Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Winter is the perfect time to explore the versatility of gin. As someone who loves experimenting with flavors, I find that winter gin cocktails provide a delightful blend of warmth and complexity.
In this guide, I’ll share with you my favorite winter gin cocktails that have spiced up many chilly evenings. These aren’t just drinks; they’re experiences that capture the essence of winter warmth.
Top 10 Gin Cocktails Perfect For Winter
1. Tom Collins Cocktail
Tom Collins is a timeless recipe – a refreshing cocktail with perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavors.
Winter nights sparkle brighter with the warmth of a well-crafted gin cocktail.” – Liquor Laboratory
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 60ml Gin
- 30ml Lemon juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- Club soda
- 15ml Maraschino liqueur (optional)
- Lemon slice and maraschino cherry (garnish)
Instructions: Combine in a Collins glass with ice, top with soda, and garnish.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★★
2. Nuestra Casa
Nuestra Casa is a bittersweet, smooth gin cocktail that delivers a sophisticated flavor profile.
Prep Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 6 mins
Ingredients:
- 40ml Oxley Gin
- 20ml Tonic water
- 20ml Lemon juice
- 1/4 Allspice dram
- 10ml Sugar syrup (or honey syrup)
- 2-dashes orange bitters
Instructions: Shake all the ingredients, except the tonic, strain into an ice-filled rocks glass, and pour the tonic on top. If preferred, garnish with an orange twist and serve immediately.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★★
3. French 75 Cocktail
French 75 is a fizzy, elegant cocktail recipe combining gin and sparkling wine.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 30ml Gin
- 15ml Lemon juice
- 7ml Simple syrup
- Champagne
Instructions: Shake the first three components with ice, strain into a flute, and top with the Champagne.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★★
4. Pegu Club
Pegu Club is a classic cocktail with a citrusy punch, perfect for those who love a citrus twist.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 45ml Gin
- 15ml Triple Sec
- 15ml Lemon juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with icicles and sift the mixture into a chilled glass.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
5. Tante Marie Fizz
Tante Marie Fizz is a sweet, creamy, and refreshing fizz, making it an ideal recipe for cozy nights.
Prep Time: 7 mins
Total Time: 7 mins
Ingredients:
- 50ml Whitley Neill Gin
- 30ml Lemon juice
- 20ml Simple syrup
- 1 Egg white
- 30ml Seltzer (or soda water)
Instructions: In a cocktail shaker, pour gin, juice, syrup, and egg white with crushed ice. Shake vigorously, sift, and top with seltzer.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
6. Blood Orange Gin & Tonic
Blood Orange Gin and Tonic is a lively and citrus twist on the classic Gin Tonic recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 50ml Sloe Gin
- 100ml Tonic water
- 50ml Blood orange juice
- Blood orange slice and rosemary sprig
Instructions: To make this Gin and Tonic, combine in a coupe glass with ice and stir. To serve, garnish with orange slice and rosemary.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
7. Hugo Cocktail
Hugo Cocktail is a light, subtly sweet, floral drink with a hint of mint, perfect for a fresh start.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 40ml Bulldog Gin
- 20ml Elderflower liqueur
- 120ml Prosecco (chilled)
- 30ml Club soda (chilled)
- Mint leaves and lime slices
Instructions: Muddle mint leaves on a wine glass, then add gin and elderflower liqueur. Mix gently, add ice, top with soda and Prosecco, and garnish with lime slices.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
8. Greyhound
Greyhound is a simple, tart cocktail, great for those who enjoy a straightforward drink.
Prep Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 2 mins
Ingredients:
- 45ml Gin
- 90ml Grapefruit juice (can use cranberry juice)
- Lime wheel and rosemary sprig
Instructions: Build into a highball glass with ice, stir, and garnish with a rosemary sprig or lime wheel.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
9. Hanky Panky
Hanky Panky is a herbaceous and slightly bitter gin cocktail, perfect for an after-dinner treat.
“The proper union of gin and vermouth is a great and sudden glory; it is one of the happiest marriages on earth, and one of the shortest lived.” – Bernard DeVoto, American Historian and Conservationist
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 45ml Gin
- 45ml Sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Fernet-Branca
Instructions: Stir gin, vermouth, and Fernet-Branca with ice, strain into a chilled glass, then garnish with an orange twist.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
10. Gin-Gin Mule
Gin-Gin Mule is a gingery and refreshing gin cocktail – a delightful twist to the classic mule recipe.
Prep Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 6 mins
Ingredients:
- 50ml Sloe gin
- 15ml Lime juice
- 15ml Ginger beer
- 15ml Sugar or Honey syrup
- Mint leaves
Instructions: Shake lime juice and gin with ice, pour into a mule mug, top with ginger beer, and garnish with mint.
Serving: 1
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Note: The star rating was determined during a blind taste based on every cocktail’s flavor balance, aroma, smoothness, ingredients quality, and ABV.
FAQs Relatd to Winter Gin Cocktails
What are winter gin cocktails?
Winter gin cocktails are beverages made with gin as the base spirit and infused with flavors reminiscent of the winter season, such as spices, herbs, citrus, and warming ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
What are some popular winter gin cocktails?
Popular winter gin cocktails include classics like the Hot Gin Toddy, Gin Hot Toddy, Gin-Ginger Mulled Cider, Winter Gin and Tonic with warming spices, Cranberry Gin Fizz, and Spiced Negroni, among others.
Can you recommend a simple winter gin cocktail recipe?
Certainly! A simple yet delicious winter gin cocktail is the Hot Gin Toddy, made by combining hot water, gin, honey, lemon juice, and a dash of aromatic bitters. Garnish with a lemon twist or cinnamon stick for extra flair.
How can I add a wintery twist to a classic gin cocktail?
To add a wintery twist to a classic gin cocktail, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients like cranberry juice, pomegranate syrup, apple cider, or homemade spiced syrups. You can also infuse your gin with winter spices for added depth of flavor.
Are there any gin-based cocktails specifically designed for the holiday season?
Yes, many gin-based cocktails are perfect for the holiday season. Examples include the Christmas Martini, Winter Gin Sangria, and Festive Gin Punch, which feature seasonal fruits, spices, and festive garnishes.
Can I use different types of gin for winter cocktails?
Absolutely! Different types of gin, such as London Dry, Old Tom, or barrel-aged gin, can each bring unique flavors and characteristics to winter cocktails. Experiment with different gin styles to find the perfect match for your preferred winter flavors.
On A Final Note
Winter gin cocktails are more than just drinks; they’re a celebration of the season’s flavors. There are many gin cocktail recipes to enjoy, catering to every palate while giving a warm hug in a glass.
From the Nuestra Casa’s bittersweet flavor to Pegu Club’s citrus notes and Gin-Gin Mule’s cozy vibe, all these recipes provide a unique experience.
So, if you want to deviate from the usual bourbon and rum drink recipes and are looking for something worth mixing and sipping this cold season, I encourage you to try these delightful gin cocktails!
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