Category: Gin

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Welsh Witch’s guide to cocktails this festive season

Christmas time means party season and no party is complete without that perfect cocktail. Are you in need of some mixology inspiration to dazzle your family and friends in your kitchen or at your home bar? Or simply want to get into the Christmas spirit with some festival cocktails.

Cocktails are great way to get into the festive mood for several reasons:

  • Flavour Variety: Cocktails offer a wide range of flavours and ingredients, allowing you to create drinks that are tailored to the theme or season. The flavours can evoke the spirit of the celebration.
  • Visual Appeal: The colours, garnishes, and glassware used for cocktails can be visually striking. When you’re sipping on a beautifully presented cocktail, it can instantly make you feel like you’re part of a special occasion, which enhances the festive mood.
  • Creating Social Connections: Cocktails are often shared and enjoyed in a social setting. Gathering with friends and family to enjoy cocktails can create a sense of togetherness and celebration, making it easier to get into the festive spirit.
  • Creativity: Making cocktails allows you to get creative in the kitchen. Experimenting with different ingredients, garnishes, and presentation styles can be a fun and engaging way to express yourself and set the mood for a festive occasion.
  • Versatility: You can adapt cocktails to various themes and seasons.
  • Memories: Cocktails can become a part of the memories associated with a celebration. When you have a signature cocktail at a special event, it becomes a symbol of that occasion and can trigger fond recollections in the future.

Cocktails offer a combination of flavours, aesthetics, and social engagement that can enhance the festive mood. They allow you to be creative, set the tone for your event, and provide a sense of celebration and indulgence that can make any occasion feel more special.

Five festive cocktails to get you started

We are lucky to have some very talented friends of Welsh Witch Craft Spirits with a flair for creating that perfect tipple. They have created some memorable holiday drinks recipes from our range of potions and elixirs.
A BIG thank you to @thejuniperpixie for creating some memorable holiday drinks recipes from our range of potions and elixirs to get us into the festive spirit.

 

The Holly Jolly Christmas cocktail

✨60ml Original Gin

✨30ml Elderflower Liqueur

✨100ml Clementine Juice

✨Topped up with ginger beer

Pour over ice. Garnish with pomegranate and a sprig of thyme or mint.

 

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Chocolate Rumtini

✨50ml Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Bailey’s Irish Cream

✨15ml Chocolate Syrup

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Shake over Ice and serve in a Coupe and garnish with a Sprig of Mint

 

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Chocolate Orange Espresso Martini

✨50ml Welsh Witch Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Espresso

✨25ml Cointreau

✨10ml Creme de Cacao

✨5ml Simple Syrup

 

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Serve in a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

 

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Witched Brew

✨60ml Pomegranate Juice

✨30ml Cranberry Juice

✨15ml Maple Syrup

✨60ml @welshwitch_craftspirits Vodka

Pour into a shaker and shake together Garnish with orange.

 

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Wrexham Mule

✨50ml Welsh Witch Lammas Vodka

✨Crushed ice

✨150-200ml ginger ale

✨Few dashes of ginger bitters

To garnish

✨Lime

✨Splash of grenadine

Pour the vodka into a metal mug, julep tin or tumbler. Load up ¾ full of crushed ice, then fill to the top with the ginger ale and stir gently to combine. Add a few dashes of ginger bitters.

Serve with splash of grenadine to add the Wrexham fiery red colour and finish with a squeeze of lime and the wedges on top.

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Winter Spiced Pear Cocktail

✨60ml Samhain rum

✨30ml pumpkin syrup

✨Juice of half a lemon

✨One egg white

Shake together with no ice first, then add ice and shake again into a martini glass.

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The Chocolate Orange Rumgroni

✨50ml Yuletide Rum

✨50ml Campari

✨25ml Cointreau

✨25ml sweet vermouth

Pour into a shaker and shake together. Serve in a heavy glass with a clementine slice

 

 

You can shop our whole range of Welsh Witch Craft Spirits here.

What’s more with our multi buy offer you can get any three of our craft spirits for £95. Which means it’s even easier to try the full range of Welsh Witch festive cocktails.

If you decide to try out any of these cocktails, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @welshwitch_craftspirits

Love and light,
Welsh Witch HQ x

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7 Festive Gifts for the Goddess in Your Life

With Yule and the festive season fast approaching, we’re going to be discussing the 7 best gifts for the goddess in your life. Embracing all things magic, this is our run down to help you breeze through the gift process with ease. Let’s unpick the best presents from our gallery of botanical beverages.

7. Mabon Spiced Rum

The new kid on the block and ready to shine, our newly-released Mabon Rum is ready to be enjoyed. Perfect for the goddess in your life that is all about their autumnal scents, flavours and cosiness. This roasted apple flavoured rum is a perfect addition to all things cosy; pair with a botanical cola or enjoy in a warming cocktail.

6. Beltane Gin

Our Beltane gin is an award-winning masterpiece from the Welsh Witch, packed full of fiery cinnamon, reiki infused rosewater and a delectable burst of citrus. This gin is a perfect warming tipple, brimming with Welsh-inspired botanicals and the essence of Beltane fire rituals. For the pagan folklore lover, the Beltane gin is a great gift this festive season.

5. Lammas Welsh Witch Vodka

Vodka lovers rejoice! This magical spirit is inspired by the grain harvests of Lammas. Made with healing Welsh water from Ffynnon Beuno, this vodka is brewed with love in the hills of North Wales. A classy and sophisticated vodka, this is perfect in cocktails and enjoyed neat. Our Lammas vodka was even featured on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend.

4. Imbolc Welsh Witch Gin

Perfect for the fruity gin loving goddess in your life, this blackberry infused gin is a delicious seasonal reminder of the abundance of nature. As an homage to the Goddess Brigid herself, this gift to your very own goddess is the pinnacle of divine feminine energy. Brigid is the goddess of fertility and life itself, so this berry-filled gin brings you all the magic of Brigid and her goddess ways.

3. Welsh Witch Spiced Rum

Our award-winning Spiced Rum is a spirit to be marvelled at. Filled with all things sweet, spicy and delicious, this rum is a perfect addition to any spirit-enthusiast’s collection. Gifting this to the goddess in your life reminds them that they are filled with all the fire of cinnamon and hints of whisky, while still embodying the femininity of delicate sweetness. Inspired by the Welsh bara-brith tea loaf, this rum is an homage to the traditional spices and practices passed down through generations.

2. Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin

The first and original spirit from Welsh Witch, our multi award-winning Original Dry Gin. Bursting with botanicals and high-quality ingredients, this gin is an absolute staple for any gin drinker. Smooth and elegant, yet aromatic and traditional, this gin marries locally foraged gorseflower, coriander seed and bitter orange to make a magical gin that delights the senses.

1. Triple Goddess Box – Trio of Welsh Witch Spirits

And if after all that, you still can’t decide, our Triple Goddess Box does all the hard work of deciding for you. Three beautifully displayed miniatures of our best-selling spirits is a perfect way for a goddess to sample all three magic potions. Inside you’ll find our Original Dry Gin, Welsh Witch Spiced Rum and our Beltane Edition Gin; so there is something for every taste. The hardest part will be not keeping them for yourself!

We hope that has made the idea of gift giving this season even easier for loved ones and the goddesses in your life. Spreading joy and magic is as easy as ever with our botanical potions rooted in Welsh folklore. Enjoy responsibly and we wish you a delightful festive season.

Welsh Witch HQ x

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The Origins and Significance of Black Friday

This frenzied shopping day that marks the beginning of the holiday season, is a phenomenon that has transcended its origins to become a global consumer extravaganza.

Each year as retailers we all jump two feet into Black Friday events, but where does it come from?

The Origins of Black Friday

Black Friday’s roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The term was initially coined in the 1960s in Philadelphia to describe the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. It wasn’t associated with bargains or deals; instead, it referred to the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that clogged the city streets as shoppers and tourists swarmed the area. The term “Black Friday” was not initially seen as positive but rather as a description of the congestion and disorder that accompanied the day.

The Shift from Chaos to Consumerism

Black Friday evolved over the years, transforming from a day of urban pandemonium into a day of consumer opportunity. Retailers recognised the potential to capitalise on the massive crowds, and they began offering special discounts and sales to lure shoppers into their stores. These deals often started early in the morning, and people lined up outside stores well before dawn to snag the best deals. By the late 20th century, Black Friday had become synonymous with extraordinary shopping deals.

The Black Friday Phenomenon

Today, Black Friday has become a worldwide shopping event, extending far beyond its Philadelphia origins. Retailers and consumers alike anticipate this day with excitement. It serves as the kickstart for the holiday shopping season and an opportunity for retailers to generate significant revenue.

Retailers continue to mark Black Friday on their calendars for several reasons:

  1. Boosting Sales: Black Friday typically offers substantial discounts and limited-time promotions, which draw in large crowds of eager shoppers. This influx of customers leads to significant sales volumes.
  2. Clearing Inventory: Retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out older inventory to make room for newer products, ensuring that their stores remain up-to-date and appealing to customers.
  3. Creating Hype: Black Friday generates excitement and anticipation among consumers. The limited-time nature of the deals and the competitive atmosphere create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to shop.
  4. Tradition: Black Friday has become ingrained in our culture as a holiday shopping tradition. People eagerly await the sales and view it as an essential part of the holiday season.
  5. Online and In-Store Sales: With the advent of online shopping, retailers have extended Black Friday to the digital realm, making it easier for customers to participate, even if they don’t want to brave the crowds in physical stores.

What does Black Friday mean for Welsh Witch

Yes, we want generate interest and excitement in our handcrafted spirits, however we will never use this as a way push a limited range of Welsh Witch products.

We want to use this as an opportunity to offer customers the opportunity to save money and get ready for Christmas.

This year from now until 1 December, helping to spread the magic of Welsh Witch.

Black Friday’s history is one of transformation, evolving from a term describing chaos to a worldwide shopping phenomenon. While the origins of the name might be linked to chaos, the modern Black Friday is now a celebration of consumerism and an integral part of the holiday season for people around the world.

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The Bewitching Cocktail – Guest Blog

We’re really excited to share another cocktail recipe by the lovely team at GlassofBubbly.com

This Cocktail may end up casting a spell on you, but you won’t be wanting a cure, we’re delving deep into the world of witches and witchcraft with Wild Moon Distillery and exploring the heard of Prosecco with Ruggeri, uniting two separate drinks from two different parts of the world can be exciting, showing the world that no matter where you come from, we can all enjoy a glass of bubbly together.

Let’s first meet our two players in this cocktail, the Prosecco and Vodka, we’ll start with the Prosecco.

Ruggeri – Argeo 

Deeply rooted in the tradition of winemaking, the history of Ruggeri began in 1950, founded by Giustino Bisol and his cousin, whose surname, Ruggeri, they adopted as part of the brand for their company.

In the early days, Ruggeri was one of only a handful of producers around Valdobbiadene focused on sparkling wine. Giustino’s son Paolo and granddaughter Isabella have since taken the company forward with the same pioneering spirit.

Aroma – “An array of freshly squeezed ripe white fruits, green fruits, green apple, lovely white floral lemon grass, ripe white pears and peaches on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Ripe and delicate white fruits juicy white pears, subtle peaches, green pears and apple skins, with hints of foliage and plenty of wild white floral and blossom characters on the palate.”

Silver Medal in the Spring Fling Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2022

The Vodka – Wild Moon

Launched in 2019 by The Welsh Witch herself, Jade Garston, born in a small village in North Wales. A Beltane baby, a May Queen, a Goddess of Love. She cast her spell and created Wild Moon Distillery, which has now expanded its range of Premium Spirits with a unique Vodka. Inspired by Welsh pagan folklore, this vodka is the 6th premium spirit to be released by the distillery.

Wild Moon’s new vodka is made using distilled Welsh water from the Ffynnon Beuno Welsh mountains, tying in with Celtic paganism roots of the Welsh Witch Spirit collection.

Their process involved trickling the vodka through reiki charged crystals such as aquamarine, amethyst and moonstone crystals for energy cleansing to balance and complete the process. Each bottle is hand-corked and waxed in a distinct apothecary style that the brand is known for.

Our new vodka is an exciting addition to our collection, it’s been in the making for some time and we’re really pleased to launch it to the public. We’re passionate about constantly creating new drinks that people love and all of our spirits have their own unique processes to make them stand out from the crowd. Being hand crafted in small batches in our North Wales distillery means we can ensure care and attention to every detail and we can remain true to our values. – Jade Garston

The Bewitching Cocktail

Ingredients

  • Vodka
  • Prosecco
  • Wild Garden Herbs – Mint – Rosemary -Thyme – Fennel
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon

How To Make The Bewitching Cocktail

  • Start With A Few Ice Cubes
  • Add A Lemon Wedge
  • A Squeeze Of Lemon
  • Drop In A Mix Of Wild Garden Herbs – Mint – Rosemary – Thyme – Fennel
  • Pour In 15mls of Vodka
  • Top up with 100mls of Prosecco

Tasting Notes

Aroma – “A mystical sensation of an earthy variety, including the forever together rosemary and thyme with subtle lemon skin and a growing share from the mint on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Bewitching flavours of smooth herbs, minty with a dash of lemon, rosemary and thyme with ripe white pears, smooth and warming vodka and delicate floral characters on the palate.”

 

Written By Oliver Walkey, Director at Glass of Bubbly and Champagne & Sparkling Wine Writer, Focused on Bringing the Exciting and Fascinating World of Bubbly to You.

Original Post: https://glassofbubbly.com/bewitching-cocktail/

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Does Alcohol Make a Good Gift?

Today we’re going to be talking about all things alcohol and whether or not it makes a good gift in the run up to the festive season. Here at Welsh Witch Craft Spirits, we’re all about the magical experience which unfolds within the bottles of our handcrafted drinks. Each sip is a journey through Celtic pagan folklore and Welsh-inspired botanicals to tickle those tastebuds.

The short answer, to ‘does alcohol make a good gift?’, is YES! But of course, it is a lot more nuanced than that. We’re going to be unpicking the best way to gift alcohol and some alternatives to spirits as well.

Understand the gift recipient

This is probably the key takeaway from this discussion. Of course, alcohol is a great gift for many, but understanding the recipient is the best way to make a decision whether or not alcohol is a good gifting choice. Does the gift recipient like alcohol, is the first question to ask. Is it something they would enjoy, whether with friends or of an evening with a meal? If yes, this is a good start.

It then becomes a matter of ‘what alcohol do they like?’ and you can branch into one of our delicious hand-crafted gins, rums, or vodka too if that’s more their taste. If you’re not sure, an Original Dry Gin is a good choice – a crowd-pleasing staple that most alcohol enthusiasts can appreciate. We also have a selection of gift boxes which include a full size spirit and a branded Welsh Witch glass for that extra luxe experience.

Choose your potion

Our Wheel of the Year range contains a delicious range of gins, vodka, and rums. There is sure to be something for everyone! Of course everybody’s tastes are different, but if you know the person you’re gifting, there are some simple ways to pick the perfect potion for them. Try and pick up on the gift recipient’s drinking habits before purchasing a gift:

  • What do they normally drink?
  • Do they prefer sweet or dry spirits?
  • Are they a flavoured spirit person or do they prefer a classic simple spirit?

Answering these questions will help you figure out the perfect Welsh Witch potion for them.

If they are into rum, our sweet and spiced classic (and award-winning!) Spiced Rum is a great choice. This smooth rum is a great evening tipple and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. With a whisper of whiskey too, this rum is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys their spirits neat, as it’s best enjoyed neat over ice and left to rest. Our brand new Mabon Roasted Apple Rum is a delicious flavoured alternative to the classic spiced rum. Enjoy the autumnal delights of warm apple pie in a smooth delectable tipple, perfect for those with a sweeter tooth.

If your gift-receiver is a big gin fan, well – you’ve come to the right place! Our selection of high quality gins is ripe for the picking. Brewed with love in North Wales, our gins vary from sweet and fruity, to floral and delicate, to classic and refreshing. Our Beltane Gin is a fiery yet floral blend of cinnamon and reiki infused rosewater, finished with a citrusy burst. The Imbolc Gin is a delectable blend of blackberries within a juniper-led base; bursting with flavour and perfect for a fruity gin enthusiast. For a floral gin lover, our Litha Gin is elderflower based and our Ostara Gin is violet based. Last but by no means least, our Original Dry Gin is perfect for just about anyone! Refreshing and sophisticated, this award-winning tipple was our first Welsh Witch spirit, rich with history and Welsh-inspired botanicals.

Finally, our Welsh Witch Lammas Vodka is our final pick, perfect for the vodka lovers out there. Smooth and unassuming, this simple yet classy spirit is perfect for those cocktail makers out there. Infused with Welsh water and bundles of the Welsh Witch magic touch, this is a perfect stocking filler for just about anyone.

If you’re not sure, just ask!

Of course, this might ruin the element of surprise, but sometimes asking is better than gifting alcohol if it’s not desired. For example, someone could be taking time away from drinking alcohol, recovering from a substance addiction, or avoiding alcohol due to a medication, for example. If you’re not sure, asking the recipient (or a closed loved one of theirs) if they would enjoy an alcoholic gift is probably a safe bet, as you don’t want to end up sending the wrong message and making a gift faux-pas.

Our witch’s store cupboard also contains gift items which aren’t alcohol. We have cocktail inspired candles which may be a good option, as well as Welsh Witch branded glasses, which can be used for any drink, alcoholic or not.

Get gifting ready with our Welsh Witch Craft Spirits

Whether your gift recipient is a tipple enthusiast or an occasional special-occasion drinker, our spirits will be sure to bring delight and magic. Filled to the brim with luxurious botanicals and Welsh folklore, it’ll sure be a great talking point! Not to mention, our hand-corked, waxed and bottled spirits look absolutely divine on any drinks shelf. Labelled with our mythical and magical branding, our eye-catching designs are sure to spark joy with anybody interested in magic or folklore too.

You can shop our full range of botanical delights here.

Wishing you a magnificent festive season from everybody here at Welsh Witch HQ x

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A Guide To Making Gin From The Welsh Witch

Our award-winning craft spirits are made using tried and tested methods, Welsh-inspired ingredients and the knowledge of wise folklore to brew our magical potions. Not only is each spirit hand-bottled, hand-corked and waxed for that mystical apothecary style, they’re packed and labelled by hand for maximum quality every time. Each of our spirits goes through their own carefully crafted small batch process. Today we’re going to delve into the magical secrets of the Welsh Witch and share a little bit about how gin is made, and what makes our crafted potions extra special.

The process of gin making

To create our Welsh Witch Craft Gins, we use the London Dry Gin process, an age-old method which we find to be the best for our products. We start with our base of NGS (which stands for neutral grain spirit), which is what is used as the foundations of any white spirit. At this point, we mix our NGS with Welsh Water, which we use to keep our spirits packed with as many Welsh ingredients as we can. We source our Welsh water from the Ffynnon Beuno well, where it is believed over centuries to have healing powers within it. This intertwines our beloved Welsh folklore with our spirits right from the get-go.

 

Using the moon cycles during our crafting process

This base of NGS and Welsh water is then left to charge under a full moon cycle, with 21 litres of water charged within each batch. We do this to invite the lunar energy to cleanse and age our spirits to perfection, integrating this pagan tradition into our Welsh Witch drinks. Then comes the fun part: we add botanicals. This is the part that feels like brewing a magic potion.

Adding high quality ingredients to our vapour and boil, this is where our spirits get their unique flavours. We may add cinnamon or rosewater if we’re making our Beltane Gin, or we would add gorseflower, coriander seed and bitter orange for that unique Welsh Witch Original Dry Gin flavour. This is then processed to a stable temperature and we take 50ml of heads with the rest run through the process.

Next begins the testing process of volume, liquid and ABV. This is an important step which includes cutting with water to reach that 40% ABV in order to be bottled and follow regulations. It is then once again left to rest over a full lunar cycle in order to infuse and brew that magic that is known and loved in Welsh Witch Craft Spirits.

Small batches for high quality magic

Because each of our spirits is made in small batches, it means we can check for the highest quality in each one. Our expertise means that magic is guaranteed in each hand-poured bottle, and each one comes from the wonderful brain of founder and Welsh Witch herself, Jade. Bottled in house in our Wrexham distillery, our spirits are a perfect first step into learning about mystical Welsh folklore and ancient celtic pagan traditions.

Finished with care and touches of sparkle

Each bottle before it reaches the shops or your hands is hand-finished with a cork and sealed with wax, as well as a beautiful mystical label: part of our iconic witchy branding. You can really feel the love in each drop. If you decide to give your own brewing a go, picking high quality ingredients is the best tip for making sure your spirit is as luxurious as can be.

If you’re feeling inspired, or would like to shop the range of our Welsh Witch Craft Spirits, you can do so here, where you can see our magical Wheel of the Year inspired beverages.

Or, if making your own gin seems like a big task – maybe try out some of our fabulous cocktail recipes instead, that way you can feel like a potion-maker and please your guests at the same time!

Happy mixing,

Welsh Witch HQ x

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A Charming Spell Cocktail – Guest Blog

We’re really excited to share this article and cocktail recipe by the lovely team at GlassofBubbly.com

Sometimes it feels like we’re under a spell, stuck behind the screen of a mobile device or pc, sometimes we need to break it, charm ourselves with a delightful combination of flavours united together in a Glass of Bubbly Cocktail, utilising Wild Moon’s Gin and Ruggeri’s Prosecco, we’re breaking that spell and offering a helping hand in relaxing with a taste of nature.

Deeply rooted in the tradition of winemaking, the history of Ruggeri began in 1950, founded by Giustino Bisol and his cousin, whose surname, Ruggeri, they adopted as part of the brand for their company.

In the early days, Ruggeri was one of only a handful of producers around Valdobbiadene focused on sparkling wine. Giustino’s son Paolo and granddaughter Isabella have since taken the company forward with the same pioneering spirit.

Ruggeri – Argeo Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut – Tasting Notes

Aroma – “An array of freshly squeezed ripe white fruits, green fruits, green apple, lovely white floral lemon grass, ripe white pears and peaches on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Ripe and delicate white fruits juicy white pears, subtle peaches, green pears and apple skins, with hints of foliage and plenty of wild white floral and blossom characters on the palate.”

Silver Medal in the Spring Fling Category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2022

The Gin – Wild Moon

Launched in 2019 by The Welsh Witch herself, Jade Garston, born in a small village in North Wales. A Beltane baby, a May Queen, a Goddess of Love. She cast her spell and created Wild Moon Distillery.

A juniper lead gin with a range of botanicals, bringing intense flavours and refreshing bursts of textures, stimulating the palate. Their Welsh Witch Dry Gin showcases notes of locally foraged gorse flower, coriander seed and bitter orange.

“We’re passionate about constantly creating new drinks that people love and all of our spirits have their own unique processes to make them stand out from the crowd. Being handcrafted in small batches in our North Wales distillery means we can ensure care and attention to every detail and we can remain true to our values.” – Jade Garston

A Charming Spell Cocktail

Ingredients

  • Gin
  • Prosecco
  • Elderflower Liqueur
  • Dried Cornflower Petals
  • Limoncello
  • Fennel
  • Lemon Juice
  • Lemon

How To Make A Charming Spell Cocktail

  • Start With A Few Ice Cubes
  • Add A Lime Wedge
  • A Squeeze Of Lime
  • A Dash of Limoncello
  • A Handful Of Dried Cornflower Petals
  • Add Some Fennel
  • 10mls of Elderflower Liqueur
  • Pour In 20mls of Gin
  • Top up with 100mls of Prosecco

Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Sweet vibrant notes of Elderflower with a touch of lemon skin and cornflower petals on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Sweet Elderflower lures you with its delicate sensation, you’re then delighted with flavours from dried lemon, wild floral and freshly picked white pears and white fruits palate.”

 

Written By Oliver Walkey, Director at Glass of Bubbly and Champagne & Sparkling Wine Writer, Focused on Bringing the Exciting and Fascinating World of Bubbly to You.

Original Post: https://glassofbubbly.com/a-charming-spell-cocktail/

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Celebrating Summer with Welsh Witch Craft Spirits

Summer is officially here: grab the beach brollies, some strawberries and cream and pop the Wimbledon on! The UK is revelling in the freedom of summer holidays, al-fresco dining and enjoying all the festivities the hot weather brings. So, let’s give you some ways you can celebrate summer with our inspiration from Welsh Witch Craft Spirits, from garden parties, to seasonal recipes and ways to connect with your loved ones.

Get outside into nature

Use this delightful weather to inspire your senses and inner explorer. Grab a pal or take a solo adventure. Visit a place of natural beauty nearby, whether that’s the beach, some gardens, the mountains, it doesn’t matter! Get outside and enjoy some of the fresh air while the weather is good: studies show that getting outside, even just for a 10 minute walk outdoors, boosts your mental health and mood significantly! Find time to take a dip outdoors, in a river, the sea or even a lake if you have one nearby; this time of year the water is so refreshing and ideal for a soothing dip on a hot day.

Host a garden party or barbeque

Summer is often a time of weddings, parties and celebrations. Grab your nearest and dearest and host a summer gathering to remember. If you don’t have a garden, hit up your nearest park, beach or community garden and host a picnic, a ‘bring a plate’ party or a barbeque (if the community space allows!). Finding time to connect and relax with loved ones is a perfect way to soak up the sunshine this summer and enjoy those memorable moments. Don’t forget to top up your tipple stash with our 3 for £95 spirit deal, and you can check out our blog for lots of summer cocktail recipes to enchant your guests and spread some sparkle.

Try out some new recipes

Summer is such a beautiful time for seasonal fruits and veggies, making it a great time to try out some new recipes, prepare some preserves for the winter months or to just have fun with loved ones. Strawberries are an excellent example of a fresh seasonal fruit on offer at the moment; nothing beats UK strawberries in the summer! Try out a strawberry shortcake recipe, a strawberry and feta salad, or check out our recipe for a Strawberry & Elderflower Smash gin cocktail.

Summer Cocktails

Embrace the beautiful summer energy

The summer is always such a beautiful to go out there and do. Use this time to be inspired by the abundance of nature and tap into your inner magic; this is the time to try out new things, explore a new hobby and do that thing you’ve been putting off! Now is the time to strike, with summer in full flow we are encouraged with the solar energy to find time to play, release our inner child and find wonder in this magical summer season. Try some yoga outside, host a game of rounders with friends or spend a day making recipes you’ve been meaning to. It’s so important to nurture that inner child, so what will you do this summer for fun and play?

The exciting summer times always bring a sense of wonder and joy, the warmer weather is an invitation to step outside and revel in the sunshine and just do. So, embrace that solar energy and dive into something new, host a party or take a long trip out into nature.

Here at Welsh Witch HQ, we are wishing you a magical summer, filled with sunshine, good times with good people, and of course a delicious tipple here and there!

Love and light,

Welsh Witch HQ x

 

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Litha Ritual (with cocktails) by Lizzie Burgess

Litha Ritual (with cocktails)

Litha Gin cocktailWitchcraft rituals are always unique and personal to everyone’s individual practice – but I hope you find some fun with this little structure below! If you work with deities, don’t forget to thank them, or if you use elemental energy then you could honour it during your ritual. You can do this ritual on your own, or involve a friend if you’re comfortable, but what’s important really is that it’s fun and meets your magickal intentions.

 

Cleansing the Space:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can perform your ritual. Begin by cleansing the area to remove any stagnant or negative energies. Light a bundle of dried herbs, such as sage or rosemary, and let the smoke fill the space. Visualize the smoke purifying the area and clearing away any unwanted energy. As the smoke dances, repeat the following affirmation:
“With the cleansing smoke, I release all that no longer serves. I create a sacred space for joy, celebration, and the turning of the wheel. As this smoke purifies, I invite in the vibrant energy of summer and the blessings it shall reveal.”

Setting Intentions:

Take a moment to ground yourself and connect with the energy of the summer season. Visualize the warm rays of the sun enveloping you and filling your being with vitality. Hold a clear quartz crystal in your hands and infuse it with your intentions for the ritual. State your intention aloud or silently:
“On this joyful occasion, I set my intention to celebrate the summer and honour the turning of the wheel. May this ritual create a space filled with love, laughter, and the essence of the sun. I open myself to the abundance and blessings that this season brings.”

Creating the Sacred Space:

Arrange your ritual tools and ingredients on a beautifully adorned table or altar. Place a vibrant yellow or orange cloth as the foundation, symbolizing the energy of the sun and the warmth of summer. Arrange fresh flowers, citrus fruits, and herbs like rosemary, elderflower heads or mint as offerings to the spirits of the season.

Gin Cocktail Preparation:
Select your favourite Welsh Witch Litha Edition gin and gather the ingredients for your cocktail. As you mix and prepare the drink, infuse each ingredient with your intention for celebration and joy. Whisper or speak the following affirmation:
“In this glass, I blend the spirits of summer. May this cocktail be a potion of delight, carrying the essence of the sun’s embrace. With every sip, I am nourished, uplifted, and connected to the abundant energy of this season.”
Celebration and Gratitude:
Once your cocktail is prepared, raise your glass in a toast to the summer and the turning of the wheel. Express gratitude for the blessings of the season and the opportunities it brings. Sip the cocktail slowly, savouring each moment and allowing its flavours to awaken your senses.
As you enjoy the cocktail, take a moment to reflect on the intentions you’ve set and the energy you’ve invoked. Feel the warmth of the summer sun within you, filling your heart with joy and inspiration. Offer words of gratitude to the universe, the spirits, and the elements for their presence and support.
Closing the Ritual:
When you’re ready, offer a final expression of gratitude and release the energy of the ritual. Blow out any candles, extinguish any incense, and thank the spirits and energies that have joined you. Close the ritual by saying:
“As I conclude this ritual, I thank the spirits/elements/universal energies that have joined me in celebration. I carry the essence of summer within me, and I embrace the abundance and blessings that this season offers. And so it is!”

Allow the sacred space to remain in place for as long as you desire, or dismantle it with gratitude, knowing that its energy lingers within you.

“Sipping the Sun” cocktail recipe

This is a very special “Sipping the Sun” cocktail for Litha, involving all the flavours you can expect with that little bit of magickal-spice added to it!

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Litha Edition gin
  • 3-4 ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 330ml water
  • 2 black tea bags
  • 1 fresh lemon, sliced
  • 1 small quartz crystal (cleansed and charged)
  • Elderberries or Strawberries sliced, for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions:

Honey-Soaked Strawberries:

In a small bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with honey. Gently stir until the strawberries are coated in the honey. Set aside to let them soak and release their sweet flavours overnight in the fridge before the solstice.

Sun Tea Infusion:

  • Fill a glass pitcher with water and add the black tea bags, lemon slices, and a cleansed quartz crystal. Place the pitcher in a sunny spot outdoors, allowing the sun’s energy to infuse the tea. Absolutely get it covered with cling film or a plate to ensure no insects get in.
  • Let the tea steep for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired strength. Once infused, remove the tea bags and lemon slices. Set the pitcher aside.

Cocktail Prep:

  • In a cocktail shaker, muddle (mush up) the honey-soaked strawberries to release their juices and flavours.
  • Add ice cubes and our Litha gin to the shaker. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.

How We Witches Serve:

  • Fill a glass with fresh ice cubes.
  • Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass.
  • Top off the glass with the sun tea infusion, pouring slowly to control the desired strength.
  • Garnish with a few elderberries, allowing them to float on top of the cocktail.

Final Touch:

  • Take a moment to appreciate the summery appearance of the cocktail, reflecting the energy of the sun and the magick boost of the quartz crystal.
  • Stir gently with a cocktail stirrer or spoon to combine all the flavours.

 

Savouring the sweet floral notes of elderflower gin, the vibrant flavours of honey-soaked strawberries, the refreshing taste of sun tea, and the subtle earthiness of elderberries. As you sip this enchanting summer cocktail, feel the warmth of the sun’s energy, the healing power of the crystal-infused tea, and the joy of the season. Cheers to a magical summer!

The power of any witchcraft practice lies within your intentions and personal connection to the elements you choose to incorporate. Trust your intuition, adapt these suggestions to suit your preferences, and let your witchcraft practice be a reflection of your unique magick and empowerment.

And so it is!

Until next time xox

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Using the Litha Edition Gin by Lizzie Burgess

Gin has always been a staple for many witches in their practice. With its magickal correspondences of cleansing and healing properties, it can be used not just for drinking. Elderflower is a stunning witchy herb staple that can be used to make delicious summery kitchen spells. So why not use some Litha Edition Welsh Witch Gin to add a little extra magick to your Solstice celebrations? Use it for ritual offerings, adding it to your cauldron or crystal balls, or simply enjoy sipping on a gin & tonic at sunset as you watch the sunset over the horizon!

Love Elixir: Create a love elixir by infusing gin with rose petals, lavender, and a touch of honey. Use it to inspire self-love and attract loving energies into your life.

Healing Bath: Add a few drops of gin to your bathwater along with healing herbs like chamomile and eucalyptus. Allow the soothing properties of gin to amplify the rejuvenating effects of your bath.

Cleansing Ritual: In a small spray bottle, mix gin with purified water and a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or sage. Use this spray to cleanse and purify your sacred space or ritual tools.

Celebration Potion: Craft a celebratory potion by combining gin with fresh citrus juices and a sprinkle of edible glitter. Use it to toast special occasions and infuse them with joyful energy.

Love Spell Sachet: Fill a small fabric pouch with dried herbs associated with love, such as rose petals, jasmine, and cinnamon. Add a few drops of gin to enhance the potency of the herbs, and carry or place this sachet near your heart to attract love.

Healing Tea Infusion: Add a splash of gin to your herbal tea blend during a healing ritual. It can enhance the energetic properties of the herbs and help facilitate physical and emotional healing.

Cleansing Smoke Blend: Infuse gin with cleansing herbs like white sage, rosemary, and frankincense. Use it to anoint or refresh your herbal smoke sticks, creating a potent blend for purifying your space.

Celebration Candle Dressing: Mix gin with a few drops of essential oil and use it to anoint celebratory candles before lighting them. This imbues the candles with positive energy and amplifies the intention behind your celebrations.

Love Altar Offering: Place a small dish of gin on your love altar as an offering to love deities or spirits. This gesture symbolizes your openness to love and invites their blessings into your life.

Healing Crystal Elixir: Create a crystal elixir by submerging healing stones like rose quartz, amethyst, or clear quartz in a jar of gin overnight. Sip this elixir to imbibe the energetic properties of the crystals and promote overall well-being.

Cleansing Foot Soak: Add a splash of gin to warm water and soak your feet to cleanse and purify your energy. Visualize any negativity being drawn out of your body and into the water, allowing the gin to dissolve it.

Celebration Anointing Oil: Blend gin with a carrier oil and a few drops of uplifting essential oils like orange or ylang-ylang. Use this anointing oil to bless yourself and loved ones during celebrations, infusing them with joyous vibrations.

Love Divination Bath: Create a love divination bath by infusing gin with rosemary, damiana, and a pinch of sea salt. Bathe in this mixture while focusing on your desire for love, allowing the energy to guide your intuition.

Ancestor Offering: Pour a small amount of gin into a dish as an offering to your ancestors during healing rituals. Express gratitude for their guidance and ask for their continued support in your journey towards well-being.

Cleansing Floor Wash: Mix gin with a splash of vinegar, lemon juice, and water to create a cleansing floor wash. Use it to mop your floors, visualizing any stagnant or negative energies being swept away. Charge the wash with a crystal beforehand, but don’t forget to take it out!

Celebration Cleanse Spray: Infuse gin with celebratory herbs like basil, cinnamon, and cloves. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and use it to energetically cleanse and bless your space during festivities.

Love Charmed Jewelry: Anoint your love-focused jewelry pieces with a drop of gin to infuse them with loving vibrations. Visualize the jewelry as a talisman for attracting and nurturing love in your life.

Healing Moon Water: Charge a jar of water under the full moon and add a splash of gin to enhance its healing properties. Use this moon water for various purposes like cleansing, healing rituals, or simply to imbibe lunar energy.

Cleansing Bath Bomb: Combine gin with baking soda, citric acid, and your choice of cleansing herbs or essential oils to create a fizzy bath bomb. Drop it in your bathwater to cleanse and rejuvenate your body and spirit.

Celebration Spell Jar: Create a spell jar filled with dried flowers, glitter, and a splash of gin. Seal the jar and use it as a visual representation of celebration and joy in your sacred space.

 

Read about Lizzie here