff, vanilla, coconut, and cinnamon notes.
£4.50 Grey Goose 40% (France) Distilled in the Cognac region of Western France from wheat and natural spring water, filtered through Champagne limestone. Oft referred to as the world’s best tasting vodka, it’s also all too easy to drink. Great on the rocks.
Absinthe
An anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium ("grand wormwood"), together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green colour but may also be colourless. It is commonly referred to in historical literature as "la fée verte" (the green fairy).
Pernod Absinthe £4.80 68% (France) A herbal, intense absinthe from Pernod - famous today for being a top producer of France's beloved Pastis, but once renowned (or should we say "infamous") as the first absinthe distillery when they opened in 1805. This was inspired by an original recipe that was created before the 1915 absinthe ban.
Jade 1901 Absinthe £8 68% (France) Created by the superb Jade company this is a classic absinthe based on a 1901 recipe which was used by the famous Pernod Fils distillery based in Saumur, France.
For the times when you fancy something a little different...
£2.70 Noilly Pratt 18% (France)
Terrific dry vermouth.
£3.50 Luxardo Sambuca Black or White 38% (Italy)
Quick fix.
£3.50 Jägermeister 35% (Germany)
Herbal liquor. To shoot ice cold.
£3.50 Campari 25% (Italy)
Perfect in a Negroni.
£3.50 Teichenné 17% (Spain)
Superior Peach Schnapps.
£3.50 Kahlúa 20% (Mexico)
Coffee liquor.
£3.50 Grand Marnier 40% (France)
Orange brandy liquor.
£3.50 Bénédictine 40% (France)
Herbal liquor.
£3.60 Disaronno Originale 28% (Italy)
Shots. Rocks. Cocktails. It’s all sweet!
£3.60 Pimms 25% (England)
Fruity and summery.
£3.70 Bepi Tosolini Saliza Amaretto 28% (Italy)
A dark, rich liqueur from Italian producers, made with infusions of liquorice.
£3.80 Baileys 17% (Ireland)
Irish cream.
£4 Antica Formula 16.5% (Italy)
Incredible sweet vermouth.