Babycham Original Sparkling Perry Review

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Frostie

This retro classic was a hit at Frost from men and women alike. It’s fun and glamorous with a low alcohol content. Which is actually a good thing, as you can have more fun without the consequences. It tastes great: sparkling perry pears are delicious, and comes in a 750ml bottle with a satisfying cork to pop, or mini 200ml bottles. Perfect for Christmas.

Looking for an unashamedly girly Christmas tipple that every generation will love? Babycham, the refreshing sparkling perry will add a touch of sparkle and fun to any Christmas festivity.

Having launched in 1953, Babycham captured the celebratory mood of the post-war era and was the first alcoholic drink to be marketed directly at women. At that time, women were only just allowed into bars and the light, sweet sparkling drink was fun and lively and something that they could call their own. Even the iconic coupe-style glass it was served in felt glamourous and it gave women the chance to experience a champagne-style drink without the expensive price tag.

Since then, Babycham has continued to be a firm favourite of women of all ages and holds a nostalgic place at many a Christmas party or soiree. Still bottled, as it was in the 1950s, with the iconic fawn on the front, Babycham is best served ice cold.

So it’s time to get in the Christmas groove with this retro blast from the past because Babycham, the original girly drink, is ready to party!

Babycham Original Sparkling Perry

4 x 200ml

RRP £3.99

Stockists: Asda, Tesco.

The light and sweet original sparkling perry, made from perry pears, is the best girly Christmas tipple for every festive occasion.

Babycham Original Sparkling Perry

Popping Cork Bottle 750ml

RRP £3.49

Stockists: Asda, Tesco, B&M.

The large popping cork style bottle is the perfect drink to bring to the party and share with friends.

Disaronno Partners with Roberto Cavalli to Outfit Limited Edition Bottles

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Frostie

Disaronno Partners with Famed Roberto Cavalli to Outfit Limited Edition Bottles

When this gorgeous box arrived on our doorstep, with even more gorgeous Cavalli wearing Disaronno inside we were pretty happy. The mini bottles are a delight and the full size one is not just gorgeous, but also comes in a little bag. Yes, we know we keep saying gorgeous but just look at them. These are limited edition so get your hands on some now.

The Annual Fashion Collaboration will Benefit Ongoing Charity Partner Fashion 4 Development

DISARONNO, the world’s favourite Italian liqueur, will be back this holiday season with a unique new look designed by Roberto Cavalli. The luxury brand has dressed the iconic bottle in the bold, vibrant and colourful style, for which it is famous throughout the world.

The DISARONNO wears Cavalli design draws inspiration from the Roberto Cavalli SS 2015 Pre Collection. Influenced by the enchanting undersea world and the most exotic safari locations, the bottle will be draped in a new graphic animal print making DISARONNO the perfect gift for fashion lovers this winter.

Augusto Reina, CEO of ILLVA Saronno, declared: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Roberto Cavalli for our third Disaronno limited edition. To include Cavalli in the list of our collaborations is a real honour and a truly special moment in the history of our brand.”

“We are excited to join ILLVA Saronno in this initiative. Two of the most well-known brands of the Made in Italy getting together is always worth celebrating”, said Renato Semerari, CEO of Roberto Cavalli.

The DISARONNO ICON project is in its 3rd iteration this year, after the past partnerships with Italian fashion brands Moschino and Versace. The ICON project will continue its longtime support of the charity ‘Fashion 4 Development,’ sponsored by the United Nations. DISARONNO will once again donate part of the proceeds to the development of this unique project in Africa. The exclusive limited edition will be available from the beginning of October in all major stores across the UK. The suggested retail price of the 500ml bottle is £15.

To toast this delightful collaboration Disaronno US Director of Brand Ambassadors, Paul Sevigny, and Disaronno UK Brand Ambassador, Rod Eslamieh, have joined forces to craft the Disaronno wears Cavalli cocktail, a unique twist on the famed Disaronno Sour. The duo have applied the most popular trends in mixology to develop this signature sip, blending the sweet flavour of DISARONNO with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters.

The ‘DISARONNO Cavalli Sour’ cocktail, created for the occasion blends the sweet flavour of DISARONNO, with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters – full recipe below.

1 ½ oz Disaronno
1 oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Sugar syrup
1 ½ oz Prosecco
10 dashes angostura

Check out more cocktail recipes here.

Piccini 1882 Spumante & Piccini Orange Label Chianti Review

Posted on November 18, 2015 by Frostie

We have some awful news: apparently the supply of prosecco is running low. We are just drinking too much of the stuff. Fear not though, Piccini have brought out an alternative: Piccini‘s 1882 Spumante. 1882 has been innovatively produced with a blend of 75% prosecco (glera) grapes and 25% Chardonnay grapes to offer an equally delicious taste profile to the popular Italian sparkling variety. It is fresh, crisp and delicious. A fruity wine that is just as good as ‘normal’ prosecco. Zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavours make this a truly wonderful fizzy wine. We can highly recommend it.

Also perfect for Christmas is the Piccini Orange Label Chianti Review. This red blend from Tuscany is smooth and delicious. This is a very popular red wine and it is very easy to see why. Instantly recognisable, this wine is at the heart of what Piccini does: a classic Chianti made to a very traditional recipe. What’s the secret to this wine’s juicy, easy-drinking style? A traditional Tuscan technique called Governo all’uso which sees a small amount of the Sangiovese grape – which is used for all Chianti – added as withered fruit. The effect of this is to induce a very slight secondary fermentation which in turn gives delicious, bright, red fruit flavours to the final wine.

Piccini Orange Label is fabulous on its own or with practically any food you can think of – from pasta and tomato sauce whipped up after a busy day at work, to mature cheeses eaten by the fire with friends. You can find the Piccini Orange Label Chianti in Sainsbury’s at an RRP of £6.20. Sainsburys.co.uk

Renowned Italian wine brand Piccini have the perfect drinks for this season including their much-loved Orange Label Chianti. A red blend from Tuscany that is talked about more than any other wine in Italian history, it’s the perfect wintery red wine to be enjoyed at home with classics such as pizza, lasagne and lamb.

As well as the perfect wintery red, Piccini have also got the perfect party season drink – Piccini‘s 1882 Spumante. This sparkling wine is a great alternative to prosecco and is on offer at Sainsbury’s at two bottles for £14.00. A deal not to be missed ahead of the winter party season. Much-loved Italian wine brand, Piccini, launches its new 1882 Spumante sparkling wine to offer the UK an affordable alternative to Prosecco.
As demand for Prosecco continues to soar and rumors of a potential ‘Prosecco shortage’ continue, 1882 has been innovatively produced with a blend of 75% prosecco (glera) grapes and 25% Chardonnay grapes to offer an equally delicious taste profile to the popular Italian sparkling variety.

Cultivated in the cool climate and sea-fossil soils of Triveneto, including the traditional prosecco regions of Veneto and Fruili, Piccini retains its authentic Italian roots in winemaking by using the traditional Charmat production method to give 1882 its uniquely delicate fizz.

Undeniably fruity, with zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavors, 1882 is the perfect accompaniment for dishes such as succulent seared scallops, grilled fish and chicken salads.

Named after the year the Piccini family first began wine production, the launch of 1882 continues to establish Piccini as an innovative, exciting Italian brand that combines authenticity and heritage with industry innovation.

Available from Sainsburys.co.uk with an ongoing RRP of £9.00.

1882 OFFERS (available exclusively at Sainsbury’s):

From the 28th of October for 3 weeks, 1882 will be on offer, 2 bottles for £14.00.

From the 9th of December for another 3 weeks, 1882 will be on offer, 2 bottles for £14.00.

Louis Jadot – the very essence of Burgundy: Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuisse 2013

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Wine Review by Margaret Graham

Louis Jadot – the very essence of Burgundy:

Domaine Ferret Pouilly Fuisse 2013

There are those days which absolutely require a fine wine. Such a day occurred not long ago when one of Milly Adams’ books did rather well in the bestseller list. As a close friend of Milly’s how could we not celebrate.

Nothing’s easy is it? Bourgogne winemakers had a tough year in 2013 when nature decided to have a tantrum. First, a long winter; with hail damage and lord knows what else, then a gloomy spring, which eventually moved on into summer. In October the grapes could be picked. In spite of the difficulties – what a wine.

There is the taste of subtle fruit on the palate, acacia flowers, with a hint of buttery spiced nuts, along with an intense finish, and superb with shellfish, risotto, grilled or friend fish, goats cheese and creamy cows milk cheeses.

We ate goats cheese and salad, and drank to Milly’s book, Above us the Sky. Perfect.

RRP £26.90, Fountainhall Wines, Aberdeen; North and South Wines Ltd, London; Penistone Court Wine Cellars, Sheffield; Planet of the Grapes, London; Vino Wines, Edinburgh; Taurus Wines Ltd, Guildford; The Oxford Wine Company Ltd; Aitken Wines, Dundee; Coruss Retail Ltd, Luton; Southwick Court Fine Wines Ltd, London; Edencroft Fine Wines, Cheshire; Partridges Of Sloane St Ltd; Peake Wine Associates, Fareham, Hampshire; Wine Chambers, Newcastle; Last Drop Wines, London; Constantine Stores Ltd, Falmouth; The Red Bottle Company Ltd, Thame, Stop & Save , Tonbridge Wells.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Amy Voce

The new vintage Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2015: Now in the UK

We are very partial to a Sauvignon Blanc at Frost, and this one is no exception. Fruity, zingy and zesty, this wine is refreshing and delicious in equal measures, with flavours of melon, passionfruit and grapefruit. Good stuff indeed.

Each year the eagerly awaited newest vintage of Villa Maria’s Flagship wine, its Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, displays the results of that year’s harvest – the most exciting but often the most challenging time of the winemakers year. Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Nick Picone, invites you to try this recently released 2015 vintage to taste the results for yourself.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2015, 13% abv

Vintage notes: Nick sums up the vintage in Marlborough: “We experienced it all this season – a long frost in spring, along with very strong winds followed by a perfect storm of dry, hot weather (with very warm nights) that lasted without any relief for over two months through to mid-February. The dry weather continued throughout the whole growing season and while there were some weather threats over the harvest period none ended up significantly disrupting fruit flow in to the winery. This allowed measured harvest decisions and a relatively stress free vintage for growers, vineyard managers and winery staff. Wine quality has proven to be very good across all varieties and the line- up of wines this year is one of the strongest ever.”

Fruit: The fruit for this wine was sourced from both the Wairau and Awatere valleys – the Wairau valley is warmer so the fruit contributes richness and ripe tropical flavours while the Awatere fruit provides the zingy acid structure and pungent herbal aromatics.

Winemaking: After a short period of resting on yeast lees post fermentation the wine was filtered and bottled to capture its vibrancy and freshness – the essence of quality sauvignon blanc.

Tasting notes: With vibrant aromas of fresh peas, zesty limes and freshly picked herbs this is a wine of great intensity and vitality. On the palate, juicy acidity is balanced with flavours of melon, passionfruit and grapefruit with a touch of richer herbaceous characters.

RRP: £11.25, Asda.com, Coop, Majestic, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose.com, Morrisons, Oddbins, Budgens, Wine Rack, Nisa, Spar

www.villamaria.co.nz

@VillaMaria_UK

Tanqueray London Dry Gin Review & Cocktail Recipes

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Frostie

We are quite particle to a Gin & Tonic at Frost. In fact, we love cocktails with gin in them, it is the perfect spirit for cocktails. We are quite fussy about quality but Tanqueray London Dry passed our taste test. It is a vibrant gin which is both sweet and savoury. It has a blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice. It is a superior and high-quality gin. Frost loves.

Tantalise your taste buds with adventurous umami cocktails

When you think cocktail, do you think of a fruity and sweet concoction? Well think again with three delicious, yet savoury cocktails from Tanqueray London Dry Gin.

Over the last year, any cocktail bar worth its salt has featured savoury cocktails on the menu, allowing adventurous drinkers to enjoy the flavour sensation is known as umami – translated from Japanese as a ‘pleasant savoury taste’, which is actually one of the five basic tastes (along with sweetness, sourness, bitterness and saltiness).

Tanqueray London Dry Gin (70cl £21.50, stockist suggestion Waitrose.com) has an elegance and versatility of flavour that makes it the perfect spirit for cocktails – both sweet and savoury, as well as vibrant gin and tonics. The sophisticated flavour profile is achieved by the blend of four of the finest botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice.
Impress your friends and join trend-setting mixologists with these piquant potions that you can make at home.

Beetroot Shocker

Ingredients:
50mls Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15mls Lemon Juice
50mls Beetroot Juice
Pinch of Celery Salt
Top with tonic water

Method – shake first four ingredients with cubed ice and strain over cubed ice in a hiball glass, top with tonic water and garnish with a Lemon wedge and a mint sprig
Units – 2.1

Peppered Apple Martini

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
15ml Apple liqueur
30ml cloudy apple juice
3 x fresh basil leaves
5ml lemon juice & 5ml sugar

Method – add all ingredients to shaker and shake with cubed ice, double strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a floating basil leaf and fresh cracked black pepper
Units: 1.5

Tanqueray Snapper

Ingredients:
35ml Tanqueray® London Dry Gin
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Dash Tabasco sauce
4 dashes red pepper sauce
Pinch salt and pepper
Pinch white pepper
Squeeze half fresh lemon
100ml tomato juice

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, then roll back and forth to mix. Strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel and celery stalk.
Units: 1.3

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combe Aux Jacques & Macon Blanc Villages Wine Review

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The wine-producing region of Burgundy produces some of the best wines in the world. Why? Well, who doesn’t appreciate a continental climate, and grapes are just the same.

On the whole the region has long cold winters and hot summers with enough rain to jolly along the vines. Luckily for the growers, wine-makers and wine lovers of Burgundy, there is a Burgundy wine to suit every season and weather condition.

On warm summer days there is nothing more pleasant than unwinding with a lightly chilled glass of red Beaujolais or a lovely fresh young Chardonnay from the Mâconnais.

Frost tried two bottles from renowned wine producer Louis Jadot including the brand new 2014 vintage Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques.

NEW VINTAGE: Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Combe aux Jacques 2014
Produced from the Gamay grape, this beautifully scented, fruity red wine is delicious lightly chilled and enjoyed as an aperitif or even better at a picnic in the sunshine, accompanied by a spread of charcuterie and cheeses.

Beaujolais can often be disappointing, I find, but not this wine. It is produced from the Gamay grape and lives up to its scent: fruity with a deep timbre. I liked it slightly chilled. Try it with light meat, poultry and cheese. And a few friends – but get two bottles, so the sharing doesn’t become a burden.

RRP: £11.00
Stockists: Waitrose (for the 2014 vintage).

(The following stockists are currently on the 2013 vintage but will be moving to the 2014 vintage soon. Tesco.com, Budgens, NISA, Booths , Whole Foods Market Camden, Ellies Cellar, Vintage Wines Ltd, Hoults Wine Merchants, Islington Wine, Bin 21 , Nailsworth Wine & Spirits, Village Wines (Amersham), Dickens House Wine Emporium Ltd, Kingsgate Wines, Refreshers, The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Dylans Wine Merchants Ltd, Famous Wine UK Ltd, Ann et Vin Ltd, Corbridge, Wines and Spirits, Grape Sense, Grayshott Wines, Hailsham Cellars, The Leamington Wine Company
Lindley Fine Wine

Louis Jadot Macon Blanc Villages 2013

This is an unoaked Chardonnay, one which is smooth and creamy but balanced by fresh, crisp apple characters. This indicates a newly ripened grape.

We loved this, which was slightly surprising, as often we prefer oaked Chardonnay, but it’s all down to personal preference, isn’t it. We took it into the garden after a tough day, and found it perfect with salad, and the odd prawn on the B-B-Q.
RRP: £12

Stockists: Asda.com , Budgens, Whole Foods Market Camden, Ellies Cellar, Luvians Bottleshop, Bin 21 , The Devine Wine Company (Kent) Ltd, Village Wines (Amersham), Eynsham Cellars Limited, The Strand Wine Company, Ann et Vin Ltd, Islington Wine, Grape Sense, Famous Wine , Grayshott Wines

Pimm’s Cider Cup & Pimm’s Summer Crush Review

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Frostie

It is a bank holiday and to start you off we have reviewed two new additions to the Pimm’s family: Pimm’s Cider Cup and Pimm’s Summer Crush. Pimm’s Cider Cup is a very British combination that tastes great. Refreshing and perfect for a hot summers day. It even has hints of strawberry and cucumber. Cider AND Pimm’s in one? What is there not to love about it?

The new Pimm’s Cider Cup is a wonderfully British combination of the crisp taste of English cider and the glorious flavours of Pimm’s. It wouldn’t be the same without a hint of strawberry and cucumber, so the makers of Pimm’s have kindly added that in too. There’s no need for chopping – it’s a union made in heaven.

Simply pour straight from the bottle onto lots of ice, gather your friends and enjoy the fruits of Pimm’s labour in the very latest and tastiest creation wherever, whenever.

Now available in retailers across the land, the new Pimm’s Cider Cup (RRP £2.29 for 500ml) will also be available in pubs and bars with an RRP of £4.50.

Pimm’s Cider Cup is available to buy in Morrisons.co.uk, Tesco.com and Asda.com in a 500ml bottle (4% ABV, RRP £2.29), or in pubs / bars for £4.50.

Pimm’s Summer Crush is delicious and refreshing. Perfect to cool off and can be even eaten as a dessert, or put in a glass to drink. It tastes great and even though it is frozen, it doesn’t taste watered down. The taste of Pimm’s is there along with a hint of strawberry and cucumber. Just wonderful.

Offering another brilliant way to enjoy a Pimm’s O’clock moment this summer, Pimm’s Summer Crush – best served in a long glass with friends – is the ultimate summer refresher.

All you need to do is pop the pouches in the freezer for eight hours and squeeze the ready to serve frozen drink into a glass – what’s more, they also double up as a Frozen Granita dessert!

Pimm’s Summer Crush (4.7% ABV) is available to buy as a 250ml pouch in Tesco and all major retailers for RRP £2.99.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: alcohol