Cancel our plans - we'll have a cozy date with this County Down gin hot toddy and a roaring fireplace this Christmas!
Call us naive, but we hadn't a notion that gin hot toddies were a thing. Thankfully, the folks at this Irish gin brand brought us up to speed quicker than we could say 'Cheers.'
County Down-based Copeland Gin debuted its flavored Irish gin in 2016, just around the time when the whole country seemed to go gaga for the spirit (we blame the temptation of those huge goblet-style glasses.)
The company's newest flavor, Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant, has been revealed just in time for the festive season, and with its sweet berry taste fused with cinnamon-spiced apple, what a time to be alive.
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Turns out, the spirit is the perfect addition to the quintessential winter tipple - the Hot Toddy.
"Many don’t realize that gin is an excellent base for toddies too and just like whiskey, really easy to work with," founder of Copeland Spirits, Gareth Irvine (below), said.
“This warming, comforting toddy will please gin lovers along with those that may be used to a hot, aromatic whiskey or spicy mulled wine.
Here's how to make it - warming, cozy fire not included.
- 50ml Copeland Spiced Apple & Blackcurrant
- 15ml sugar syrup or a teaspoon of brown sugar
- 100ml hot water
"Add the Copeland Spiced Apple & Blackcurrant Gin to a heatproof glass," Irvine instructed. "Combine the lemon juice and brown sugar and swirl into the gin steady and slowly. Finally, add the boiling water and garnish with Star Anise & orange and enjoy."
Not in a Hot Toddy mood? Here are two more ideas to wet the whistle for any gin lover or low-key mixologist.
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The Perfect Serve
“The Perfect Serve is our choice for enjoying over Christmas dinner," Irvine said. "The sweet berry pairs perfectly with the hero of the meal, turkey, whilst the cinnamon aids digestion. We’ve kept this serve simple using just tonic water so as not to overcomplicate the flavor profile during the meal.”
Ingredients
- 35ml Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant
- 150ml Premium Indian Tonic Water
- Garnish with a slice of clementine or a cinnamon stick
Directions
Fill your preferred glass with ice. Pour in a serving of Copeland Gin’s Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant. Top up with your favorite Indian tonic and garnish with a slice of clementine and a cinnamon stick.
Copeland Winter Gin Fizz
“Everyone knows a big celebration like Christmas Day morning or New Year’s Eve wouldn’t be complete without a little fizz," Irvine noted. "This bubbly cocktail features lemon, adding a new flavor dimension to the sweetness of apple and berry. You’ll easily impress guests with your cocktail making skills by relying on a flavored gin to do the work for you, whilst you just add the fizz.”
Ingredients
- 50ml Copeland Spiced Apple & Blackcurrant
- 25ml Lemon Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup
- 125ml Prosecco (or as desired)
For the sugar syrup – use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Combine and bring to the boil. Simmer for around 8 minutes.
For the Gin Fizz - take a large champagne flute and pour in your Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant Copeland Gin. Squeeze in your lemon juice and add the sugar. Finally, top up with Prosecco. Garnish with a lemon swirl.
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* This article was originally published on our sister website U Magazine.
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