Giffard

Emile Giffard was a pharmacy owner in the town of Anjou, France, when during a heatwave in the summer of 1885 the owner of the neighbouring Grand Hotel approached, looking for some kind of solution to relieve his guests from the oppressive heat. Emile had been experiementing with mint with regards to digestion and refreshing the body, and had discovered a species of mint with exceptional flavour.

When distilled with steam the clear essential oils of the mint were released, enabling Emile to create a clear, refreshing liqueur. 'Menthe-Pastilles' was a popular brand of mint sweets at the time, so he named the liqueur the same. The drink proved so popular that he converted the pharmacy into a distillery that very year.

Maison Giffard remains family owned, and is in the fourth generation of leadership - as well continuing to produce Menthe-Pastille the Giffard family now macerate and distil a vast array of fruits, herbs and spices to create high quality liqueurs and sirops.

This is a completely natural salted caramel syrup with no preservatives at all. I've been working my way through a bottle of Monin caramel recently, adding a dash into my coffee - the Giffard is slightly lighter and better balanced as a result, with a distinctive saltiness that really adds an extra dimension. Use it instead of simple syrup in an Old Fashioned as you'll bring that cocktail to a completely new level, particularly as the salt edge works so well with classic bitters. Try a little drizzle on apple pie or chocolate brownie served with ice cream too!