Sloe gin is perfect for wintery evenings, with a fruity subtle warmth that just tops dry gin in the colder months. Stronger, paler and drier than your average Sloe gin, Foxdenton’s classic hip flask-filler is full of juniper on the nose giving way to plum sweetness before a long, crisp finish.

It is naturally lower in strength than other spirits, and so is well-suited to sipping in the afternoon in relaxation. Here are four great Sloe gin recipes to complete your warm winter’s evening this festive season.

Sloe Fizz

A simple twist that yields delightful results every time. If mimosas and bellinis aren’t festive enough for you, try this Sloe alternative that’ll freshen up your tastebuds.

Ingredients

• 25ml Foxdenton’s Sloe Gin
• 200ml champagne or prosecco of your choice
• Optional: lemon juice or fruit purée

Method

1. If opting to jazz up your drink with lemon juice or any variety of fruit puree, mix your Sloe gin and additional ingredients first.
2. Pour your Sloe gin into the bottom of a tall-necked glass. Top up with your champagne.
3. Garnish with a lemon slice or fresh berries for some extra flavour and style.

Mulled Sloe

This winter warmer is a cosy alternative to mulled wine, offering a different flavour profile while still resembling the iconic festive beverage. This recipe makes full use of Foxdenton’s Sloe Gin’s plum sweetness and floral tones.

Ingredients

• Foxdenton’s Sloe Gin
• Apple or orange juice
• Festive herbs and spices, such as clove and cinnamon sticks
• Orange slices

Method

1. Warm up your pot on the stove and add your orange slices first. This will add some caramelisation and citrus to the base of the drink.
2. Add your fruit juice and Sloe gin, at a ratio of 4:1, to the pot and begin warming through.
3. Add your spices and cinnamon sticks and warm through. Take care not to let the pot boil as it will ruin your beverage.
4. Once warmed through, safely ladle your delicious drink into heat-proof glasses or mugs. Then, sip away at your leisure.

Sloetini

This one is for the refined socialites who want to mix it up during the holidays. With a more fruity palette than the traditional martini, this might just be your new favourite cocktail.

Ingredients

• 25ml Foxdenton’s Sloe Gin
• 50ml Foxdenton 48 Dry Gin
• 15ml berry purée of some variety
• Berries to garnish

Method

1. Fill your martini glass with ice to chill.
2. Add the Sloe gin, dry gin and fruit purée to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake well until the shaker is cold to the touch.
3. Empty ice from the martini glass. Strain the mixture in the shaker into your martini glass.
4. Garnish with berries to finish.

Sloe Collins

This recipe is inspired by the classic gin mixture, the Tom Collins. Created by ‘the father of American mixology’ Jeremy Thomas in 1876, the Tom Collins is a sweeter long drink to be enjoyed in the summer. It’s about time the traditional recipe got a wintery update.

Ingredients

• 50ml Foxdenton’s Sloe Gin
• Juice of half a lime
• Sparkling water, or lemonade if you prefer it sweeter

Method

1. Fill your cocktail mixer with ice. Press the juice from the lime into the shaker, and add your Sloe gin. Put some ice cubes in a tall glass.
2. Shake until the exterior of the mixer is cool to the touch. Then strain into your tall glass.
3. Top with sparkling water or lemonade to finish.

Discover more wonderful recipes and products at foxdentonestate.co.uk

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Sloe gin cocktails and recipes for luxurious nights in appeared first on Checklists.

“Fragrance has the innate ability to enhance our mood as it travels to the limbic system, aka the emotional brain, where feelings, emotions and memory are processed,” explains Jo Kellett essential oils expert at Tisserand Aromatherapy.

When used within your home, scent can help separate work from play, day from night and ultimately boost your overall wellbeing.

Scent-scape for the new season

As we enter the new season and prepare to hunker down at home, it’s time to inject your space with a new mood in fragrance form.

Think calming woods to de-stress, peppermint to uplift, and lavender to help you drift off into a deep slumber. To tap into the trend, follow our expert guide below on how to use different aromas to support the needs and events of your day…

Try it out yourself by adding a couple of drops of each oil to a spa diffuser and let the fresh scent lightly layer your room while you go about your morning routine.

Fresh start

Morning calls for a hot cuppa and an uplifting scent that will invigorate the senses. Our recommendation? Peppermint, lemon and cardamom essential oil, combined together can refresh and energise a sleepy state of mind.

Spritz the citrusy scent around your workstation whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Top tip? Fabrics hold on to fragrance well so mist onto clothes and cushions for extra staying power.

Transition into evening

Whether you’re settling in for a night on the settee or are getting ready to host guests, set the mood with a soothing scent. Try a candle mixed with balancing geranium, uplifting orange and warming nutmeg – this new flame is a definite crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to turn your home into a cosy sanctuary.

Light your candle for 20-minutes prior to guests arriving so your living room or chosen space is full of fragrance. For an even burn, keep it lit for a minimum of two hours. 

Scent to sleep

If a busy mind keeps you up at night, try the Sleep Better range from Tisserand Aromatherapy. Checklist’s top picks? Try Sleep Better Diffuser Oil, and Sleep Better Massage & Body Oil, both of which are packed with soothing lavender, calming jasmine and creamy sandalwood.

Use after a shower or bath, massage the oil onto damp skin to lock in moisture and calm the mind.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post How to fragrance-zone your home using aromatherapy appeared first on Checklists.

For many people, fitness becomes a real focus, dreams of completing everything from a 5k to a marathon. However, the cold can be a real turnoff for those hesitant to put on their trainers.

Checklist have teamed up with Destination Sport Experiences to help you conquer the cold and keep on running.

1. Run with a friend

Regardless of weather, having someone else to run with can improve your performance and give you the motivation needed to go that little bit further.

This is even more important in the colder months, as energy slips and it becomes too easy to ‘forget’ to go out. It’s also a good idea to bring a friend for safety reasons, in case one of you falls and needs help.

2. Wear appropriate shoes

A well-fitting pair of trainers can make a huge difference to the enjoyment of your run. But in winter, it’s even more important to focus not just on the fit, but also on the grip on the icy roads, and the waterproofing.

An icy puddle can ruin anyone’s day, giving you soggy socks and freezing toes.

3. Check the weather

Winter gusts can make your run feel harder than ever, so play it smart by checking the weather in advance.

Check the wind direction and plan your route accordingly so you’re running with the wind, not into it and you’ll have a much better time.

4. Warm up

As the temperature gets colder, so do your muscles, which can leave you much more prone to injuries and tightness.

Make sure you complete a thorough warm up, slowly building the intensity and range of movement before you set off.

5. Make sure you’re visible

Lights aren’t only for the High Street to bring cheer, they’re also for your safety. As it gets darker earlier, it’s important when running on roads to ensure cars and other hazards can see you.

Dress in bright colours and make sure you have a light and reflective gear to keep as safe as possible.

6. Invest in some gloves

Our hands are one of the most sensitive part of our bodies, and can lose heat very quickly.

Make sure you keep a pair of gloves handy when running in case the winter chill worsens. Harsher winds can numb your hands and result in dry or cracked skin.

7. Get changed quickly afterwards

Wearing damp, sweaty clothes post-workout is a certain way to catch a chill. Make sure you change clothes as soon as possible after your run to avoid this.

It’s a great idea to have a hot shower immediately or have a hot drink after you get home to warm yourself up.

8. Hydration is key

The cold weather tends to reduce the amount you sweat, which makes you feel less thirsty than you normally would exercising in the sun.

However, your body still needs to replenish your fluids, so make sure you keep drinking, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

9. Dress for success

There is a fine line between dressing to stay warm, and dressing too warm to the point of sweating, which can make you feel like Olaf from Frozen himself.

It’s important to dress so you feel a slight cool when you set off, this will allow you to regulate your temperate as your body warms up with the run. Wicking fabrics are a must.

10. Be realistic

Running in winter can be tough, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re not hitting your PBs or put in less mileage than normal.

It’s important to keep your mileage ticking over during the winter period, so place a greater focus on regular runs than your speed.

This article was written in collaboration with destinationsportexperiences.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten top running tips for the colder months appeared first on Checklists.

Checklist has teamed up with Gusto, the healthy organic drinks company, to bring you 10 great tips to keep your immune system in fighting condition this winter.

1. Eat well

Keep a diet low in sugar and processed foods as these can deplete our immune system. Eating an abundance of seasonal fruit and vegetables will help keep immune systems in good condition.

Opt for warm autumn foods such as sweet potatoes, cabbage, and kale. Nourish your body, aiming for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

Avoid eating refined sugar and processed foods as it depletes energy levels and our immune system.

2. Try going organic

Whenever possible, eat organic. It’s more nutritious, containing higher antioxidants, easier to digest and free from toxins and harmful chemicals.

It also ensures the highest standards of animal welfare and helps towards reducing climate change. Try buying local produce that hasn’t travelled far and every few days to reduce storage. And the more colour the better. Essentially eat a rainbow of coloured vegetables for optimal health benefits.

3. Take a dip

It’s a well-known fact that cold immersion, wild swimming, or cold showers are proven to help reduce muscle aches and strengthen the immune system. Give it a go, you’ll feel euphoric.

4. Exercise regularly

Exercise lifts our mood and makes us feel good, enhancing endorphins.

You don’t need to do high-intensity training or run ten miles, a brisk walk or online yoga session can be just as effective for getting the blood pumping. Try and get at least 30 minutes a day, preferably outside.

5. Love your gut health

Your digestive tract houses 70% of the cells that make up the immune system, so an unhealthy gut can lead to a compromised immune system.

Feed your microbes with real food such as fermented foods, nuts, seeds, good fats, and protein. Eat probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut and Kombucha for a healthy gut.

Avoid inflammatory or acidic foods including refined sugar and pasteurised dairy which trigger imbalances and can create an unhappy gut environment.

6. Get enough sunlight

As daylight hours wane, make sure you capture enough sunlight and connect with nature daily to keep vitamin D levels topped up.

People low in vitamin D recover slower from infections and can be prone to autoimmune conditions. In the UK, a third of us are deficient in the sunshine vitamin.

Deficiency can cause symptoms such as more frequent illness, bone pain, insomnia and mood issues. In the autumn and winter months, it’s hard to absorb enough vitamin D due to the lack of UV rays and daylight hours.

7. Reduce coffee consumption

Try to reduce coffee as it interrupts nutrient absorption and increases cortisol production the stress hormone,
which reduces melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep.

A bit of a rollercoaster for the nervous system. Instead, opt for turmeric lattes, herbal tea, or water to keep you hydrated.

8. Get your vitamins

Battling with bugs can mean free radical production can increase quickly, that’s why it’s important to ensure you consume high levels of antioxidants and essential vitamins for immune health.

Antioxidants can prevent and repair such damage. Essential vitamins for immune health include vitamin C for blood vessels, vitamin D to support immune function and zinc to reduce the severity of colds and flu.

9. Up your antioxidants

Eat your berries. Not only do berries have a low glycaemic index meaning they don’t spike your sugar levels, but they are also packed full of antioxidants.

In fact, elderberries are proven to reduce the severity of colds and flu. Elderberries have been used for centuries to tackle illness. Take daily throughout the winter months to ward off bugs. Also trying adding blueberries, blackberries, and other seasonal berries into your daily routine.

10. Sleep on it

Sleep and recovery are fundamental to immune health, not just the quantity but the quality too. Better habits can pave the way to better sleep, helping you gradually unwind.

Going to bed at the same time every night by setting a consistent sleep schedule will help regulate your body’s internal clock which will help your sleep-wake cycle. Try a magnesium or Epsom salt bath before bed to relax muscles and help you wind down.

Make sure you unplug an hour before bed, as technology devices emit a wavelength of light that effects our sleep. Avoid stimulants such as coffee and alcohol and be sure to dim the lights after dark to also regulate your cycle. Consider black out blinds or an eye-mask to aid restful sleep.

This article was produced in collaboration with Gusto, the organic drinks company.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Ten tips to help maintain a healthy immune system for the chillier months appeared first on Checklists.