We all know how hit and miss the British summer can be, and this one has been no different. We may be nearing the end of August but summer isn’t over quite yet. I’m confident that we’re in for more sunshine and warm evenings throughout September.
To me, summer is always such a social time of the year and like everyone else, I try to make the most of it. The good weather means there’s more BBQs to go to, good food, cocktails and time to hang out with friends and family.
There’s one particular drink which we all associate with summer, Pimm’s. While I do enjoy the odd glass of Pimm’s I can never drink too much of it (unless it’s mixed with ginger beer – like this) because it’s just too sweet. Luckily, a few of my friends feel the same way and that’s where London Cup from Sipsmith comes in. It’s like Pimm’s but not sickly sweet and with much more of a warming spicy caramel and citrus flavour.
Sipsmith is a micro-distillery and was founded in London back in 2009. It was the first copper distillery to open in London since 1820. I’ve enjoyed their award-winning London Dry Gin on multiple occasions but have never got around to trying any of their other gins. They offer 4 gins and a vodka, all of which are branded beautifully.
I first heard about London Cup gin in Poppy’s Food Favourites video. So I was delighted when 31Dover asked if I’d like to give it a try.
What I love about 31Dover is that they always have fantastic bundles. This makes them perfect for gifting to friends, family or even yourself. It also takes the hassle out of tracking down the best mixers for your new spirit which isn’t always as easy as you’d think.
Marc sent over the London Cup bundle which comes with 2 bottles of my all-time favourite lemonade – Fentimans Rose and a glass carafe. I haven’t used the carafe just yet but I plan to make bigger batches of London Cup when my friend comes to visit next week. Alternatively, I think it’s going to be really useful to fill with water, lemon and ice to make sure everyone stays hydrated throughout the day.
Sipsmith have taken their award-winning London Dry Gin and infused it with Earl Grey tea, borage aka starflower, lemon verbena and a host of other botanicals to create London Cup. It’s a truly summery drink with sweet notes of caramel, warming orange and lasting floral notes from the Earl Grey. Think Pimm’s but not as sweet.
I’ve been enjoying London Cup gin in a very simple and classic way. Here’s my method:
First take your favourite glass, I went with these Ikea wine glasses because they’re large yet sturdy and won’t get knocked over easily. Don’t laugh! It happens easily when people are reaching over the table for snacks. If you have a taller glass that’s even better for making a longer drink.
Fill the glass with ice, berries, lemon and orange wedges and mint. Layer it inside the glass to give it a more Instagram worthy look. If you want to keep things a little more traditional opt for strawberries but if you don’t mind mixing things up a bit then go with blackberries.
Add a double shot of London Cup – feel free to just eyeball it like I do.
Top the glass with Fentimans Rose Lemonade.
That’s it. Super simple, quick and easy. Oh and it tastes delightful too!
You can grab the Sipsmith London Cup bundle over 31Dover. Let me know if you give it a try and feel free to leave any questions about the drink below. I’m always happy to give more info and if you follow me on Instagram Stories I’ll be sharing some more London Cup cocktail ideas over the weekend.