Colne’s HERBY Cocktails!

Ey up, Colne! As the leaves turn crispy and the air gets that fresh nip, there’s nothing better than a drink with a bit of local herb magic in it. From Laneshawbridge to North Valley, which one will you be sippin’ this season?

Laneshawbridge – Rosemary & Smoked Old Fashioned

Laneshawbridge folk live with mist rolling off the hills and tales as thick as the fog. Rosemary’s piney, smoky flavour fits just right — a drink as mysterious and rich as the landscape, made for long talks and even longer nights.

Ingredients

• 50ml rye
• 1 sugar cube
• 2 dashes bitters
• Rosemary sprig & orange peel

Method

Muddle the sugar and bitters, add the bourbon and ice, and give it a good stir. Burn a sprig o’ rosemary for a bit o’ drama, pop it on top, and crack on.

Trawden – Sage & Honey Bourbon Smash

Trawden’s tough forest souls like their drinks honest and hearty. Sage brings that warm, savoury edge while honey softens it up — just like the folk: rough but with a heart. This smash is their perfect snug companion after a long day.

Ingredients

• 50ml bourbon
• 15ml lemon juice
• 10ml honey syrup
• 3 fresh sage leaves

Method

Gently squash the sage, add t’bourbon, lemon, and honey, shake it all up with ice, strain it over fresh ice. Slap a sage leaf on top and Bob’s yer uncle.

Foulridge – Gin & Thyme Fizz

Foulridge folk favour a touch of class with a twist. The Gin & Thyme Fiz mirrors their style — crisp, clean, and quietly bold. Thyme brings a herbal hum, while the fizz lifts spirits high. It’s a village garden in a glass, best enjoyed as the sun dips behind Pendle Hill.

Ingredients

• 50ml gin
• 20ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml thyme syrup (made by simmering equal parts sugar, water, and fresh thyme, then cooling)
• Soda water
• Sprig of fresh thyme to garnish
• Shake gin, lemon juice, and thyme syrup with ice.

Method

Strain into a tall glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and garnish with thyme. Fresh, sharp, and proper refreshing — just like a breezy day in Foulridge!

North Valley – Spiced Apple Mint Mojito

North Valley’s lively, mischievous crowd need a drink as fresh and fizzing as their spirit. Mint’s zing cuts through the warm spiced apple sweetness — perfect for a night of banter and belly laughs after a day on the go.

Ingredients

• 50ml dark rum
• 25ml spiced apple juice
• 15ml lime juice
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 tsp soft brown sugar
• Soda water

Method

Muddle the mint with lime juice and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add rum and spiced apple juice, then shake well with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice, top with soda water, garnish with a sprig of mint — and get stuck in.

ColneLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25