Get in the Christmas spirit

This classic British liqueur is named for King Edward V11, who apparently enjoyed a warming cup before setting out on his winter morning rides. It’s a full strength spirit (41%) which Berry Brothers describe as ‘appreciated by bon viveurs, gentlemen and high-spirited ladies’. Well, members of Risk Collective are all high-spirited and daring, so go ahead and try this zingy drink, either by itself as a post-dinner digestif or in mixed drinks such as a Ginger Royale (a variant on Kir Royale, adding King’s Ginger to a glass of Champagne) or mixed with ginger ale and a dash of Angosturas Bitters to make a Twinger cocktail.

If you love ginger, the flavour of this liqueur is irresistible; intensely spicy and warming on the palate, with a well balanced, tangy finish. It would make the perfect drink for anyone who suspects they may be coming down with a cold; or to settle your stomach after a rich Christmas meal. It can also be used in cooking; add to cheesecake, tea breads or try making your own ginger and chocolate truffles. These recipes are provided when you buy a bottle, and although it isn’t inexpensive, this yummy spirit is best served in small quantities, so look on it as a festive investment!

The King’s Ginger, Berry Brothers & Rudd, £17.95 per 50cl bottle, www.bbr.com

ROZ COOPER: BIOGRAPHY

Roz began her wine career in California, leading wine tours and tasting wines for a wine warehouse near San Francisco. She then ran her own California wine import business in the UK and subsequently became assistant editor of Decanter magazine, then wrote various books on wine including The Wine Almanac. Since then, she has written wine columns in many publications and edited books and magazines, including The Italian Magazine. She’s passionate about green issues including organic and biodynamic winemaking and also works on a voluntary basis with the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Tags: Wine of the Week