4 minute read
Holiday gin cocktails
These tasty creations showcase festive flavours
By Colleen Thompson
Step into a world of holiday magic with the tantalizing flavours of festive gin cocktails that’ll make your taste buds tingle with joy. The fusion of juniper berries, spices, and botanicals will transport you to a whimsical wonderland of sparkling lights and the blissful warmth of holiday cheer. Whether you’re sipping by a crackling fire or mingling at a glamorous gathering, these beguiling concoctions will be the life of any party.
Cranberry Gin Festive Cocktail
Vibrant and refreshing, this cocktail captures the essence of the holiday season in a glass. Combining the tartness of cranberries with the botanical notes of gin creates a blend that is both elegant and bursting with flavour. Perfect for holiday gatherings and merry celebrations.
2 oz (60 mL) gin
1 oz (30 mL) cranberry juice
½ oz (15 mL) lime juice
½ oz (15 mL) simple syrup
fresh cranberries
rosemary sprig
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the drink is chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a rosemary sprig.
Note: You can adjust the cocktail’s sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
Gin Hot Toddy
Looking to add a little twist to your traditional hot toddy recipe? The warmth and comforting flavours of a classic hot toddy meet the botanical goodness of gin in this delightful concoction: the perfect balance of honey, spices, and a touch of citrus.
1½ oz (45 mL) gin
1 tbsp (15 mL) honey
2-3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup (250 mL) boiling water
1 lemon, juiced lemon wedge
In a heatproof glass or mug, add the honey, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Pour the boiling water over the ingredients and stir until the honey is dissolved. Add gin and lemon juice to the glass and give it another stir. Let steep for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.
Note: Adjust the honey and lemon juice quantities according to your taste preferences. You can also add a tea bag to infuse additional flavours.
Festive French 75
The French 75 is a classic gin-based cocktail perfect for festive occasions. This elegant and refreshing drink was named after the French 75mm field gun used during World War I, as its effects were said to be just as strong. The French 75 is the perfect way to kick off any celebration with its sparkling wine and citrus flavors.
2 oz (60 mL) gin
1 oz (30 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
½ oz (15 mL) simple syrup
Ice cubes
Chilled sparkling wine (Champagne or Prosecco)
Lemon peel twist
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 1015 seconds to chill the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass. Top it off with chilled sparkling wine, filling the glass almost to the rim. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel, adding a touch of aroma to the cocktail. Serve immediately.
Note: If you prefer a drier cocktail, adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste by reducing or omitting it altogether. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of sparkling wine to find your preferred flavour combination.
