Some lovely events happening at Edinburgh’s award-winning restaurant Divino this month, designed to soak in the summer sun, all in a space that will make guests feel as if they’ve left Scotland behind for an evening on the Italian coast.
Divino Summer Garden Party
25th June, 5pm, £25
Our new terraza is the perfect spot to come enjoy the sunshine over some wine and food, and we’re showcasing this new space with a summer garden party!
Manager James and sommelier Davide will explore the best Italian wines to enjoy whilst soaking up the sunshine, guiding you through the grapes, regions and styles.
A Divino Spritz to welcome you and start the party, followed by some crisp whites, juicy rosés, and elegant sparkling wines. 5 wines to taste, with some matching summer nibbles.
A celebration of Campania: Regional Menu Night
29th June – all evening; 3 courses for £39, matched wines additional £26
With its 3000+ years history, over 10 UNESCO Sites, an outstanding Coast line figuring towns like Amalfi and Sorrento and one of the World’s most amazing volcano, il Vesuvio, Campania has a lot to show off.
Our Head Chef Andrea will guide you through the “500 Domes” that makes Naples one of the most exciting cities to visit, bringing authentic and original flavours that will make you feel like you’re basking on the beaches of Capri.
– The Big Daddy Burger costs just £5 for More Card holders –
– Available for a limited time only from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th –
Meat your heart out! Morrisons has announced the launch of its latest meaty feast for Father’s Week – The Big Daddy Burger.
The Big Daddy Burger will be available in Morrisons Cafés in the week leading up to Dads’ special day and costs £7.99 or just £5 for More Card customers – from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th June.
As well as 100% British beef, the two Big Daddy Burger patties are layered with a double serving of cheese and bacon, a hash brown, burger sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and onion rings. The burger is served with a side of chips and portion of coleslaw making it the perfect way to treat the father figures in your life .
The tasty treat is sure to make Dads across the UK feel full of love (and food) on their big day and those looking for a vegetarian option fear not as Morrisons has created The Big Daddy Veggie Burger too.
Served with chips and coleslaw, The Big Daddy Veggie Burger consists of three meat free patties, double cheese, a hashbrown, burger sauce, tomatoes, lettuce and onion rings for £7.99 or £5 for More Card Customers.
To make the celebration even better value, families can enjoy the Kids Eat Free offer including all-time favourites like Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips, when purchasing The Big Daddy Burger or any meal costing £4.49 and over.
Chris Strong, Morrisons Café Buying Manager, says: “We’re working hard to serve our customers great-value, tasty meals whether it’s a midweek lunch or a special occasion such as Father’s Day.
“We’re confident that The Big Daddy Burger and The Big Daddy Veggie Burger will be a firm favourite with customers so we’re adding them to the menu for the whole week and More Card customers can grab it for just £5 while kids can eat for free when an adult meal is purchased.”
Both burgers are available to order for home delivery, through JustEat and Deliveroo* and are subject to availability.
For a limited time only, The Big Daddy Burger and The Big Daddy Veggie Burger is available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is set to serve up a new culinary sensation for Scotland with STIR – a ground-breaking cocktail and cuisine concept in partnership with two Michelin-starred team Chef James Close and his wife, Head of Pastry, Maria Close, owners of the renowned global experience restaurant, Raby Hunt.
James and Maria’s unique menu of stunningly innovative small-bite plates are served alongside meticulously curated cocktails from Johnnie Walker Princes Street Head Bartender, Miran Chauhan, in a collaboration that aims to completely redefine the concept of whisky and food pairing.
Each cocktail offers a unique story with a focus on flavour, that will be shared with the guests during their experience.
From a Hedgerow Aquavit, created from foraging for berries nearby the Glenkinchie distillery, to a Cliff Edge Vermouth, using botanicals from the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries, Miran has embraced new techniques to capture each guest’s attention by bringing the whiskies into a new light.
Known for their new age approach to fine dining and storytelling through micro dishes, Chefs James and Maria Close have created six small bites, to match the cocktails, with layers of luminous flavour and textures to delight.
Guests can expect a culinary showcase of unexplored food combinations, from rich, umami intensity within the Aguachile Oyster bite, to soft, sweet indulgence within the Green Apple.
STIR features three flights:
The Four Corners Cocktail Flight takes guests on a beautiful journey exploring the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries, Glenkinchie (Lowlands), Cardhu (Speyside), Clynelish (Highlands) and Caol Ila (Islands), with each one integral to blending Johnnie Walker whisky. The combination is a complete experience carefully curated to highlight the landscape of the distillery, with locally grown and foraged ingredients from the naturally occurring flora and fauna.
The Seasonal Cocktail Flight allows guests to take a short trip, experiencing a rotation of exclusive whiskies and seasonal ingredients, selected by the Johnnie Walker Princes Street team. The Spring Season highlights the unique Johnnie Walker Princes Street Spring blend.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cocktail Flight is an opportunity to savour this iconic whisky in an unexpected way. The cocktail is paired with the most exquisite small bite, a luxurious moment of indulgence for Johnnie Walker Blue Label connoisseurs.
Miran Chauhan, Head Bartender at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: ‘We see STIR as the portal to a new world of whisky and food combinations, in the heart of Edinburgh at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
“James and I have a shared obsession for flavours and techniques and together we’ve created an enticing and highly original taste experience for everyone to enjoy.”
James Close, two Michelin-starred-Chef of Raby Hunt Restaurant, said: “We approached this challenge with the same energy and enthusiasm as we always do, creating a set of signature dishes that derive from a single ingredient, inspired by a global adventure.
“And then just like Miran does with his cocktails, we bring layers and textures together to tell a unique story through taste.”
Back in Edinburgh for the collaboration, James is returning to the capital after living in Scotland as a young man, when he worked in the menswear department of House of Fraser, in the very building that is now Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh.
Reservations for STIR are available now and can be made online at johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com from 17:30PM, Wednesday – Saturday.
Multi-award winning, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, is the centrepiece of Diageo’s £185million pound investment in Scotch whisky tourism in Scotland – the largest single investment programme of its kind ever seen in Scotch whisky tourism.
Offering more than 800 flavour combinations, unique immersive tours and breath-taking views of the Edinburgh skyline, one person could visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street every day for more than two years still and not have the same experience twice.
Committed to delivering new experiences for guests, every season STIR will evolve the menu to suit the season, with a twist on the Seasonal Cocktail Flight, as the cocktail and small bite influenced by the limited-edition Johnnie Walker Princes Street blend of whisky, changes with the time of year.
Jurica Gojevic, Food and Beverage Manager at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, says: “What makes James’ success so remarkable is that he is completely self-taught and has a curiosity for international ingredients.
“I knew his innovative approach would perfectly match Miran’s unorthodox methods to mixology and give us an opportunity to truly push the boundaries of flavour and fun with a one-of-a-kind menu.
“Through STIR we’re creating something totally unexpected and delivering an unforgettable experience for our guests at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.”
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Check your Cheese
Here in the UK, the 4th of June is National Cheese Day, a day dedicated to celebrating cheese. Cheese can form part of a healthy, balance diet as it is rich in protein and calcium which are both important nutrients to get from our diet. However, cheese is also a source of saturated fat and can be high in salt.
If we consume too much it can contribute to weight gain and poor cholesterol levels which can contribute to heart diseases. In this week’s healthy tip we look at the saturated fat content of cheeses, and suggest heart healthier alternatives for you to try.
How much cheese?
Including some cheese in your diet has health benefits, but it’s worth being mindful about the amount we consume. A 30g portion of cheese provides around 7% of your daily calories.
The trouble is we can very easily eat much more than this in one sitting. It’s a good idea to weigh your portions to make sure you don’t consume too much, particularly if you are consuming full fat varieties or are trying to lose weight. Try not to consume more than three 30g portions each day.
Low fat & fat free cheeses
Choosing low fat and fat free cheese options is a great way to reduce our saturated fat consumption whilst still enjoying the flavour and benefiting from the protein and calcium cheese has to offer.
Opt for fat free cottage cheese and reduced fat soft cheeses and hard cheeses like cheddar. Quark is a great option as its high in protein and much lower in fat than other soft cheeses.
Watch out for the salt
Some cheeses such as halloumi and feta can be very high in salt. It’s fine to consume these in moderation but try to find lower salt versions if possible, some supermarkets sell them.
Try to limit your consumption of these saltier cheeses to maybe one or two times a week.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:
An Edinburgh-based independent craft brewery, which began as a home-brewing project in its co-founder’s spare bedroom, is now shipping internationally after receiving support and signposting to funding from Business Gateway.
Vault City was launched to modernise traditional brewing styles with its own take on fruited sours beers.
The beers, which are more aligned to cocktails and fruit ciders than IPAs or pale ales, are loaded with real fruit ingredients to develop flavours ranging from Raspberry Rocky Road and Strawberry Sundae to Cloudy Lemonade and Blackcurrant Choc Chip Waffle.
On a mission to convert non-beer and traditional beer drinkers, the brewery introduces new flavours every two weeks.
Co-founder Steven Smith-Hay, who describes himself as an “obsessed homebrewer”, had experimented with different sour and fruit beers while working in IT, and, with encouragement from his friends and family, took the plunge to set up Vault City in 2018.
Having never run a business before, he approached Business Gateway in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his vision for modern craft beer into a reality.
Steven’s local business adviser helped him to establish a business plan and identify routes for growth, as well as providing practical advice on how to manage cashflow.
Through Business Gateway, Steven learned about the requirements needed to set up an alcohol business online and received specialist support to develop a website, which established Vault City’s digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating sales as a result.
Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Vault City to £100,000 of grant funding from Scottish Enterprise, which went towards the purchase of a decanter centrifuge.
This new piece of equipment helped the business increase its yield and decrease its waste by 30%, in turn reducing its environmental impact. Within five years of launching, Vault City has landed deals with the country’s biggest retailers, including Tesco, Morrison’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.
More recently, following advice from Business Gateway the business, which has grown to a team of almost 30, now exports to over 20 countries globally, including Singapore, Sweden and Thailand. Vault City is continuing to focus on exporting in 2023, with plans to break into the Chinese market.
Steven Smith-Hay, Co-founder, Vault City Brewing, said: “I spotted an opportunity to carve a niche in the craft beer industry, but I needed guidance to make it happen.
“Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with starting your own business.
“I’m really proud to say that four in every five sour beers sold in the UK comes from Vault City and can’t speak highly enough about the ongoing support I’ve received from Business Gateway since launching.”
Lindsey Sibbald, Business Gateway adviser, said:“Over the years, we have been able to support Vault City with a range of Business Gateway’s services.
“It has been fantastic to watch the business’ stratospheric growth since launching, which is testament to Steven and the team’s dedication. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and to find out what flavour is next on the cards.”
To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:
Lidl has officially been named the cheapest supermarket in the UK, beating all major retailers, and undercutting Aldi, in latest price comparison survey
The analysis, conducted by The Grocer, found a basket of everyday items at Lidl cost just £50.27, making it cheaper than competitors even with their discount schemes applied
Lidl’s everyday grocery items clocked in more than 10% cheaper than Tesco, and a whopping £19.91 cheaper than the most expensive retailer, Waitrose
Lidl has once again been named cheapest supermarket in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’, beating all major supermarkets, including Aldi.
The price index, which compares the price of 33 everyday grocery items across the UK’s seven major supermarkets, found Lidl to be £19.91 cheaper than Waitrose, the most expensive retailer. This win comes as Lidl’s fourth accolade, out of five surveys since the Grocer 33’s inception.
The survey also found Lidl came out cheapest even after other supermarkets’ discount schemes were applied. Overall, the discounter was found to be ten per cent (£6.17) cheaper than Tesco – and still £5.13 after Clubcard discounts were applied. Similarly, the same products at Sainsburys cost £6.80 more, with no benefit from the supermarket’s Nectar Prices.
The accolade also comes despite traditional supermarkets recently announcing an array of price drops, demonstrating that the discounter still offers better value.
The Grocer compares prices of items on shopping lists across the nation as part of the monthly analysis – from fresh produce, such as milk and grapes, to deodorant, and branded items including Hovis Bread and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes.
Lidl offered the cheapest price on 26 products – and exclusively the lowest price for five products across a range of categories, including:
Baby corn at £2.79 (76p cheaper than the most expensive and 4p cheaper than the next cheapest)
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes at £2.05 (25p cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
Domestos bleach at £1.39 (21p cheaper than the most expensive and 10p cheaper than the next cheapest retailer)
Prawns at £1.99 (£1.76 cheaper than the most expensive and 20p cheaper than the next cheapest)
Custard creams at 54p (26p cheaper than the most expensive and 1p cheaper than the next cheapest)
It’s not just the Super Grocer 33 basket proving this – for the past fourteen weeks Lidl has also been cheapest in a weekly price comparison conducted by the Manchester Evening News on essential groceries.
Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, said:“Every week, independent analysis shows we are consistently the UK’s cheapest supermarket. As a result, we are seeing more customers coming through our doors and switching their weekly shop to Lidl from the traditional supermarkets.
“We know people switch to us make savings, but then stay with us when they realise that they’re not having to compromise on quality.”
VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH SENDS TASTEBUDS TINGLING WITH A BRAND-NEW BRUNCH MENU
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s premium cocktail bar and restaurant, Eve, is adding an exciting new flavour to Cowgate, as it officially launches its exquisite new brunch offering.
A specially curated experience for guests, presenting mouth-watering dishes to awaken tastebuds, carefully crafted cocktails perfect for day drinking and weekly live entertainment. Taking place every weekend between 12pm and 4pm, this new offering introduces a fresh take on brunch.
Eve opened its doors in late 2022 and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the perfect brunch spot in Edinburgh’s Cowgate.
At Eve, brunch is just the beginning. Guests can experience the excitement of weekly live entertainment with DJs and saxophonists bringing the party atmosphere to Edinburgh’s Old Town.
And that’s not all, Eve will keep things fresh offering drag brunches and musical themed afternoons, making brunch at Eve the place to spend your weekends. To kick off each month in style, there will be special payday events to add an extra sprinkle of joy to this brunch offering.
Just in time for the iconic Beyoncé concert, Eve has launched their brunch service, providing the perfect opportunity to fuel up before the show. As guests indulge in the delicious brunch offering, the sound of Beyoncé’s hit songs will fill the air, setting the tone for an electrifying pre-concert celebration.
In addition, Eve will offer even more entertainment options throughout the weekend to elevate the brunch experience. On Saturday, guests can groove to the sound of ‘The Katet’, a funky brass band that will keep the energy high with their soulful tunes. On Sunday, Amber Lights will take the stage, bringing a unique twist to beloved classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s by infusing them with a funky flair.
This new brunch menu offers a range of culinary creations, meaning that there is something to satisfy every craving. From creamy sweet potato hummus to wholesome granola bowls, each bite is a delightful journey. Guests can explore tropical flavours with mango and pineapple brûlé or try the vibrant shakshuka and fresh salmon poke bowls. To cure a sweet craving, there is also waffles, delectable French toast, and the irresistible Brunch Board to indulge in, delivering the ultimate selection of sweet delights.
No brunch is complete without an accompanying tipple. Eve’s brunch offers an exquisite selection of beverages, including refreshing classics like the Bloody Mary or spicy cousin, Bloody Maria. Guests can also savour the refreshing Red Snapper or French Martini and of course, the ultimate brunch pairing, everyone’s timeless favourite, Mimosa, adding a touch of celebration to every occasion.
Launching this weekend, the 20th and 21st of May, booking is encouraged to guarantee a table. All reservations can be made through Open Table by visiting: https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/eve-1-victoria-street
David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations, and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to introduce brunch to Eve which offers an exciting new addition at the weekend for locals and visitors alike.
“Our team gas carefully curated a menu that we believe is going to get foodie’s taste buds tingling, of course, washed down with classic Eve cocktails and a couple special new additions.
“From amazing entertainment to stunning surroundings, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy all that brunch at Eve has to offer!”
World baking day is just around the corner (17th May), and no doubt many indulgent recipes will be taking over the internet.
But bakes that are nice on the lips don’t always go straight down to the hips.
If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but also want it to be macro friendly and high in protein, the fitness experts at bulk.com have got you covered.
Below, the experts at bulk.com share five of their favourite bake recipes, that can be incorporated into an everyday healthy lifestyle, helping you get those all-important post gym gains.
1. 5-Ingredient High Protein Brownie Recipe
Created with just five ingredients, Nadia’s Protein Brownies are set to satisfy your chocolate cravings, serving as many as eight people!
Pure Whey Protein™ is combined with Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, dark chocolate chips and ripe bananas, giving you a brownie that packs a protein punch while retaining a soft, velvety core.
Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan, gas 6), and grease a 900g loaf tin with a little oil.
Peel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them well until they are creamy. Add the oil, sugar, cinnamon and milk. Combine well.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then add the nuts and chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin loaf.
Peel the banana and slice it lengthways. Lay both pieces on the loaf with the inside facing up. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If there is cake mix on the skewer, return the loaf to the oven for 5-10 minutes more.
Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool a little more.
Slice and serve warm. We love it with peanut butter smothered on top!
3. Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts
These Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts will be your new favourite way to meet your protein goal. They’re baked instead of fried, keeping your cravings in check and your nutrition on track.
Mix all the doughnut ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 6 lightly oiled silicon doughnut moulds.
Bake for 15 minutes, then leave to cool completely.
To make the frosting, add the almond butter and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, then microwave for a few seconds to soften, then pour in the zero-calorie maple syrup. Mix to create a smooth frosting.
Dip each doughnut in the frosting mixture, then decorate with some cacao nibs. Enjoy!
4. Bulk Baked Oats
Oats are one of the most versatile breakfast ingredients. A healthy source of fibre and carbohydrates, they are a great addition to smoothies, soaked overnight with fruit toppings and now, our favourite – baked.
Therefore, step up your breakfast with a baked oats recipe that gives the texture of a fresh baked cookie – crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.
Perfect for those cool mornings, here is the Bulk Baked Oats recipe. Even better – it’s super simple, 100% vegan and 100% delicious.
Blend all ingredients together (minus the Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons)
Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins at 180 degrees
Top with Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons, Peanut Butter, fresh berries or any other toppings of your choice and dig in!
5. High-protein Brownie Cupcakes
Who can resist a cupcake? Or, more accurately, who can resist a decadent, chocolatey, spongy cup-cake that’s both high in protein and low in carbs?
This high-protein cupcake recipe is made to curb chocolate cravings and add a bit of joy to your diet. Replace those lifting gloves with some oven mitts – it’s baking time.
Maker’s Mark, the handmade bourbon from Kentucky, has teamed up with Edinburgh’s finest bars and artisan producer Scottish Bee Company, to celebrate Maker’s Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative for the first time in Scotland.
You can enjoy limited edition drinks on a new bourbon cocktail trail across Leith until May 31st.
Three Edinburgh bars, Nauticus, Mother Superior and Innis and Gunn, have created their twist on a Maker’s Mark’s ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon, and Maker’s Mark bourbon.
The brand’s signature serve has been chosen for cocktail lovers to enjoy and, as a delicious option for those who might not have tried bourbon before, for its smooth and well–balanced flavours.
Imaginative drinks from Edinburgh’s top bartenders are available exclusively on curated menus in each bar until the end of the month and feature homegrown honey by Scottish Bee Company to enhance the bold flavours of Maker’s Mark bourbon.
Menu highlights in venues include a refreshing Fools Gold at Nauticus with Maker’s Mark, Edinburgh Honey Co, ginger, rooibos tea, fresh grapefruit and lime. Or try a smoky Maker Break cocktail at Mother Superior, expertly mixed with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10yr Old, lemon and honey syrup.
The Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative takes place in May throughout the UK across Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with 18 of the UK’s best bars and restaurants part of the exciting programme of craft cocktails and events.
All are designed to explore iconic bourbon cocktails whilst celebrating local communities and neighbourhoods. Bars have been selected for their superior quality and sustainable practice, and partnerships with local, artisan honey producers will occur in each city, paying homage to Maker’s Mark recent B – Corp certification.
Handcrafted in small batches, Maker’s Mark bourbon is crafted with precision and care to create a smooth yet full flavoured bourbon whiskey. Their production process includes rotating each barrel by hand and hand dipping each bottle at their distillery in Loretto, Kentucky in order to create the best-tasting Bourbon whiskey.
Edinburgh: Remarkable Neighbourhood – Edinburgh: Leith
Mother Superior Book your table by calling 0131 554 5280
Celebrate your local neighbourhood in style this May. MAKER’S MARK Remarkable Neighbourhood runs until May 31st across Leith in Edinburgh. For more information, visit https://www.makersmark.com/uk
The Eurovision final is nearly here, and we’ll soon find out which country will be crowned as the 2023 winner – in the meantime, many Brits will be celebrating the competition and even throwing parties in the hopes that Mae Muller will win the title.
However, a Eurovision party is not complete without some international cocktails to represent the qualifying countries.
Event Management Company MGN events have gathered together 10 cocktails originating in the countries that have qualified for the Eurovision final to ensure your party is one to remember.
Passion Star Martini
An essential cocktail for your Eurovision party is the passion star martini – otherwise known by something slightly more explicit – which originated here in the UK, London to be precise. Create this yourself by filling a cocktail shaker with 45ml vodka, 30ml passionfruit puree, and 15ml vanilla sugar syrup and shaking and straining into a glass. Don’t forget to add half of a passionfruit on the top, as well as a shot glass of champagne on the side.
Skhug Margarita
Taking a twist on the classic margarita from Mexico is the Israeli skhug margarita. First, prepare some cardamom simple syrup by boiling ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water, then adding 5 cardamom pods. Once boiled, let it cool and place in a jar. Next, add 45ml tequila, 22ml lime juice, cardamom syrup, a sliced jalapeno pepper, and some cilantro into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass – you can also add a hint of pomegranate juice for an extra touch of flavour.
Aperol Spritz
Another classic to serve up is the Aperol spritz from Northern Italy. In a wine glass, add a couple of ice cubes and pour in 50ml Aperol, 75ml prosecco, and just 25ml soda – finish it off by adding an orange slice for a decorative touch.
Tinto de Verano
Translating to “summer red wine”, Tinto de Verano is a classic Spanish concoction. In a large pitcher, pour in 750ml fruity red wine along with 750ml lemon-flavoured soda. Add slices of a lemon and an orange, 200ml sweet vermouth, and stir to allow all of the flavours to mix well. Instead of adding ice to the pitcher, which will cause the drink to water down and lose flavour, simply serve over a glass with ice.
Finnish Long Drink
To make the Finnish long drink, otherwise known as Lonkero, start by adding 60ml gin, 15ml lemon juice, and 15ml cranberry juice to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir the liquids together, add 120ml grapefruit soda, and finish off by adding a grapefruit wedge to your glass.
Swedish Glogg
The Swedish glogg cocktail is typically served in winter, but it’s a must have for your Eurovision party to truly get into the spirit. Peel the zest of an orange, making sure to remove pith, and place into a large pan with a bottle of red wine and 200g of caster sugar. Add in 10 cardomom pods, five cloves, a cinnamon stick, three slices of peeled ginger, 40g raisins and finally 50g flaked almonds. Let the mixture warm for around 10-15 minutes but avoid letting it boil; finally, add in 150ml vodka and serve up.
Kir Royale
The kir royale is arguable France’s most famous cocktail, and it’s very simple to make. Pour a tablespoon of crème de cassis into a champagne flute, top with champagne, and add a frozen raspberry on top to complete the drink.
Bourbon Radler
Hailing from Germany, the Bourbon randler is possibly the closest beverage to a British shandy. Add 180ml of your favourite beer to a glass along with 180ml lemonade. Stir in 30ml Bourbon whisky and add some ice and lemon wedges to complete your German cocktail.
Nikita
The cocktail nikita originates from the Portugese island Madeira, and it will go down a treat for those who enjoy a sweet cocktail. Add 300ml fresh cubed pineapple to a blender, along with 180ml vanilla ice cream, 120ml lager and 120ml white wine. Once smooth, pour the mixture into a glass with ice – for an even sweeter taste, add a shot of white rum.
Karsk
Dating way back to the 1800s, karsk is a classic Norwegian cocktail. The traditional way to make this drink is by placing a clean penny at the bottom of a mug or glass and pouring hot coffee over it until you can no longer see the penny. Afterwards, you’ll need to pour either vodka or moonshine into the glass or mug until the penny is visible again; measurements may vary, but you can always add some sugar to sweeten it up.
Creative Director, Matthew Strange from MGN events has commented: “Whatever the occasion, cocktails are a sophisticated touch when entertaining guests – but in the case of Eurovision, it’s much more exciting for the host to go the extra mile and add in a twist.
“By serving these 10 cocktails, you can please guests with a classic drink like a Pornstar martini that everybody knows and loves while adding some fun with an exciting cocktail like Portugal’s nikita. Not to mention, with the cocktails hailing from many different countries, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Eurovision.”
This information was provided by mgnevents.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading luxury private party and corporate events management companies.
