Winter Warmers: 5 Hot Gin Cocktails to Try This Season
As the temperature starts to drop, the time to swap your usual gin and tonic with something a little warmer is just around the corner. This winter, gin is ready to step out of its summer persona and show up in mugs across the country.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing 5 hot gin cocktails that are cozy and perfect for those who don’t want to take the hot whiskey route. These drinks offer comfort and are easier to make, even at home.
Table of Contents
1. The Sierra Sipper
With its floral and calming profile, the Sierra Sipper is a perfect choice for journaling or post-dinner casual sipping.
Ingredients You Need
- 50 ml Acronimo Gin
- 10 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey + water)
- 2 dashes cardamom bitters
- 120 ml hot chamomile tea
- Garnish options: Charred orange wheel and dried lavender sprig
Instructions to Follow
- Start by brewing chamomile tea.
- Combine gin, honey syrup, and bitters in a warmed mug.
- Pour in hot chamomile tea, and stir gently.
- Garnish with charred orange and lavender.
Acronimo gin contains lavender and citrus zest that amplifies the floral tea base. The warmth will enhance the aromatics to make Sierra Sipper a gentle but complex sipper.
2. Rosemary & Juniper Warmer
With its earthy and gently sweet profile, Rosemary & Juniper Warmer is a perfect choice for chilly outdoor evenings. You can also pair it with savory dinner meals.
Ingredients You Need
- 45ml Acronimo Gin
- 15ml rosemary syrup
- 100ml warm spiced apple cider
- Optional: cracked juniper berries
- Garnish options: rosemary sprig and apple slice
How to Make Rosemary Syrup
- Boil 1 cup of sugar in 1 cup of water.
- Add 3 rosemary sprigs for 10 minutes.
- Cool and strain after 30 minutes.
Instructions to Follow
- Simmer apple cider with rosemary syrup and cracked juniper until it starts to steam.
- Remove from heat and add gin while stirring gently.
- Strain into a mug after it cools down.
- Garnish with rosemary and apple.
Its piney juniper and cardamom notes complement rosemary and apple cider. Even when peppercorn and citrus bring a sharp contrast, it’s like comfort in a glass.
With its bittersweet and bold profile, Hot Negroni Twist is a perfect choice as a pre-meal drink in sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients You Need
- 30 ml Acronimo Gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 60 ml hot water
- Garnish option: orange peel (expressed over the mug)
Instructions to Follow
- Warm water until it’s just below boiling
- Add gin, Campari, and vermouth to a pre-warmed mug.
- Add hot water while stirring gently.
- Express the orange peel and drop it in the mug.
The citrus and spice backbone in Acronimo gin holds its own against Campari’s bitterness and vermouth richness. The warmth will mellow the edges to make it a more velvety sip.
4. Spiced Gin Toddy
With its aromatic and gently medicinal profile, a Spiced Gin Toddy is a perfect choice for cold evenings. You can also use it as an immune-boosting comfort drink.
Ingredients You Need
- 50 ml Acronimo Gin
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml honey
- 2 cloves or 1 slice of fresh ginger
- 120 ml hot water
- Garnish option: lemon slice studded with cloves
Instructions to Follow
- Combine gin, lemon, and honey in a mug.
- Add hot water and stir gently until the honey starts to dissolve.
- Drop in cloves or ginger. Garnish with a lemon slice.
The cardamom and citrus in Acronimo Gin complement the honey and lemon beautifully. The result is a flavorful drink that warms and revives. You can even sip it under a blanket while reading a book.
5. Winter Berry Gin Infusion
With its fruity yet spiced profile, Winter Berry Gin is a perfect choice for brunches and winter parties.
Ingredients You Need
- 100 ml Acronimo Gin
- 250 ml strong black tea (Earl Grey or Assam)
- 2 tbsp berry compote or jam
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: splash of lemon juice or orange liqueur
- Garnish options: orange slice or fresh cranberries
Instructions to Follow
- Start by warming the tea, berry jam, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.
- Stir gently until the jam dissolves, and then remove from the heat.
- Add gin and citrus before straining.
- Garnish with orange or berries and serve.
The sweet anise and citrus in Acronimo gin balance the deep berry and tea base. The peppercorn adds a subtle bite to it, but it’s an ideal hot gin that your guests will love.
Why Hot Gin Is a Winter Must-Try
Gin might not be the first spirit that comes to mind when you think of warm drinks, but here’s why you should give it a try:
Gin’s botanical profile shines when you heat it.
It has ingredients like cardamom and juniper that open up and intensify. They give you a layered experience with every sip.
It’s a lighter alternative to traditional winter spirits.
Gin warms you up without making you feel overly heavy or rich. This makes it an ideal choice for long evenings or after-dinner drinks.
Hot gin cocktails are versatile.
You can use different ingredients like tea, cider, or herbs with gin. All of these options pair beautifully with different gin styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can gin be used in hot drinks without ruining its flavor?
Yes, some gins, like Acronimo Gin, are well-suited for warm cocktails. But you should not boil the gin. You should always heat your mixers first and then stir them with gin to preserve the integrity of its botanicals.
2. What makes Acronimo Gin a good choice for winter cocktails?
Acronimo Gin is crafted with ten locally sourced botanicals. These include lavender, cardamom, and juniper from the Sierra Tarahumara. These ingredients create a rich and layered flavor that stands up beautifully in warm drinks.
3. Can I make these hot gin cocktails in large batches for parties?
Absolutely. Recipes like the Winter Berry Gin Infusion and Rosemary & Juniper Warmer are ideal for batching.
4. What type of gin should I avoid using in hot cocktails?
You should avoid using heavily juniper-dominant or ultra-dry gins. They have very little citrus or floral character, which might not be ideal for warm cocktails. They can come across as too sharp or bitter when heated.
5. What are the best garnishes for hot gin cocktails?
The best garnishes for hot gin drinks complement both the flavor and the aroma. Some top choices include
- Charred orange peels
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cinnamon sticks
- Dried lavender
- Clove-studded lemon slices
Final Thoughts
Hot gin cocktails are more than just a seasonal gimmick. They’re a refreshing take on cold-weather drinking. Even when you like floral, herbal, or bitter notes, there is a warm gin drink for you.
Try these recipes this winter and experiment with your favorite brand: Acronimo. Don’t be afraid to tweak ingredients to match your mood this winter.
