Devon-made drinks to try this Christmas

Why does our county do so well when it comes to the things we pour into a glass? According to the experts, it’s a combination of nature and nurture. Eaoifa Forward, from Boo Chi Kombucha, explains: “I was truly spoilt growing up, with so many fantastic bars, restaurants and cafés to explore. The combination of delicious local produce and Devon’s heritage of excellent hospitality make for a marriage made in drinks heaven and opens up a community of amazing producers!”

Lorraine Bridden, from Owens Coffee, adds: “Devon is a thriving hub for the hospitality industry. Owners of good quality restaurants, cafés, hotels and guest houses from across the region (together with their customers) are actively looking to support local producers. I think that’s why there are so many excellent food and drink producers doing the work to provide that. The demand is huge and these discerning foodies want to enjoy the same local products in their homes too.”

As Leanne Carr, from Devon Cove Vodka, echoes: “Devon has such a great array of fabulous ingredients as well as passionate business owners who are inspired by the beautiful countryside.”

So, what are the special drinks being launched or promoted in readiness for Christmas?
Tom at Sandridge Barton tells us: “We’ve just released a brand-new vintage of our Sparkling Pink from 2014 – as well as the 2021 Dart Valley Reserve, our most popular wine by far. On Beaujolais Day this year (17 November), we also launch our New Release 2022. This wine truly captures the freshest character of the harvest as it is made within two months of picking the fruit. We only make a small amount, so be sure to get a few bottles while they last!

“We also released the latest vintage of our orange wine in September and for me, this is the most versatile and food-friendly wine we produce, making it perfect for all the Christmas food! Our Pinot Gris ‘Little Bee’ 2021 is perfect with cold cuts, cheeses and even a roast dinner.”

Catherine Lawrence, from Salcombe Distilling Co, also has good reason to be excited about the 2022 festivities. “From our perspective, the fantastic news for this Christmas is that Waitrose customers can now buy New London Light ‘Midnight Sun’ in-store, which is an innovative Nordic-inspired non-alcoholic aperitif made by the spirits experts at Salcombe Distilling Co. Meaning those who choose not to drink alcohol can still indulge in delicious cocktails made with a complex botanical spirit, just without alcohol and its effects.

“Salcombe Gin ‘Start point’ and ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ are always available to order wrapped in a luxury presentation box or as part of a gift set from the website.” Catherine adds that her Christmas tipple will be a Salcombe Gin Start Point classic. “The Seabird cocktail uses Seamist as a garnish. Simply add a couple of sprays of Seamist to finish a Salcombe & Tonic, or a Salcombe Gin cocktail.”

Sam Beaman, Head Brewer at Salcombe Brewery, tells us: “Here in Devon, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to festive tipples. My favourite has to be our very own Christmas Tide – our special limited-edition yuletide ale, available from November. It is a well-structured, malt-driven beer made from crystal, chocolate and wheat malts which bring warmth and body. The plethora of hops build on the chocolatey malt base and add a bittersweet finish to this festive beer.”

At Boo Chi Kombucha, Eaoifa has been celebrating two-stars at the Great Taste awards for the company’s fresh mint-to-revive kombucha. “We are developing new recipes and ideas about how you can use this delicious tonic to create a mocktail or cocktail. It can even be added to food. Our letterbox kombucha making kit also makes a fantastic present or stocking filler.” She adds that her festive preference will be for a drink of her own invention. “Prosecco is my go-to drink and I recently created a Komsecco using equal parts prosecco and kombucha – it’s totally delicious!”

Leanne adds: “We’ve just launched our new, enchantingly exotic Passion Liqueur, made from our award-winning Devon Potato Vodka and fresh passion fruits. We’ll also have some new cocktail kits and gift boxes including our Passion Liqueur that will be perfect for Christmas.”

And for that early morning Christmas pick-me-up, or post-dinner sip, Lorraine at Owens says: “This year, we launched our Organic Coffee Discovery Pack, which includes three different taster-sized bags of our coffee (100g of each). It has proved a very popular gift for customers to discover their favourites from our range.”

“I do have a festive tradition,” says Lorraine. “I enjoy a post-dinner Irish Cream coffee. There are lots of ways to make this, but for me, it is as easy as brewing one of the coffees from our filter range, and adding Irish Cream liqueur instead of milk. It is a little bit indulgent and a delicious, seasonal treat!”

This article is one of a series of written by Food Drink Devon.