Tip: Seedlip’s Urban Safari Guide
Confession: when I go foraging, I don’t get much further than picking a sprig of mint from my own backyard for a cup of tea. Ben Branson, the founder of non-alcoholic spirits brand Seedlip, took things a lot further. What started in his garden resulted in the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit packed with botanicals.
The ideal drink to literally take into nature with you. And not only that: especially for you, Seedlip has developed an Urban Safari Guide that lets you dive into nature yourself and finish with a free cocktail at Bar Vesper in Amsterdam.
Into nature
Some people prefer to crawl under a blanket in autumn and winter, only emerging when the sun starts shining again. We’d rather head to the park – because a walk in nature is (proven to be!) incredibly beneficial and also a source of edible ingredients. But what should you leave alone and what can you pick? And what do you do with it afterwards?
To find out, we went on an Urban Safari with Seedlip and nature guide Rens Spanjaard. The name says it all: a walking tour through what the city has to offer. In our case, Westerpark in Amsterdam (tip: use the guide). Highly recommended; you get wonderful fresh air, brush up on your knowledge and finish with a non-alcoholic cocktail. And with these tips, you too can soon forage something delicious from your own city park. Happy picking!
Great non-alcoholic cocktails
The safari starts at Bar Vesper in Amsterdam, where Rens is waiting for us and we drink an insanely delicious cocktail. Non-alcoholic, made with Seedlip Spice. A Tiki cocktail arrives in a terracotta pot, but as a completely edible plant, including (delicious!) soil and edible flowers.
Don’t go too wild
Rens explains how we should behave once we’re in Westerpark. Foraging is fun, but don’t go too wild. Respect nature and the natural habitat of everything that lives here. Be aware that you’re a guest. Don’t clumsily trample through vegetation or stray from the paths, and always leave enough food behind for the animals that depend on it.
Want to take mushrooms home? Always check which ones aren’t poisonous first and follow the rules for foraging. You may fill a container with 250 grams – about the size of a standard mushroom carton – but more could result in a fine.
Inspired and ready to dive straight into nature? Grab the Urban Safari Guide and enjoy everything that grows and blooms.
Or would you rather get started at home?
Then we’re happy to share our favorite Seedlip cocktail: Seedlip Ginger Highball
Seedlip Ginger Highball
This delicious Seedlip Ginger Highball is made with ginger ale and is spicy, refreshing and easy to make at home. Finish the cocktail with a slice of orange and a piece of ginger for a natural touch.
Ingredients:
- Highball glass
- Ice cubes
- 50 ml Seedlip Spice 94
- Premium ginger ale (for example, Fever Tree)
- Garnish (for example, a slice of orange or lime and a piece of ginger. Or a sprig of home-foraged herbs.)
Method:
- Put the ice cubes in the highball glass
- Then add 50 ml Seedlip Spice 94 to the highball glass
- Top it up with some premium ginger ale
- Garnish the drink with a slice of orange and a piece of ginger.
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