So today I’m experimenting with Binary Botanical Beer. Made in West Sussex with organic hop leaves from Worcester, it’s called Binary because hop leaves grow on a bine. Never knew that. It comes in two versions, alcoholic and non-alcoholic and is described as “Wine-lover’s beer”. There’s certainly a lightness and tanginess about and a kind of a fizz on the tongue, like you get from Prosecco. And it’s also great for making cocktails as well as coming highly recommended as a great accompaniment to food.
You know what’s coming next…Canape and Cocktail Friday. So this week I cracked open the beers and made a couple of refreshing cocktails.
Cocktail & Canape Friday
First up, and my favourite, the fresh combination of strawberries, lime juice and fresh mint. Guaranteed to tickle the tastebuds and beautifully refreshing, too. Chop four strawberries and place in the bottom of your glass. Add 10ml lime juice and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Crush the strawberries, releasing all the juices. Add ice and top with Binary Botanical Beer. Add mint leaves to serve.
For a more herby concoction put three cucumber slices, a sprig of rosemary (off the stalk) and a handful of ice into a stemmed glass. Add 1 tsp sugar syrup and top with the Binary Botanical beer.
Tonight I served my Binary Botanical beer cocktails with these fabulous potato cake topped with smoked trout, creme fraiche and dill. I got the recipe from Clodagh’s Weeknight Kitchen by Clodagh McKenna. More about this inspiring recipe book later.
The facts about Binary Botanical
The organic hop leaves are infused for five days to give the beer its signature flavour.
The beer is delicious on its own, served as an accompaniment to food or as a cocktail base.
It’s available in 4% and 0.5% abv and is vegan, sugar free and gluten free.
12 x 250ml bottles are available for £24.
Find out more and order online at binarybotanical.com
Binary Botanical! Sounds tasty and delicious.
Really delicious. These beers are going to be a staple in my house from now on.