Spirits & Cocktails

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There's so much more to gain from the whisky category if you free yourself of staid preconceptions and adopt a more open and relaxed attitude. Spirits guru Dave Broom starts by busting some whisky myths. Single malts aren't necessarily better than blends, older doesn't automatically mean better, and in many cases, contrary to popular belief, whisky makes an excellent accompaniment for various cuisines

Whisky distillery profiles

WHISKY

Whisky distillery profiles

Barrels in warehouse - Jack Daniels advertorial - Food & Drinks - Spirit & Cocktails

Every distillery has a story to tell, from rich histories to distinct flavour profiles influenced by their unique locations. We traverse Scotland and its islands, and as far afield as Tennessee, sampling excellent spirits along the way

Whisky and Indian food: The spice route

whisky and spice - Food & Drinks - Spirit & Cocktails

Whisky is that rare drink that can stand up to the heat and spice of Indian food, as Kate Portman discovers. The trick is to match the type of spice in the food to the right style of whisky - like tandoori dishes with peaty malts

Talisker profile - speed bonnie boat

Talisker boat - Food & Drinks - Spirit & Cocktails

Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye is best approached by boat, so Charles MacLean sets sail on the Classic Malts Cruise. This is no calm ocean journey, but there's no better way to understand this spirit's origins.

GIN

Insiders guide to... gin

The earliest records of gin production date back to 17th-century Holland. The first Brits to discover 'genever' were soldiers, who drank it to fortify themselves for battle – hence the term ‘Dutch courage’. The drink found a new audience in England when Dutch-born William of Orange became King William III in 1689 and encouraged the distillation of English spirits, while also raising import duty on French spirits.

COCKTAILS

History of Caipirinha
Kicking off the first in a new Square Meal series looking at the world’s best-loved cocktails, Ben McCormack traces the history of the caipirinha
History of Negroni
In the second of Square Meal’s close-ups on the world’s best-loved cocktails, Ben McCormack explores the history of the Negroni – and where you can drink it now
History of Daiquiri
In Square Meal’s ongoing series looking at the world’s classic cocktails, Julie Sheppard reveals the history of the daiquiri and finds out how to mix the perfect glass