TWO Brighton drinks companies have come together to create a brand new cocktail recipe just in time for summer.

Gran Stead’s Ginger Company, which makes non-alcoholic drinks from its base at Mile Oak Farm in Portslade, has teamed up with Brighton Gin to create `Knock Down Ginger’.

The amber coloured heady mix includes Brighton Gin and Gran Stead’s Mellow Ginger Wine with a hint of lime, basil and mint.

Chris Knox, who owns and runs Gran Stead’s Ginger Company with his wife Rosemary. said: “It has been a privilege working with the Brighton Gin team on this project and it is wonderful to create a cocktail that is truly local.

“Cram it with ice and it’s a perfect refresher for this hot weather but I can also see people enjoying this drink in cooler months as the ginger adds a layer of warmth to the mix.”

The two companies are hoping that Knock Down Ginger will become a regular feature on cocktail menus in Brighton and Hove bars as well as an easy to make cocktail for the home.

Fresh from the launch of its fundraising limited-edition Pride bottles, Brighton Gin’s founder and managing director Kathy Caton said: “Brighton Gin was born of a passion for the place where we live and play.

“So it made sense to work with a local company to create a gin and ginger cocktail and celebrate some of the great drinks being produced in the city.

“And the two drinks are perfect partners – after all `gin’ starts the word `ginger’.”

So, to make a Knock Down Ginger, clap five leaves of basil and five leaves of mint in your hands to release the flavours.

Then put them in the bottom of a tumbler and fill it to the top with ice.

Add the juice of half a lime and 50ml of Brighton Gin.

Top up with Gran Stead’s Mellow Ginger Wine and stir.

Garnish with a sprig of mint.

You can find this recipe on both the Gran Stead’s and Brighton Gin websites, www.gransteadsginger.co.uk and www.brightongin.com

Gran Stead’s Mellow ginger is available in farm shops and independent stores including Infinity Foods in the centre of Brighton and can be bought online via the website.

Recently, hot weather brought out more visitors than ever before to take a tour around Gran Stead’s Ginger Company.

The tours, held during the farm’s popular bi-annual open day, drew record numbers who were fascinated to see how the award-winning drinks are made.

And sales of the full range of Gran Stead’s non-alcoholic drinks raised £566 towards the Henfield Scout Centre Building Appeal.