Coming in from the cold and fixing a cocktail is just the right tonic this time of year, especially when you have one of these easy recipes to follow. tells you how to ward off the chills
Pour 50ml gin into a large wine glass and add four coriander leaves and 1/4 sliced red chilli (deseeded). Fill glass halfway with ice and add another four coriander leaves and 1/4 sliced red chilli. Top glass with ice and pour in Fever Tree tonic. Stir well and garnish with four coriander sprigs and a halved red chilli.
Martin Miller’s Gin (£26, 70cl, Waitrose) is a bartender’s favourite and juniper forward with citrus notes and a delicate mouthfeel. Half-fill a highball glass with ice. Add the vodka, passion fruit pulp and grapefruit juice and stir slowly. Top with Schweppes Citrus Blend and garnish with a passion fruit wedge.
Schweppes Citrus Blend (£1.19, litre bottle; £2.49, four 250ml cans, all good supermarkets nationwide) is the latest release from Schweppes … sweet and peachy, this mixer tastes equally good on its own. Half-fill a mixing glass with ice. Add the vodka, vermouth and rosemary and stir well for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Snow Leopard Vodka (£33.70, 70cl, www.ocado. com) is a Polish vodka with a creamy, nutty palate and the brand is closely linked to the Snow Leopard Trust (www.snowleopard trustuk.org) with 15% of profits going to the charity. Half-fill a high ball glass with ice. Add the vodka and cola and stir well. Garnish with an orange wheel.
Absolut Cherrys Vodka (£20, 70cl, Sainsbury’s) is the latest addition to their string of flavoured vodkas with a Swedish accent. Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a twist of grapefruit.
Ciroc Coconut Vodka (£37.90, 70cl, www.alexanderandjames. com) is made from French grapes (as oppose to grains or potatoes) and is sweet, yet fresh with a light dusting of coconut on the finish.