Holiday gin cocktails that make any celebration more festive

Over the past year, gin has grown in popularity and these holiday gin cocktails are a delightful way to toast another year in the books. From variations on a classic to elevated flavors, these cocktails might become your signature beverage for the new year.

While some people might still think of their grandfather’s gin with bold botanicals and heavy pine notes, the modern gins are more approachable. With more subtle flavors and the ability to blend more easily similar to a vodka, these spirits make at home mixologists grab that bottle of gin more frequently.

Even if gin may not be the go-to spirit, the holidays can be the perfect time to explore some different options. Sometimes thinking outside of the cocktail shaker can be a great way to break the boring and add some extra to the festive season.

At the same time, no one wants to be overly complicated. While some cocktail recipes do have a few extra ingredients, the flavor is worth the second or third step. Just like a great meal, layered flavors pay off big dividends.

Which holiday gin cocktails deserve a second shake?

Aviation Cosmo

And Just Like That, the Cosmo seems to be back in fashion. While that classic cocktail is usually made with vodka, a modern gin, like Aviation Gin, can be a lovely substitute. Although enjoying this gin cocktail does may not include sailing away on the perfect getaway, it is a cocktail worthy to sip and savor.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Aviation American Gin
• 0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 0.25 oz Maraschino Liqueur
• Dashes of Bitters

Method:

• Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with Ice. Stir, then strain into Martini glass. Top with dashes of Bitters and garnish with Lemon Peel and Maraschino Cherry.

French 75

A classic gin cocktail, the French 75 is always a treat because of its effervescence. The sweet, tart and bubbly cocktail is always a hit at a party. Plus, for anyone who is serving bubbles at a celebration, this cocktail ensures that the bottle has multiple uses.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 parts Hendrick’s Gin
• 1/2 part Simple Syrup
• 1/2 part Lemon Juice
• Top with Champagne
• Lemon Twist to Garnish

Method:

• Add HENDRICK’S GIN, simple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled flute. Top with champagne and garnish.

Fig Negroni

The Negroni is a classic apertivo. That slightly bitter cocktail awakens the palate and welcomes the food and beverage adventure waiting to be explored. With this version, fresh figs add a nuance and a touch of sweetness to the mix. It can be a lovely way to elevate a classic and make a big impression with guests.

Ingredients:

• 12 ml Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter
• 30 ml Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato (fig-infused)
• 25 ml Oxley Gin
• Fresh Fig

Method:

• Infuse Martini & Rossi Riserva Ambrato with dried figs until the preferred taste is achieved. Add all ingredients to a glass full of ice, mix well by stirring gently, and garnish with a halved fresh fig.

Bramble 75

Similar to the French 75, the Bramble 75 delights in its simplicity. While this cocktail is delightful on a warm afternoon. It can be the perfect way to end an evening. Slightly sweet yet a little intriguing, it will leave everyone wanting a little more.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Bombay Bramble
• ¾ oz Lemon Juice
• ¾ Honey Syrups (3 parts honey to 1 part water)
• 4 oz of Martini & Rossi Prosecco

Method:

• Combine all ingredients except for the Prosecco into your cocktail shaker. Give it a quick, hard shake with ice. Strain into a chilled flute glass and top with 4 oz of Prosecco. Garnish with a dehydrated blackberry.

The Penthouse Bubbly

Definitely an upgrade from just gin and juice, this holiday gin cocktail from INDOGGO will have everyone living it up all night long. With a slight sweetness from the Moscato, this gin cocktail is a great option for someone who likes a French 75 but prefers a less sweet option.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz INDOGGO
• 4 oz Risata Moscato D’asti
• Fresh squeezed lemon
• Garnish: Lemon slice

Method:

• In a highball glass with ice add INDOGGO & Risata Moscato D’asti
• Squeeze lemon onto the glass
• Stir briefly
• Garnish with a fresh lemon slice and enjoy!

Basil, Ginger Gin Smash Created by Bartender Cat Sutherland

This cocktail has a savory note that could represent a new trend for the home mixologist. While many people are accustomed to using mint in a muddle, this cocktail uses basil leaves. As the aroma entices, the cocktail evolves. From the herbs to the kombucha, this slow sipper makes a big impression.

Ingredients:

• 10 Basil leaves
• 2 oz. Gin
• 0.75 oz. lemon
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup (2:1)
• 2 oz. Remedy Ginger Lemon Kombucha
• Garnish: Basil sprig

Method:

• Add Basil and simple to shaker, muddle, add gin and lemon, hard shake, double strain over ice.

GTFO 2020 (a Paul Feig original)

Although 2020 might be in the rearview window, the reality is that many people feel as if there has been too many years of Groundhog Day. Even if people might have breathed a sigh of relief for not having to wear that bridesmaid dress or appreciated those few moments where their inner geek didn’t have to be hidden, it might be time to move onto brighter pastures.

Still, this Artingstall’s Gin cocktail from Paul Feig is still a great way to toast another year in the books. Maybe think of the 2020 label as a way to see the past a little clearer and hoping for a vision for brighter tomorrow.

Ingredients:

• ½ oz. Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin
• ½ oz. vodka
• ½ oz. mezcal
• ½ oz. pisco
• ½ oz. peach schnapps
• ½ oz. Aperol bitter aperitif
• 2 dashes Parfait Amour orange liqueur
• 2 dashes peach bitters
• 1 oz. club soda to top
• orange for garnish

Method:

• Shake all ingredients, except club soda, with ice.
• Pour ice and liquid into an old fashioned glass. Top with club soda and garnish with orange slice.
• Drink until you forget how terrible 2020 was.

What holiday gin cocktails are being served at your home bar? What cocktail recipe do you have to share?