OF BELFAST CITY COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

If you’re looking for a bit of après-ski fun to start the year, head to Baltic in Belfast. Northern Ireland’s first ski-themed bar is set in the Bullitt Hotel and plans to recreate the feel of off-piste parties, with live music and plenty of hearty food. bullitthotel.com

GIN OLD FASHIONED

50ml gin (such as Sipsmith)

12.5ml sugar syrup with a dash of lemon juice 2 drops grapefruit bitters (like Fee Brothers) 1 bunch thyme

1 piece lemon rind

If you’re looking for an upgrade on your usual gin and tonic, try Balls Brothers’ reinvention of an old fashioned that subs in gin for whisky.

It’s a simple one to make: just pop ice in a rocks glass, add the liquids, drop in a piece of lemon rind, and use the thyme to stir. Slightly herby, fresh and fragrant.