Drinking over the holiday season. We have all done it, and many continue to do so. Honestly, we’ve seen coworkers and friends do a bit too much of it. But for those who don’t drink or only like a bit without getting tipsy, there are some great options. Don’t believe me? Let me introduce you to three low-APV cocktails featuring smooth gin from the local Sheringham Distillery, who also provided the recipes. I made them at home with hubby, and here are our thoughts!
Disclosure: Sheringham Distillery on southern Vancouver Island is known for its top-quality spirits and proud West Coast spirit. This Canadian gal was gifted samples of Sheringham’s Seaside Gin, Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur, and Fresh Lemon Liqueur in return for an honest review.
What does ‘low APV’ mean?
Low APV is short for low alcohol per volume. It’s a term for drinks that have less alcohol than typical ones. It can be a good choice for those who want to enjoy a yummy treat like Sheringham Gin without going over the top, have no interest in hangovers, or are watching their calorie intake.
Of course, drinking responsibly is what I suggest, which has been clear from my blog posts on healthy lifestyles for women over the years. So, while it can be fun to drink, especially in social settings during the holidays, setting a limit when it comes to alcohol is a good idea.
Gin time: Mixing the drinks with hubby
Did you know my husband used to be a bartender? Leo impressed me by making the shaken-not-stirred drinks with a natural ease. The recipes below each feature a handful of ingredients, which we both appreciated. We made these three drinks in our kitchen one night and snapped pics along the way. I’ll tell you which ones we liked the most — We each have a different favourite!
Low-APV drink #1: Coconut Lemon Smash
I like a slice of lemon in my water, so making the Coconut Lemon Smash recipe excited me. With that in mind, when hubby asked which one to make first, I said this one! It met my expectations, and then some. Plus, with only three ingredients, it was fast to make.
The drink uses Sheringham Fresh Lemon Liqueur, coconut water, and mint sprigs over ice. It tastes as refreshing as it sounds. I could see hubby and I sitting on our backyard patio in summer (bring on the warmer West Coast weather!), sipping the low-APV drinks while looking out at the garden. That sounds like a good way to relax after a busy writing day.
The lemon liqueur features Sheringham Gin, lemon, and juniper. Natural and so smooth in taste. No wonder it was awarded Country Winner for Canada at the 2024 World Gin Awards.
The balance of the coconut water with the lemon taste was a nice combination, and it was very balanced. And because each drink only has one-and-a-half ounces of the liqueur, it will go a long way, making for a high-value product. I look forward to more Coconut Lemon Smash enjoyment in the near future!
The second cocktail: Brunch Buddy
The drink’s name called out to me! Ok, yes, it was after dinner when we made this one, but it also would be fun to mix, shake, and sip during brunch over the holidays. Of course, I would be in my pajamas at home, as that’s how I roll over Christmastime as I unwind. It would pair great with the French toast with fresh fruit on top that Leo often makes me on the weekends. Yes, I know I’m spoiled.
Let me preface this by saying I had never tried gin with rhubarb before. What a nice surprise! Sheringham’s Fresh Rhubarb Liqueur features rhubarb grown here in BC, and star anise, lemon, and juniper. Imagine me smacking my lips now.
The Brunch Buddy has a lot of flavour, thanks to the tart yet sweet rhubarb, lemon juice, and Campari. It has an earthiness to the taste that made it one that hubby and I wanted to sip more because it’s unlike what we’ve tried before. The addition of the egg white makes it frothy, and there’s a tablespoon of raspberry jam in there, too, which is neat!
And look at the bright colour, which I think the photo captures well. It’s an attractive cocktail. With one-and-a-half ounces of the Sheringham liqueur per glass, the Brunch Buddy poured over ice may suit those who want a lighter drink choice.
Cocktail #3: Pink Flamingo
Ahem, my fave colour is pink! Bring on the Pink Flamingo, our third and final recipe in the kitchen. This pretty drink has a sweet flavour profile. It features one ounce of Sheringham Seaside Gin, two ounces of watermelon juice, fresh mint, one-third-of-an-ounce lychee liqueur, and two ounces of cucumber soda.
As you can imagine, the combination of those ingredients with ice made for a refreshing sip or two (or three). It is stirred, not shaken. While it has low APV, it is certainly not low on taste. I like its sweetness, which makes sense as I’ve always liked that kind of taste, whether there’s alcohol in it or not. The mint and watermelon keep it from being overly sweet.
Sheringham’s Seaside Gin is made with juniper, rose, lemon, winged kelp, coriander, lavender, and cardamom. Oh la la!
This is not my first time having this West Coast distillery’s Seaside Gin, by the way, so I knew I’d like it. I’ve had it in a homemade mohito with friends, which is also easy to make with mint leaves, lime juice, soda water and the award-winning gin, poured over ice.
Which one was our favourite?
Ah, yes, I promised to tell you which ones we liked the most. My new bestie is the Pink Flamingo. It was very fitting that this drink was the final one we made, as it meant we saved the best to last! Leo’s top pick was a different one. He favoured the earthiness of the Bruch Buddy. So I guess I’ll be making my French toast next weekend while he has a drinkie, lol.
Find the recipes for these low-APV cocktails – and others – on Sheringham’s blog. If it is as close by where you live as it is for us on Vancouver Island, go in person for the experience. If you live further away, the spirits are conveniently available on the Sheringham Distillery website.
Top photo by Christy B (When Women Inspire)
These all sound like great drinks, Christie. Wishing you and Leo a very Merry Christmas.