Now there is no denying that summer is over and the darker nights and colder days have set in, you may be left wondering - what is the best way to drink gin? We often associate cocktails with summer and holidays, but they are great for winter too. In fact, some of the best gin cocktails work better in winter than they do in summer.
If you are looking for some winter gin cocktail inspiration then keep reading. Vemacity have put together a list of 7 cocktails you need to make this season, so bring back out your fishbowl gin glasses and enjoy.
The Bijou
This incredible cocktail isn’t for the faint-hearted. It was invented by Harry Johnson, "the father of professional bartending", who gave it its name because it combined the colours of three beautiful jewels - gin representing a diamond, vermouth for ruby and chartreuse for emerald.
All you need to make this high proof cocktail is a dash of orange bitters, 30ml green chartreuse, 30ml gin and 30ml sweet vermouth. Of course, you can garnish with a lemon zest - or a cherry if you’re looking to present this drink.
The Martinez
Some call this a mix between the manhattan and the martini, the Martinez cocktail has appeared in cocktail books going all the way back to 1884. Any classic drink connoisseur will definitely want to note this recipe and it may even become your new favourite this season.
You will find lots of variations of this recipe but we suggest you try 45ml gin, 45ml Cinzano Red a dash of Cointreau and 2 dashes angostura bitters. This is a real winter warmer and a great party drink.
The Sloe Gin Fizz
When it’s cold, damp and dark outside, you can give yourself a lift with this delicious cocktail. In winter you often see variations of champagne cocktails and this is a great addition to your list of go-to fizz tipples.
Make this by mixing 15ml gin, 15ml sloe gin, 15ml lemon, a spoonful of sugar and champagne, prosecco or cava to top. We can assure you that no drink fits this time of year like a sloe gin fiz and people will definitely be asking for the recipe.
The Fog Cutter
If you thought that the bijou was strong then this might not be the cocktail for you. It is a vintage tiki cocktail that calls for a mixture of several liquors. Its high alcohol content is often compared to the long island ice tea.
To create this winter cocktail you will need 20ml gin, 20ml brandy, 20ml rum, 40ml orange juice, 20ml lemon juice, 15ml almond syrup and 5ml sherry. This drink is definitely a winter warmer.
The Pearman’s Toddy
Putting a gin twist of the classic toddy cocktail, this drink is perfect for this time of year. There are a handful of cocktails that you serve hot rather than over ice and this is one of them. Swap your mulled wine for a Pearman’s toddy this year.
You need to heat 60ml gin, 30ml cinnamon syrup (which you can also make yourself), 15ml lemon juice and 60ml water in a saucepan, before serving with a cinnamon stick garnish. If you have never tried a hot cocktail then this is a must.
The Resolution
It doesn’t get easier than this when it comes to making an amazing gin cocktail. You may also hear this referred to as the rosemary gimlet but the ingredients are the same. The majority of people will have everything they need for this cocktail in the house already.
Simply mix together 60ml gin, 20ml fresh lime juice and 20ml rosemary syrup. This syrup is really easy to make yourself, all you need is 125ml water, 100g sugar and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary leaves.
The Spiced Negroni
A festive twist on a classic making it perfect for the winter months. Count Camillo Negroni invented this cocktail in Florence back in the early 1900s, and this Italian cocktail is now enjoyed all over the world.
For this drink, mix 50ml campari, 50ml sweet vermouth and 50ml spiced gin, you can make it with a standard gin but the spiced flavour really gives this drink an edge. Garnish with a twist of orange peel and star anise for that real festive feel.
Drinking winter gin cocktails
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to gin cocktails, now that summer is over for another year, then definitely try one of the winter warmers we have mentioned above. Get your friends and family together and try something new in your balloon gin glasses this season.
Seeing as Christmas is fast approaching, if you know someone who loves gin just as much as you do then why not treat them to a beautiful set of ladies gin glasses from Vemacity? Each set comes with a double-sided jigger and a cocktail mixing spoon, so your friends will be fully prepared to recreate their favourite winter gin cocktails at home.
If you would like any more information regarding our balloon gin glasses or gin glass gift sets, you are more than welcome to visit the Vemacity website. Our dedicated FAQ page will most likely ensure your queries find answers and you can also sign up to our newsletter, where you can receive updates and get access to exclusive deals.