AS I knock back a shot of dark brown liquid, the fiery concoction slides down my throat, clearing my sinuses and momentarily taking my breath away.

This is my first taste of Dorset Ginger Strong – and it’s powerful stuff – even though it is alcohol free.

No wonder drinkers who are trying to stay on the wagon are keen on it, according to Richard Curry of The Dorset Ginger Company.

This spicy brew is one of a range of traditional non-alcoholic ginger drinks that are hand-made and bottled in Lytchett Matravers.

“You can drink it neat or it is also a great mixer for soft drinks or fruit juices, a particular favourite of ours is Original ginger with sparkling elderflower,” he adds.

Richard and his partner Michele Ramshaw who took over the business six years ago, are currently gearing up for what is their busiest time of the year.

“Winter is always our busiest time because ginger is a warming drink although we are now expanding our range to include some ready to drink fruit mixes which should be available by Christmas,” he explains.

On one side of Richard’s office is a range of bottles containing a variety of liquids where he has been experimenting with different flavours.

“We have tried to track down where the original recipe comes from – apparently it was made by a family of butchers in Bournemouth,” Richard explains.

“It is based on a pure extract of Chinese and Indian ginger which has been blended for the company for the past 25 years.”

Richard used to stock the drink at his shop in Boscombe, and decided to take on the business when the original owners retried.

Since the couple took on the business they have streamlined the process which used to take two full days from start to finish but is now around 24 hours.

“We begin by boiling the water before adding the raw cane sugar so it caramelises and gives a depth of flavour,” says Richard.

“It is then left to cool down overnight before we add the ginger and other ingredients, before it is pasteurised, bottled and labelled.”

Dorset Ginger is exported to Eastern Europe as well as Yorkshire and the West Country.

The couple are also expanding their Dorset Ginger range to include chutneys, pickles and marmalades.

Richards adds: “Ginger is meant to have many health benefits too such as easing nausea, colds and rheumatism, so you can even pretend it’s doing you good too.”