I’d have said that this time last year any mention of the word Seedlip will have resulted in a reactionary “What you on about?!”
That’s all changed now, as the world’s first non-alcoholic distilled spirit has taken bars and restaurants by storm, offering a new considered approach to non-alcoholic drinks. Instead of just getting a Full-Fat Coke, people who don’t sup can still enjoy cocktails that resemble their boozy brethren.
There’s loads more people nowadays who don’t drink, and the data suggests that the number is only going to grow. Contrary to my whole existence, many youngsters now see drinking (or at least excessive consumption) as “uncool” – with trends pointing towards a focus on health and well-being.
As a result, I’ve been on the lookout for the best Seedlip cocktails in the city and I present them to you now…
Vanilla Spiced Sour @ The Ivy
In such a den of decadence, not having a bottle of fizz may seem like a crime but when you’re not drinking you don’t want to be sat there with a glass of tepid tap water either. So The Ivy have created a range of mocktails, one of which – the Vanilla Spiced Sour (£5.95) – is perfect for enjoying in such spectacular surroundings. They use a base of Seedlip Spice, which is a blend of Jamaican Allspice berry and Cardamom which gives it a warm feeling as it slips down your neck. It’s silky smooth and very moorish indeed.
The Ivy Manchester, The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
0161 503 3222
theivymanchester.com
Virgin Bramble @ Harvey Nichols Second Bar & Brasserie
The original Bramble was invented by some bloke called Dick in the 80’s and it’s a combination of gin, lemon, sugar and crème de mûre (which is blackberry liqueur for any of you that don’t speak French). This non-alcoholic version at Harvey Nichols (£5.00) swaps out the gin for Seedlip and you can’t even tell the different. With the addition of vanilla this is a fruity fresh bevvie that’s perfect for the upcoming spring months.
Harvey Nichols Second Floor Bar and Brasserie, 21 New Cathedral Street, Manchester M1 1AD
0161 828 8898
www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/manchester-dining
Honey & Pear Kicker @ Volta
Volta down in Didsbury made a big fuss over the whole Dry January thing with a collection of new cocktails for all of you non-drinkers out there. Pride and place on the list of new creations was the brilliant Honey & Pear Kicker (£5.50), which is made with Seedlip Spice, Pago pear jucie, lemon, honey and a final flourish of cardamon – making it the perfect winter warmer. Even though it includes the pear – probably one of the worst fruits ever – I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Volta, 167 Burton Rd, Manchester M20 2LN
0161 448 8887
voltafoodanddrink.co.uk
Seedlip & Edamame @ Grand Pacific
Going completely out ‘there’ with this creation, the gang at Grand Pacific have decided to create a much earthier cocktail – one which relies on Seedlip Garden 108 and Edamame Beans. What does all this even mean? Well, Garden 108 is a flavour of Seedlip that tries to “capture the essence of the English countryside” with notes of peas and hay, as well as a bit of rosemary and thyme in there too. I know it sounds a bit mental but when you pair it with a lovely bit of tonic and pop some edamame in there – you’ve got yourself a cracking drink indeed.
Grand Pacific, 50 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 1EN
0161 839 9365
grandpacific.uk.com
Seedlip Perfect Serve @ The Refuge
Going strictly down the traditional route, The Refuge have decided to throw away all the bells and whistles, put the dry ice back into the fridge and pop the shrubbery into the compost bin, serving up Seedlip as a ‘perfect serve’. That means they’re treating it like a gin, simply adding a slice of grapefruit and some Fever-Tree tonic to it. Pop a shit load of ice in there and enjoy in the Winter Garden over a few plates of Voltini. Lovely stuff.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
0161 233 5151
refugemcr.co.uk
Juniper Garden @ The Botanist
Grabbing pretty much every single thing you’d find in the garden of a sweet old lady in Oxford, The Botanist have seriously lived up their name with this Seedlip cocktail – the Juniper Garden (£5.50) which features an elderflower cordial, a vanilla and sage syrup, apple juice and lemon juice. They finish it off with a handful of juniper berries and a ton of ice to create a non-alcoholic cocktail to rival anything that has booze in it.
The Botanist,
78 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2FW
Orange Building, MediaCityUK, Salford M50 2HE
1d School Ln, Manchester M20 6RD
thebotanist.uk.com
Seedlip is also available to buy from the lovely supermarket Booth’s – so you can try some of these at home (or devise your own).
