In cider trading
Cider is on the advance in the UK – and lager better watch out, according to analysts at research company Mintel.About three out of five British drinkers say they find cider more refreshing than lager, with half saying it has a fresher taste and 44 per cent preferring its sweeter taste.This follows a storming period of innovation including …
Just desserts
Bars are responding to demand for sweeter cocktails inspired by classic puddings and sweets, reports Mark Ludmon The revival in classic and vintage cocktails has transformed drinks lists at Britain’s bars, as bartenders explore the history of their profession. But a Whiskey Sour or a Hanky Panky are not to everyone’s taste, and sweeter, creamy cocktails are making a …
Pure genius
While bottled water brands continue to see declines in bars, the choice of mains-fed filtration systems continues to grow It is now two years since an amendment to the Licensing Act made it mandatory for bars and pubs to supply free tap water on request.Although this merely enshrined in law something that many operators were …
Caorunn seeks storytellers
Caorunn Scottish Gin has launched a cocktail competition that challenges bartenders not only to create an imaginative new cocktail but also to tell a good story about it. The Caorunn Storytellers Global Cocktail Challenge will run in five key territories around the world including the UK. Mixologists must submit a “modern classic” that ties in with at least …
Bulldog sets London Lemonade challenge
Bartenders are being challenged to create Bulldog Gin cocktails that are a twist on its signature serve, the London Lemonade. Competitions are being run in the UK and other markets including the US and Spain from April 16 to May 31, with winners being taken to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in July …
Sloane’s Gin steps up activity in bars
Toorank is stepping up activity for Sloane’s Gin in the UK on- trade this year with a new brand ambassador and bartender cocktail competition. The new UK brand ambassador is Joel Constantino, a bartender who was UK brand ambassador for Akvinta vodka and a key account manager at drinks specialist Love Drinks. His role includes promoting the Twisted Traditions competition …
Shops and bars in the cocktail mix
Ten years ago, cocktail making was a trade speciality reserved only for trained bartenders and consumed only on special occasions. However, times are changing and consumers’ appetite for cocktail education has grown significantly.They are hungrier than ever. Within the last five years the cocktail revolution has been strong within the on-trade which has naturally built …
Flavour explosion
Innovations in flavour are opening up exciting new ways for using vodka, reports Mark Ludmon From chocolate raspberry to tea and chilli, new flavoured vodkas are arriving in the UK to open up ideas for simple mixed drinks and cocktails.The latest addition to the Absolut Flavours range is Wild Tea, which brings together the dark …
Asahi brings in side-pouring font
A side-pouring font has been introduced in the UK for Japanese beer Asahi Super Dry, believed to be a world first. By moving the tap head to the side of the slender chrome main column, it provides the customer with a direct view of the draught pour. It aims to reflect the brand’s “innovative” positioning. …
Dry gin arrives from Germany
A small-batch dry gin made with 47 botanicals in Germany’s Black Forest has been launched in the UK. Monkey 47 was developed three years ago by entrepreneur Alexander Stein working with master distiller Christoph Keller at his small distillery in Oberen Hegau in the Black Forest in southern Germany. About a third of the botanicals …
