5 Winter Gin Cocktails Ideal For This Season

For those who enjoy mixology or trying new things, winter offers an opportunity to experiment with different ingredients and concoctions that aren’t typically used during the rest of the year.

During the colder months, brown spirits like whiskey get most of the love, but today, we’re here to talk about gin. Yep, we know, a refreshing gin spritz is the ideal summer drink, however, the botanical notes of original gin also lend themselves to winter. Juniper at the heart of gin’s flavour profile is reminiscent of evergreen trees, a fitting tribute to the season, don’t you think? And when mixed with seasonal ingredients like citrus and cinnamon, gin’s complexity is only enhanced.

So, let’s explore these simple yet delightful gin cocktails for winter together!

Winter Gin Cocktail Recipes

Hot Gin Toddy

When the winter chill sets in, nothing beats the comfort of a Hot Gin Toddy. This classic gin winter cocktail is a perfect blend of warmth and sophistication. The Hot Gin Toddy is not just a drink; it’s a hug in a mug, making it the ideal companion for a cozy winter evening by the fireplace. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 100ml original gin
• 50ml honey
• 15ml lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Hot water
• A cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• Cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a heatproof glass or mug, combine gin, hot water, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well until the honey is dissolved.
3. If desired, add a couple of cloves for extra winter spice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a fragrant twist or with a lemon wheel for a zesty finish.

Cranberry Gin Fizz

Bring the festive spirit to your winter gatherings with the vibrant Cranberry Gin Fizz. This winter cocktail with gin is a burst of flavors that captures the essence of the season. The Cranberry Gin Fizz is perfect for adding a splash of colour and merriment to your winter festivities. Here’s how to concoct this cheerful drink:

Ingredients:

• 100ml original gin
• 50ml cranberry juice
• 25ml simple syrup
• 25ml fresh lime juice
• Soda water
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup, and lime juice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
3. Strain the concoction into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top it up with club soda for that delightful fizz.
5. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Mulled Gin Punch

Embrace the cozy vibes of winter with a steaming cup of Mulled Gin Punch. This fantastic concoction infuses the aromatic spices of traditional mulled beverages with the kick of gin. Sip on this delicious gin cocktail for winter by the fireplace, and let the rich blend of spices and gin envelop you in the warmth of the season. Here’s how to whip up this warming elixir:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 150ml original gin
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 6-8 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• 50g honey or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine apple cider, orange slices, lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and honey (or brown sugar).
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
3. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the gin.
5. Strain the punch into mugs, ensuring you capture those flavourful fruit slices.
6. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for a festive touch.

Rosemary Gin & Tonic

Give your classic G&T a winter makeover with the aromatic infusion of rosemary. This Rosemary Gin and Tonic brings a herbal note to the familiar, creating a refreshing yet cozy winter drink with gin. The cocktail is a sophisticated yet simple winter sipper, combining the crispness of gin with the earthy essence of rosemary. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 50ml gin
• 150ml tonic water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• A wedge of lime

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes for that perfect chill.
2. Pour in the gin, letting it cascade over the ice.
3. Add the tonic water, gently stirring to combine.
4. Take a fresh rosemary sprig, give it a quick twist to release the oils, and drop it into the glass.
5. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the drink for a zesty kick.
6. Optionally, garnish with an additional sprig of rosemary for a fragrant flourish.

Winter Negroni

The Negroni, a cocktail known for its perfect balance of bitter and sweet, gets a winter makeover in this recipe. This gin winter cocktail maintains the bitterness of the classic version but adds a seasonal touch that’s perfect for sipping by the fireside. Here’s how to craft the Winter Negroni:

Ingredients:

• 25ml original gin
• 25ml sweet vermouth
• 25ml Campari
• Orange peel (for garnish)
• Nutmeg
• Cinammon stick
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Stir the ingredients well for about 15-20 seconds to achieve the ideal dilution.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it.
6. Grate over nutmeg. Drop the cinnamon stick into the glass and the orange peel or use it as a garnish on the rim.

The Bottom Line

Although Christmas is over, winter still wraps its chilly arms around us, so these wintertime gin cocktails can bring warmth and cheer. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or hosting a post-New Year gathering, these creations offer a delightful taste of the season. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of the season, and savor the joy of winter in every sip.