Meghan Markle has established her credentials as a lover of the good life. Prince Harry proposed as the two were roasting a chicken in their London cottage, and his new fiancé even named her former lifestyle website (www.TheTig.com) after Antinori’s Tignanello, one of her favorite full-bodied Tuscan reds. Her move from America to Britain will open up a new wealth of pleasure in terms of food and beverages. So what drinks should this vibrant American transplant look forward to in her new life in the royal family? Meghan, if you’re reading (and we assume you are), here is your guide.
How to deal with the weather
Cold, foggy evenings are best spent in front of the fire. Meghan and her prince can curl up together and enjoy one of the great single malts from Scotland. Nothing hits the spot on a frosty London night like smoky Laphroaig Lore Scotch.
Recreational activities
With her fiancé being the creator of the Invictus Games, Meghan will enter into the British sporting spirit—and athletics events are best enjoyed with a cold pint of fragrant, hoppy beer like Samuel Smith India Ale.
Getting back on that horse
When it comes to getting some refreshment during a polo match (Prince Harry is an accomplished player) Markle should make like the English and hit the G&Ts. She has an endless choice of artisanal English gins. We highly recommend Booth’s Finest Dry Gin Cask Mellowed to pair with the equally interesting variety of fizzing tonics available in her new home.
Court-ship
If Markle has the same love of tennis as her future sister-in-law Catherine Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, she will be sure not miss out on the society event that is Wimbledon. The tournament even has its own signature drink: Pimm’s and lemonade. Nothing quite spells English summer like this version, so here’s How to Make a Pimm’s Cup.
Sparkle in the rain
In any event, England is now producing world-class traditional method sparkling wine, which comes in a variety of styles for any occasion. Even the Queen herself has a vineyard in Windsor Great Park planted in 2011. Three thousand bottles of its 2013 vintage were released earlier this year.
If it’s English strawberries and cream she is after, the rounded rosé British sparkler Hush Heath Estate 2013 Balfour Brut Rosé will be perfect.
If she fancies fish and chips—the most down-to-earth English classic there is—Chapel Down 2011 Three Graces’s creamy fizz will be an impressive foil.
Bonus English sparklers for the happy couple to toast at their royal wedding:
Wiston Estate Winery 2013 Cuvée Brut (England); $40, 94 points.
Nyetimber NV Classic Cuvée (England); $55, 93 points.
Gusbourne Estate 2013 Brut Reserve (England); $60, 93 points.
Regardless of what you choose to drink, welcome to Britain, Meghan! We wish you the best.
Published: November 29, 2017
