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 save some for the honeymoon!) moonhoney.co.uk

Wine and dine

You can’t beat a crisp white wine at a summer wedding, and Sandridge Barton Wines has a glorious selection of Devon wines to suit. Previously Sharpham Wines, the esteemed winemaker has moved wine production to the new winery next to Sandridge Barton’s large vineyard on the edge of the River Dart. Producing a range of English white, red, rosé and sparkling wines, we’re particularly partial to the Sharpham Estate Selection: a light, dry white wine with aromas of green apple, gooseberry and elderflower, which makes a perfect pairing for a fish course or simply easy drinking in the sunshine. Then there’s the crisp, delicate and fruity delights of Sharpham Sparkling Pink – another winner for a summer celebration in Devon. sharpham.com/sandridge-barton-wines

Born to rum

From the shores of the Caribbean to the coast of south Devon, Hattiers Rums blends hand-picked rums from across the globe with soft Dartmoor water to create an exceptional collection of spirits – and they’re just as delicious on the rocks as they are in your favourite rum cocktail. We love ‘Eminence’, a smooth blend of aged and un-aged rums from Barbados, Australia, Trinidad and Jamaica with a vanilla pod, creamy fudge and ripe pineapple aroma. Head to the website for some tantalising cocktail inspiration, including Hattiers Devon Storm made with another local favourite, Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer, and Hot Hattiers, a warming winter rum punch blended with Hunts Hazy Dazy Devon Cider. hattiers.com

From the land and sea

Lovingly grown in the rich soil and fresh sea air of a family farm overlooking Hope Cove in south Devon, King Edwards potatoes are the key ingredient of Cove Vodka.

This fine Devon produce, together with Devon spring water, are combined with small batch traditional copper pot distillation to create the pure, clean and exceptionally smooth vodka. While it’s divine served on its own, its versatility makes it perfect for pairing with any flavour: favourites include vodka, lime and soda; and Cove Vodka Collins. The artisan distillery also handcrafts damson liqueur (add a drop to champagne or prosecco for a luxe fruity flavour) and coffee liqueur (great for after-dinner espresso martinis) as well as gift boxes and cocktail kits, which make brilliant Devon-inspired presents for your bridal party or new spouse! devoncove.co.uk

Apple of my eye

Cider is the ultimate drink to serve at a Devon country wedding – and Sandford Orchards has a refreshing option to suit all tastes. Based in the oldest working cider mill in the UK, the family-owned orchard in the heart of the county has the perfect micro-climate to grow cider apples. Rejecting shortcuts, artificial flavours and aromas, the team pride themselves on making cider ‘the right way’ – pressing and fermenting the best natural ingredients and letting them age to perfection. And it certainly tells: their beautifully balanced ciders are a delight. Choose from contemporary session ciders, traditional, fine, and flavoured ciders, including ginger, berry and blossom. Or you might opt for the Ice Cider – a freeze-strengthened cider that leads to a more intense, sweeter and richer taste – or Katja, a vibrant prosecco-style cider, perfect to serve as an alternative welcome drink. sandfordorchards.co.uk

Soft and stylish

Don’t forget to think outside of the non-boozy box and treat your non-drinking guests to something special. With no less than 85 Great Taste awards from the Guild of Fine Food to its name, Luscombe is guaranteed to have a delectable drink for every palate. Crafted in small batches using bespoke techniques on their Devon farm, the fine-tasting organic drinks blend the finest quality whole fruits and wild ingredients with Dartmoor spring water. Think flavoursome juices, tonics, fruity crushes and mouth-watering ginger beers as well as Sicilian lemonade and, our personal favourite, alcohol-free bubbly! Choose from Damascene Rose or Wild Elderflower Bubbly: a blend of organic and wild fruits and Dartmoor spring water with a delicate floral note and refreshing zing. luscombe.co.uk