There has certainly been a shift in the weather this week, the almost sun-soaked early September days have given way to a far more chilly feel. The leaves are falling from the trees and the colours of our landscape have transformed to a more sedate autumnal hue. With the change in temperature, our thoughts turn to being warm and cosy and our tastes change accordingly. We seem to naturally seek out flavours that suit the shift in season and our thoughts turn to warming roasts, crumbles and pies - comfort food at its best.
British produce is shining and a favourite seasonal activity is delving into our hedgerows - picking blackberries on an autumn afternoon must be one of life’s simplest but greatest pleasures. Sweet yet sharp, the taste of blackberries brings back a nostalgia for years of fruit foraging in lanes, parks and gardens across the land.
The jewel-like berries are perfect for pies, jams and crumbles; they have an intense floral flavour that compliments our gin completely. In the wonderful way nature has of partnering its seasonal bounty, blackberry and apple is one of the iconic food partnerships. The harmony of the mildly sharp taste of apples with the fragrant flavour of blackberries has inspired one of our most popular gin editions.
Fordington Apple and Blackberry gin is not too sweet, but rather delicately balanced to add flavour to the perfect autumnal bakes, preserves and even savoury dishes it also, unsurprisingly makes a heavenly cocktail.
To make the most delicious cocktail with our wonderful Fordington Apple and Blackberry gin try our seasonal take on the gin sour -
The Fordington Bramble:
50ml Fordington Apple and Blackberry
30ml Fresh Lemon Juice
15ml Creme De Mure
15ml Sugar Syrup
Shake Fordington Apple and Blackberry gin, the lemon juice and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker with a good handful of ice cubes and strain into a glass full of crushed ice. Drizzle the crème de mure over the top to sink into the drink. Garnish with an apple slice and blackberry.