feature | DRINKS | DEVON IN A GLASS
DEVON IN A GLASS From cocktail-ready spirits and luscious wines to non-alcoholic favourites, bring a local flavour to your celebrations with these top-tasting drinks words Lucy Higgins
Cocktail hour If you’re seeking an exceptional gin with a generous serving of Devon character and flavour, you can’t beat the multi award-winning flagship gin, Start Point, from Salcombe Distilling Co. Inspired by the voyages of the Salcombe Fruit Schooners – ships built in Salcombe and Kingsbridge in the 19th century to carry fresh fruits and spices from around the world to English shores – this London Dry blends Dartmoor water with the finest botanicals to create a smooth, elegant and truly memorable G&T. There’s a plethora of other spirits from the Salcombe distillery if you fancy a twist on the classic. ‘Daring’ from the limited-edition Voyager Series has been created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth. Inspired by his dish ‘A Tale of Porthilly’, the gin is distilled with whey and foraged Cornish botanicals to create a distinctive and delicious flavour. Then there’s Rosé Sainte Marie, the award-winning pink gin inspired by the aromas and flavours of the Mediterranean coast – a perfect tipple for a summer celebration. salcombegin.com
Over the moon Thought to be the oldest of alcohols, mead has associations with everyone from the Greeks and the Romans to the Vikings; the drink – often called honey wine – even has a mention in the Bible and Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’. Perhaps most interestingly for nearly-weds, mead is considered ‘the drink of love’ as it was traditionally served at weddings and drunk during the 30 days after a wedding in the hope of a child arriving nine months later – hence the term ‘honeymoon’. This ancient favourite has received a modern makeover by Devonbased company, Moonhoney. Made by hand in south Devon using the finest ingredients and orange blossom honey, the collection of sparkling craft meads is available in four flavours – elderflower, hopped, summer fruits and ginger – and makes a deliciously aromatic and crowd-pleasing tipple for a drinks reception (just remember to
Headcake
save some for the honeymoon!) moonhoney.co.uk
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#48 2021
www.wedmagazine.co.uk
