Though mainly mixed with tonic for a refreshing summer drink, gin makes an excellent base for winter drinks. Derived from the juniper tree, an evergreen, it adds a touch of seasonal festivity for this cold time of year. Fun trivia: In Greek mythology, pomegranate seeds are the cause for winter in the myth of Demeter, Persephone, and Hades. So we give you two pomegranate based cocktails in the list below. And so, so much more. Here are five gin-based cocktails that will cure your winter blues.
Pomegranate Punch
Courtesy of Boodles Gin
Ingredients
2 oz. Boodles Gin
.75 oz.100% pomegranate juice
.25 oz. fresh lemon juice
.5 oz. sumac syrup *
1 dash grapefruit bitters
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice and shake vigorously. Pour over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with a long lemon peel.
*Sumac simple syrup: To make one quart: Bring 16 oz. water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add 6 tablespoons ground sumac. Steep 10 minutes. Add 16 oz. white granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved. Let steep overnight, then strain through fine mesh.
Aviation
Courtesy of Kingside, located in the Viceroy New York hotel, NYC
Ingredients
.75 oz. Lemon juice
.5 oz. Creme de Violette
.5 oz. Maraschino
2 oz. Bombay Sapphire Gin
Directions: Shake ingredients over ice. Serve in a coupe glass and garnish with three bourbon-soaked cherries
