Dragon’s Breath Cocktail

The Red Dragon is a symbol for the country of Wales, the protector of the country, representing the ferociousness of the Welsh people and their determination to thrive, this Dragon’s Breath Cocktail is dedicated to everyone who rides high on the dragon’s wings.

The dragon first appeared on the battle flags of soldiers from Britain on their way to Rome in the 4th century. It would later be adopted by 5th century Welsh kings who wished to show their tough authority following the Roman withdrawal.

At the battle of Bosworth Field in England, 1485, soldiers from Wales used the symbol of a dragon on their flag as Henry Tudor, who was born in Pembroke Castle, defeated Richard III, going on to reign over England for 24 years as Henry VII.

In 1959 Queen Elizabeth II declared that ‘only the red dragon on a green and white flag should be flown on government buildings in Wales’.

The red dragon is now seen as symbolising Wales and its people, present on the current national flag of Wales, which became the official flag in 1959.

The Dragon on the Welsh flag is called The Dragon of Cadwalladr, who belonged to the King of a country in the North of Wales called Gwynedd from AD 655-682, his name was Cadwalladr ap Cadwallon.

The Welsh Sparkling Wine – Velfrey

This Welsh Winery started back in 2016, fairly new to the world of wine, especially in Wales, as the first Welsh Vineyards started popping back up around the 1960s, I say ‘back up’ because it’s believed that the first vines ever planted in Wales were by Suetonius Paulinus, a Roman governor at the time, in AD 75 during the Roman occupation of Wales in the small town of Caerleon.

Velfrey Vineyard is planted on a south-facing slope of the Lampeter Vale in the south Pembrokeshire countryside, occupying 3 acres, and containing over 4,000 vines. They plant the following Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Seyval Blanc & Solaris.

Velfrey – Cuvée Reserve 2019 – Tasting Notes

Aroma – “Lovely Christmas display of spices, with welcoming cinnamon and nutmeg powder, sprinkled on a fine layer of pastry. There are also notes of Danish pastry, with bruised apple and yellow fruits in the background on the aroma.”

Flavour – “Almost identical to the aroma, Christmas vibes with cinnamon and nutmeg, more pastry to go around and a delicate touch of bruised apples, yellow fruits and gooseberry on the palate.”

Silver Medal in the Hint of Spice category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2022

The Welsh Spiced Rum – Dragon’s Breath

Created by the Spirit of Wales Distillery, their spirits are distilled in Newport, where they capture the essence of Wales and its Celtic roots, along with their Welsh industrial heritage of steel production, coal mining, agriculture, and fishing traditions.

They opened in 2021 with the goal to craft complex and surprising flavours that tell abstract stories on your palate, giving you a taste of Wales to treasure.

Their Spiced Rum is produced from white rum seeped with botanicals added over two weeks, during this time, they macerate their rum in contact with repurposed bourbon barrels. It is distilled in Newport and created with a passion for the people of Wales, once completed, they press a stamp of approval from the Spirit of Wales Distillery.

Dragon’s Breath Spiced Rum – Tasting Notes – “Wonderful, with warming notes of cinnamon and sweet woody spices along with a touch of black pepper, which combines with vanilla, cloves, caramel and a touch of yellow stones fruits to crate a ferocious Dragon Spiced Rum.”

The Cocktail – Dragon’s Breath

Ingredients

• Welsh Sparkling Wine
• Welsh Spiced Rum
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract

How To Make The Dragon’s Breath Cocktail

• Grab a Cocktail Shaker and Pour in 15-20mls of Spiced Rum
• A Healthy Sprinkling of Cinnamon
• And a Drop or Two of Vanilla Extract
• Shake and Pour Into Your Glass
• Then Top Up With Welsh Sparkling Wine

Dragon’s Breath Cocktail Tasting Notes

Aroma – “A wonderful festive aroma, with what seems like mince pies, spiced cake and wonderful freshly baked Danish pastries, baked apricots and cinnamon flavoured icing sugar.”

Flavour – “The aroma sits you down in front of an open fire, then the palate takes you to the late evening sneaky treat, with subtle thin pastry notes, glazed yellow stone fruits, a light sprinkling of icing sugar, sweet woody spices and a festive display to finish.”

 

Image Credit: Dragon Castle – Dragon View – Dragon Sky