U'Luvka Voda. It is the spirit of pleasure

Have you heard of U'Luvka Vodka? I hadn't until recently.

We had a beautiful gift box of U'Luvka Vodka, my wife and I.

On the presentation box is the legend: "The Spirit of Pleasure." I know that one can't always rely on what one reads on adverts or presentation boxes, but in this case, "The Spirit of Pleasure" is perfectly correct. U'Luvka Voda truly is "The Spirit of Pleasure."

It is claimed that it is based on an ancient recipe originally created a famed Polish alchemist, Sendivogius for King Sigismund III of Poland, for use by the Royal Court.

This modern version of this legendary spirit is created in small batches by the alchemical descendants of  Sendivogius, using highest quality Polish rye, wheat and barley.

When you pour it into the glass there is that unmistakable sweet scent that one only ever gets from a truly great Vodka.

The flavour sets U'Luvka Vodka into a class entirely of its own.

There's a whole range of  flavours, from hints of summer grasses, of spices and fruity notes and others besides.

My wife, a confirmed gin  aficionado, said: "This is better than gin. So much better than gin! And you can put that in your review!" And so, as you can see, I have done.

But don't take the maker's bold, but truthful, statement or our own unbiased review for granted. Just buy a bottle of U’Luvka Vodka and see for yourself.

You can buy a special presentation box with a 100ml bottle, we loved the unique shape of the bottle, and two very unique legless and etched shot glasses for just under £20.00, the ideal gift for the Vodka lovers in your life. And trust me, they will thank you for it!

Or if you wish you can buy a Magnum bottle for £69.00.

To purchase the magnum visit 

http://www.harveynichols.com/1890696-vodka-magnum-and-glasses-gift-pack/ 

To purchase the gift set visit

http://www.harveynichols.com/1890700-miniature-vodka-and-glasses-pack/

Catch the flight of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey

Voted as 'Best Irish Whiskey' The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey is a worthy holder of that accolade.

The distillery that produces it claims that it is smoother because they distil it for longer.  And it is smoother. 

They produce several whiskeys all which are highly original and unique, yet all carrying a certain sense of specialness.

Classic Blend is 40% vol Irish Whiskey that has a buttery smoothness that has hints of fruits, with a tang of the grain and a finish that is pleasing and warming.

Rare Irish Whiskey is a 43% vol Irish whiskey that is smooth and has hints of citrus fruits and notes of spices that make it even more interesting than you'd think possible.

Single Malt is a 43% vol Irish whiskey that more than gives Scotch single malts a run for their money. It's lively, vibrant and has an earnest woodiness to it that makes it eager to please. You know the malt is there, waiting for you, beguiling you.

Limited Edition Irish Whiskey a 43% Irish whiskey that is a rare treat. Yes, there's malt, yes, there's the 'usual' fruit notes, some spiced notes to be observed and yet... and yet... this whiskey has a quality to it that makes you look, with regret at your empty glass and say: "Oh! It's gone!"

To learn more visit http://thewildgeesecollection.com/whiskey/whiskey-collection/limited-edition-irish-whiskey/

You can buy Wild Geese Irish Whiskey at https://3c-lxa.mail.com/mail/client/dereferrer?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewhiskyexchange.com%2FB-32-Wild_Geese.aspx

Mulled Wine Gift Set

The mulled wine gift set from Just Ingredients lets you turn a bottle of red wine (even a fairly mediocre red wine, it has to be said) into a very acceptable and tasty traditional Christmas mulled wine.

The kit contains a vanilla pod, a cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, star anise, and a couple of slices of orange.

All you have to add is some sugar and the juice of two oranges and a bottle of red wine.

Within 15 to 20 minutes you can be ladling out some very acceptable mulled wine.

However, it can taste a little sweet as it uses 170g of brown or white sugar. So you might like to experiment with the sugar levels. People who are diabetic might consider not using sugar at all and adding artificial sweeteners to taste to the individual servings of mulled wine.

It costs £6.70 (enough for two bottles of mulled wine) so makes an ideal addition to your Christmas provisions cupboard or a splendid stocking filler for the adventurous foodie in your life. 

To learn more visit  http://www.justingredients.co.uk.

Christmas is on the way, greet it with a Smiggle!

What, exactly, is a Smiggle?

A Smiggle is a cross between a smile and a giggle, and it's often the reaction people get when they see the Smiggle product range!

Such as:

String lights (£15) that make your house sparkle! These twinkling wonders will make your home glow with a riotous rainbow of colours and a cute daisy design.

Or there's the even more spectacular Optical light mega (£10): They'll really bring the light of Christmas magic to your eyes!

They can really light up any room this Christmas. A veritable fountain of light in six glorious colours!

Smiggle shops are all over the place. To find out where please drop by to them at www.smiggle.co.uk.

Cherry Good news

There's some really Cherry Good news for those who will not be drinking alcohol this Christmas. There is a fantastic cherry 'mocktail' made with Cherry Good, the delicious cherry juice drink!

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to add some sparkle to the festive season with Cherry Good’s own special Mulled Mocktail.

Bringing everyone’s favourite winter warming flavours together, this alcohol-free alternative is the perfect way to get some festive cheer without risking the fuzzy head afterwards!

Created with the rich flavours and delicious scents of Montmorency cherries, Cherry Good is the perfect refreshment for any festive occasion.

By itself, it's a sweet drink, yet with a touch of tartness.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
• 1 litre Cherry Good Original (or Light, if you'd rather cut the calories!)
• 1 sliced and zested orange
• 7 whole cloves
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• honey (to taste)

Method:
1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over a
medium/low heat for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. When the mixture is steaming and spices have infused, add
honey to taste.
3. Strain into heat proof glasses and garnish with a cinnamon
stick and orange twist.
4. Enjoy the festive flavours!

You can buy Cherry Good in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose and Morrisons for around £1.50.

Even more Christmas drinks for you to make yourself

Auchentoshan

The Auchentoshan Three Wood – Christmas Delight Cocktail
Ingredients:      
4 fl oz. Milk                                                                                                                                                      
1 fl oz Auchentoshan Threewood
3-4 Heaped Teaspoons of a high quality Spanish Hot Chocolate powder
2 tablespoons of Scottish double cream

Method:
Step 1: Add the chocolate powder into a glass teacup.
Step 2:  Heat your milk to boiling point on the stove.
Step 3: Fold the hot milk into the powder
Step 4: Add in your measure of Three Wood and stir briskly anti-clockwise until thick
Step 5: To serve add freshly whipped cream

Licor 43 Christmas serves

Cran de Berry 43
Ingredients:
·         30 ml Licor 43

·         Cinnamon stick

·         10 ml lime juice

·         40 ml cranberry juice

Method:
Shake Licor 43, cinnamon stick, lime and cranberry juice with a dash of grenadine and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Serve in a tall martini glass with a sugared rim.

Licor 43 Apple Pie
Ingredients:
• 25ml Licor 43
• 100ml cloudy apple juice
• Dash Angostura Bitters
Method:
Pour Licor 43 into a glass and top with cloudy apple juice and Angostura Bitters. For an extra treat top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Spanish 43 Coffee
Ingredients:
• 25ml Licor 43
• Black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder
Method:
Warm the Licor 43 and pour into the coffee. Top carefully with the whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder.

Midori
Tipsy Elf

Glass: Rocks glass

Ingredients:

·         30ml Midori
·         200ml Apple cider
·         1 Cinnamon stick
·         2 Cloves
Method:
Shake over ice and serve. Garnish  with a cinnamon stick and lemon

Bowmore
INGREDIENTS:
75g unsalted butter  
50g soft light brown sugar  
50g caster sugar  
50g golden syrup  
125ml double cream  
1tsp sea salt
1 tbsp Bowmore

METHOD:
Melt the butter, sugars and syrup in a small heavy based pan and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the cream, whisky and sea salt then simmer for another minute or 2 until it thickens. Cool the caramel then dip the chosen glass rim into it and then into some fine caster sugar. Spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the glass and then chill in the fridge for at least an hour. Pour Bowmore into the glass and enjoy.

And here is a link to a masterclass in a unique way to serve Bowmore!

Try at home: Bowmore Whisky and Mark Sargeant present the Salted Caramel Crust

http://vimeo.com/108919508

Extreme Beast radio controlled car with 2.4GHz

From Maisto Tech you will find the brand new 2.4 GHz “Extreme Beast” radio controlled car.

It operates on the 2.4GHz frequency is a ready to go after only one hour of charging.

And when we say "go" boy, does it go!

Because it's super-fast and looks like a real beast of a car, yet handles like a real treat.

It's not just a toy, it's a proper hobbyists dream.

It's fast and is well able for on or off road with it's super-sized wheels and tyres.

Expect to pay about £50.

It's available from Hawkin's Bazaar and other retailers.

How good is it? Just watch the video and form your own conclusions.

Bump 'N' go Bubble train.

The Bump 'N' Go Bubble Train is a fantastic toy for any little boy or little girl who is a fan of trains or of bubbles.

It cleverly avoids obstacles and whilst it traverses your lounge it constantly blows bubbles (a bottle of bubble liquid is supplied) whilst flashing its lights and making realistic train sounds.

It requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included, so please do remember to purchase plenty of batteries before you wrap this toy up.

It's a brightly coloured toy and is designed for all little boys and girls aged two years and older. Although we do not doubt that parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles might well be getting just as much pleasure out of this toy!

It will cost about £12 and is available from Amazon and other retailers.

For the magical mermaid in your family

My Magical Mermaid is a tremendous toy for the little girl (aged 3 and up) in your family.

She's a beautiful little Mermaid, but she is a Magical Mermaid, too, because she can swim with realistic, lifelike swimming motions!

I mean, what's not to like about that?

She is battery powered but there's none of that nonsense of suddenly realising you have no batteries, because My Magical Mermaid not only comes complete with batteries the thoughtful manufacturers have very kindly included a pair of additional batteries, too!

She automatically swims in the water doing an elegant back-paddle, or see her special mesmerising display.

My Magical Mermaid also has a power saving mode to help preserve the batteries.

She is available from Amazon and other retailers and is made by Zuru and she costs about £12.

 

A machine for making educational chocolate treats

When I was a child I always loved to get a plastic net filled with chocolate coins.

They came wrapped in a gold or silver cover and had a design embossed on the chocolate.

I always wondered how they did it.

Children of today don't have to wonder, aimlessly! Now they can actually see the whole process for themselves!

The Chocolate Coin Press  costs a very modest £20 and they are available from John Lewis.

The Chocolate coin maker creates chocolate discs, then it warps them up in gold foil and presses a coin design onto each face.

How does it work? The base of the coin press is filled with hot water.

Then the four coin dishes are placed on each corner.

Chocolate drops are poured into these dishes,  are gently heated by the base, causing them to gradually melt into the all-important coin shape.

The discs are then removed from the press and placed in the fridge until they become solid.

The now set chocolate discs will then be placed in a special slot in the machine where they are wrapped in gold foil using the press.

They are then passed through the machine for a second time, which allows it to imprint the coin designs on each side.

Finished coins can be emptied into the red net bag and eaten later. If they last that long, that is!

It comes complete with 150g of chocolate ready to get you started on your career as a chocolate coin maker!