Making the oldest cocktail in the world

What is a cocktail? And is there really a cocktail recipe which is over 400 years old? Here is Ruth Ball, Founder of Alchemist Dreams with the oldest cocktail in the world..


Ruth BallRuth Ball is related to Admiral Edward Vernon, the man who invented grog as a way to serve the rum ration to the navy in 1740. Founder of Alchemist Dreams, a company dedicated to making handmade liqueurs blended to order, she started out in her own kitchen and now boasts an enviable list of clients.

On Friday, 1st July she will be at Chalke Valley History Festival to talk about Rebellious Spirits: The Illicit History of Booze,  sharing the fascinating stories of wit and ingenuity required to stay one drink ahead of the law – she may even share some of her intriguing recipes!

Tickets to this event are available here.