Raise A Glass This World Gin Day!

Disclaimer: Please shop, drink and enjoy responsibly. Refer to lockdown regulations regarding the sale of alcohol during level 3. 

Southside Cocktail

Are you a fan of mojitos as well as gin? Then you'll definitely love this Southside Cocktail recipe. This cocktail is also known as a gin-style mojito. Also known as a mojito, gin-style. Not only is it super refreshing and delicious, but it's quite easy to make! Here's a Southside Cocktail recipe by Geoffrey Zakarian via Food Network: Ingredients:

• 60ml gin, such as Plymouth
• 30ml lime
• 20ml sugar syrup
• 1 sprig mint
• 1 fresh mint leaf
• Special equipment: a chilled martini glass

Method:

1. Combine the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup and mint sprig in a shaker.
2. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with one mint leaf, smacked to release the oils, floating on top of the cocktail.

Quick sugar syrup recipe by BBC Good Food:

• Bring one part sugar and one part water together and heat in a pan.
• Stir until all the sugar is dissolved.
• If you want to go the extra mile, you can flavour this with fresh herbs, citrus zest and spices.

Source: www.foodnetwork.com [caption id="attachment_113034" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Southside Cocktail from The Food Network by Geoffrey Zakarian.[/caption]

French 75 Cocktail

Ever thought of mixing gin with champagne? You can combine these two favourites into one glass and sip away on a French 75 cocktail. It's just like a mimosa, but lighter. This is usually an absolute hit at most social gatherings, but since we're all in lockdown, there's nothing wrong with making a jug all for yourself! Take a look at this easy recipe by Amanda Formaro on Amanda's Cookin': Ingredients:

• 30ml London dry gin
• 15ml fresh lemon juice
• 15ml simple sugar syrup
• Ice
• 90ml Brut champagne
• Lemon peel twist for garnish

Method:

1. Using a paring knife or a zester, slice peel from lemon, going all the way around to create a long spiral.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top with Brut.
4. Curl lemon peel around a wooden spoon or your finger to create a long twist.
5. Garnish drink with twist and serve immediately.

Source: amandascookin.com [caption id="attachment_113039" align="aligncenter" width="660"] French 75 Cocktail by Amanda's Cookin'. Image by Amanda's Cookin'.[/caption]

Pink Lady Cocktail

How about a pink cocktail to lift your spirits? Try this Pink Lady Gin cocktail recipe from BBC Good Food. It's perfect if you're planning a Zoom hangout with your girlfriends or simply just want to enjoy something on the sweet side. Ingredients:

• 100ml London dry gin
• 4 tsp grenadine (see recipe tip below)
• ice
• 1 large egg white
• 2 strips of lemon zest and 2 maraschino cherries, to garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Put two cocktail glasses in the fridge to chill. Pour the gin and grenadine into a cocktail shaker, then fill with ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels ice-cold. Strain the mixture into a jug, discarding the ice.
2. Tip the egg white into the shaker and pour in the gin mixture. Shake well until the egg white is frothy – you can also do this in a food processor or using a hand blender, if you like.
3. Pour the cocktail into the prepared glasses.
4. Skewer the cherries onto cocktail sticks, if using, then use to garnish the glasses along with the lemon zest, if you like.

Tip: Homemade Grenadine

• Pour 200ml pomegranate juice (100% juice, not juice drink) into a saucepan.
• Add 200g frozen red mixed berries, the juice of ½ lemon and 2 tbsp caster sugar.
• Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is soft and the liquid is slightly reduced.
• Strain, leave to cool and pour into a sterilised bottle. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week.

Source: www.bbcgoodfood.com [caption id="attachment_113041" align="aligncenter" width="499"] Pink Lady Cocktail recipe by Miriam Nice via BBC Good Food. Image by BBC Good Food.[/caption]

Spiced G&T

Not looking for a pretty cocktail? If you enjoy drinking your G&T as is with a few flavoured elements, then try this Spiced G&T from BBC Good Food. This twist on a G&T is perfect to enjoy before or after a hearty winter warmer meal and looks absolutely fabulous and refreshing. Ingredients:

• 50ml cardamom-spiced gin
• 2-3 whole cardamom pods
• 100ml classic tonic water

To garnish:

• fresh or dried rose petals
• plenty of ice

Method:

1. Put a large handful of ice in a big glass, then pour over 50ml cardamom-spiced gin.
2. Crush 2-3 whole cardamom pods so they just split open and drop those in too.
3. Pour over 100ml classic tonic water, then garnish with fresh or dried rose petals.

Source: www.bbcgoodfood.com [caption id="attachment_113043" align="aligncenter" width="440"] Spiced G&T recipe by Miriam Nice via BBC Good Food. Image by BBC Good Food.[/caption]