One of the most beloved and versatile spices of them all, ginger is a go-to ingredient for chefs and herbalists across the world. Far from being limited to plastic shot bottles and faux health foods in trace amounts, the culinary and medicinal power of ginger is not to be taken lightly.
The health-boosting properties of ginger are well documented. Used to treat gastrointestinal illnesses for more than 2,000 years, the zingy, invigorating and fiery root has a storied history in Asian, Indian and Arabic herbal traditions.
However, its first introduction to our humble isles was in the form of a medicinal conserve administered to King Henry III. According to anthropologist Dr Kaori O’Connor for Horniman Museum, ginger was found in the records of King Henry III’s apothecary in 1242-43.
Not yet widely available across the country, the spice was limited to consumption within the English court. In addition, a wine spiced with ginger known as Hippocras was also drunk throughout the English court for medicinal reasons.
By the late 17th and early 18th century, however, ginger had become far more widely available across the country. In the 1740s, ginger wine was commercialised by The Finsbury Distilling Company and was marketed as a medicinal tonic.
A fermented blend of ginger, raisins, sugar and yeast which was often fortified with brandy, sales for the alcoholic beverage skyrocketed in the 19th century during the cholera epidemic due to its supposed healing properties.
In Scotland, on the other hand, ginger wine is a popular drink traditionally enjoyed during Hogmanay, and a non-alcoholic version is often offered for children. Its country-wide popularity led to Crabbie's – the Scottish alcohol manufacturer known for alcoholic ginger beer – producing their very own ginger wine.
We spoke to Tara Ozols, Head Sommelier at Dovetale for some further insight into the origins of ginger wine, its tasting notes and how to pair it.
What is ginger wine and how is it made?
“Ginger wine is a fortified wine fermented typically using a Brandy which originated in England in the 1740s,” explains Ozols. “Consumption was used for medicinal and digestive purposes.”
What are the main tasting notes of ginger wine and what should it be paired with?
“As the name suggests, the main ingredient is ginger root. Additional prominent flavours include raisins, lemon or other citrus, and honey, producing a zingy sweet tangy taste. Ginger wine is a perfect pairing for cheese or sticky desserts,” the sommelier says.
Is ginger wine at all similar to orange wine?
“No, only in colour. Ginger wine is most similar to sherry, port or Madeira due to the production method,” Ozols explains.
When is the best time of year to enjoy ginger wine?
“It is most commonly enjoyed at Christmas in the UK. However, it would make an interesting year-round aperitif or with a charcuterie board,” Ozols suggests.
Can ginger wine be used in cocktails?
“Absolutely! The original cocktail which included ginger wine is called the Whisky Mac made in India in the early 1900s. Any cocktail where a fortified wine could be used could easily be replaced with ginger wine,” the sommelier further explains.
Are there any ginger wines that you'd recommend for a first-time taster?
“Stones Original is the first and classic style. However, several other more modern styles have emerged in the UK. I would suggest English Heritage Ginger Wine or Lyme Bay Winery Ginger Wine for a more artisanal alternative.”
Without further ado, we’ve curated a small selection of traditional ginger wines to enjoy over the festive period. Shop our top picks below.
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English Heritage Ginger Wine
Whether served chilled or warm, this invigorating wine from English Heritage is as historically accurate as it gets. Made in small batches by Lyme Bay Winery, the recipes for all the traditional country wines within the English Heritage range have been inspired by history and manufactured using modern methods. At a whopping 14.5 per cent alcohol, remember to enjoy a glass or two responsibly – ideally with soft brie or camembert.
Buy now £12.50, English Heritage
Lyme Bay Winery Ginger Wine
Known for manufacturing English Heritage’s ginger wine, Lyme Bay Winery has also produced its very own. A warming, sweet dessert wine which is balanced with brown sugar and cut-through with a distinct orange taste, you can’t go wrong with a glass or two after a hearty roast.
Buy now £11.99, Master of Malt
Stone's Original Green Ginger Wine
Manufactured by the company known for commercialising ginger wine in the UK, you’ll find Stone’s Original used in traditional Whiskey Mac cocktails and festive recipes – though it is just as delicious when consumed straight.
Buy now £6.50, Waitrose
Celteg Welsh Ginger Wine
This sparkling ginger wine has been handcrafted in Wales and was featured on the BBC’s Great British Menu. A zesty, fresh option which blossoms with every sip, we can imagine cracking open a bottle on a romantic picnic in the winter sunshine.
Buy now £16.00, Amazon
Berry Bros. & Rudd The King's Ginger Liqueur
Though not exactly a wine, we couldn’t help but include The King’s Ginger Liqueur, which we’d like to believe has origins in King Henry III’s original medicinal tonic. This liqueur in particular, however, was first crafted by Berry Bros. & Rudd for King Edward VII. A wonderfully warming addition to any cocktail, we recommend garnishing with a fresh lemon twist to bring out the subtle citrus zest.
Buy now £20.50, Amazon
Fruit Boom Lemon Ginger, Natural, Refreshing Blend of White Wine & Lemon
A summery aperitif, we recommend earmarking Fruit Boom for the summer months. A uniquely energising blend of white wine, lemon and ginger – we love the idea of consuming this with a cube of ice on a hot summer’s day.
Buy now £23.69, Amazon
Ginger Wine by Lanchester Wine
As smooth and warming as whisky, this ginger wine from Lanchester Wine is a fan favourite across the UK. Slightly stronger than Stone’s modern recipe, this serves as a brilliant alternative for those looking for a more powerful gingery taste than usual.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Crabbies Green Ginger Wine
Scotland’s very own green ginger wine was first manufactured by John Crabbie in 1801. Steeped in ginger for eight weeks before being blended with citrus, herbs and spices – rest assured this highly traditional recipe has not changed in centuries. Grab your bottle before Hogmanay celebrations officially begin.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
