Say Goodbye to Boring Cocktails with Two-Fold Spirits
When I reach for a drink these days, I want quality over quantity – be it a good glass of red, a savoury dirty martini or a smooth premium tequila.
If you’re also the kind of person that seeks fewer but finer things, and values thought-provoking flavours from your tipples, then I have the brand for you: Two-Fold Spirits.
Founded by hospitality industry power couple Charlotte and Tom Shepherd, Two-Fold is an independent British brand handcrafting spirits with the highest quality botanicals and ingredients.
The entrepreneurs come with some serious credentials: Tom is the chef behind the Michelin-starred ‘Upstairs by Tom Shepherd’, whilst Charlotte has spent her career immersed in the world of premium drinks.
Tom has also appeared on one of my favourite culinary binge-watches: BBC’s Great British Menu, a show which sees the UK’s top chefs compete against one another to present their best dishes to a judging panel formed of some of the biggest names in the culinary business. It’s an exposing format that leaves nowhere to hide, so you can trust that every flavour Tom delivers is intentional and expertly crafted.
The duo have launched their brand with two dynamic and delicious spirits; Thai Green Gin and Banana Rum. Unsurprisingly, combining Tom’s innate understanding of flavours, which earned him a Michelin star, with Charlotte’s long-standing experience in the spirits industry has proven to be a winning combination.
Proudly British, each bottle is a love letter to carefully considered ingredients, all distilled locally in Staffordshire at the iconic Bros Distillery, nestled within the World of Wedgwood estate.
Of course, it all comes down to the taste test, so we were excited to try both spirits following a shipment from Two-Fold. Our review? The gin serves up all the delicious herbal notes of fragrant Thai green curry in a bottle, it’s full of bright refreshing flavours that sit perfectly with the bitter citrus notes of tonic or an effervescent soda water. It’s the perfect pimped up take on a G&T for summer.
On to the rum: this bottle offers up a mellow tropical banana flavour, akin to a grown-up version of those nostalgic foamy banana sweets from the pick and mix aisle. There’s nothing sickly sweet about this spirit: it’s fruity without being overpowering.
Both of these spirits are so good, you could easily sip them neat over ice, but they really come into their own when replacing standard spirits in some classic cocktails. For summer, the Two-Fold team suggest using the Thai Green Gin in French 75, Gin Spritz and Tom Collins cocktails, whilst the Banana Rum will breathe new life into Daiquiris, and Espresso Martinis. It’s well worth investing in both bottles for your bar trolley, to impress you guests and liven up your Friday evening repertoire.
Inspired to whip up your own Two-Fold cocktails at home? We’ve shared recipes for the Banana Espresso Martini and Thai Green Collins below.
Banana Espresso Martini
A creamy, caffeinated twist with a tropical edge
Ingredients:
- 30ml Banana Rum
- 15ml Coffee Liqueur
- 25ml Fresh Espresso
- 10ml Irish Cream
Method:
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake hard until well-chilled, with a fluffy foam. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve immediately.
To Serve:
Optional: Garnish with three coffee beans for that classic touch.
Thai Green Collins
A fresh, zesty highball with a gently spiced kick
Ingredients:
- 50ml Thai Green Gin
- 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup
- Soda Water, to top
Method:
Add the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to an ice-filled tall glass. Stir gently to combine. Top with soda water and give it a final stir.
To Serve:
This drink pairs well with a ribbon of cucumber, or a red chilli if you’re feeling bold.