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It’s that time of year again,
Enjoyed with family and friends,
And whether outside it snows or not,
It’s that time of year to serve drinks hot.
Christmas. We love it. And if you’re reading this, you probably do too. It’s a time for good food and even better company. But let’s not forget the hot booze. There’s nothing quite like a mulled wine, whether it’s outdoors at a bustling Christmas market, or sat in front of the fireplace in your snug new Christmas slippers.
But mulled wine isn’t the only option. So why not try a cup of mulled gin if you haven’t already? Sharing a round or two of this warming Christmas mulled gin recipe, courtesy of Good Housekeeping magazine, might just become your latest festive tradition. It shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes to prepare a round.
Christmas Mulled Gin Cocktail Recipe variations
Before we get to our pick of the other mulled gin variations out there, we can’t ignore the most obvious alternative: mulled wine.
Mulled wine has been enjoyed around Christmas time for generations, dating back to the colonial era, when many spices we now take for granted were first introduced to Europe. Mulled wine is the British term, but there are slight variations across the continent, including the German Glühwein and Swedish Glögg. The Brits are also partial to a glass of mulled cider and, in some parts of the country, even mulled beer.
Of course, other mulled drinks exist outside of Europe too. One of the oldest is perhaps Japanese Kan-zake (warm sake), and Brazilians are partial to Quentão. Click here to learn more about mulled drinks around the world. You can also find a comprehensive look at other international winter warmers here or click here for a curated list of our favourite warm drink recipes.
Now, back to the gin.
Mulled gin and apple juice cocktail recipe
If you fancy your mulled gin a little lighter on the alcohol but heavier on the fruit and spices, then you simply must try this mulled gin recipe from BBC Good Food. It’s a little more complicated than the ones above, but worth it.
Mulled gin and orange juice cocktail recipe
For some, the foundation of a true mulled Christmas drink is the orangey twist. If that sounds like you, this Usual Saucepans recipe has you covered. Just bear in mind it involves preparing a week in advance.
Mulled gin cocktail: best glassware
When choosing the ideal vessel for mulled drinks, the most important thing is that it’s heatproof. A handle wouldn’t go amiss either, just to mitigate the risk of burnt fingers.
There’s nothing wrong with serving mulled gin in teacups or mugs, of course, but if you’re looking for a touch of glass – something that ticks all the boxes but still screams cocktail party – get yourself a set of Irish coffee glasses.
