LIVINGLIVING
The Ritsemas say, "We were at
University a few years ago, and like
most students we enjoyed socialising
which often involved a drink. Being
health conscious, nothing would beat
a refreshing glass of cranberry juice. It
got us thinking what if cranberries were
brewed… and that was the beginning
of Cranes. It would be wrong to claim
an alcoholic drink is healthy, but in
moderation it remains an important part of
how a lot of people socialise and relax. We
think people will always enjoy a drink, but
that they will increasingly look to choose
a drink that has healthier ingredients, but
obviously still tastes great."
In the pink
Also made in Cambridgeshire, Pinkster
Gin is distilled in small batches to an
original recipe using five botanicals. It
is then macerated with a further three
botanicals and hand-steeped with fresh
raspberries grown locally, giving it its
distinctive pink colour. Dry with a hint of
fruit and an exceptionally smooth finish, it
makes a refreshingly different G&T when
served with a raspberry and a sprig of
fresh mint. Available from Majestic, Ocado
priced around £35/70cl bottle.
www.pinkstergin.com
In the moo'd
Back down in Dorset, Black Cow is the
world's first Pure Milk Vodka made in
Dorset, England, from the milk of grass
grazed cows. It is a super-premium
vodka, distilled from the whey of milk
and treated to a secret blending process
created by dairy farmer Jason Barber. His
inspiration came from a desire to diversify
the produce from his 250-strong dairy
herd and his personal interest in vodka.
He not only makes vodka from the milk
but also cheddar cheese made from the
curd, so there is no wastage in any of the
by-products. As well as bottles of hooch,
it also comes in a gift pack allowing you
to experience the whole milk: serve Black
Cow Vodka over ice with Black Cow
Vintage Cheddar, reuniting the curds and
whey from the same milk!
Black Cow Vodka: RRP £31.75 for
70cl. ABV 40% Black Cow 50cl Gift Pack
with Vintage Cheddar Cheese & Quince
RRP £50.00 .
www.blackcow.co.uk
Ben (on the right) and Dan
Ritsema of Cranes Cider
(above and below). Pinkster
Gin (right) and Black Cow
vodka (below right).