Impromptu Cocktail Party

What is the best way to test and review mixers? Obviously, you invite some friends round for a range of opinions and plenty of cocktails!

We were testing three mixers from 1870, Light Tonic Water, Lemonade and Ginger Ale, and here we all are, hard at work (note the paper and pencil on the table for note taking - we take our work very seriously!)

We started with the Light Tonic Water, which is described as "using water from our own spring, which we carbonate and blend with the finest essential oils from Brazil to create a crisp, dry and distinguished flavour refreshing enough to drink alone or mixed".

We tried it first on its own, then with gin (Bombay Sapphire). The tonic was sharp, which we liked, and made a really refreshing drink on its own. However, when we added the gin, it rather overpowered the gin, which was a shame as Bombay Sapphire is an excellent drink.

Our verdict - best drunk on its own or with an average/own brand gin

Next up was the Ginger Ale, described as "we take extracts of ginger from Jamaica, India and Africa and blend with our spring water and a subtle hint of lemon and lime creating a fresh, light and well balanced taste."

Lots of fizz on opening and a great colour - champagne coloured, with a hint of pink. I had never tried ginger ale before and it certainly smelled very ginger-y, but it wasn't very strong tasting (not as strong as ginger beer).

Our verdict: better as a mixer (especially with whisky) than as a straight drink.

Lastly, we tested the lemonade: "We start this recipe with our own spring water, which we carbonate and blend with Argentinean lemon oil and a hint of lime to create a zesty, fresh finish."

"Ohhhhh, different!" was the immediate response from one of my testers. Again, lots of fizz and it was very sweet. Excellent as a mixer with Pimms.

Our verdict: One for those with a very sweet tooth, needed more lemon and definitely more lime, as we couldn't detect that at all.