Hedgerow Royale

ABV 15% / 2.3 alcoholic units

Primary Ingredient: Prosecco

A Brief History of a Hedgerow Royale

The Hedgerow Royale draws inspiration from the tradition of foraging for wild ingredients found along the hedgerows of the countryside. This practice, deeply rooted in rural cultures, involves gathering berries, flowers, and herbs from the natural landscape. The cocktail represents a contemporary celebration of these foraged treasures, marrying the rustic allure of the countryside with the sophistication of a sparkling libation.

While the specific origins may not be as well-documented as some classic cocktails, the Hedgerow Royale embodies the spirit of embracing nature's bounty in mixology.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Hedgerow Royale is a delightful symphony of flavours that dance on the palate:

• Cherry Brandy: Extracts from dark red cherries, subtly enhanced with exotic spices, blended with fine brandy. Incomparable almond flavour derived from crushing the cherry kernels for that smooth, fruity and warming flavour.

• Sloe Gin: Rich sloe and cherry with blood oranges give a luscious nose with some sweetness and a slight sourness. 

• Sparkling Fizz: The effervescence from sparkling wine tops off the drink, creating a bubbly finish that elevates the rustic charm.

Food Pairings:

• Cheese and Charcuterie: The Hedgerow Royale's fruity and floral notes complement a selection of cheeses and cured meats.

• Herb-Infused Goat Cheese: The herbal nuances in the cocktail align with the earthy flavours of herb-infused goat cheese.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad echoes the cocktail's fruity essence, creating a harmonious pairing.

Bar Equipment

• Jigger
• Coupe/highball glass

 Ingredients

Method

• Add crushed ice to the glass (if serving in a coupe glass), if serving in a Collins glass use ice cubes 
• Pour over the Prosecco
• Gently and slowly pour both cherry brandy and sloe gin over the centre of the glass. The aim is not to mix these too much as you'll want them to sink to the bottom. 
• Garnish with a rosemary sprig

 What's the best Sloe Gin and Cherry Brandy for a Hedgerow Royale?

Selecting the best sloe gin and cherry brandy liqueur for a Hedgerow Royale cocktail involves considering the flavour profiles and balance of the spirits. Here are some recommended options for both sloe gin and cherry brandy liqueur:

Best Sloe Gin Options:

• Sipsmith Sloe Gin: Sipsmith's Sloe Gin is known for its craftsmanship, offering a delightful balance of tart sloe berries and the gin's botanicals. It brings a rich and rounded flavour to the cocktail.

• Plymouth Sloe Gin: Plymouth Sloe Gin is crafted with attention to detail, providing a slightly drier profile compared to some others. It brings a nuanced sweetness and works well in cocktails.

• Warners Sloe Gin: Warners Sloe Gin has a wonderfully thick feel, with blackberry jam and a little nutmeg. Cinnamon mixes with the tart sloes and a little sweet orange to give a truly decadent experience. Our current favourite for a Hedgerow Royale. 

Best Cherry Brandy Liqueur Options:

• Cherry Heering: Cherry Heering is a classic cherry brandy liqueur with a deep and rich flavour profile. It brings a sweet and intense cherry character that complements the fruity aspects of the Hedgerow Royale.

• De Kuyper: Extracts from dark red cherries, subtly enhanced with exotic spices, blended with fine brandy. Incomparable almond flavour derived from crushing the cherry kernels for that smooth, fruity and warming flavour. Perfect for a Hedgerow Royale. 

When crafting a Hedgerow Royale, it's essential to achieve a harmonious balance between the sloe gin and cherry brandy liqueur. Consider the specific flavour notes of each spirit and how they complement each other in the overall taste profile of the cocktail. 

Prosecco or Champagne?

Both Prosecco and Champagne can be used to make a Hedgerow Royale cocktail, and the choice between them depends on your personal taste preferences and the level of elegance you want to achieve with your cocktail.

• Champagne: Using Champagne in your Hedgerow Royale will provide the most luxurious experience. Champagne is known for its fine bubbles, complex flavours, and elegant aroma. It has a dry and crisp character, which pairs exceptionally well with the botanicals of elderflower and the acidity of fresh lime juice. If you want to create a truly elegant and upscale  Hedgerow Royale , Champagne is the way to go.

• Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that is slightly sweeter and fruitier than Champagne, which has a more approachable and easygoing character. Using Prosecco in your Hedgerow Royale will result in a sweeter and fruitier version of the cocktail which is true to its pedigree and with that in mind choose a Brut Prosecco for dryness. 

Ultimately, the choice between Prosecco and Champagne for your Hedgerow Royale comes down to your personal preference and the occasion. If you're aiming for a more casual and approachable cocktail, Prosecco works well. However, if you want to elevate the cocktail to a higher level of sophistication and elegance, Champagne is the preferred choice.