Seasonal Drinks to Enjoy This Autumn - Including William Kerr's Borders Gin
As we welcome the autumn/winter season with open arms, it always helps to have a cosy pick-me-up by your side to soften the blow. Our wee town of Hawick is famously known as the home of cashmere, and now recently it is home to its own distillery, the first Scotch whiskey distillery to open in the Scottish Borders since 1837. We paid a visit to our neighbours over at The Borders Distillery to discover what really goes on in their building next door.
The distillery use local raw ingredients to handcraft in-house whiskey, vodka and gin: namely, William Kerr’s Borders gin. William Kerr was a native of Hawick and went on to become a globe-trotting botanist who brought back over 200 new species of plants to Britain. It is this sense of adventure which has inspired the ingredients in the gin, combining spices, fruits, herbs, flowers and berries to create a truly unique and autumnal flavour. The local heritage mixed with the seasonal flavours give reason that William Kerr’s Borders gin is the perfect tipple to create your own autumn cocktail, or simply combined with your choice of mixer and garnish. The Borders Distillery recommend a quality tonic and a slice of orange.
You can even learn and watch how the gin is created, as tours are available Monday to Saturday and allow the public to be guided through the history and heritage of the distillery, the distilling process involved and finally an opportunity to sample some produce. They also have an exquisite visitor centre, in which many local items such as clothing, gifts and books can be purchased.
We couldn’t help but snap a picture of our beautiful William Lockie Cashmere Derby Grey Ribbed Scarf with the outstanding William Kerr gin; truly showcasing some of the best that Hawick has to offer.
If you aren’t feeling as creative (we understand, it is getting into autumn/winter after all…) or prefer something non-alcoholic, we have put together a few of our favourite ready-made autumnal drinks which are sure to get you in the spirit.
Starbucks
Often anticipated at this time of year is the famous Pumpkin Spiced Latte. This drink will warm you up whilst giving you that caffeine boost with a touch of pumpkin pie flavour. Also deliciously seasonal are the Toffee Nut Latte and Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino.
If you prefer a cold drink; new this year is the Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte. Plus, the chain have created a new vegan sauce, which paired with almond or oat milk makes the perfect autumnal vegan treat.
Costa
Popular rival Costa also have a new autumn drinks range that looks particularly appetising. The Bonfire Spiced Latte, Cold Brew or Hot Chocolate feature rich caramel toffee flavours and toasted spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Wow, we cannot wait to try it.
Ribena
Although called Winter Spice, we think that this twist on the classic Ribena is perfect for this time of year. Featuring the famous blackcurrant flavour we all know and love blended with aromatic spices, this drink tastes like bonfire night in a mug. Made to be served warm, Ribena Winter Spice provides the perfect content to your flask during your chilly autumn afternoon walk, or to take along to your evening watching the fireworks. This drink can be enjoyed cold too.
Whether you prefer hot or cold, alcoholic or soft: enjoy to some of the best autumnal drinks this season!