We caught up with our neighbour Varun Sarna to talk about his new spirit brand (we’re flattered, using our ingredients!) Kaveri.
- What inspired you to create Kaveri?
Kaveri was actually created in my kitchen in St Johns Wood with fresh ginger, lime leaf and basil from Panzers, so it’s amazing to be stocked with you.
Kaveri was inspired by a desire to create a spirit that is truly natural. What we’ve created is one of a kind and completely unique. Instead of concentrates or processed flavourings, we blend in 100% organic Peruvian ginger juice which we lightly filter, so we look and taste like a fresh ginger shot. Unlike any other spirit, (and every other cold-pressed juice), you have to shake us before you pour. You’ll also see we look really different – more like a juice than a spirit!
- Tell us about the magic of cold pressing ginger
The heat created by the blades in normal juicing alters the natural fibres in ginger, which makes for a duller taste profile that loses the freshness and power of our raw Peruvian ginger. We cold-press to protect those fibres and that natural zing.
- Your product is truly global – tell us a bit more.
We juice and blend locally (in Kent & St Albans) to keep our carbon footprint low, but we’re global in inspiration. Kaveri is named after a river that flows through India, the country of my heritage. Our ginger is Peruvian, and our supporting ingredients from Ugandan Vanilla to Thai Lime Leaf are sourced from all over the world.
- What is your idea recipe for serving?
For ginger lovers, I recommend taking the time to savour the spirit straight. We work amazingly well in a ginger spritz for warmer weather. As we move into autumn and winter, I would recommend trying us with hot water and a dash of honey (or agave for vegans) in a whiskey tumbler. Warming goodness!
- What are your favourite bar snacks to serve alongside?
Two vegan suggestions as we’re an all vegan product. The Gordal Olives from Panzers are perfect for every occasion and every drink. I’m not joking! For something else fresh and healthy, bruschetta on rye pairs really well.
Find Kaveri Vodka in our spirits section near the wine racks in store.
