There’s something undeniably comforting about warm cocktails. Whether you’re staying in on a chilly night or having friends over to catch up, these drinks offer a gentle way to enjoy seasonal flavours – no ice required.
Four Pillars, one of Australia’s favourite gin distillers, has created three delicious warm cocktails that fit the bill for winter sipping. Each uses the brand’s cult-status Bloody Shiraz Gin and brings some welcome warmth (literally) to the cooler months.
They’re simple to make, full of flavour and just right for those cold nights when you want something cosy, but with a little more character than a cuppa.
Wassail
With its roots in old English winter celebrations, Wassail is both a flavour-packed sip and a toast to ye olde traditions.
This version blends apple cider with freshly squeezed orange juice, cranberries, cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of brown sugar with Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin.
Simmered gently, it’s a nice aromatic change to the usual hot drink lineup. Garnish with fresh or dehydrated orange slices and serve in mugs or heat-proof glasses.
Another Bloody Mulled Wine
Mulled wine tends to signal Christmas, but Four Pillars’ Another Bloody Mulled Wine comes with some clever tweaks that make it a year-round go-to.
The first step is perhaps the most creative as it involves piercing fresh oranges with cloves and roasting them until they’re browned and smelling incredible. Next, combine red wine and port with water, brown sugar, ginger, nutmeg and ground allspice in a pot to simmer. And finally, slice the oranges and squeeze all that goodness into the mix.
The result is a slow-sipping drink with familiar spice and strong citrus notes. It’s a great one to scale up for a crowd if you’re after a punch.
Bloody Toddy
A classic Hot Toddy typically calls for a combination of whiskey (often bourbon), water, honey and lemon. But Four Pillars’ Bloody Toddy, as expected, dials up the flavour and the interest.
This version uses Bloody Shiraz Gin mixed with honey, mixed spice and boiling water. But what really sets it apart is the addition of a hibiscus tea bag. Steeped for three minutes, it ignites the flavours and creates a whole new sipping experience.
Great for winding down or warming up, it’s served straight in the mug, with no need to reach for a saucepan.
Top image: Instagram/fourpillarsgin
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Tell us, which one of these are you keen to try? Leave us a comment below!
