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Satisfaction Guaranteed

When we received the press information about Crossfire Hurricane, the Jamaican rum brand developed by Kite Drinks, working closely with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, of The Rolling Stones, Universal Music Group and global rum authority, Ian Burrell, we were certainly intrigued. But, there’s no shortage of celebrities that have launched their own drinks range […]

The perfect summer cocktail

Earlier this year we covered the news of Passoã’s 40th anniversary, the world’s leading passion fruit liqueur, made with real passion fruit and no artificial flavours. The tropical sweetness and tanginess of Passoã makes it extremely versatile, and it adds an attractive red hue to any cocktail. With the warmer months ahead, a Passoã-based cocktail […]

Soho Spirits Festival 2026

Founded by Tony McGeever, a drinks ambassador and whisky expert, Soho Spirits Festival returns for 2026 for a second year, building on the success of its 2025 debut. Tony is widely recognised in this sector, having run the Soho Whisky Club for many years, and remains enthusiastic about world of spirits. The private members’ club, […]

Understanding consumer behaviour

Alexandru Samoila, operations manager at Connect Vending, a workplace food and beverage experts, explores how premium and functional drinks are changing buying behaviour. The drinks industry has never offered as many choices to consumers as they do now. Cold brew, craft soft drinks, kombucha, protein shakes, low- and no-alcohol options and a growing range of […]

Two of a kynd

Former accountants, Sophie Neall and Aiden Murray, left the profession in 2024 to produce what is being billed as the UK’s first ready-to-drink Iced Chai Latte containing added prebiotic fibre. Born from co-founder Sophie’s personal exploration of gut wellbeing and the founders’ shared love of chai, they have been working hard to create a product […]

Scottish distilleries in distress

New data from leading financial advisory and restructuring experts BTG (formerly Begbies Traynor Group) shows that 19% of all of Scotland’s distilleries are facing financial distress.   In Scotland, 69 distillers, and a further 217 producers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are facing significant or critical financial issues, according to the latest business distress […]

Boosting productivity

At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine, I am delighted to introduce Jonathan Cooper, the MD of Sheffield-based The Unlearning Company, who has written an article on the subject of productivity, which is very much in the news. Drawing on his extensive experience in the food industry, including production engineering and training and development roles, his business […]

Life begins at 40 for Passoã

Passoã, the world’s number one passionfruit liqueur, is marking its 40th anniversary in 2026 with the launch of a new global campaign – Taste the Sunset – designed to inspire bartenders, energise cocktail menus and unlock early-evening occasions. First launched in 1986, Passoã has over the last four decades become synonymous with vibrant colour, tropical […]

Spicing up the rum market

Edinburgh-based Rutland Square Spirits has launched its first Chai-Spiced Rum, expanding its signature chai-inspired portfolio and blending Scottish craftsmanship with Indian soul. The launch marks a strategic evolution for the brand, already known for its Chai-Spiced Gin, as it builds a flavour-led spirits portfolio designed for global markets. Crafted in small batches and bottled at […]