Classic winter cocktails

Uncomplicated to mix whilst delivering time-honoured drinks, the three cocktails are truly compelling for gin and cocktail-lovers alike

The French 75

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A classic gin cocktail mixed with Hayman’s London Dry, was first recorded in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930 and continues to be a favourite of bartenders worldwide delivering a sophisticated, timeless fresh taste.

Glass: Champagne Flute/Coupe

Ingredients
  • 50ml Hayman’s London Dry (or Hayman’s Old Tom)
  • 25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 10ml Sugar Syrup (mix a small amount of sugar with warm water)
  • Prosecco
To garnish:
  • Lemon Zest

Method
Shake the sugar syrup, lemon juice and Hayman’s London Dry together and add to a champagne flute. Top up with prosecco and stir.

Cheat’s version if you don’t have sugar syrup – add 10ml of lemonade.


The Blackthorn

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A fruity, dry and warming classic cocktail dating back to approximately 1860. The name derives not from the sloe shrubs but from master mixologist Harry Johnson who, back in 1860, named it as a nod to a previous cocktail recipe, the Thorn Cocktail.

Glass: Wine goblet or martini glass

Ingredients
  • 50ml of Hayman's Sloe Gin
  • 5ml Sweet Italian Vermouth
  • Dash of Orange Bitters
To garnish:
  • Orange zest or a twist.

Method
Stir ingredients together in a mixing glass over cubed ice until chilled. Strain and serve into a pre-chilled martini or wine goblet.

Sloe Gin Toddy

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Sloe Gin is often considered to be the ultimate spirit for a winter warming cocktail. The Hayman’s Sloe Gin Toddy is easy to mix and the heat allows the spices to infuse into the drink producing a hearty, warm winter drink.  

Glass: Irish coffee glass

Method
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 4 whole cloves or star anises
  • 35ml Hayman’s Sloe Gin
  • 1tsp vanilla sugar or 12.5ml vanilla liqueur
  • Hot water
To garnish:
  • slice of orange

Method
Add honey & spices to a heat-proof glass or mug. Pour in water leaving room for the sloe gin. Add Hayman’s Sloe gin (and liqueur if using), squeeze orange in and leave in glass. Stir until honey is melted. Serve with a cinnamon stick.

Cheat’s version – add lemonade and a squeeze of an orange to 50ml Hayman’s Sloe Gin, mix with spices in a pan and warm on the stove.

Hayman’s Gins are available at selected Waitrose stores, Oddbins, Booths, Wine Rack, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Ocado, Spirited Wines, www.thedrinkshop.com and www.whiskyexchange.com