Naturally Spirited Summer Edition 2025

8 Seasonal Cocktails & Recipes

Let’s be Friends: Companion Planting 101

What to read & listen to this Summer

EXCLUSIVE COMPETITION: Win the perfect Summer party pack.

“July is a blind date with summer.”

-HAL BORLAND

06

FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

Welcome to our favourite time of year when the days are long, the evenings are warm, and life just feels a little lighter. July and August bring that unmistakable summer energy, and here at Wildjac, we’re soaking up every golden drop of it.

This issue is a celebration of everything that makes summer special. Think seasonal cocktails to sip in the garden, easy outdoor gatherings with friends, and wild adventures that reconnect us with nature. We’re big believers in making the most of the moment and doing it all with intention. That means choosing locally sourced ingredients, embracing sustainable swaps, and championing products (and people) that are kind to the planet.

Inside, you’ll find refreshing drinks recipes made with our favourite summer botanicals, behind-the-scenes glimpses of what we’ve been distilling lately, and stories from some brilliant folks in our community who are shaking things up in the best way. Whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring the countryside, or just kicking back at home, we hope this edition inspires you to live a little slower, and savour a little more.

Here’s to sunshine, conscious choices, and spirits that lift more than just your glass.

Aster

ASTER SADLER FOUNDER & FORAGER WILDJAC

03

TABLE OF CONTENTS LIVE WILD 07 Your guide to Wild Swimming

WORKSHOP REVIEW 10 with Jekkas Herbs

BUZZ OFF 12 Wasps. Friend or foe? By Wendy Carter

SEASONAL FRUIT 15 Whats in the orchard this season

SUMMER SIPS 19

Perfect cocktails for every occasion

LET’S BE FRIENDS 24 Companion planting for your garden

GROW WILD WITH US 27 Get your own wildflower kits

RICHES AND ROYALTY 29 The colour Purple

SIZZLE SIZZLE 30 Everything you need to plan your perfect summer barbecue

COMPETITION! 37 Win the ultimate party pack

READ: REFRESH YOUR SOUL 38 Best Beach reads

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS 42 Top picks for the season

CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL TEAM Ashleigh Bourne - Managing Director, Wildjac Aster Sadler - Founder, Wildjac Hannah Revill, Wildjac Harriet Evetts-Dudley, Wildjac

CHARITY CONTRIBUTORS Wendy Carter - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Liz Trust - Wyre Community Land Trust

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTORS Ashleigh Bourne - Managing Director, Wildjac Stephanie James - Frank P Matthewss

PHOTOGRAPHY Sadie Aldridge - Sadie Aldridge Photography

WORCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST Photo CreditWendy Carter German Wasp on Kiwi German Wasp Wasps as pollinators Common Wasp on Blackberry - Paul Hobson

FOOD CONTRIBUTOR Bryony Taylor

COCKTAILS Aster Sadler David Swain - Mixologist 05

06

Wild swimming—immersing oneself in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and seas, has seen a resurgence in the UK. Beyond being a refreshing activity, it offers profound wellness benefits, connecting swimmers to nature and providing a sense of freedom and tranquility.

06

Safety First: Essential Tips for Beginners 1. Never Swim Alone: Always have a companion or inform someone of your plans.

2. Check Water Quality: Use the Environment Agency’s Swimfo map to ensure the water is safe.

3. Enter Gradually: Acclimate to the water temperature slowly to prevent cold water shock.

4. Be Visible: Wear a bright swim cap or use a tow float to stay visible to others.

5. Know Your Limits: Avoid swimming in strong currents or unfamiliar waters.

6. Warm Up Afterwards: Have warm clothes

Legal Considerations in the UK Access Rights: In England and Wales, wild swimming is permitted in tidal waters and some lakes and rivers. However, always check local

and a hot drink ready post-swim to restore body

by laws and land ownership.

temperature.

Protected Areas: Avoid swimming in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) without

Engaging in wild swimming can:

permission.

- Boost Mental Health: Cold water immersion releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety.

5 Beginner-Friendly Wild Swimming Spots

- Enhance Physical Fitness: Swimming in natural waters improves cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.

- Strengthen Immunity: Regular exposure to cold water may bolster the immune system.

- Promote Mindfulness: The natural setting encourages presence and a deeper connection to the environment.

1. Warleigh Weir, Somerset: A popular spot near Bath with calm waters suitable for beginners.

2. Gaddings Dam, West Yorkshire: Known as the 'highest beach in Britain,' this reservoir offers a sandy shore and clear waters.

3. Swanpool Beach, Cornwall: A sheltered cove ideal for novice wild swimmers.

4. Loch Morlich, Scotland: Set against a mountain backdrop, this loch provides a serene swimming experience.

5. Watkin Path Pools, Snowdonia: Natural pools along a scenic hiking trail, offering a refreshing dip amidst nature.

Resources and Communities - The Outdoor Swimming Society: Offers information, safety advice, and community events.

- Wild Swimming UK: Provides a comprehensive map of wild swimming spots across the UK. - Mental Health Swims: Organizes inclusive, peerled swim meetups to promote mental well-being.

Wild swimming invites you to engage with nature in its purest form. By taking necessary precautions and respecting the environment, you can enjoy a rejuvenating experience that benefits both body and mind.

Whether you're seeking solitude or community, the UK's natural waters await your plunge.

08

55

10

with Jekka’s Herbs As someone new to gardening, I’ve always been fascinated by herbs but never quite knew where to start. So when I discovered Jekka’s Master Class, it felt like the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts, and it truly exceeded all my expectations.

The setting at Jekka’s Herb Farm is beautiful, filled with rows of vibrant, aromatic plants and a genuine sense of care for nature. The small group atmosphere made it easy to relax, ask questions, and connect with others who were equally curious about herbs.

The day focused on how to grow herbs from seeds and cuttings. As a beginner, I was worried it might be too technical, but Jekka and the team were incredibly patient and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand.

We were encouraged to get hands on, and I quickly found myself confidently trimming stems, preparing compost, and sowing seeds.

The highlight for me was being able to take home my own cuttings and seed trays. It’s exciting to watch them grow, knowing I started them myself. It felt magical to create something from such simple beginnings.

What I loved most was how empowered I felt by the end of the day. The class didn’t just teach me about herbs, it gave me the confidence to keep going, to grow more, and to start incorporating herbs into my daily life. Whether you’re new to gardening or simply curious about herbs, I can’t recommend this experience enough. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey.

Find out more at www.jekkas.com 11

By Ashleigh Bourne

Buzz Off!!

12

Wasps. They’ve a bit of a picnicking reputation!

They may not be as cute, cuddly, furry or gently buzzy as their bee cousins but wasps deserve our love too. When you think about wasps you might just think about the yellow-and-black insects buzzing about your fizzy pop or picnic but there are an amazing 7000 or so species of wasp in the UK. Almost all of these are solitary (the females only look out for their own young) and there are only nine species of the social ones – those that buzz around are picnics on the hunt for something sweet.

If you're not keen on wasps, you're probably less keen on flies that wander through an open window and seem unable to find their way out. If this is the case, wasps are your new best friends. As well as being important pollinators, they’re also top predators and it's estimated that social wasps catch an estimated 14 million kilogrammes of insects each year. Not only that, if you take a closer look at one of their nests you’ll understand what incredible engineers they are. And if that’s not enough, it's thought that understanding more about the chemicals in their stings could help medical science.

If they're so great, then, why do social wasps have such a poor reputation? It’s all down to that social nature that brings them into conflict with us from late summer and into autumn. Just like bumblebee colonies, social wasps are ruled by a queen whose purpose is to found a colony and then lay eggs to continue it. Her brood of female workers continue to construct the nest and hunt for food to raise the young.

Have you ever looked at your shed or a bench in the local park and wondered why it looks, well, stripey? Perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to watch a wasp rasp at the wood - they mix these tiny wood shavings with saliva to produce a paste that is used to make the nest. Essentially, they're engineering their incredible architecture using papier mache!

13

Worker wasps hunt insects to feed to the growing larvae back at the nest. Often, they capture insects that we might consider to be 'pests' - flies, weevils, caterpillars etc. Ever heard of the fashion term 'wasp-waist'? This refers to a particular kind of corset that produced a very small waist and it’s no surprise that this term is borrowed from the natural world; if you're ever close enough to get a good look, you'll see that wasps have incredibly thin waists. So thin, in fact, that adult wasps can't eat solid food - they live off nectar (hence their pollination of flowers) and sweet droplets that are produced by their larvae.

Eventually, new queens and males are produced by the colony (after mating, the queens hibernate and set up colonies the following year). This prompts the winding down of a nest and, when there are fewer larvae producing their sweet juicy liquid, adult wasps go on the hunt for other sources of sugar our foods and fizzy drinks are perfect alternatives!

Sharing our food with something that's buzzing around our hands and head can make us uncomfortable, especially when we think we might get stung. In order to attract wasps away from you and your food, consider placing fruit (if it's going

You might not have realised that you've got

over a little, this is even better) somewhere nearby -

a nest on your property until it starts to

perhaps the other end of your picnic bench or a

break down (usually late summer) but once

couple of metres away.

the process begins, you're just a matter of weeks away from the wasps disappearing

For more information visit https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/

altogether - putting some fruit away from your doors and windows should help to keep the wasps away from your house.

Photo CreditWendy Carter German Wasp on Kiwi German Wasp Wasps as pollinators Common Wasp on Blackberry - Paul Hobson 14

It's important to remember that only female wasps (the workers) are able to sting and they'll only do so if they feel that you're a threat so to minimise the chance of being stung, try to relax and remain calm.

15

A Taste of the Season: Early Harvest with Frank P Matthews Trees - Steph James, Frank P Matthews As summer ripens into its fullest expression, the orchards come alive. July to September marks the beginning of the fruit harvest—an abundant, flavour-packed period when trees offer the first taste of the season’s rewards. This season’s ideal blossom period followed by plenty of sun hours has meant bumper harvests of sweet fruit for many.

For those planting with purpose and patience, Frank P Matthews—renowned growers of quality trees for over a century—offer an inspiring range of early-cropping varieties that bring the orchard to your table sooner than you might think.

Early Season Apples: Crisp sweet and ready.

Apples may be symbolic of autumn, but many varieties crop from late July through August, offering crisp, juicy bites well before the leaves begin to turn.

Beauty of Bath (article cover image) – One of the first dessert apples to ripen (late July), this Victorian variety is known for its sweet, delicate flavour and distinctive flush of red over green skin. Best eaten straight from the tree.

Discovery – A modern early-season favourite, cropping in early to mid-August, with fresh, juicy flesh and a hint of strawberry. It’s refreshing, easy to grow, and a reliable performer.

Rosette (See below) – A bright red and red fleshed apple with strawberry flavours. This apple also makes a pink juice! Compact and productive, it’s perfect for smaller gardens.

16

Plums & Gages: July Jewels to September Stars Frank P Matthews is famed for its stone fruit range, including over 45 varieties of plum—many of which are ready for picking across July, August, and early September.

Opal – Often described as the “early Victoria,” this Swedish variety crops from mid-July, with sweet, dusky-skinned fruit that’s ideal for both fresh eating and cooking.

Herman – Among the earliest plums, ripening in early July. Deep purple skin and yellow flesh with a mild, honeyed flavour.

Victoria (See above)– The nation’s favourite plum, cropping in late August to early September. Heavy yields of juicy, freestone fruit—ideal for crumbles and jam.

Oullins Gage – A golden treat from late August, this gage variety has honeyed sweetness and is excellent eaten fresh or preserved.

Peaches, Apricots & More: Stone Fruit with a Twist Warm summers allow less traditional fruit trees to flourish.

Varieties specially selected for the UK climate.

Avalon Pride Peach (See above) – Self-fertile and disease-resistant, this standout variety ripens in late August to early September. Richly flavoured red-skinned fruit with soft, juicy flesh.

Robada Apricot – One of the few apricots that truly performs in the UK, cropping in late July. Reliable, heavy yields of large, aromatic fruit.

Plan Now, Harvest Sooner Whether you have room for an orchard or a single tree, choosing the right variety means you can start enjoying fresh fruit from midsummer onwards. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round and are grafted onto carefully selected rootstocks to suit every space—from compact varieties suitable for patio growing to full-sized standards.

When planning your garden’s harvest calendar, don’t overlook the joys of the early crop. These summer-fruiting stars not only extend your season of flavour but also provide food for pollinators, birds, and family alike.

With over 100 years of expertise and a passion for fruit, Frank P Matthews makes it easy to bring the orchard home —starting with the first sweet bite of summer.

For more information on varieties suitable for gardens, when and how to plant please visit www.frankpmatthews.com Frank P Matthews Trees, Berrington Court, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8TH, 01584 812800 email- treeshop@fpmatthews.co.uk 17

Raise your glass, Not your footprint...

06

SUMMER SPIRITS:

Sip the Season!

Whether you’re hosting a garden gathering, packing a posh picnic, or simply sinking into a deckchair at golden hour, these Wildjac spirits are the perfect base for drinks that are both easygoing and elevated. Their fruit forward profiles are beautifully balanced, never too

When the sun sits high and the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and ripening fruit, there’s nothing better than a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of a British summer. At Wildjac, our spirits are inspired by the rhythm of the seasons, and summer is when nature gives us her most vibrant, flavour-packed bounty.

This cocktail feature celebrates three standout summer heroes from our botanical collection: Blackberry Vodka, Damson & Raspberry Gin, and Apple & Elderberry Gin. While these flavours might whisper of hedgerows and harvest, they shine just as brightly in high summer serves.

Think picnic-ready spritzes, ice-laden coolers, and sundowner negronis with a juicy twist.

sweet, always refreshing, and pair wonderfully with seasonal garnishes like mint, citrus, and summer berries.

In the pages ahead, we’ve created a handful of simple and stylish cocktails that celebrate the joy of sipping slowly through July and August. Expect vibrant colours, clinking ice, and flavours that feel like a walk through a sun warmed orchard.

So pop open the bottle, pour generously, and raise a glass to the slower and sweeter days of summer, Wildjac style.

19

STARBRIGHT Bright & fresh the perfect long drink to enjoy in the garden.

INGREDIENTS: 25ml Wildjac Apple & Elderberry Gin 15ml Elderflower Cordial

METHOD: Shake first two ingredients in a shaker with ice and fine strain into a tumbler. Top with sparkling wine. Top with and apple slice and extra ice if required.

Top Sparkling Wine

SERVE:

Apple slice to garnish

Tumbler

GARNISH: Fresh apple slices Show us your creations!

Tag us in your seasonal cocktails on social @wildjacspirits

20

FUN FACT: If you want to preslice the apples for garnish, toss in a little lemon juice to prevent discolouring.

16

BERRY NEGRONI A fruity twist on a classic cocktail

INGREDIENTS: 25ml Wildjac Blackberry Vodka 25ml Campari 25ml sweet vermouth Soda (optional) Blackberries

METHOD: Add all ingredients to a highball glass over ice and stir to combine

SERVE: Highball or short (depending on strength)

GARNISH: Blackberries

TOP TIP: If you are unsure about Campari and sweet vermouth add less initially and increase over time. As it’s a negroni, you can experiment with variations and add soda and / or prosecco.

16

21

DAMSON & RASPBERRY COLLINS Smooth & fruity, this is bright and refreshing for a summer barbecue.

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Wildjac Damson and Raspberry Gin 25ml Lemon Juice

METHOD: Shake first three ingredients, and strain into a highball or fancy short glass.

Top with Soda.

SERVE: Highball or short glass

10ml 2:1 sugar syrup Soda to top Raspberries to garnish

Show us your creations!

Tag us in your seasonal cocktails on social @wildjacspirits

22

GARNISH: Fresh raspberries and a lemon twist

TOP TIP: This is a tall fruity fresh lemonade type drink but you can add additional flavours such as elderflower or rose.

16

06

COMPANION PLANTING: Secrets to a Thriving Late-Season Garden.

As the summer begins to wane and thoughts turn to autumn crops, companion planting becomes an essential tool for the sustainable UK gardener. By growing certain plants together, you can naturally deter pests, enrich the soil, and boost your garden’s productivity without resorting to chemical inputs. Here’s how to harness the power of plant friendships for a thriving late-season garden.

24

NATURAL PEST CONTROL Certain plant combinations help ward off common pests in the garden. For example, planting marigolds alongside carrots or leeks can deter aphids and carrot root fly. Nasturtiums attract blackfly away from beans and serve as a ‘trap crop’—sacrificing themselves to protect more valuable vegetables.

Other natural defenders include: - Chives and garlic to deter slugs and greenfly.

- Basil with tomatoes to repel whitefly.

- Mint near brassicas to confuse cabbage moths.

Remember to plant strongly scented herbs sparingly and contain spreaders (like mint) in pots.

PLANT FRIENDS THAT THRIVE TOGETHER Some plants grow better in each other's company, offering shade, support, or enhanced flavour. Try these late-season combos: - Beetroot and lettuce: Lettuce grows quickly and provides ground cover that conserves moisture.

- Kale and calendula: Calendula attracts beneficial pollinators and deters pests.

- Carrots and spring onions: Each repels the other’s main pest—carrot fly and onion fly respectively.

- Climbing beans and sweetcorn: Beans fix nitrogen into the soil, supporting the hungry sweetcorn.

Mixing crops also breaks up monocultures, reducing the spread of pests and diseases.

25

BOOSTING YIELD WITHOUT CHEMICALS By pairing plants with complementary needs and benefits, you can create a self-supporting miniecosystem. Deep-rooted plants like parsnips can pull nutrients up from lower soil levels, which shallow-rooted companions can then use.

Adding flowering herbs like fennel, dill, or chamomile can improve pollination rates for fruiting crops. These plants also feed hoverflies, ladybirds, and lacewings—all allies in pest control.

Use clover or specialist seed mixes as green manures in spare beds. They improve soil health, crowd out weeds, and support late-season pollinators.

Companion planting is both ancient and deeply modern, a natural method for improving garden health, reducing pests, and increasing yields. For gardeners embracing sustainability, it offers a rewarding, low-impact approach that works with nature instead of against it. With careful planning and observation, your late-season garden can flourish naturally well into autumn and beyond.

26

GROW WILD WITH US! With every purchase of a 70cl bottle we will send you out a grow your own wildflower pack!

1

2

3

SCAN

GROW

LEARN

Scan the QR code on the back of your bottle and fill in your details so we know where to send your pack.

Use your wildflower seeds in a small area or in a pot and water. This included a selection of seeds encased in clay and ready to scatter.

Discover more from our charity partners Worcestershire Wildlife Trust about other great ways to support and boost wildlife in your garden!

Want to make your own seedballs?

We are running a workshop for you to make your own seed balls! With all elements supplied this workshop will take you through the step-by-step process to create your own seed balls to take home and use. Refreshments included. Check out our events page for more info.

Wait for them to sprout and share your pics with us on social using #growwildwithus 27

THE MAJESTY OF PURPLE: A COLOUR OF POWER AND PRESTIGE Purple, a captivating blend of calm blue and fiery red, has a rich and royal history that stretches back over millennia. Its origins lie in one of the most laborious dyeing processes known to the ancient world.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The earliest known purple dye—Tyrian purple— was extracted from the mucus of the Murex sea snail, native to the Mediterranean. It took thousands of snails and days of labour to produce just a gram of dye, making purple exorbitantly expensive and accessible only to the elite.

In ancient Phoenicia, particularly in the city of Tyre (modern-day Lebanon), Tyrian purple became a powerful status symbol. The dye’s production was so exclusive that purple robes became synonymous with imperial authority.

Roman emperors were famously adorned in “Imperial Purple,” and laws even forbade common citizens from wearing the colour under penalty of death.

Culturally, purple has retained its association with power, wisdom, and spirituality across various civilizations. In Byzantine and Holy Roman traditions, it was worn by emperors and high-ranking clergy. In Japan, it was long associated with the aristocracy and spiritual enlightenment. Meanwhile, in Western art and literature, purple has come to signify both luxury and mysticism—often used to depict royalty, divinity, or magical realms.

29

The modern age has democratized purple through synthetic dyes, yet its allure remains. From regal velvet drapes to branding that denotes creativity and luxury, purple continues to evoke a sense of the extraordinary.

Whether in lavender fields, amethyst crystals, or the robes of queens, purple remains a timeless symbol— mysterious, majestic, and magnificently steeped in history.

Bee Vision and the Power of Purple A little-known fact about the colour purple is that it is particularly attractive to bees.

Unlike humans, bees don’t see the colour spectrum in the same way—we see red, green, and blue, while bees perceive ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green. This makes purple (especially shades like violet and bluepurple) stand out vividly in their visual world.

This evolutionary relationship benefits both pollinators and plants: bees find food efficiently, and flowers ensure pollination. It’s a perfect example of how colour not only plays a cultural role in human society but also a vital ecological one in the natural world.

So next time you see a field of lavender buzzing with bees, you’ll know it’s not just the scent—they’re seeing a floral light show invisible to us!

4/6 servings

GAZPACHO INGREDIENTS

10 minutes

DIRECTIONS 1.Blitz the ingredients in a food processor or Vitamix until

1.5 litres of tomato juice 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning - it may need a little more vinegar.

2.If it seems too thick, add a little water. Then chill well.

3.To serve you can add a few pieces of chopped pepper/tomato/cucumber and a couple of ice cubes if you wish and place a celery stalk as garnish.

1/2 red onion, peeled and chopped 2 garlic cloves, peeled 2 slices of brown bread -crusts removed 1 Tbs olive oil 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar A handful of fresh mint leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper

This speedy soup uses tomato juice but if you have an abundance of tomatoes in the garden use peeled and deseeded fresh tomatoes instead.

31

THE SUMMER BBQ Something for everyone THE MAIN EVENT

SAUCES

Steak of your choice Dust with a steak seasoning and cook over the bbq (or in a frying pan with a drizzle of oil) to your preferred level of done-ness Salmon steak Place salmon on baking parchment and add nobs of butter and grated rind and juice of a lemon and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper. Wrap the parchment enclosed salmon in foil and cook on the bbq.

Chicken pieces or breast skewers Do make sure that they are thoroughly cooked through and that the juices run clear.

Halloumi Steaks - slice into large thick slices and pair with a zingy dressing!

TRUFFLE AND ANCHOVY OIL (good with steak and chicken) 70ml extra virgin olive oil with 30ml truffle oil and Anchovy essence or 3 or 4 anchovies (pounded in a pestle and mortar) to taste Mix and serve in a jug for drizzling.

GARLIC SAUCE 5 cloves of garlic (soak in iced water for 30 mins - then dry - the cloves first for a less potent taste) A pinch of sea salt 100ml olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon Put the cloves in a mini food processor with the salt and blitz. Add the oil a drip at a time (like mayonnaise) until it starts to emulsify. Then alternate the lemon juice with the oil until you have a fluffy white sauce. Keeps well in

Thickly sliced courgette, pepper and red onion make great additions to the grill as a side dish and get those veggies in!

32

a sterilised jar in the fridge.

Delicious on fish, meat and vegetables!

By Bryony Taylor

FENNEL & ORANGE SALAD

The perfect side or wonderful as a main with grilled fish.

INGREDIENTS Fennel 1-2 bulbs 3 oranges A bag of rocket leaves if desired 2 Tbs of pitted black Kalamata olives DRESSING 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 Tbs apple cider vinegar 1 Tbs Dijon mustard 1 Tbs runny honey 1/4 tsp salt Freshly ground black pepper.

Whisk all together vigorously.

6 servings 30 minutes

DIRECTIONS 1.Wash the fennel and slice thinly (a mandolin is good for this) 2.Peel oranges if desired, with a knife (a grapefruit knife with a curve does it well) and sliced thinly in rounds.

3.Arrange the rocket on a plate if serving as a main dish - omit if just creating a side salad.

4. Put the fennel in a bowl and pour over 2 Tbs of the vinaigrette below. Toss to combine.

5.Layer the fennel on top of the rocket and add the slices of orange on the top.

6.Scatter the olives and add a good grind of black pepper.

Serve remaining vinaigrette on the side.

33

SALSA VERDE INGREDIENTS

300ml jar 30 minutes

DIRECTIONS

Garlic, 1 clove peeled

Put all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse to a

Small Bunch of Herbs to suit your dish:

well chopped mix. Dip a small chunk of bread in to taste

Mint for lamb.

Tarragon for chicken.

and then adjust as required. This recipe is very much to individual taste so add more seasoning or lemon to suit your palate.

Dill for fish.

Oregano for Greek recipes Big bunch of parsley 4 anchovy fillets (optional) 1 Tbs capers (rinsed and drained if

Salsa verde exists in many cultures—Italy’s version

salted)

uses parsley, capers, and anchovies, while Mexico’s

2 Tbs Dijon mustard

stars tangy tomatillos and chiles. Despite sharing a

1/2 lemon- juiced

35

name, they evolved independently, showcasing how “green sauce” reflects local ingredients and tastes

125 ml olive oil

around the world. It’s a global concept with unique

Black pepper

regional twists.

GRILLED PEACHES WITH MASCAPONE The perfect sweet treat INGREDIENTS

4/6 servings 20 minutes

DIRECTIONS 1.Cut the peaches in half and remove the stones.

6 firm but ripe peaches

Place on the grill flesh down for 5/10 mins until

150ml double cream

softened and scorched.

7 Tablespoons mascapone 1 Tablespoon Maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of vanilla paste.

30 ml rum/Cointreau to drizzle on the adults desserts if desired.

Flaked almonds or raspberries to serve

2.Meanwhile whisk the cream, mascapone, maple syrup and vanilla until it forms soft peaks.

3.Spoon the mixture over the cooked peaches and garnish with flaked almonds for crunch or raspberries. Drizzle with a good rum or cointreau if desired.

For a grown up dessert without a BBQ, you can also baked the peaches in the oven flat side up with a drizzle of alcohol and crushed amaretti biscuits.

Serve with the mascapone cream.

WIN! The perfect party kit!

Getting together is the essence of the summer party season and we have the perfect party pack to get you started!

The prize includes: Ninja Blast Max Portable blender - perfect for cocktails on the go!

XL citronella bucket candle - keep those pesky flies at bay while enjoying your evening.

XL ice cube maker - make those elaborate garnish cubes!

70cl Wildjac Damson & Raspberry Gin 70cl Rhubarb Rum - shake those mojitos!

Don’t miss this opportunity to win the ultimate summer party bundle. The competition will close on 18th August 2025.

Win the Bundle here SCAN THE QR CODE OR ENTER VIA INSTAGRAM

37

38

Cosy up with our

LITERARY LOVES

By Aster Sadler

Looking for the perfect page-turner to pair with sunshine and sangria? Dive into our top picks for hot summer reads:

TO AGE 1 HOW DISGRACEFULLY Daphne is fiery and fabulous. She just needs to get out and meet people. But when an accident brings a teen dad, an empty nester and a has-been actor into her world, they aren't necessarily who she'd had in mind. And it soon becomes clear that they all have a story to tell...

2 GO AS A RIVER 1940s Colorado: Teenage Victoria Nash is the only woman in a family of troubled men.

When she meets Wilson Moon, a young drifter with a mysterious past, on a street corner, their connection is immediate. And dangerous.

But then tragedy strikes, and Victoria is forced to leave her home and face a decision that will change her life forever.

39

3

LOVE UNTOLD

This is a story about mothers and daughters: the love inherent in that bond and the heartache that miscommunication can bring.

More than anything, it's about the importance of being true to oneself. Meet Grace, Alys, Elin and Beca - a family you'll come to know, and to love.

AND 4 TOMORROW, TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW

When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one winter morning he is catapulted back to the brief time they spent playing together as children. Their unique spark is instantly reignited.

What comes next is a story of friendship and rivalry, fame and creativity, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones. And, ultimately, our need to connect: to be loved and to love.

SHE WAS 5 THEN GONE Ellie was her mother's golden girl.

She had her whole life ahead of her.

And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.

Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie, and then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet.

But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter.

Because his daughter is the image of Ellie.

40

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS...

Some of the team’s top picks for the Summer season.

HARRIET’S FAVOURITE Nasturtium’s “I love the appearance of Nasturtiums in my garden in the summer. The vivid sea of colours - shades of orange, yellow, crimson and more - brighten up my patio and put a huge smile on my face whenever I look at them. Not only do they look spectacular but bees and insects also love them making them great for wildlife. They’re also edible, and make the perfect finishing touch to a summer salad."

ASH’S FAVOURITE: BBQ’s with friends “I love to get together with my friends and entertain in my garden. Being outside and barbecuing is a great way to get everyone together for food, fun and of course cocktails! ”

ASTER’S FAVOURITE: My refillable water bottle “I drink alot of water and its important while the weather has turned warmer. My refillable bottle holds enough to keep me hydrated and stays chilled too.“

42

Never miss an issue!

Be the first to read our exclusive sustainable lifestyle magazine every season by subscribing.

@wildjacspirits

wildjac.co.uk