Ableforth's has done it again, and this time they've concocted the perfect summer quaff. It's crafted by macerating strawberries, cucumber, orange, and mint in pure wheat spirit, before re-distilling it at room temperature in a vacuum still. To this, a blend of fine wines, spirits, fruits, herbs, and spices are added, and the result is a fresh, fruity and superbly British drink.
To serve Summer Fruit Cup - Ableforth's recommends first half-filling a highball glass with ice, sliced cucumber, and orange, quartered strawberries, and a lightly bruised sprig of fresh mint. Then carefully combine one part of the delicious Summer Fruit Cup with two parts of lemonade (not three – this would lead to an excessively dilute drink suitable only for unwelcome guests), and gently add to the glass.
Ableforth's Summer Cup Royale recipe:
40ml Ableforth's Summer Fruit Cup
20ml lemon juice
15ml sugar syrup
2 dashes of orange bitters
Top up with Prosecco
Shake first four ingredients over ice, pour into highball and top up with Prosecco. Garnish with orange slice and mint sprig.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose Huge depth and richness in the initial nose, spicy with notes of Caramelised Apricot, Chocolate and Marmalade. A huge secondary whack from the cold-distilled botanicals - Cucumber is the primary component, but mint, orange and sweet luscious strawberry all make an appearance.
Palate Extraordinary intensity, but made fresh and accessible by the cold-distilled botanicals. The Strawberry is particularly prominent, but the mint freshness is omnipresent.
Finish Long and luscious with the Mint, Strawberry and Orange peel bitterness continuing to shine.