The feeling of our long days drawing ever shorter, nights growing colder and becoming accustomed to being greeted with frost can be dreadfully daunting. Some of us will want nothing more than to light the fire or blast the heating like you're slow-roasting yourself into hibernation. During the drab commute to work the thought of getting home and pouring yourself that well-earned adults-only beverage is just about the only thing keeping you from packing your house up and moving to the equator. You may even think it's far too cold to be pouring yourself anything but a cup of tea (really?) or a glass of red, but here's the thing - you don't have to stop drinking G&T's because it's not sunny anymore. There's plenty of ways to get into the spirit of things, gin and all! Firstly there's Sloe Gin an unctuous combination of gin and sloe drupes, which are a humble hedgerow relative of the plum. Our favourite at the moment is the fabulous oak-aged Sloe and Mulberry Gin by Chase Distillery of Hereford, and outstanding example of this perfect winter warmer which can be enjoyed by itself or with tonic. Don't believe me? Pop into one of our stores and ask to try some. Tempting? Thought so! Cocktails are also a great way to keep your palate stimulated and entertained during these colder months. My personal autumn favourite is a (very strong) Cranberry Gin Fizz, incredibly easy to make and even easier to drink! The recipe below is perfect for entertaining your friends and getting them so merry before lunch they'll hardly notice you've pinched all the crackling! You'll Need:
250ml of gin (preferably our very own Whitmore Gin!)
2 sprigs of Thyme
500ml Cranberry Juice
2 Tbsp of fresh Orange Juice
1L of Tonic Water
Frozen Cranberries to garnish Follow My Lead
Pour the gin into a bowl, add the Thyme and muddle to together to release the fabulous flavour. After giving the thyme some time with the gin remove with a slotted spoon. Continue to fill the bowl with the Cranberry and Orange juice then stir in with the tonic. Serve from a punch bowl or large jug with ice, and garnish with your cranberries. So there you have it - a perfectly delicious and easy drinking autumn classic that will ensure conversation flows almost as well as the drink! Until next time, Jacques
Store Manager, W&W Frodsham