There's a real pleasure to be had in wrapping your fingers round a warm mug that contains something boozy. It fair warms the cockles of your heart! A Hot Toddy will cure all ills and Christmas just wouldn't be the same without Mulled Wine and intoxicating Hot Chocolate. Regular readers will undoubtedly know that my tipple of choice is Gin so when Fentiman's got in touch with me about creating a Cocktail using one of their new line of 500ml mixers there was no question as to which spirit would be in the mix. As soon as I spotted the bottle of Ginger Beer and Muddled Lime I knew that a Gin & Ginger Beer based Mulled Winter Warmer was on the cards.
If you're not already familiar with Fentiman's existing range of authentic, natural and refreshing mixers where have you been?! Their products are a cut above and as well as making great mixers they are fantastic stand alone drinks. Perfect if you're the designated driver or are looking for a viable alternative to alcohol for whatever reason. With their latest product launch they've opted to go large with 500ml bottles which are perfect for use in a group atmosphere as cocktail mixers. The 500ml range includes Premium Indian Tonic Water, Naturally Light Tonic (30% less sugar), Pink Grapefruit Tonic, Bitter Lemonade, Rose Lemonade, Botanical Tonic Water and Ginger Beer & Muddled Lime. Even on it's own the Ginger Beer packs a real punch with a delightful balance of bitter and sweet. The initial aroma and taste of ginger gets a kick up the backside with the addition of lime. If Gin isn't your thing opt for Vodka for a Moscow Mule or Spicy Rum for a Dark & Stormy. My friend Bintu over at Recipes from a pantry has made an awesome Hibiscus Moscow Mule with West African Flavours.
I'm going to share with you my top tips for hot cocktails, warm toddies and toasty tipples, do let me know in the comments if you have any others
- For a large group keep your drink warm in a Slow Cooker at low setting
- Don't let it boil or you'll evaporate the alcohol
- Use whole spices rather than ground for a more intense flavour
- Bundle up any small spices in a muslin bag
- Preheat the mug/glass with boiling water to avoid it cracking and keep your drink warmer for longer
Time for my recipe. I've mulled it over and I really can't think or a better way to keep cosy during winter than Mulled Ginger Beer and Gin #sorrynotsorry
Mulled Gin & Ginger Beer Winter Warmer
makes 2 generous servings
500ml Fentimans Ginger Beer and Muddled Lime
100ml Gin
2 lime wedges, each studded with 3 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
2 slices of fresh ginger
1Tbsp golden caster sugar
In a small saucepan, simmer all ingredients on low heat for five minutes.
When ready, place one lime wedge, cinnamon stick, star anise and ginger slice from the saucepan into each serving mug/glass.
Pour the hot mixture on top and serve immediately.
If Gin is your thing be sure to check out my Festive Gin Butter and Boozy Gin Mincemeat and for further Fentiman's inspiration my Slow Cooked Ham with Juniper, Lime and Jasmine would make a fantastic Christmas Ham.
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Disclosure : This is a commissioned post for Fentiman's. As always, all views expressed are my own. Thanks to Dunnet Bay Distillers for providing the Rock Rose Gin.
Thank you for supporting the brands who make it possible for me to continue to share my Edible Scottish Adventures with you.
Oh yum that looks fabulous, I'm much in need of a warming cocktail at the moment - love the sound of that Ginger Beer with lime, delish!
ReplyDeleteWow this sounds so good and I love the ginger beer with lime. Brilliant to have the Fentimans in large bottles for sharing, I will stock up!
ReplyDeleteI love Fentiman's and I must stock up on their products for Christmas. This sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteI never think of Gin at this time of year, but you've succeeded in convincing me that needs to change! These look like such a festive drink!
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, I went caroling with some friends and when we got back into their warm house, they had warm, buttery and boozy apple cider waiting for us. That warm boozy cider was so good - sure made my thaw out that evening. So, I so appreciate your tips for "hot cocktails, warm toddies and toasty tipples" and this boozy ginger beer warmer sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteTotally loving this recipe! It looks so amazing and perfect for a cold winter night!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. I utterly love mulled drinks at this time of year. Something really warming about them.
ReplyDeleteFentimans are always a good addition to drinks. The ginger beer is perfect.
Oooh, this sounds like a lovely warm and flavorful drink. I'm not usually one for warmed alcoholic drinks but this looks too good to pass up! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteTara | Deliciously Declassified
This sounds absolutely delicious and perfect for this time of year. Love the sound of the Fentimans pink grapefruit tonic, will look out for that. Thanks for adding to #CookBlogShare
ReplyDeleteI like every ingredient in this recipe, they sound delicious together! I've pinned this recipe for later to remind me to make it next month:)
ReplyDeleteYes please! Anything with gin is a winner in my book! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
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