We love a gin and tonic, we know you know love a gin and tonic… but sometimes, occasionally, even we don’t want to drink alcohol. I know, hard to believe right?
Quite a few people have heard of Seedlip now, which was the first big non-alcoholic ‘spirit’, but a few more are starting to pop up here and there.
One of those is Borrago. Its #47 Paloma Blend is made in the UK, and is a blend of six steam-distilled botanicals. The ingredients are a close kept secret, but I picked up on some pepper, citrus, clove, mint, and spice. It has no sugar, or fat, or calories – and is vegan and gluten free too – so is a bit different to the usual adult soft drink.
Before mixing, the nose is certainly potent. It reminded me of my nana’s old medicinal toothpaste… which is not quite what I expected, and not entirely pleasant. But honestly, once you’ve mixed it, it totally changes. With a good tonic, and a fresh garnish – Borrago suggests orange and basil – it is really delicious, and super refreshing. It's dry, heady, and almost a bit savoury as well. There's a lot going on, but in a good way.
Lime and mint also works nicely as a garnish. Basically, keep it light, and stay away from anything too bitter, like grapefruit.
It’s great to be able to offer drivers, non-drinkers, Dry January-ers, Stoptober-ers, something a bit different from water or squash when they pop over.
Borrago recipes
The Borrago signature serve
25ml Borrago #47 Paloma Blend
150ml Fever Tree tonic
Orange slices
Crushed basil
Pour the Borrago over ice and top up with tonic.
Clap the basil between your hands to release the aromas.
Add orange slices and a borage flower if you have one.
Borrago Green Fizz
25ml Borrago #47 Paloma Blend
25ml Lemon juice
25ml Basil syrup
2 fresh basil sprigs
Shake well over ice. Double strain into a glass loaded with crushed ice and garnish with a large sprig of basil and a borage flower if you have one.
You can buy a bottle of Borrago for £19.99 (500ml), from the Borrago website, or Master of Malt.
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