As we all know, January can be a tough and tiring month for most. Coming out of the busy festive period, going back to our everyday working lives, and experiencing cold and dark weather, it can be easy to succumb to the January blues. However, instead of January this year we are deciding to celebrate Ginuary! Ginuary is the month-long appreciation of the delicious and versatile spirit. It is designed to help people discover new flavours, cocktails, and ways to enjoy the lovely drink of gin. In honour of Ginuary, we have compiled a list of gorgeous and unique gin cocktails for you and your loved ones to try this January. Take a look at these recipes and take a moment to de-stress this January whilst sipping on your concoctions!
Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 4-6 slices of cucumber
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- Soda water (club soda)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves together to release their flavours.
Add the gin, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake the ingredients well to chill the mixture.
Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Top off the glass with soda water to your desired level, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish with a cucumber slice or mint sprig for an extra touch of freshness.
This Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that uses the crispness of the cucumber, the brightness of the mint and the botanical gin notes to create a gorgeous aromatic drink. This is the perfect pre-dinner cocktail, or a drink for a sunny day – adjust the sweetness or acidity of the drink to suit your preferences!
Classic Gin Sour
Ingredients
60 ml gin
30 ml fresh lemon juice
20 ml simple syrup
Ice cubes
Lemon wheel or twist for garnish
Instructions
In a shaker, combine 60 ml gin, 30 ml fresh lemon juice, and 20 ml simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Shake the ingredients together to chill the ingredients.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist on the rim.
This Classic Gin sour is a timeless cocktail that combines the sweetness of syrup with the tartness of fresh lemon juice. It is a fantastic and easy to make cocktail making it perfect for any occasion!
Frozen Blueberry Basil Gin Slush
Ingredients:
60 ml gin
1 cup frozen blueberries
60 ml fresh basil leaves
30 ml simple syrup
30 ml fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
Blueberries and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In a blender, combine 60 ml gin, frozen blueberries, 60 ml fresh basil leaves, 30 ml simple syrup, and 30 ml fresh lemon juice.
Add a handful of ice cubes to the blender.
Blend until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more simple syrup or lemon juice if needed.
Pour the frozen mixture into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a few blueberries and a basil leaf.
This frozen drink is a gorgeous blend of fruity and herby flavours and is guaranteed to be a firm favourite thing ginuary.
Mulled Gin
Ingredients:
200 ml gin
250 ml apple juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
Peel of one orange
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the gin, apple cider, cinnamon stick, star anise, and orange peel.
Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to boil to preserve the flavours of the gin.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the spices into the liquid.
Stir in honey or maple syrup to sweeten the mulled gin, adjusting to your taste preference.
Once warmed and well-infused, strain the mixture into heatproof mugs or glasses.
Garnish with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
This Mulled Gin is perfect for a cosy January night in, perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing with friends during your new year catch ups. Enjoy the warmth and fragrant spices in every sip!
Elderflower Gin Daiquiri
Ingredients:
60 ml elderflower-infused gin
30 ml fresh lime juice
20 ml elderflower syrup
Lime twist for garnish
Ice cubes
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine 60 ml elderflower-infused gin, 30 ml fresh lime juice, and 20 ml elderflower syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a twist of lime.
This floral twist on the classic daquiri is an elegant and refreshing beverage which uses the aromatic notes of elderflower combined with the bright acidity of lime.
This Ginuary there are many ways and opportunities to take advantage of the versatility of gin. Why not host a gin tasting night with friends? Create a personalised tasting menu and discover the diverse botanical profiles of each gin and flavour. Or for a cosy night in, why not turn your living room into a cocktail lounge and enjoy each of these cocktails whilst watching a movie with your friends. Whether it’s a mulled gin, or a pink gin lemonade let each sip enhance your film watching experience. If your friends are more on the creative side, how about hosting a DIY cocktail workshop where you allow your guests to experiment with unique ingredients and techniques then let them enjoy their own creation whilst drinking and catching up with loved ones. Whatever you are up to this January, there is always an occasion to enjoy a lovely G&T this January.