June 8th is World Gin Day – the perfect occasion to mix up a creative gin cocktail. I rarely need an excuse to stir or shake up a gin-based libation but I’m delighted my friends at Sipsmith sent me a bottle of their London dry gin and a beautiful rose gold martini set to celebrate….
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Modern Aviation Cocktail
If you’re wondering what gives this drink it’s distinctive Willy Wonka hue, it’s a combination of factors. The classic Aviation cocktail is always a pleasant shade of violet thanks to the inclusion of Crème de Violette. In addition to the colour, this liqueur brings a potent floral component to this cocktail with its distinctive notes…
Vesper Martini
About to engage in some international espionage, a high-speed car chase or a night of seduction? May I suggest the Vesper? This martini is James Bond’s drink of choice, served shaken not stirred. This version is an adaptation from the original recipe which would give you a 4.5 ounce cocktail and knock you right on…
Violet Vixen
SKIP TO RECIPE Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 22 – Violet Vixen. This little lilac dream is named after Vixen the reindeer, not me. 😉 I hope you’re all settling in nicely to the first official vacation day of this holiday season. That is unless you work in the service industry or…
Alpine Martini
SKIP TO RECIPE Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 19 – Alpine Martini. Realistically, you probably don’t have pine liqueur in your home bar. Sometimes I need to do one for the other mixologists out there, the ones who are always pushing the envelope and trying new things, the ones who have 20…
Red-Nosed Nightcap
SKIP TO RECIPE Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 17 – Red-Nosed Nightcap. i was initially going to call this drink something else but when the raspberry and blueberries aligned just perfectly against the side of the glass, making a Rudolph face, I knew I needed to name it accordingly. I’m going to…
Cranberry Gin Fizz
SKIP TO RECIPE Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 6 is this ruby red Cranberry Gin Fizz. Put a little elbow grease to muddle 10 fresh cranberries to get this rich crimson hue. At first blush, it might seem like this tipple could be too tart or acidic given the combination of cranberries,…
Mae Rose
SKIP TO RECIPE Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar features the most spirited cocktail yet, the Mae Rose. Don’t let her pretty pallor and fruity scent fool you, this drink packs a wallop. This is a solid 3.5-ounce cocktail is somewhere between a martini and a negroni and requires some seriously slow sipping and an…
Celery and Cilantro Gin Gimlet
SKIP TO RECIPE There are few things in life that bring me more joy than being on a dance floor. Give me some funk, motown, old school hip hop, salsa, reggaeton, and I will be CUTTING A RUG. I inherited this trait from my father. I’m sure you’ve seen old white man dancing? Like, where…
Plum and Fennel Gin Gimlet
SKIP TO RECIPE For a foodie, you might be surprised to learn that, for the longest time, I HATED foie gras. I’d had a few examples of it and thought it bore a striking resemblance in look and flavour to expensive dog food. It wasn’t until my first visit to the fabulous La Banane restaurant…
