The Cocktail Bar

Rosie and Jim: 'I did not miss this. I did not miss the pain'

This week, the phrase 'be careful what you wish for' comes back to bite both of our corona-correspondents.

A drink for all seasons: Perfect summer tipples for long, hot afternoons

From floral and fruity gins to wines that you can drink without a pang of conscience, we've rounded up some of the best new drinks on the market, perfect for an al fresco drink as the height of summer approaches.

Curious Questions: Who first used corks in wine — and how did they get them out again before the invention of the corkscrew?

There's nothing quite like the noise of uncorking a bottle of wine. Despite the inroads made by screwcaps, the majority of us still prefer the ritual of opening a bottle with a corkscrew. But how did we first start doing that in the first place? Martin Fone investigates.

A drink for all seasons: Jaffa Cake Gin (yes, really) and what might be the world's first 'crunchy' wine

A drink for all seasons: nine crowd-pleasing, well-priced wines from around the world

From Rioja alternatives to fruit-packed bottles, discover an eclectic selection of interesting, reasonably priced wines with our latest list.

Bring a little luxury to lockdown: Hampers, Michelin-starred takeaways, and wine tasting via videoconference

There are all manner of creative ways companies across Britain are helping us cope with lockdown by allowing a few little treats to help keep us going.

The wine, beer, spirits and other alcohol delivery services still operating during lockdown

There's no getting away from it: spending weeks on end sitting at home will mean you'll probably drink more. Here's how to make sure the well doesn't run dry during self-isolation.

The best gins for Mother's Day

What better for Mother's Day than a bottle of 'Mother's Ruin'? We've selected some of the finest gins on the market which are sure to give your long-suffering parent a treat.

26 miles of wine and cheese: The madness of the Marathon du Medoc

It’s been dubbed ‘the world’s most idiotic marathon’: a 26-mile run through vineyards, fuelled by wine and cheese. Emma Hughes finds out if she has the stomach for the legendary Marathon du Médoc.

A drink for all seasons: A Chelsea grotto that's the epitome of the tactically-placed wine bar

Alexandra Fraser extols the wonders of her favourite flavour of city escape, while sampling London’s latest rendition: Bottles, on Draycott Avenue.

A drink for all seasons: Five superb wines you can pick up at the supermarket on the way home

Whether you've left it late to sort out a nice bottle for a romantic evening at home or just fancy something for the weekend, this list will have you covered.

The Utterly Inessential Valentine's Shopping List Part II: Pink gin, heart-shaped earrings and a dog bed for the true love of your life

Every year, we round up the top gifts one could possibly give without going over-the-top-crazy for Valentine's Day. Fortunately, this year our Utterly Inessential columnist is in love. Unfortunately, her heart still belongs to gin. You can't win them all.

A drink for all seasons: Warming winter cocktails to bring back the feeling in your fingers and toes

How to make some of the best winter cocktails, from après ski drinks to the perfect fourth course for a dinner party

A drink for all seasons: Why the British are more romantic than anyone about wine

In his final column, our outgoing wine columnist Harry Eyres celebrates the romance and splendour of national wine scene — and the British wine merchants who make it.

Curious Questions: Why are wine bottles all pretty much the same shape and colour?

We drink 36 billion bottles of wine a year — and almost all of them come in wine bottles that share essentially the same design. Martin Fone wonders why.

A drink for all seasons: Dry January? Nope. It's actually Burgundy month

You wouldn't expect our wine correspondent Harry Eyres to swear off booze for January. And you'd be exactly right — after all, why would he when there's a new batch of Burgundy to be enjoyed?

A drink for all seasons: The whisky that costs more than a brand new car

The car in question, in case you're wondering about that headline, costs £23,340.

A drink for all seasons: Drinks fit for royalty, including a Duchess's gin and the Queen's top tipple

If you're part of the Royal Family, chances are you could probably use a nice, stiff drink right about now. Alexandra Fraser is here to help.

A drink for all seaons: Dry January? Or a very wet January, featuring £1,000-a-bottle beer?

At this time of year, the decision is simple: do you cut back on the booze in the wake of the Christmas excesses, or double-down and drink your way through the cold, dark, damp month of January?

Bubbly tips for the festive season: Drink British, ignore the silver spoon and abandon the coupe

Charlie Holland, head winemaker and CEO of Gusbourne, talks to Hetty Lintell about how and what to drink this Christmas.