Spirit of the Downs Sussex Shot Orange & Vanilla Brandy Liqueur, 70cl
Sussex Shot is Spirit of the Downs' orange and vanilla liqueur, and unlike most orange liqueurs it is made on the distillery's own aged brandy. Tangerine, orange and vanilla extract go in, with a hint of cinnamon, and it is bottled at 35% Alc.
The judges at the IWSC awarded it Silver in 2026. They found cocoa and creamy vanilla on the nose, then caramel, cocoa and orange blossom on the palate, with citrus peel and warming spice on the finish. In our view the brandy base is the interesting part: it accounts for the caramel and cocoa sitting alongside the orange, which gives Sussex Shot more depth than a straightforward orange liqueur.
It can be enjoyed as a small measure after dinner, neat or over ice. It also works in place of triple sec in cocktails; a Sidecar is the obvious choice, since that drink already pairs brandy with orange liqueur.
Spirit of the Downs distil at Bookers Vineyard in Bolney, West Sussex. Their brandies are made from Sussex-grown Chardonnay, the same grape the county's sparkling wine producers rely on, and English grape brandy is still relatively rare. We think this is one of the more unusual liqueurs made in England, and a good bottle to have available as a gift for anyone who enjoys brandy or orange liqueurs.
Silver Medal, IWSC 2026
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