Summer in London is so much more fun when you can cool down with cocktails, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be at a rooftop bar or restaurant terrace. Whether it’s entertaining friends or relaxing at the end of a long hot day, Alexander & James makes home-made libations ever so chic.
I’ve always believed that every spirit can be enjoyed all year-round, it just depends on matching them with the right serves. Whisky is no exception to the rule, so consider a reaching for a fine blended Scotch rather than the typical seasonal vodka, gin or tequila when selecting your drink.
I’ve been an admirer of Alexander & James for a few years now, but this was the first time I’d tried one of their curated gifts. The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Gift Set is a real gem, offering a generously sized bottle of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Whisky paired with two tall hexagonal glasses finished with real gold in a stunning purple presentation box. What could be more luxurious?
This premium honey-hued whisky is incredibly smooth and rich with notes of cream, smoke, ripe fruit and vanilla. The first sip took me back to summer last year where I spent a weekend tasting whisky in Scotland – it’s curious how a taste or aroma can remind you of travels.
When it came to creating a cocktail, I let my excitement get the better of me and concocted some crazy combinations with spiced syrups, exotic juices and curly fruit zests perched on top of cinnamon sticks, before coming to the conclusion that with such a characterful Scotch, simplicity is key.
However, that’s the beauty of the Alexander & James luxury whisky gift sets – you feel like you can and should experiment with different serves. Of course, on the website there’s a helpful guide to the best ways to drink the spirits, if you want to ace it first time.
My ideal summer whisky cocktail is a twist on the Kentucky Mule, but since Johnnie Walker Whisky originates from the Scottish county of Ayrshire, I’m going to rename it the Kilmarnock Mule.
Simply chill a highball glass, squeeze in a few wedges of fresh lime and fill with ice cubes. Then, pour a single (or double) measure of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, top with ginger beer and stir with a muddler bar spoon.
The Kilmarnock Mule is sweet yet zingy and refreshing with a spicy punch from the ginger. The ingredients really bring out the oaky flavours of the whisky and let it do the talking without being overwhelming. I enjoy sipping my cocktail, cosied up in my colourful new chair and watching the world go by – a perfect ‘me time’ moment.
Have you tried Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve? What is your favourite summer tipple?
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