5 seasonal spirits and stylish serves to rustle up now

Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint why we love to capitalise on a cocktail…and tease our tastebuds with a sapid spirit.

Is it because we like to veer away from a glass of vino come springtime – and appreciate the core aromas and taste of juniper berries in a gin; or grainy character of a vodka?

And then fix a concoction of notable complexity by adding a mixer, a menagerie of ingredients to amp up the flavour profile, or pimp up a classic pour.

Either way, here’s what’s causing a stir and deserves a place on your bar cart…

1. Penrhos Wonky Raspberry Gin, £30, 70cl, Penrhos Spirits

The first thing that strikes you about this award-winning gin is the recycled aluminium bottle, playing a vital role in reducing its carbon footprint. But what about this delectable infusion of perfectly edible, imperfect raspberries?

It’s delightfully fresh and fruity with a good measure of tart raspberry flavour and spicy kick on the tail. Top with aromatic tonic, raspberries and mint to drink in the sun.

2. Silent Pool Gin, £43, 70cl, Silent Pool

Something to wet your whistle before Sunday brunch, this punchy serve is sweetened with a touch of apricot jam, and sharpened with some zesty lemon juice. Cited as a fizzy, fruity escape, Silent Pool’s enticing, aromatic lavender notes sit well with ginger ale in its Gin & Jam cocktail.

Ingredients: 50ml Silent Pool, 20ml lemon juice, 1tbsp apricot jam, ginger ale.

Method: Half fill a shaker with ice. Add the gin, juice and jam, shake vigorously. Double strain into a highball glass over fresh ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

3. Hepple Gin, £39.99, 70cl, Hepple Spirits

One to knock your spring socks off, Hepple Gin is building on the timeless elegance of a martini with its fresh take on a classic gin; with blackcurrant leaf, Douglas fir and lovage as the headline botanicals, resulting in a bold, bright, gorgeous gin.

Here’s its recipe to spin you around…

Ingredients: 50ml Hepple Gin, 5ml dry vermouth.

Method: Fill a mixing jug with ice. Add the ingredients and stir slowly 30 times. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Pinch lemon rind over the surface of the martini and add to glass.

4. Renais Small Batch Gin, £47.10, 70cl, Master of Malt

Renais Gin balances salvaged grape skins from Burgundy with a bunch of zesty botanicals including lemon peel, grains of paradise and lime slices; with a good dose of crisp juniper, topped with linden flowers and acacia honey for a floral, spicy, citrusy gin with a gentle vinous sweetness.

The result? This libation lives up to expectation and beyond a Renais and tonic, its sweet and sour Bees Knees makes a snazzy serve…

Ingredients: 50ml Renais Gin, 1 egg white, 20ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml acacia honey syrup, 5ml fino sherry.

Method: Half fill a shaker with ice. Add the ingredients and shake vigorously, strain into a chilled coupette.

5. Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, £28, 70cl, Ramsbury Estate

Herald in happy hour with an award-winning vodka to revamp your repertoire! Made from Wiltshire’s finest winter wheat and named Vodka of the Year at the London Spirits Competition 2024, Ramsbury’s silky smooth with a creamy profile, exhibiting enticing hints of dried fruits, caramel and slightly peppery finish.

Versatile and rich, here’s its take on an espresso martini to sip and savour…

Ingredients: 30ml Ramsbury Vodka, 30ml Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, 30ml espresso, 15ml liquid honey.

Method: Half fill a shaker with ice. Add ingredients, shake vigorously, strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans. And there you have it.