With just over a week to go until the big day, I have removed my Ebenezer Scrooge-esque nightcap, uttered my final bah humbug, returned my Mariah Carey ear defenders, and finally submitted to the fact that it’s nearly Christmas.
Christmas and cocktails go together like wise men and myrrh. It’s the time of year when the liquor cabinet is bursting with bottles, guests both welcome and not increase in regularity, and everyone transforms into an experimental mixologist. Remember, it’s only a double if you actually bother to measure it.
However, sometimes it’s best to leave the cocktail concocting to the pros. For those looking for a little inspiration, one tipple that’s sure to blow your grandma’s novelty Christmas socks off is Wintertime Love from Cotswolds Distillery, an England-based spirit maker.
Cotswolds Distillery has been making a name for itself since it first opened its doors in 2014. While the first releases were gin and liqueurs, for Dan — the ex-financier founder who swapped Canary Warf for life in the country — whisky was always the end goal. In 2017, they released Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky, the first to be distilled in the Cotswolds.
Few moments exude the essence of Christmas more than sitting by the fire with a neat glass of whisky. Cotswold Signature Single Malt, is a wise choice thanks to the fact it’s brimming with notes of honey, Seville orange and dark red fruits. Alas! Neat spirits are not for everybody. Cue Wintertime Love, which sounds a bit like an unreleased George Michael hit.
This is a Christmassy cocktail that brings both looks and the flavor to the table. Part whisky for that wintery warmth, part amaro for an herbal hit, combined with fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice and a couple dashes of grapefruit bitters to round things off.
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Just as civilized as a neat glass of whisky, when served in a martini glass, this delectable beverage adds a dollop of Audrey Hepburn to your festivities. It’s fruity, it’s zingy and there’s enough ABV to ensure that the story you’re hearing for the fifth time is just as funny. What more could you want?
Ingredients
45ml Cotswolds Distillery Signature Single Malt Whisky
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15ml Amaro
15ml Lemon Juice
15ml Cranberry Juice
2 Dashes Grapefruit Bitters
Method
Place all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker, shake, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange zest and star anise.
