Top Irish hotel lists Belfast Ginger Ale
Food NI member company Longbridge Drinks has won its first significant sales in the Republic of Ireland for its unique Belfast Ginger Ale.
Longbridge Drinks, which produced Belfast Ginger Ale, has announced a deal to supply the mixer to the elegant Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.
Longbridge, which is based in Bangor, county Down and has extensive experience in the development and processing of traditional minerals and cordials, has just delivered its first consignment to the luxurious hotel, restaurant, golf resort and spa in county Limerick.
The championship golf course was the venue for the Irish open in 2007 and 2008.
Wayne Adair, a director of Longbridge Drinks, commenting on the business, says: “We were delighted to have been approached by such a prestigious hotel to supply our unique Belfast Ginger Ale. It’s a marvellous boost for the product so soon after its launch. We are hoping that it will lead to further business in the Republic, a target market for us.”
Belfast Ginger Ale is based on a product originally created in the city in 1825. Longbridge, named after the bridge that spanned Belfast’s River Lagan in the 19th century, is a new trading style developed by Papas Minerals, a successful craft producer of small batch soft drinks including award winning cordials.
Belfast Ginger Ale is the result of research work over three years by Mr Adair, Longbridge founder and a director of Papas Minerals and has been influenced by original recipes from original producers using artesian spring water from Cromac Wells, near Belfast City Centre.
The main ingredients are carbonated water, sugar, lime juice from concentrate, extract of ginger, ginger flavour and natural caramel. The new Belfast Ginger Ale is initially available in 20cl bottles, a 30cl bottle is also being planned.
“The new ginger ale is an ideal mixer for gin and especially the craft gins now being distilled in Northern Ireland,” Mr Adair says. “It revives the heritage of ginger ale processing in Belfast. The first carbonated ginger ale was produced by Dr Thomas Cantrell, a chemist with Grattan and Co in Belfast.
Papas Minerals is an artisan producer of craft minerals and cordials such as non-alcoholic ginger wine, traditional clove cordial and elderflower cordial. Mr Adair established the small business in 1999 and has won UK Great Taste Awards and Blas na hEireann awards.
