There are few things as comforting and warming to the cockles of the heart as a Hot Toddy in winter, with many claiming the warm and spicy cocktail can help ward off the common cold.

Celebrate Christmas in July and serve up these winter warming gin cocktails to keep you cosy as you open your ‘ginspectacular’ Secret Santa gifts!

Mulled Gin

This is a great crowd pleaser for winter catch ups, sweet and infused with spices, and can be made up to a week before to really infuse those spicy flavours.

Ingredients

• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Star Anise
• Peel of 1 large orange
• Peel of 1 large lemon
• 1 litre carton apple juice
• 2 tsp honey
• 50ml (per person) eg Elegant Dry Gin by Big Tree Distillery
• 1 orange wedge (per person)

Instructions

• Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, orange and lemon peel into a large saucepan. Pour in the apple juice and place the pan over a low heat, simmering for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Stir in the honey until melted. Strain the mixture into a jug and pour into glasses pre-filled with 50ml of gin. For the finishing touch, garnish with a wedge of orange. (Makes enough for 4 and can be made up to a week in advance. Keep in the fridge and warm prior to serving).

Hot Toddy

Traditionally made with a whisky or rum, this warming cocktail will take the chill off your bones, thanks to the botanicals, citrus and honey.

Ingredients

• 3 dried cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp of honey
• 50ml (per person) Original Larrikin Gin
• 15ml lemon juice
• 200 ml hot, boiled water
• 1 orange slice (per person)

Method

• Add all of your ingredients (except the gin and orange slice) into your glass and stir until the honey has melted. Once melted, add gin and garnish with orange.

Pomegranate Fizz

Cool but sharp and citrusy, this cocktail takes citrus and gin to a refreshing level. Perfect for afternoon gatherings in the winter sun, it is sure to be a winner.

Ingredients

• 25ml pomegranate juice
• 50ml gin (eg Elegant Dry Gin by Big Tree Distillery)
• 50ml soda water
• 5ml fresh lime juice
• Pomegranate seeds
• Ice

Method

• Combine the gin, lime juice and pomegranate juice into a shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Pour over ice into a glass of your choice and top with soda water.

Hot Gin Twist

The Hot Gin Twist was London’s most popular drink in the winter of 1823, with good ‘ole tea being the base for this warm and spicy concoction.

Ingredients

• 25ml of navy strength gin (for loads of aroma) – eg The Weaver Gin
• 200ml hot black tea
• Sugar to taste
• A twist of lemon zest

Method

• Brew up a strong cup of black tea.
• Add a shot of gin and sugar to your cup.
• Add a twist of lemon zest and stir.

Winterberry Squeeze

Created by a bar called Crafted in St Louis, this cocktail is made in a French press (coffee plunger) rather than a traditional shaker, and is perfect for winter with its piney flavours of juniper and gin, paired with tart cranberries and earthy thyme.

For a crisper cocktail, press the ingredients right away, or leave to sit for an earthy flavour thanks to the juniper berries and thyme.

Ingredients

• 50ml gin (highly recommend Moore’s Dry Gin for its floral aromas)
• 50ml lemon juice
• 50ml elderflower syrup (try Monin)
• 7-8 cranberries
• 1 tsp juniper berries
• 4-5 sprigs thyme

Method

• Place cranberries, juniper berries and thyme in single-serving French press.
• Shake the gin, lemon juice and elderflower syrup with ice and strain into the press.
• Allow to steep for a few minutes, the press down and pour into a coupe.

The Monkey Gland

Inspired by the 1920s medical practice of Dr Serge Voronoff of grafting primate testicles to bring rejuvenation and extended youth, the Monkey Gland is thought to offer protection from the common cold, as well as promote good health throughout winter.

Ingredients

• 50ml gin – recommend a citrus based gin
• 30ml orange juice
• 2 drops absinthe
• 2 drops grenadine

Method

• Shake well with ice, strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a curl of orange peel.