Victor’s Drinks Make Your Own Cider Review

Making your own alcohol may sound like something they did during prohibition, or that one of your mates does but doesn’t do a very good job of. Not anymore. Making your own cider is coming to the masses. As featured on Dragon’s Den:  Victor’s Drinks Make Your Own Cider is a brilliant invention. It is easy, convenient and really gets a party started. We tested it and we loved it. Just add water and the yeast, then days later: you have cider! The cider is cloudy and mixed berry. Other flavours are available. It tastes great to be honest and we can highly recommend it. Christmas is coming and this would make a good present and is also a great way to entertain your guests. We like.

victorsdrinksmakeyourownciderreview

History 
Alex Dixon (28) and Ralph Broadbent (27) met at University and hosted many parties during their years studying. Their parties grew and so did the requirement for alcohol. Alex experimented with home brewing, to the delight of his friends who always loved it, although for Alex there was a lot of time, effort and money required to get there. In the following three years Ralph and Alex spent time coming up with a way of changing the way people viewed home brewing and in October 2013 launched the first batch of apple cider drinks kits which is an extremely simple way to make your own alcohol while also having a fantastic taste. Alongside Victor’s Drinks Ralph and Alex put on a number of music festivals across the UK including the award winning 15,000 strong Y-Not Festival in Derbyshire.

Why Victor’s Drinks?

The name Victor’s Drinks is derived from the word “Victory”, and is based around the personal accomplishment gained from creatingyour own drink. The box is designed like a trophy and #TasteVictory is used across their social media channels.

How Does It Work?
The product is based on bag in box technology, and comes ready filled with a specially formulated syrup which gives the drink its flavour. In order to create the drink the customer just removes the cap (which also acts as a valve), removes the plastic seal (which keeps the syrup fresh), adds the supplied sachet of yeast and fills with 18 pints of warm water before leaving at room temperature for 10 days, following which, the drink can be poured directly into a glass. Inside the box the sugar in the syrup and the yeast combine to create the alcohol. Once the drink is ready it can be drunk within 3 weeks.

The Product
The box should ideally be kept somewhere at room temperature and not moved for 10 days. You can keep the cider for up to 3 weeks and the longer you leave it the dryer the taste becomes. The ales are also ready after 10 days. The box features a push tap for easy pouring.

Locations
Victor’s Drinks is based in London Fields, close to Alex and Ralph’s current London home in Angel.
Alex was born in Poole and lived with his family in Wareham until moving to Manchester University at the age of 18. 
Ralph is from Biggin near Ashbourne and like Alex moved to Manchester after his A-levels.

Dragon’s Den 
Victor’s Drinks received an offer of investment as seen on August 3rd episode. After initial worries all but one of the Dragon’s opted “out” and they rejected a sole “offer” from Duncan Bannatyne however Alex and Ralph returned with a counter-offer and a deal was agreed for £40,000 for 25% share, which if after 3 years all profit targets are hit, will reduce to 15%. Following the programme (filmed in April) Ralph and Alex have been working hard on the brand are are excited about re-launching in the coming months.  
Watch the episode here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04d4nbc

Stockists
Victor’s Drinks is available on their own website as well as at Cuckooland.com, Victor’s Drinks Apple Cider 20 Pint Kit is available here, Menkind, Fenwicks, QD Stores, Victor’s Drinks Homebrew Cider Making Kit – 10 Pints Elderflower is available here, Hawkins Bazaar and a variety of independent gift shops and garden centres with a rep of £24.99

 

Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player | Cool Things

Technology may be amazing these days but that doesn’t stop people loving a bit of retro: vinyl sales are set to top one million this year.

We thought this Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player was a great nod to the retro. It looks great, has detachable speakers, in-built technology and can play various sized records.

Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player Steepletone 1960’s Vinyl Record Player pic

 

All for the awesome price of £79.95 from www.prezzybox.com

Cat or Dog Yoga: Get In Touch With Your inner Furry Friend | Great Gifts

It is bizarre present time. These dog and cat yoga books are perfect for your wacky dog or cat obsessed friend.

dogyoga

Filled with pups and paws in Yoga poses, is anything cuter than dogs doing yoga? Not much apart from cats doing yoga.

catyoga

We think these books are a great present for the friend who has it all, the friend who has a great sense of humour or just your friend who loves their furry friend.  From Prezzybox.com.

Mini Music Mixer | Cool Things

minimusicmixer

We love music at Frost and this mini music mixer really caught our eye. You can switch songs in style with the all new Mini Mixer.

Ditch the decks with the simple, miniature mixer that allows you to fade between tracks to create a rad musical vibe.

Set the sounds and turn up the volume, this DJ device will have you mix two tracks from any two music devices in a flash, for that ultimate sound.

musicmixer

Style songs to your taste, this piece of kit is quirky and cool – essential for easy listening or powerful partying.

Produce a fresh fusion of tracks with your favourite tunes; this is a great gadget for all music lovers.

Whatever genre, wherever you are, this device is portable, unique and sleek – so blend those hits for a hot new track.

Switch it up with this hip gadget – whether you are creating summer beats or want a sizzling stocking filler, you need this in you ryhematic life.

Try out your skills and put on the party! This genius gadget is available for only £19.95 at www.prezzybox.com

· Requires 4 x AAA batteries (not included).

· (Compatible with phones/mp3/iPods etc.)

· 4 x Connection Wires included

 

 

 

Great Gifts For Dad | Father’s Day Gift Guide

It is father’s day tomorrow but you can still buy your dad something. If you buy online he might not get it on time, but, hey, it’s the thought that counts. We have done all of the hard work for you, here are some great gifts.

slatecheeseandboardknifeset

Taylor’s Eye Witness – professional knives for foodie dads

Taylor’s Eye Witness have an eco-friendly range. They use ethically sourced, raw materials to create quality tools for your kitchen. This Slate Cheese Board & Knife Set is beautiful and practical all in one. http://taylors-eye-witness.co.uk/

blacksheepcoffee

Black Sheep Coffee – fine Robusta Rivaval coffee for caffeine crazed dads

Black Sheep Coffee has launched the UK’s first fine Robusta bean product, set to turn the heads of coffee connoisseurs and seriously shake up the scene. It’s new Robusta Revival has a surprisingly different taste profile to the Arabica beans that currently saturate the premium end of the market… rich, creamy and sweet, with a less acidic tone reminiscent of walnut and dark chocolate. Very good coffee.

eauto

E-auto – a great car cleaning range for petrol-head dads 

The e-auto range works using the same microfiber technology  as it’s sister brand e-cloth and uses just water to clean as well. Products such as the e-auto dual action mitt quickly and thoroughly remove dirt without the need for harsh and expensive cleaning products. This is a great car cleaning kit. http://www.e-cloth.com/e-auto-range

workforcesocks

Workforce socks http://www.workforcesocks.co.uk/index.php

These are socks that are great for anyone that enjoys walking, gardening, has a construction job or just spends a lot of time on their feet! Everyone needs socks and these are great for practical dads.

multicigecigarettes

multiCIG,the UK’s premium e-cigarette brand, is perfect for anyone wanting to encourage their dad to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Tar and odour free, they are healthier than normal cigarettes. http://www.multicig.co.uk/

afternoontea

The five-star Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair is doing a bespoke gentleman’s afternoon tea including Wild boar sausage rolls, miniature steak & ale pies and includes a dram of single malt scotch Whisky for every Dad. Priced at £34.50 and available from 12-7pm until 30th June.

gillray

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar in the London Marriott Hotel County Hall is offering a free Aston Martin for every Dad dinning on Sunday! The traditional English steak house will be serving roast beef with all the trimmings and a match box Aston Martin for Dads.

pearapplespiritjackhigh

These spirits are great and unique. We loved them.

Vintage Pear Spirit (Owler) ABV 40%The Vintage Pear Spirit is made from the fruit of rare pear trees – which once appeared to be dying out. With names such as Hedgehog, Cowslip and Painted Lady, these unique and exquisite varieties ensure a refined drink – with a distinct pear flavour. A touch of fruity floral elegance.

Available in 700ml, 500ml and 50ml bottle.

700ml – £49.00/ 500ml – £39.00/ 50ml – £5.50

Vintage Apple Spirit ABV 40%

A similar product to the Vintage Pear Spirit – made from milled Gloucestershire apples that are grown on the farm. The end result is a spirit with a punchy tang and apple aroma.

Available in 700ml, 500ml and 50ml bottle.

700ml – £45.00/ 500ml – £35.00/ 50ml – £5.50

700ml and 500ml bottles are presented in a Charles Martell tube – which depict the view of May Hill from Hunt’s Court Farm.

Jack High Cider Spirit ABV 40%

A modern spirit distilled from local cider – it is diluted with spring water from the farm and aged in oak barrels to provide a warmer, mellower drink – almost like a delicate malt whisky. In January 2014, Charles Martell introduced Jack High Junior – a 5cl miniature bottle. Jack High Spirit comes in three light-hearted label designs; ‘Cider Spirit with mud on its boots’, Cider spirit that’s as strong as an ox’ and ‘Cider Spirit that was born in a barn’.

Available in 500ml and 50ml bottle.

500ml – £30.00/ NEW 50ml bottle – £5.00

 

Some cocktail ideas for the above.

 

Vintage Pear Perfect Serve

50ml Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit
1 slice cinnamon coated pear
Add ice to a rocks glass and pour over the Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit. Cut a slice of fresh pear and sprinkle some cinnamon onto one side. Slide the cinnamon coated pear into the side of the glass, swirl and enjoy.Vintage Pear Sour
50ml Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit
15ml egg white
25ml lemon juice
10ml sugar syrup
1 dash orange bitters
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with cubed ice and shake very hard. Double strain the mixture over fresh cubed ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of fresh pear.

 


Vintage Apple Perfect Serve

50ml Charles Martell Vintage Apple Spirit
4 slice apple fan
1 dash orange bitters
Fill a rocks glass with cubed ice and pour over Charles Martell Vintage Apple spirit. Add a dash of orange bitters and stir gently, top with ice if needed and garnish with an apple fan.

 

Vintage Apple Elegance
50ml Charles Martell Vintage Apple Spirit
25ml Elderflower Liqueur
20ml fresh lime juice
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with cubed ice and shake hard. Double strain the cocktail into a large wine glass filled with cubed ice and garnish with an edible flower and a mint sprig.
Apple Jack
50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
120ml apple juice
Fill a Kilner jar with cubed ice and pour over a double measure of Jack High Cider Spirit. Top the drink with apple juice (non-cloudy) and stir well. Garnish with an apple fan.

 

Jack High Mojito
50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
15ml sugar syrup
40ml fresh lime juice
10 fresh mint leaves
100ml soda water
Stir sugar syrup and lime juice in the bottom of a Collins glass and fill with crushed ice. Add the Jack High Cider Spirit and churn well to mix all of the flavours. Top the cocktail with soda water and crushed ice.
Garnish with a straw and a mint sprig.

 


Jack High Fruity Cup

50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
Mixed summer berries
6 fresh mint leaves
15ml fresh lime juice
100ml still lemonade
30ml soda water
Add plenty of cubed ice into a large wine glass and top with a handful of mixed berries and mint leaves. Pour over lime juice and Jack High Cider Spirit. Top with still lemonade and soda water – stir very well and top with cubed ice if required. Add a straw and enjoy!

 

All recipes Charles Martell and BlackLeaf Events.

 

 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Haven’t got your dad anything for Father’s Day yet? Fear not, we have some excellent suggestions. It’s on the 15th of June so read on and hurry up!

wildgeesewhiskey

The Wild Geese whiskey collection comprises four different variations to suit the whiskey novice or discerning Dad.
Classic Blend Irish Whiskey (£19.50) is a great entry-level whiskey and ideal for whipping up a Father’s Day cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or Amaretto Sour. Rare Irish Whiskey (£34) and The Single Malt Irish Whiskey (£54) can be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks and the Limited Edition Irish Whiskey (RRP £44, 70cl). We reviewed this whiskey (hard job but someone has to do it) and can confirm it is amazing, top-quality stuff. If your father has been especially good this year, get him some of this.

gameofthronesdragon

Game of Thrones Dragon figures £40

A must-have for supporters of the House of Targaryen, choose from baby Drogon, Viserion or Rhaegal, or collect all three! Each dragon figure is amazingly crafted and finely handpainted, standing at 11.5cm high. 

Dragon –  Baby dragon, Drogon tail raised, lifts his wings about to take flight 

Viserion – Viserion reaches his head to the sky

Rhaegal –  Craning his neck in interest and featuring a curly tail, this baby Rhaegal is both cute and menacing at the same time!

 

From www.hboshopeu.com and Tresor Paris

 

belugavodkareviewBeluga Noble Russian Vodka is a particularly good Russian vodka. We tried it, we liked it. Available here.

 

footballpuzzlewasgijThis Wasgij Original Puzzle combines games and sport. Perfect for dads. It also includes a free Wasgij football wall chart.

Wasgij Original 21: Football Fever! offers two 1000-piece football themed puzzles in a single box, sure to bring Dad hours of entertainment in preparation for England’s kick off this summer in Brazil.

In addition to piecing together the image on the box of a family cheering on their beloved national team, the second puzzle follows the Wasgij Original concept of piecing together what the characters in the box image are looking at.

A FREE football wall chart is also included so you can track the progress of all the teams participating in this summer’s international football tournament.

toneteeThis is a revolutionary body toning fit-wear specifically designed for men who want to look slimmer. This Tone Tee is comfortable and gives all-round compression. It works on paunches and moobs. Women have spanx and now men have Tone Tee. It has 360 degree tone technology and has built-in temperature control breath-in technology. Our male writers who have, erm, overindulged recently loved it. From tonetee.com

triventowineTrivento Malbec Reserve for wine-loving dads. We reviewed this and it is a very good red wine. Plum and rasberry flavours combine elegantly with vanilla notes from the oak. Well balanced exhibiting sweet tannins and a velvety finish.

 

steamingtovictorybookreview

Steaming to Victory: How Britain’s Railways Won the War is a brilliant book about how Britain’s Railways won the war. Excellent for dads who love trains or history.

 

pocketsquareAmazon Fashion Men’s Oxford Circus Handkerchief These pocket squares are perfect for fashionable dads. They come in a range of different London landmarks. Cool and unique.

conversebags
Converse Accessories have launched a collection of bags inspired by the football World Cup. The Prem Sport range is available in a selection of colourways that support footballs’ most iconic international teams ahead of the World Cup finals in Brazil next month. With a retro styled Converse logo emblazoned across the bag, the range celebrates some of the world’s top national teams including England with a bold red and white colour combination as well as colourways for rivals Germany, France and of course the green, yellow and blue of host nation, Brazil.

Stockists for this collection include Next, ASOS, and USC. Perfect for sporty dads and those who love Converse.

 

fossilwatch
Fossil Men’s Aeroflite Watch

A really beautiful watch. Perfect for the main man in your life.

Stockist:  www.WatchShop.com

 

 

What will you get your dad?

 

 

Shuttlecock Inc. presents: Rumble: Part Deux

18th – 22nd & 25th – 29th March 2014

rumble 2Shuttlecock Inc. return to London in March with a Gallic spin-off of their sell-out pop-up, Rumble At The Deli… Rumble: Part Deux.

An off-the-wall parody of France’s rich gastronomic tradition, Part Deux will be fronted by Shuttlecock’s latest comedy creation, Arnaud Hérouville-Saint-Clair-Escoffier: greatgrandson of culinary legend, Auguste, and chef/proprietor of Parisian institution, La Constellation – so named for its unrivalled string of Michelin stars.

Putting their reputations on the line, Part Deux will see chefs from both sides of the channel battle it out for the chance to scrub the great man’s oven with a toothbrush.

In the line-up of so far are Shuttlecock’s very own Ollie Templeton (Moro), defending champion Max Pasetti (Bocca di Lupo, Trullo), Tom Stracker (The Walnut Tree, The Ledbury, The Dorchester Grill, Heston’s Dinner), Tom Forster (St John, Bocca di Lupo, Trullo, Roberta’s, Chop Shop, Clamato, Septime), Freddy Money (El Bulli, The Dorchester Grill), James Knight (Moro, Barrica, Copita, Quality Chop House) and Ellen Parr (Moro, The Art of Dining).

Once again, the rules are simple:

Three rounds of no-holds-barred culinary one-upmanship

Two guest chefs

One winner

Inspired by some of Arnaud’s most famous recipes and using three key ingredients bought from the market that morning, the two challengers will create their own three-course menu for the evening’s diners, with each course going to a vote when the plates are cleared. Best of three: starter, main, pudding.

The winner soaks up the applause, the loser washes up the pots and pans.

Shuttlecock Inc. are four cousins from the creative Templeton family: Anna, Ollie, Will and Ed who share a wealth of experience from the event, theatre, culinary, cocktail, music and advertising worlds. Last year was their busiest yet, with a string of sell out events including immersive pop-up dining experiences, Mile High, Vieux-Québec, The Great Indian Peninsula Railway and Rumble at The Deli. Following Part Deux they will take their unique travel-themed concept to New York this April.

Allez allez!

Rumble Part Deux
16 Hoxton Square
London
N1 6NT

Tickets can be booked via the following website:

www.shuttlecock-inc.com

@shuttlecockinc

18th – 22nd March
25th – 29th March

£55 tickets for six dishes (three courses from each of the evening’s two chefs) and an apéretif on arrival

Christmas Gift Guide For The One Who Is Hard To Buy For

The best thing to buy for someone who is hard to buy for is to get something edible, different or just plain amazing.

Mr Site Takeaway Website Beginner For PC & MAC

Mr Site takeaway website beginner, Christmas, gifts

This is a great present for most people. Pretty much everyone needs a website these days and the Takeaway Website Beginner is not only everything you need in a box, but also very easy-to-use.

Maui Jim Sunglasses

Maui Jim Sunglasses, sunglassesm christmas, christmas gift guide.

Breakwall Glasses – Perfect for tennis fans, these frames come in Gloss Black, Rootbeer and Smoke Grey. Breakwall tames UV and wind to protect your vision beautifully. They are rimless and feather-light for an uncompromised view, all day long. These frames also happen to be popular with brand ambassador, ATP No. 3 tennis player, David Ferrer. We love them, they look great and are the most perfect glasses.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

Tangqueray London Dry Gin

Brilliant gin and a great gift. An enduring classic, Tanqueray London Dry Gin is loved by bartenders, cocktail lovers and gin aficionados across the globe. With an extra smooth taste, it has an elegance that sets it apart from the rest and a flavour that shines in sophisticated cocktails and vibrant gin and tonics. Tanqueray is made with the finest botanicals including refreshing juniper, peppery coriander, aromatic angelica and sweet liquorice and its smooth yet bold flavour means it has become one of the world’s most awarded gins, making a luxurious and classic gift.

There’s no better way to enjoy Tanqueray than with tonic, fresh lime and lots of ice in one of the signature green stem and black base copa glasses. This oversize copa glass evokes the golden age of gin cocktails and its shape allows for the aromas of Tanqueray’s key botanicals to circulate for full appreciation of the drink’s flavour.

Taittinger Champagne

taittinger champagne , christmas

The most delicious and classy champagne. Who wouldn’t want a bottle of Taittingers for Christmas?

Taittinger Nocturne Sec NV, RRP £47, John Lewis, Harrods, winedirect.com

Tattinger Brut Réserve NV, RRP £38.99, widely available

Taittinger Folies de la Marquetterie NV, RRP £55, Harrods, Handford Wines

Taittinger Prélude Grands Crus NV, RRP £49, Majestic, Oxford Wine Company, Fortnum & Mason

Taittinger Vintage 2005, RRP £53, Majestic Wine, Hedonism drinks

 

Bloom Gin & Tonic

bloomgin&tonic

BLOOM Gin & Fentimans Tonic is a luxury pre-mixed G&T in an attractive old fashioned glass bottle – the perfect little gift in a bottle for grown ups. They are delicious. The perfect cocktail for Christmas and beyond.

BLOOM Gin is a delicate floral premium London Dry Gin, inspired by the natural flora of English country gardens and created by the world’s first female Master Gin Distiller.

Joanne Moore chose botanicals from her own garden including chamomile and honeysuckle, as well as the citrus fruit pomelo, to make up the three key botanicals which create a delicate and subtle gin-drinking experience.

Carefully prepared and ready to serve, these bottles combine the delicate floral tones of BLOOM Gin, balanced with the distinctive herbal and plant-root notes of Fentimans tonic, made with lemon from the Cochin area of India.

Available from Sainsbury’s RRP £3.50 a bottle

The Counsellor By Cormac McCarthy

Cook Like a Man: The Official Movember Cookbook

The counsellor, cormac mccarthy, movember, cookbook, cook like a man, offical,

Cook Like a Man: The Official Movember Cookbook and Cormac McCarthy’s The Counselor Screenplay are both great gifts. Depending on whether your friend is a man who loves cooking, or a person who loves film.

Naked Gift Box & Bite Sized Treats

nakedgiftpack

Great gluten, dairy and wheat-free snacks. Tasty and healthy. We even ate one before we took this picture, we just couldn’t help ourselves. Perfect stocking fillers.

Blingbacks Shoe Jewellery

blingbacks

Great show jewellery. These make sure your shoes are as ready to party as you are. Party, dance, walk & dazzle with Blingbacks Shoe Jewellery. Available in Debenhams and Dorothy Perkins, also online on Amazon and Asos. www.blingbacks.co.uk

Higher Living Tea

Hope And Greenwood Jolly Christmas Sweet Shake and Mince Pie Bon Bons

We love the Higher Living Tea, the ginger one is a particular favourite and the Mince Pie Bon Bons and Sweet Shake are tasty and perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Higher Living herbal teas are available in ASDA, Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Holland & Barrett, Planet Organic, Wholefoods, Hope And Greenwood are available in their store in Covent Garden.

christmassweets

A Raincoat From The Cambridge Raincoat Company

green raincoat

Great, stylish coats that are also perfect for cyclists.

An iPad. They probably already have one, but if not, go for it or an iTunes voucher. Anything from Apple is a must.

HT5452-ipad-1-dimensions-001-ENG

What do you think?