Christmas is just around the corner, and this means everyone is getting ready with their decorations, carols and songs, Christmas menus and of course entertaining friends and family on the most festive of occasions. When entertaining during the Christmas season, nothing sets the mood than some festive gin cocktails made with the most exquisite craft gin like Sipsmiths Dry Gin, Archangel Gin or the floral accents of the Botanist Islay.
Craft spirits are some of the best types of liquor to use in cocktails because of their unique taste since these gins are made using all natural ingredients like fruits, berries, herbs, spices and florals. They not only give them their unique taste, but an exquisite aroma as well. In addition, it has been found that craft spirits also have health benefits, such as:
· Helping those with hay fever: Clear spirits such as these do not contain histamines and sulphites which can trigger hay fever.
· Aids in blood circulation: Juniper berries which are the main ingredient in gin, helps regulate the passing of toxins and fluids in your body, which in turn aids blood circulation.
· It is very low on calories: For those who are calory conscious, this is the best beverage!
· Helps with major diseases: Juniper berries are a superfood that helps reduce the risk of many diseases such as heart disease and liver and kidney diseases.
· Makes you look younger: One of the best health benefits of gin is that the antioxidants contained in Juniper berries can make your skin look healthier and younger.
· Helps fight cancer: This beverage neutralizes free radicals that cause cancer, and Juniper contains many infection fighting properties that aids in the fight against cancer.
· Safe for diabetics: This is the safest drink for those with diabetes, when consumed in moderation of course!
Health benefits aside, we all agree that this beverage makes for the most delicious cocktails ever. Here are some of the easiest and most popular festive cocktails made using craft gin.
· Cranberry Gin Fizz: There is no doubt about it that cranberries are an association with Christmas that cannot be missed. From cranberry sauce for your turkey, to desserts, and now even cocktails. This cranberry gin fizz is sweet and tart at the same time, giving you a fizzy and delicious beverage to serve to your guests.
· Hazelnut Russian: A festive take on the usual White Russian cocktail, this beverage also contains some flavoured liqueurs such as Frangelico with its hazelnut creamy taste, and makes the perfect nutty drink for any festive occasion.
· Cranberry Ginger Fizz: Another delicious cocktail made using cranberries, but this time with the addition of some spicy ginger, and of course some lime to balance it all off!
· Mistletoe Martini: Mistletoe is not just for kisses! A simple, easy to make Martini that will get your guests swooning over it in no time!
· Elderflower G&T: The classic G&T, but made using Elderflower Gin, makes for a delicious, floral drink during the festive season.
· Gin Hot Chocolate: The perfect drink for those cold winter nights! A creamy, smooth hot chocolate made even better with the addition of a little gin, to give it that extra bit of warmth.
· Hot Gin Punch: A fruity hot punch, to put the punch back into the festive season. Made using cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in addition to the fruits and liquor, makes it perfect for that Christmas dinner party.
While these are just a few of the favourites from around the globe, you can make your own festive cocktail with great mixes of craft gin and other delicious liqueurs, in addition to some festive spices and fruit. Amaze your friends and family with your mixology skills this season using only the best craft spirits around.
These cocktails are the perfect way to get your Christmas party going, and for dinner time, you can serve an amazing cranberry gin fizz or hot punch. They go very well with white meats like chicken, duck and turkey, and make the perfect accompaniment for a festive feast. You can follow it up with nice gin hot chocolate, as you sit by the fire reminiscing about old times.
Don’t forget to collect your equipment before the season starts off, so that you are well prepared for the party. You will need a jigger for measuring, a cocktail shaker to mix, as well as a strainer to strain off those bits and pieces out of your drink. In addition, have an assortment of glassware from short rock glasses to tall highball glasses, depending on what kind of mixes you intend making. A few stemmed martini glasses and champagne flutes will also be nice for those fizzy drinks.
While the festive season certainly is the time for delicious cocktails and liquor, it should be remembered that moderation is key. Too much of anything is not good, and this is especially so when it comes to the consumption of liquor. While these beverages may have their health benefits, the risks will far outweigh the benefits if you go too far. Remember not to drive after having too many drinks; you will not only be putting yourself at risk, but others as well. Call a cab, it is the best and easiest way to stay out of trouble, after an enjoyable party during this Christmas season.
The festive season is definitely of enjoying time with family and friends, but let’s remember to enjoy it responsibly!
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