Here at the Distillery, we firmly believe there’s always an excuse for mixing up a perfect gin and tonic. Gone are the days of ice and a slice as we raise a glass to a selection of innovative hot and cold G&Ts. January is behind us and the long run into a glorious summer awaits, although these days it’s never quite so clear-cut which months are hot, and which are cold. So, we thought what better than a simple selection of our favourite wintery gin and tonics for you to sip to your heart’s content until the clocks go forward.
For Warming the Cockles: Hot Gin & Tonic
If you’ve had your fill of mulled wine over the festive season, try this winter aperitif instead – a Hot G&T is warming liquid sophistication in a glass. First things first, you’ll need a heatproof stem glass, to avoid burning your fingers. Then add 50ml of Sipsmith London Dry Gin and 25ml of Sipsmith Tonic Syrup and stir well, then top up with piping hot water and garnish with an orange twist.
For Après Ski: Winter Gin & Tonic
Finish your day on the slopes with a Winter Gin & Tonic – a rich, hedgerow twist on the classic recipe. First, take a highball and fill with ice. Add 30ml of Sipsmith London Dry Gin and top it up with a high-quality tonic water. Then drizzle 25ml of Sipsmith Sloe Gin over the top, and garnish with an orange wedge.
For After Dinner (Instead of Pudding): Chocolate Orange Gin & Tonic
As wintery as building a snowman, the Orange & Cacao Gin & Tonic is like drinking liquid gold (but less costly or deadly). Simply take a highball glass and fill with ice cubes, then add a seriously generous 50ml of Sipsmith Orange & Cacao Gin and top with some wonderfully premium Indian Tonic Water. Garnish with an orange wheel.
For the Morning After: Coffee Gin & Tonic
If the morning after the night before has left you feeling a little groggy or sleepy, we have the perfect pick-me-up. Subtler than an espresso Martini, our Coffee Gin & Tonic adds a slight frisson of caffeine and the deep, bitter richness of coffee beans to the traditional G&T. Take that trusty highball and fill with ice and 50ml of Sipsmith London Dry Gin. Top it up with tonic water and pour over 10ml of cold brew coffee. Then garnish with a slice of orange and you’re away.
For Every Occasion: Classic Gin & Tonic
Really, it needs no introduction, but the Classic Gin & Tonic is a drink for all seasons, regardless of whether you have a reason to celebrate or not. Take a highball and fill with ice, before pouring over 50ml of Sipsmith London Dry Gin. Then fill to the top with Indian Tonic Water. When it comes to the garnish, we love a zesty lime.
Whatever G&T you choose to sip during these long winter months, as long as it’s beautifully crafted, you won’t go far wrong.
