This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Fentimans, 120 years of Botanical Brewing and a legacy built on craftsmanship, innovation, and bold flavour. To honour the occasion, we gathered at STERLING, one of Manchester’s most refined cocktail bars, for an intimate evening of expertly crafted drinks, live music, and celebration.
The event was hosted in collaboration with Joe Schofield, a globally acclaimed bartender and proud Fentimans brand ambassador, whose dedication to mixology excellence perfectly aligns with our commitment to quality. Schofield, who co-owns STERLING alongside Manchester institutions Schofield’s Bar and Atomeca, unveiled a selection of exclusive cocktails on the night, each designed to showcase the depth and versatility of Fentimans’ Botanically Brewed beverages.
A Night of Exquisite Serves
Guests, including industry professionals and tastemakers, enjoyed a menu of signature cocktails, all highlighting Fentimans’ signature balance of flavour:
Gin & Tonic: A refined take on the classic, featuring Fentimans Premium Indian Tonic Water, gin, and a touch of lemon oil.
- Improved Dark & Stormy: A bold yet smooth combination of Fentimans Ginger Beer, dark rum, chocolate, and lime.
- Moonlight Collins: A floral and refreshing mix of Fentimans Rose Lemonade, vodka, elderflower, gooseberry, and Schofield’s Dry Vermouth.
- Wabi Sabi: A zesty, aromatic fusion of Fentimans Pink Grapefruit Tonic Water, tequila, yuzu, lime, and honey.
Each cocktail paid tribute to Fentimans’ rich heritage and dedication to crafting drinks with big, bold flavours—a tradition that has remained unchanged since 1905.
A Legacy of Botanical Brewing
Fentimans’ journey began with Thomas Fentiman, a Northumberland iron puddler who, by chance, came into possession of a unique Botanical Brewing recipe for ginger beer. More than a century later, the brand remains family-owned and continues to produce botanically brewed soft drinks and mixers, using the same time-honoured technique that has been perfected over generations.
Jayne Andrews, Marketing Director at Fentimans, shared:
“This year is incredibly special for Fentimans as we celebrate 120 years of Botanically Brewing our tasteful soft drinks, including our very first flavour, which is now the UK’s number one selling premium Ginger Beer. Having Joe Schofield continue as our brand ambassador is the perfect way to mark the occasion.”
Schofield himself expressed his excitement about continuing his partnership with Fentimans in such a milestone year:
“Fentimans is a brand with deep heritage and an unwavering commitment to big flavour and bold taste. The 120th anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate the tastes of past, present and future with some exciting new serves, and it was great to share them with our guests at STERLING.”
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 120 years of craft, innovation, and exceptional taste, Fentimans remains committed to pushing boundaries in the world of premium drinks. Whether enjoyed in a classic cocktail or a new mixology masterpiece, our Botanically Brewed beverages continue to set the standard for flavour.
Here’s to the next 120 years—and to many more unforgettable moments, shared over a perfectly poured drink.
Find out more about Fentimans’ 120-year history here, and explore our full range of soft drinks and mixers here.