It’s here: the last Friday before Christmas. Shoppers are panicking, cooks are prepping and, for the most part, we’re all ready for a good old rest. As we ease into the final days of the festive period, we’re looking for a cocktail that delivers a little bit of luxe but without too much faff – Silent Pool gin’s Midnight Sparkle delivers on all fronts.
Created in England’s Surrey Hills, Silent Pool launched its first gin in 2015 and for nearly a decade has been crafting spirits focused on sustainable practices. Its signature is a premium London Dry gin made using as many local ingredients as possible, from the chamomile and elderflower that grows around the distillery to the roses and lavender from the nearby village, Albury, and honey from its own beehive.
[See also: Ever Wanted to Elevate Sangria? Just Hand Me the Henny]
The distillery proudly uses what it calls a four-step ‘mosaic distillation process’ which is best compared to the processes of crafting perfume. First there is a gentle maceration. Then, the team move on to basket infusion, whereby the aromatic ingredients are steamed. Next comes a tea infusion, which sees the more floral ingredients soaked in a giant teabag. Finally, all ingredients come together for the concluding distilling process.
While this level of care and attention makes Silent Pool gin the prime lead in a simple G&T (a wedge of orange is the recommended garnish), Christmas is as good an occasion as any to takes things up a notch. The Midnight Sparkle combines gin with creme de chocolat, zesty mandarin juice and just a hint of sparkling white wine (we always recommend a champagne if you have one open) to creative a festive cocktail that comes together with minimal effort – serve it to guests pre-Christmas dinner or use it as a welcome drink come New Year’s Eve (or drink one solo while cooking – no judgement here.)
[See also: The Most Magical Hotels for Christmas in London]
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Ingredients:
- 50ml Silent Pool Gin Classic
- 10ml Crème de Chocolat
- 15ml Mandarin Juice
- Sparkling white wine
- Mandarin wedge (to garnish)
Method:
Add all the ingredients except the sparkling wine into a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Strain into a flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a mandarin wedge.
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