I’ve never been a fan of cider – it brings back too many bad memories. Most resounding of these is that of when, at the age of fifteen, in the queue to a scuzzy underage night in East London, my friend handed me an unmarked bottle of ‘White Ace’ that I foolishly took a swig of. Not believing that a drink could taste that bad – and all too aware of Tom’s reputation as a prankster

Orangina is marking its 75^th anniversary this July by hosting a French lunch cooked by the nations favorite French chef, Jean Christophe Novelli. Priyanka Kara goes along and shakes it up with Orangina.

Bombay Sapphire expects more and more bars to experiment with molecular mixology. You can beat them to it with these recipes – or by creating your own fantastical mixes by stirring up your imagination.

You will find Russians who poopoo Russian Standard, who say its market dominance is down to many things not all of them the vodka itself. No doubt the detractors have their valid reasons, but for us in the UK this is a premium vodka that absolutly (sic) stands head and shoulders over its nearest rivals.

The Kaffir Lime-ade is sweet and sour in all the right places, it is a clear colour, refreshing and cool in the hand and oh, so easy to drink. Too easy. And all of it, every last delicious drop, was made by me.

A new spirit is dripping the capital. We talk to vodka ambassador and passionate drinks fanatic Alex Kammerling about his eponymous libation…

Did I enjoy my Newby threesome? Yes I did, although I would have been interested to try one of their more unusual flavours which include saffron, chocolate, cardamom; pineapple and honey. Mine was a traditional selection and while I can genuinely say that Newby do a very good version of these teas with some rather snazzy packaging to boot, I’m still left wondering if they’re more Raj than original?

Bar 92 offers Foodepedia a glimpse of what their patrons are going to be enjoying come 12:00 on the 31 December. And for those less keen to brave the cold, recipes to recreate. Glasses at the ready.

Wales’ only whisky distillery, Penderyn Distillery, has teamed up with some of London’s top bars to give out free drams of smooth and warming ‘Welsh Gold’ to Londoners every Wednesday this winter.

Forget Babycham or pear cider, craft English perry is the genuine article and makes for a refreshing, autumnal alternative to wine, ale or cider, writes Caroline Sargent.