Put a festive twist on an all-time favourite with this wintery take on a classic gin and tonic; perfect for your Christmas celebrations

IMAGE: © RYLAND PETERS & SMALL
A gin and tonic is not normally associated with the colder months, but there are some great wintery ways to serve it. This recipe uses a gin with pleasant, spiced notes and in addition to tonic, there is warming sparkling ginger ale, an optional ginger wine and a clove-studded garnish in the mix, too.
Winter Gin Tonica
Ingredients
- 45 ml Warner Edwards Gin other good choices include Portobello Gin and Edinburgh Gin
- 75 ml well-chilled good-quality tonic water
- 75 ml well-chilled sparkling ginger ale
- 5 ml ginger wine or The King’s Ginger Liqueur optional
- ice cubes
To garnish
- an orange wedge studded with 3–4 cloves
- extra cloves
- a cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Add fresh ice cubes to three-quarter fill a clean balloon glass (a Spanish copa is ideal). Stir gently for 15 seconds with a bar spoon or chopstick to chill the glass. Pour away any liquid from the melted ice. Top up the glass with more ice cubes.
- Add the gin, trying to ensure that you coat the ice as you pour. Add the tonic water, ginger ale and ginger wine or liqueur, if using. Pouring slowly helps the tonic to keep its fizz.
- Add the garnish. Let rest for 30 seconds to allow the flavours to integrate with each other, then serve.

Published by Ryland Peters & Small, RRP £9.99. Photography © Ryland Peters & Small
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