Getting into the Christmas spirits

HEPPLE SPIRITS

Hepple Spirits began in the heart of Northumberland, on the hills of Hepple – one of Britain’s last wild sanctuaries for juniper – and have led the revolution in gin-making. The innovation of Hepple lies in their new botanical inclusions, the discoveries of ancient recipes and the creation of a pioneering new distilling system which smoothes the spirit, captures fresher, more delicate flavours and adds exceptional depth and texture to an age-old classic.

Cheeky discount code
Use discount code HEPPLE5 for a 5% discount on the 70cl Hepple gin.

Hepple’s Events Guru Anna’s serving suggestion: Hepple Martini

75ml Hepple Gin
7.5ml Dry Vermouth

Fill a mixing jug with ice. Pour the Hepple gin, followed by the Vermouth. Stir slowly 30 times. Strain into a chilled glass.

Pinch the lemon rind over the surface of the martini. Add to the glass.

To find out more about Hepple Spirits, visit their website, or check out their Facebook and Instagram

NOVELTEA

Founded by former Newcastle University students Vincent and Lucas, Noveltea create unique alcoholic tea blends that take their inspiration from cultures around the world. Entirely vegan and gluten-free, Noveltea’s premium loose-leaf blends can be enjoyed either over ice or gently warmed, so are perfectly refreshing from summer through to winter. Special shoutout goes to their very first limited-edition flavour, Celebrate – made by blending Scotch Whisky with a full-bodied black tea – which is basically sponsoring our Christmas this year.

Cheeky discount code
Use discount code HLNCELEBRATE10 for a 10% discount with a minimum purchase of £30.**

Noveltea’s Director of Marketing, Graeme’s serving suggestion: Festive Chai

75ml Noveltea Celebrate blend
12.5ml Scotch whisky
1 tsp honey

Pour Celebrate, Scotch and honey into a glass. Top with boiling water, leaving 2cm from top of glass for cream float. Stir ingredients well, until mixed. Float double cream on top. Garnish with grated nutmeg.
To find out more about Noveltea visit their website, or check out their Facebook and Instagram

**There are a limited number of codes so act fast! Ends 31st December, 2020.

PRIORY VODKA

Since the early 12th century, Syningthwaite Priory has stood proudly amongst the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. You can just imagine the traditions it has seen and, in 2018, it was time for Priory Vodka to start a new one. Using the potatoes grown in their fields and the fresh local spring water, and all distilled on site, they’ve crafted a crisp and refreshing range of spirits that anyone in the Priory’s 900-year history could enjoy. But don’t be fooled into thinking their bevs stay in the traditional lane – alongside their unique gin and rum, their flavoured vodka blends range from grapefruit and black cherry to salted caramel, dark chocolate and even chilli.

Cheeky discount code
Use code HIGHLIFENORTH for 10% off Priory’s entire range of spirits.

Priory’s Sales Manager Charlotte’s serving suggestion: Grapefruit Sour

1½ measures Priory Vodka, ½ measure dry/fino sherry
4 measures fresh pink grapefruit juice, 1 tbsp egg white
2-4 dashes Angostura bitters, Orange peel to garnish

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all the ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain into a tumbler.

Garnish with 4–8 drops of Orange Bitters and a rolled slice of orange peel.

For more information about Priory Vodka’s range of spirits, visit their website, or check out their Facebook and Instagram

ALLENDALE BREWERY

Based in a former lead smelting mill nestled on the banks of the River Allen, at the edge of the rugged North Pennines – known as England’s Last Wilderness – Allendale Brewery have been bottling the spirit of Northumberland (quite literally) since 2006. While their focus has always been on producing quality cask ales, you can now find their beers across the country in cask, keg, bottle and can, and they’ve even branched out into the creation of their new flavoured Ride Hard Seltzers – which (finally!) promise a heavenly alco-hit without the hangover.

Cheeky discount code
Use the code RIDEHIGH10 for a 10% discount on all Ride Hard Seltzers.

Allendale Brewery Owner Lucy’s serving suggestion: Ride Blood Orange

From their first hard seltzer range, Allendale’s Ride Blood Orange gives wonderfully-fruity notes akin to raspberry alongside the classic citrus you’d expect and (incredibly) has only 86 calories per 330ml can.

Best served over ice with a slice of lime for an extra-refreshing hit.

For more information about Allendale Brewery, visit their website, or check out their Facebook and Instagram