Best New (to me) Drinks of 2025

Picture by Kelly Harman https://www.instagram.com/everlyphotographyuk/

I’ve been lucky enough to judge in a few spirit competitions this year and although it involves blind tasting, they’re nice enough to tell you what you tasted a few weeks later, so I wanted to sing the praises of some particular concoctions. I’m not affiliated with any of them so please trust me - these are great

Vodka

58 and Co Olive Oil Vodka: Now I love olive oil so much, it saddens me that I can’t drink it. Well now I can. Oily in the best possible sense, full of flavour and demands to be in a vodka martini. This was the nicest thing I tried at the Great Taste Awards. 

Vermouth

58 and Co British Bianco Vermouth: This year my taste buds have been constantly impressed by British vermouths. This uses a Pinot Grigio base and absolutely seranades you with fruitiness and lemon notes. Another absolute win from 58 and Co.

Martini Gins

Jamun Dry Gin: this was a Himalayan gin I judged in a martini and comfortably made the best martini of the competition. It was very unlike a classic martini - something else entirely but magical.

Saxzi Sun:  this Greek gin was another absolute winner in a martini. Classic flavour profile and a perfect taste journey from start to finish

Old Tom Gin

Sky Wave Old Tom: this has been a staple at tastings this summer. Delicately sweetened gin from this Oxforshire distillery with an excellent consistency of quality across their range

Spiced Gin

Defiance Anokha Gin: another winner from Rochdale’s Defiance distillery. A spiced gin that I fell in love with despite not being a big fan of spiced gins.