Six Stunning Margarita Variations

A timeless classic, the Margarita is synonymous with summer fiestas and cocktail bars the world over. As many classics are, the Margarita of old is a perfect recipe, combining flavours of tequila, lime, cointreau and salt. They can be frozen, shaken, stirred, spicy, smokey and just about anything you can set your mind to. If cocktails are art, then margaritas are the canvas.

Agave drinks are so ancient, they can be dated back to 300 AD! Back then, they were a ritual drink, as were most fermented drinks of the time, but these are stories for another time. Tequila reared its world-changing head over a thousand years later, and it is the Margarita that took tequila global in the mid 20th century, cementing its place in drinks history, and onto the menu of every restaurant, dive bar and high end cocktail bar. 

In 2023, I won the UK El Recuerdo Mezcal Competition with a Margarita twist, so I know a thing or two about the Marg. Here is the winning cocktail, and below it, five more tasty twists on the Margarita that you can easily try at home.

What’s up, Guac?

Some of the worlds’ most interesting cocktails take inspiration from culinary staples and this delightfully balanced take on a classic Marg does just that. Guacamole is a staple food in Mexico, where all Tequila and Mezcal is made. This drink takes the flavours of Mexico's most famous mole - cilantro, basil and cucumber - to make a devilishly refreshing summer cocktail.

Ingredients: 
60ml or 2oz Mezcal (El Recuerdo)
25ml or 0.75oz Lime
25ml or 0.75oz Cilantro Syrup
10ml or 0.25oz Agave Syrup 
Bar Spoon of Mexican Jalapeno Chilli Salsa (Habanero Tabasco works if you don’t have a local chilli shop)

Method:
Throw all the ingredients into a shaker, strain into a coupe glass (or whatever you like to sip your Margaritas from) and garnish with your prettiest edible flowers

TOP TIP: Don’t be scared, the syrup is so simple, no mixology required, simply throw the following ingredients into a blender, sieve the pulp out and you’ll be ready to go! 

25g Coriander
15g Basil 
50g Cucumber
100g Sugar
100g Water

Now that you know we mean business, here are five more stunning Margarita variations…

The Best Margarita for Spice Lovers: El Pepino (Spicy Margarita)

The ‘El Pepino’ (Spanish for ‘The Cucumber’) is a modern classic that has captured the imagination of bartenders all over. It’s rare that a twist on a classic comes along and so quickly becomes a staple in the bar scene. Fresh ingredients are the key to the El Pepino, cucumber and jalapenos directly in the cocktail shaker. No need to muddle, just shake hard! This refreshing, spicy and salty concoction will be a hit at your next summer fiesta!

Ingredients: 
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup
2 Cucumber slices
Fresh Jalapeno (start small, scale up to preferred spice level)

Method:
Add ingredients into cocktail shaker, shake, strain over ice in a rocks glass. If you’re feeling fancy, rim the tajin for extra effect. Use the leftover pressed limes to wet the glass rim and sprinkle the tajin around the intended area.

The Best Margarita for Floral Lovers: Santa Muerta

From the mind of cocktail wizard and mixologist, Calum Anderson, this simple margarita variation is a bouquet of flavours. Equally sweet and sour with a fresh, fragrant floral nose and a simple ingredient list that can be picked up from any supermarket! You can buy yourself flowers, but I bet you’d rather have one of these… 

Ingredients:
35ml or 1oz Tequila
15ml or 0.5oz Violet Liqueur
25ml or .75oz Elderflower Cordial
25ml or .75oz Lime Juice
25ml or .75oz Apple Juice

Method:
Add ingredients in cocktail shaker, shake, strain over cubed ice, garnish with edible flowers.

The Best Margarita for the Coffee Obsessive: Muerto Bali Hai

Taking a legendary Tiki drink and colliding it with a Margarita sounds like a recipe for disaster or a delicious miracle. The Muerta Bali Hai is the latter. It might sound obscure, but the tropical combination of coffee, pineapple, lemon and tequila come together to create an indulgent drink that will delight coffee and tiki lovers alike. If you enjoy unique drinks, this is certainly one for you.

Ingredients: 
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
15ml or 0.5oz Kahlua
25ml or 0.75oz Lemon Juice
50ml or 1.5oz Pineapple Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup

Method:
Add ingredients in a shaker, shake, strain over ice in a hi-ball glass. Garnish with pineapple leaves for that cheeky tiki look.

The Best Margarita for Summer Time: Frozen Coconut Mangorita

Sipping frozen margs on a hot summer day is the perfect way to enjoy tequila, however, the addition of mango builds on this perfection, adding a bright tartness that balances with the sweetness of coconut cream leaving you wanting more. Don’t be scared by the blender, it’s super easy to whip up multiple mangoritas at once just by doubling the measurements and throwing it all in the blender cup. This cocktail is bound to impress guests and not leave you wasting valuable party time by mixing complicated drinks.

Ingredients:
50ml or 1.5oz Tequila
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
25ml  or 0.75oz Cointreau
15ml or 0.5oz Coconut Cream 
70g or ½ a Mango

Method:
Throw the ingredients into a blender with a scoop of crushed ice and blitz until silky smooth. 

TOP TIP: If you don’t have crushed ice, beat some cubed ice in a plastic bag with a rolling pin until you DO have crushed ice.

The Best Margarita for the Smoky Lovers: Mezcalita

Mezcal is the fastest growing spirit in the world, with more and more punters turning to the ancient agave spirit as their base for the Margarita. It may be the most simple drink on this list, but if you haven’t tried Mezcal before, this is the perfect introduction to one of the oldest and most unique spirits in the world.  

Ingredients:
50ml or 1.5oz Mezcal
25ml or 0.75oz Lime Juice
15ml or 0.5oz Agave Syrup

Method:
Add ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake, strain over ice in a rocks glass.

For those, like me who can’t get enough of the Margarita, follow this link for More Stunning Margarita Variations…

By Miley Kendrick

7 Affordable Tequilas Perfect For Margaritas

When answering the question, ‘What tequila should I use for a Margarita?’, the answer is not to break the bank – far from it. You just need a robust tequila with good balance and depth, and one that won’t burn your throat. Now, despite what its bar-shotting reputation might suggest, there are actually plenty of tequilas out there between £20-£30 that fulfil these criteria. Each one will take your cocktail in a slightly different direction too.

The Margarita was the most popular cocktail in the world last year and remains a favourite of so many, so if you’ve never tasted what the fuss is about, or you just want to be able to make a stunning version for guests, then these are some tequilas that will make it shine.

Oh, and once you’ve found the tequila for you, you can go here for the classic recipe, plus some variations that might tickle your fancy.

El Jimador Tequila Blanco

You can find El Jimador Tequila pretty much everywhere because it’s such a well-rounded Lowland Blanco at a good price. It’s 100% Blue Weber, distilled twice and immediately bottled for young freshness. Alongside some roasted agave, crisp, clean citrus bursts through here so it’s great for a fresh Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £21 (usually more!)

Olmeca Blanco Tequila

This is a trusty tequila that you can definitely rely on to elevate your cocktails. Hailing from Los Altos, this delivers the signature Highland style with a sweeter kick and delicate floral waft. A little green and black pepper supports, and it has that smoothness we want to integrate into the cocktail subtly. Serve for a sweeter Margarita with a little herbal nudge.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.29 (usually more!)

El Sueño Tequila Silver

Normally we look for 100% Blue Weber agave, but here we’re willing to make an exception. El Sueño is backed up by five generations of tequila producers, and here they’ve used 70% agave with 30% locally and sustainably grown piloncillo (natural cane sugar). Let the purists dismiss it we say, because it beats many 100% bottles hands down. Mellow vegetal agave intertwines with grapefruit tang for a full, flavoursome tequila that’s perfect for cocktail making. No mixto snobs here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.75

Ocho Blanco Tequila

This is a single estate expression to represent the underrated importance of terroir in tequila. A joint effort by the Camarena family and Tomas Estes, it’s made in the traditional method with slow cooked agave for deep flavours, satisfying viscosity, earthy notes offsetting citrus freshness and a gorgeous crack of black pepper. It’s great for fading the in-your-face agave flavour into loftier sweet fruits and lingers for a fantastically long time. Great for a flavourful, slightly thicker Margarita.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £27.25

Tapatio Blanco Tequila

Remaining largely unchanged since the 1930s, tequila drinkers love Tapatio and their silver expression remains the benchmark for great value. It’s brimming with all that blanco character so expect hits of raw agave, cracked pepper, vivid citrus, and earthy anchoring. It’s well known for its intensity so can more than look after itself jostling in a Margarita. If you want a Margarita with oomph, go for Tapatio.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.70

Pueblo Viejo Blanco

Pueblo Viejo are a rock solid option for tequila, and known within the tequila world for probably being a little bit underpriced. For a relatively cheap blanco, it’s a smooth joy to sip. The cooked agave comes through, but then the palate takes off in a surprising number of directions, with a grassy note, mineral hints, lively citrus, and herbaceous flavours, all before pulling everything together for a peppery finish. We think this would be perfect for a spicy Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.95

Mundo Blanco Tequila

Slightly softer at 35%, Mundo Blanco is a sipping tequila really, with plenty of earthy depths and fresh heights to explore. However, it also works for a luxurious, slightly more complex Margarita and remains under £30 so is cracking value. As beautifully presented by La Cofradia as it is in the mouth, it’s a Highland and Lowland mix for a crisp rounded taste with herbaceous hints. Easy to love.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £28.91

If you want to explore the absolute best this misunderstood spirit has to offer, then how about The Best Sipping Tequilas?

The Rhubarb Crush

How about this for a Valentine’s Crush? Keeping it simple, it’s a Franklin & Sons recipe that’s essentially a twist on a classic vodka lemonade. Of course, you could include extra touches like elderflower liqueur or vanilla syrup, but if you get yourself quality ingredients, simple can be best. Franklin & Sons have been leading the way with mixers since the Victorian times, and their spring rhubarb lemonade is zesty, fragrant, and refreshing with lemon juice and sparkling water. Get yourself a stunning vodka to go with, make it look beautiful with some flowers and voila, a crisp Rhubarb Crush for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day.

Ingredients (for 1)

50ml vodka
Top up with Rhubarb Lemonade (Franklin & Sons)
 Edible flowers

Method
1.      Pour out chilled vodka over ice.
2.      Top up with rhubarb lemonade.
3.      Stir gently to keep the bubbles going.
4.      Sprinkle some edible flowers.
5.      Enjoy!

If you’re still going strong with Dry January, then how about these Delicious Winter Mocktails? Or if you’re interested in more Frankin & Sons mixers to spruce up your serves then check out these.

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars of 2024

Once again, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars of 2024 sponsored by Franklin and Sons has been announced, with a who’s who of drinks writers, businesspeople, and influencers from across the UK deliberating, including our very own Aidy as host!

After much investigation and debate, the highly competitive list has been shortened to 50, and these 10 represent cocktail heaven. The full list is at the bottom of this page for your convenience, so you can find the nearest and greatest cocktail bars in your area... especially with Valentine’s Day coming up. For now, though, let the countdown begin...

10. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

Retaining its top ten spot, Tayēr + Elementary offers something of a dual experience. For high-speed, all-day premium ‘draught’ cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Elementary is where you want to be. But come nighttime, Tayēr awaits through the partition – a world of darkness, changeable exotic concoctions, and a rotation of guest bartenders. Renowned seasonal snacking, a commitment to drinks other than cocktails, brutalist décor and a warm service complete this unique offering.

Address: 152 Old St, London, EC1V 9BW
Website here (walk-ins only)

9. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

The second highest Scottish bar on the list, Panda & Sons is one you could be forgiven for missing. Stroll past on the hunt for libations, and you might just think it’s a barber shop, but enter, and you’ll be welcomed past the Prohibition face and into speakeasy bliss. Cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture set in dim light make for a very seductive proposition, not to mention the ‘Chapters’ based menu. Currently, the theme is Transcend, dedicated to innovative freezing techniques researched for 5 years. An incredible science lab-cum-speakeasy experience.

Phone number: 0131 220 0443
Address: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Book here

8. AMARO Bar, Kensington, London

Rocketing up from 46th place last year is AMARO, a modern take on the classic cocktail bar. It only opened in 2021 with the former head mixologist at the Savoy Elon Soddu at the helm, serving classical twists like the Mango Bellini and Peach 76. Beyond that, more expensive vintage cocktails are available, the priciest of which is the 1980 Boulevardier at £190. The complete drinks selection is really expansive (particularly the whiskey) and the granite bar is stunning.

Phone number: +447745520816
Address: 15 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP
Book here

7. Swift Soho, Soho, London

The shelves at this Old Compton Street spot are bending under awards. With mirrors a-plenty, leather booths and a smorgasbord of unique cocktails, it’s no wonder it’s Top 10 yet again. A buzzing ground floor leads into the basement den where you can find live music, a rotating cocktail theme and over 300 whiskies! It all comes together magnificently.

Address: 12 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TQ
Book here

6. Blinker, Manchester

Into 6th from 41st last year, it’s Blinker in Manchester. Named after a forgotten classic (a cocktail of rye, grapefruit, and raspberry), this bar is all about seasonality and local ingredients. Expect a menu that changes on the monthly, with dedicated Martini and Old Fashioned sections standing out, as well as generous No-Lo serves.

Phone number: 0161 236 8225
Address: 64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ
Book here

5. Hey Palu, Edinburgh

The best cocktail bar in Scotland, say Hey to Palu. It’s quaint, intimate, and modern, with a focus on Italian aperitivo styles. Amari, Bitters and Vermouths are everywhere, all soundtracked by killer songs. Expect Negroni and Martini classics, as well as twists like the signature White Strawberry Negroni. Oh, and the bar team are award-winning in themselves! A complete cocktail offering.

Phone number: 0131 285 6752
Address: 49 Bread St, Edinburgh, EH3 9AH
Book here

4. Couch, Birmingham

Narrowly missing out on the Top 10 last year but now up to 4th it’s Couch in Birmingham. Behind the bar is the 2024 Bar Team of the Year, working hard so you can relax and enjoy their cinema-inspired handcrafted cocktails, for example A Bronx Tale with Malfy lemon, blood orange and Cocchi Di Torino Vermouth. Clean, spacious, relaxed and artistic.

Address: 1466 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2NT
Book here (walk-ins only)

3. Passing Fancies, Birmingham

Step onto the podium now with another Brummie spot – Passing Fancies. Climbing 29 places from last year, this laid-back spot only opened in 2022 but has already established a stellar reputation for its ‘kitchen at a house party’ style. As the name suggests, the team embrace themes and change, but generally specialise in fruity delights like Adult Ribena and Berry Cobbler.

Phone number: 07542 839882
Address: 30 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
Book here

2. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London

In 2nd place, and the highest London finish of the entire list, it’s last year’s winner, Satan’s Whiskers. Rather than the swanky London style, it embraces a more unassuming character – think taxidermy, hip-hop, exposed brick, and unique décor. It’s famous for its community feel, with daily menu changes, expert mixology, and a famous atmosphere. Try the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla if you go.

Phone number: 02077398362
Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9RA
Book here

1. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester

And it’s Manchester that takes the top spot! It’s Schofield’s Bar, the brainchild of famous Mancunian brothers, not Liam and Noel but Joe and Daniel Schofield. Their iconic venue sits on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House and offers reasonably priced classic cocktails and in house twists making use of their 25 years of bartending expertise. It’s such a distinguished bar and the literary themes pull everything together nicely. A worthy winner, and shimmering jewel of the North.

Phone number: 07311 777606
Address: 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester, M3 3JZ
Book here

The Franklin & Sons Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024:

1. Schofield’s Bar – Manchester

2. Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green

3. Passing Fancies – Digbeth, Birmingham

4. Couch – Stirchley, West Midlands

5. Hey Palu – Edinburgh, Midlothian

6. Blinker – Manchester

7. Swift Soho – London

8. Amaro Bar – Kensington, London

9. Panda and Sons – Edinburgh

10. Tayēr + Elementary – Shoreditch, London

11. Kwãnt – Mayfair, London

12. Speak in Code – Manchester

13. Three Sheets – Dalston, London

14. 🔶🟥🔵 – Hackney, London

15. Murder Inc – Soho, London

16. Tabula Rasa – Leeds

17. Lab 22 – Cardiff

18. Filthy XIII – Bristol

19. Crossroads – Newington Green

20. The Connaught Bar – Mayfair, London

21. Project Halcyon – Manchester

22. SOMA – Soho, London

23. Eve Bar – Covent Garden

24. Side Hustle – Covent Garden

25. The Hideout – Bath

26. Little Mercies – Crouch End, London

27. Below Stairs – Leeds

28. Silverleaf – Spitalfields, London

29. Bar Termini – Soho, London

30. Seed Library – Shoreditch, London

31. Charlie Brown’s – Glasgow

32. Bramble Bar & Lounge – Edinburgh

33. Scarfes Bar – Holborn, London

34. Happiness Forgets – Hoxton, London

35. The Absent Ear – Glasgow

36. 69 Colebrooke Row – Islington, London

37. Artesian – Fitzrovia, London

38. Callooh Callay – Shoreditch, London

39. Fox and Chance – Birmingham

40. The Milk Thistle – Bristol

41. Nauticus – Edinburgh

42. Public – Sheffield

43. The Gate – Glasgow

44. Nightjar – Shoreditch, London

45. Ojo Rojo – Bournemouth

46. The Wildcat – Edinburgh

47. Lyaness – South Bank, London

48. Pennyroyal – Cardiff

49. Bench – Sheffield

50. The American Bar – Auchterarder

8 Cocktails That Scream ‘I Love You’ for Valentine’s Day

You might love it, you might hate it, but Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so whether you’re on course for a Valentine’s, a Galentine’s or posting a card to yourself, you’ll want something to make it special. These 8 cocktails scream ‘I love you’ because let’s remember, Valentine’s Day isn’t a day for couples, it’s a day for love!

Pink Gimlet

This is a wonderfully harmonious cocktail, bringing fresh grapefruit tang and lime zing, but also delicious fruity sweetness using pink gin. It’s full of flavour, beautifully fresh and looks stunning too.

Ingredients
50ml pink gin
15ml syrup
50ml lime juice
75ml pink grapefruit juice
Rose petals (garnish)

Method
Fill a shaker with ice, add all the above and get shaking. Once nicely chilled, strain into a glass (you might want to double strain if you used fresh fruit for a super smooth cocktail). A few rose petals to finish and it’s perfect.

Bramble

Brambles bring such a delicious combo of rich berries, bright lemon, and tart blackberries, and all with crisp juniper at the heart of it. It’s also got a really cosy feel and looks seductive too.

Ingredients
50ml gin
25ml lemon juice
1 tbsp blackberry liqueur (Crème de Mûre or Crème de Cassis)
1 tbsp sugar syrup
Fresh blackberries (garnish)

Method
Shake everything with ice, and strain over more ice in a rocks glass. If you want some fresh blackberry taste, you can garnish with them, or even muddle them in the bottom of the glass before pouring. Enjoy!

Spicy Margarita

Bringing some spice to your Valentine’s – the Spicy Margarita. And be aware, you might never go back to the regular version. It doesn’t lose the classic essentials and retains the balance of sweet, sour, and earthy notes. There are all kinds of different variations, using different chillis in different amounts, but this is a good amount of heat to start with.

Ingredients
50ml reposado tequila
25ml fresh lime juice
15ml agave syrup
1 slice of chilli (muddled)
2/3 slices of jalapeno (garnish)

Method
Muddle the chillis (however many you enjoy really), in the shaker, and include tequila. Lime and agave syrup. Shake well with ice and strain. Scatter some jalapenos on top, kick back and feel the heat.

Elderflower Cosmopolitan

A standard Cosmo is near perfect for Valentine’s, but we think this floral twist is even better. It’s a delicious, wintery concoction with the cranberry tang out, and the elderflower liqueur in, for a mellow, fragrant florality that dresses the vodka steel nicely. This in one hand, a bunch of flowers in the other – you’re sorted.

Ingredients
45ml vodka
20ml elderflower liqueur
20ml pineapple juice
Dash of lemon
Dash of rose water (optional)
Basil (garnish)

Method
This is all about putting the work in with the shaking. Once it feels icy cold, strain over ice and serve to your Valentine!

Mudslide

A dessert style cocktail is always welcome on Valentine’s Day. We were going to go for chocolate, but how about a Mudslide instead? It’s a 70s adaptation of the White Russian that is now super popular in America, often mixed with ice cream. We think that the ingredients here are too delicious to be drowned in ice cream, but it’s up to you of course. Rich indulgence at its finest.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
50ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
50ml Irish cream liqueur
Grated chocolate (garnish)

Method
Shake all three very well because the vodka needs to be well mixed within the thicker liqueurs. Include ice and stop when it feels cold to the touch, before straining into a Martini glass and going the extra mile with some grated chocolate on top. Mouthwatering

Kir Royale

Champagne is a go to when celebrating, and this French serve embraces all the magic of the city of love. It’s so simple but feels elegant and special. Dreamy blackcurrant liqueur Crème de Cassis brings the berries, and if you don’t want to splash out on a Champagne, a Crémant or Cava will do just fine. If you’re making a meringue dessert, then this is incredible alongside too.

Ingredients
1 tbsp crème de cassis
Champagne
Blackberry or raspberry (optional garnish)

Method
Liqueur first with this cocktail, before topping up your Champagne flute to the top with your fizz. A blackberry or raspberry garnish is a must, and that’s it – a simple but delicious serve.

Love and Murder

For a taste of Valentine’s gone wrong, how about this intriguing cocktail? It’s not for everyone, but you might just absolutely adore it. Bitter Campari and herbaceous green Chartreuse combine with the vibrant zip of fresh lime for a cocktail that forces you to pay attention. The harmony of balance is surprising, but with the subtle salt enhancing the sweetness and balancing out the bitterness slightly, it works a treat.

Ingredients
30ml Campari
30ml green Chartreuse
30ml lime juice
10ml syrup
4 drops of saline solution (kosher salt 1:5 water)

Method
The saline solution is a simple case of dissolving a little salt in water, and remember you only need tiny amounts here to make an almost imperceptible difference. Shake everything with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.

Strawberry Daiquiri

We couldn’t leave this one out. Fully embracing our favourite heart shaped fruits, strawberries are synonymous with love and romance. It’s a misconception that the Daiquiri has to be a sickly-sweet slush puppy. Instead, it can be classy with warming rum, fresh lime, cooling mint and succulent, sweet berries.

Ingredients (jug)
60ml rum (light ideally )
50g fresh strawberries
20ml lime juice
15ml syrup
Strawberry or lime (optional garnish)

Method
Blenders out for this one, but don’t start thinking this is a load of work because we’re just chucking everything in, before a double strain for silky smoothness. If you can use crushed ice to show some love to your blender too that will help. Go for a lime wedge or strawberry with a slice up the middle for garnish. Delicious.

Cocktail syrups are an essential mixology skill, and surprisingly easy to pull together so if you need any for the above recipes click here!

The Grapefruit and Ginger Fizz Mocktail

This refreshing beauty embraces the winter warmth of cinnamon and ginger, whilst looking forward to the sunnier times ahead with bright grapefruit and lime. The key here is the balance between sweet syrup, cosy spice, and citric tang. The grapefruit juice you use is up to you of course (pink/red juices are dryer and sweeter, whereas white is more bitter and acidic), but we would encourage freshly squeezed for a vibrant feel. Cinnamons syrup is one of our favourites, and don’t be put off thinking you need to go out and buy it – it’s so easy to make, as you can see in our Simple Homemade Cocktail Syrup Guide here. You could also experiment with a No-Lo dark or spiced rum alternative in this too - now that would be interesting. You can find a link to our best alternatives under this recipe!

Ingredients (for 1)
90ml grapefruit juice (ideally fresh)
25ml cinnamon syrup
15ml lime juice
Ginger beer to top up
Cinnamon stick (garnish)

Method
1.      Shake grapefruit juice, cinnamons syrup and lime juice with ice until it feels cold to the touch.
2.      Strain into a glass over ice (Highball is perfect). Consider double straining if you squeezed your own grapefruit and lime juice.
3.      Top up the glass with ginger beer (it should be the same amount or more than the grapefruit juice).
4.      Garnish to make it look pretty – cinnamon works, or a grapefruit wedge if you have any left.
5.      Enjoy!

We’ve got more recipes with our Delicious Winter Mocktails, or if you want to explore the blossoming world of No-Lo alternatives, check out these!

The Top 10 Winter Vodka Cocktails

Brown spirits tend to dominate winter cocktails, but as a neutral spirit, vodka is so adaptable and integrates into the winter flavours wonderfully. It’s punchy and serves as great mixology foundations to build delicious flavours on.

Homemade syrups show up in a few of the recipes below, so for a guide on how to make your own click here! It’s way easier than you might expect and can do amazing things for your cocktails.

Espresso Martini

All the polls show that this is the most popular winter cocktail in the UK, so we just had to include it. The seductive white foam of the meniscus, the rich flavour, the lusciously smooth mouthfeel – you’ve got no chance hibernating after a few of these.  

Ingredients
40ml Vodka
25ml Kahlúa coffee liqueur
25ml cooled espresso
½ tbsp simple syrup
Three coffee beans (garnish)

Method
Shake everything with ice and strain into a pre-chilled martini glass, before garnishing with a beautiful trio of coffee beans for that distinct look.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

Taking inspiration from the Espresso Martini, this is a sweeter version to warm your cockles. Velvety, deliciously sweet white-hot chocolate is cooled by peppermint syrup, all built on a foundation of robust vodka and rich espresso. It’s viscous, lively, and surprisingly light with the peppermint. A uniquely indulgent concoction indeed.

Ingredients
30ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
As long as your espresso and white-hot chocolate are hot, there’s no need to heat everything else up because some room temp vodka and peppermint syrup will bring the temperature together nicely. It’s just a case of combining everything gently and finishing with some whipped cream for that extra special touch.

Dirty Martini

This is another winter favourite. Getting down and dirty with your Martini brings a fantastic savoury flavour, with a salty, olive-y profile. It’s about as far from the sweet, tropical cocktails of summer as it’s possible to get, but just as satisfying with it’s crisp, saltiness.

Ingredients
70ml vodka
25ml dry Vermouth
15ml pickle juice

Pickles (garnish)

Method
Stir all your ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and strain into a chilled Martini glass before finishing off with the signature pickle garnish. It might feel strange if this is your first, but chances are it won’t be your last. 

Elderflower Cosmopolitan

We were going to include the standard Cosmo, because that is a stalwart of winter cocktails, but this elderflower version feels a touch more wintery and aromatic. Cocktails are about experimentation after all! The delicious elderflower liqueur brings a mellower, more fragrant, and floral flavour than the usual cranberry. It feels bright and the first sip is a real life to

Ingredients
45ml vodka
20ml elderflower liqueur
20ml pineapple juice
Dash of lemon
Dash of rose water (optional)
Basil (garnish)

Method
All about the shaking here – get those arms pumping until your shaker feels cold to the touch, and strain over large ice cubes. Voila!

White Russian

How could we not? Made iconic in The Big Lebowski, it’s a dreamy combination of vodka, coffee liqueur and cream, resulting in sweet, velvety and undeniably delicious flavours. It’s heavy, indulgent, and loved by everyone, and perfect for wintertime.

Ingredients
60ml vodka
30ml coffee liqueur (Kahlúa)
15ml heavy cream

Method
Mix everything together before pouring over ice in a small tumbler glass. You could sprinkle chocolate powder or add coffee beans, but keeping it bare like a snowcapped rooftop works great too.

Moscow Mule

The refreshment of a Moscow Mule makes it a summer classic, but the dominant ginger notes absolutely resonate with winter too. It’s one of the original cocktails that made use of vodka when it wasn’t mainstream, which is strange considering it’s now the most popular cocktail spirit. It’s punchy, spicy, and gorgeously light with that fizz.

Ingredients
50ml vodka
80ml ginger beer
Juice of half a lime
Lime wedge (garnish)

Method
You don’t have to have the copper mug, but it really completes the Mule, and keeps it super cool. Just pour vodka and lime juice into the mug over ice, top up with ginger beer and finish with a lime wedge.

Cranberry and Pomegranate Punch

This is one for those winter gatherings saving you the hassle of individual cocktails. It straddles tartness and sweetness perfectly, tasting super refreshing with fruity fizz. As with any punch, you can sort of throw anything in, but we think the balance below is harmonious.

Ingredients (jug)
300ml cranberry juice
350ml pomegranate juice
350ml sparkling wine
100ml vodka
70ml cranberry syrup
2tbsp grenadine
10 mint leaves
4 lime wedges
fresh cranberries and lime (garnish)

Method
Muddle the mint first and fill the bottom of the jug with ice. After that, slowly stir everything except the sparkling wine which you should add last to keep the bubbles going. Scattered in cranberries and lime for brightness, and you’re away.

Pear and Elderflower Collins

A classic Tom Collins is an all-round cocktail, but this fruity makeover really takes it to the next level. Pear puree brings the freshness and pear liqueur brings the sweetness. It’s the lightest, fruitiest cocktail out there and vodka is perfect just to add some steel.

Ingredients (jug)
50ml vodka
15ml elderflower liqueur
2 tsp pear liqueur
25ml pear puree
20ml lemon juice
15m honey
Sparkling water to top up
Pear slice and cinnamon (garnish)

Method
Shake everything but the soda in a shaker with ice until it feels cold, and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Once you’ve added the sparkling water, be gentle with the stirring to combine. Add a thin slice of pear and a dust of cinnamon for the finishing touches.

Rosemary Fizz

Rosemary is one of the key wintery scents, but it’s difficult to integrate into a cocktail. Here, it just adds an aromatic, herbal undertone to a mellow but vibrant mix of lemon juice, sparkling water and vodka. It is unbelievably refreshing, and so simple to pull together

Ingredients (jug)
50ml vodka
20ml lemon juice
20ml rosemary syrup
Top up with sparkling water
Rosemary and lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Fill a highball glass with ice, strain vodka, rosemary syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice over and top up with those bubbles. Rosemary sprig and lemon twist are a must.

For all the syrups featured, they can be bought, but they’re all simply sugar, water, and whichever flavour you want – so it saves so much money doing it yourself. Give it a go here! If you’re still adhering to Dry Jan or just don’t drink, then check out our Wintery Mocktails here.

One Drink, Three Ways: Cutty Sark Prohibition Whisky

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join us as we take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, we help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

Cutty Sark is an iconic whisky, from the stand-out yellow label (which was actually a printing error that’s stuck), to its Prohibition roots. Dreamt up in London in the 20s, it captured hearts over the Atlantic where speakeasy cocktails thrived and once it actually became legal, its popularity sky rocketed.

Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition was released in 2013 as an ode to these origins, and Captain Bill McCoy (AKA The Real McCoy), who shipped it nearly a century before. It’s a small batch blend of the finest single malts and quality grain whiskies, using carefully chosen American Sherry oak casks. At 50%, it packs a bigger punch than the original, with the signature vanilla and spice coming through as well as crushed nuts, dark chocolate and caramel, before a stunningly smooth finish.

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Pear Cooler

Ingredients:
50ml Cutty Sark Prohibition
20ml fresh lemon juice
20ml ginger syrup
1tsp honey
ginger ale
pear slices

The Prohibition Pear Cooler marries the whisky spice with beautiful ginger syrup for sweetness, and ginger ale for refreshment. Silky honey brings its own aromatic sweetness and texture, and the lemon cuts through nicely before a hit of fresh pear. Method: Muddle the pear, lemon, honey and ginger syrup, and add in your Prohibition. Strain it well (that’s important), before topping up with ginger ale, and a leftover pear slice. Cheers!

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The Rob Roy

Ingredients:
50ml Cutty Sark Prohibition
20ml sweet vermouth
dash of orange bitters
orange peel

Prohibition absolutely makes this 19th century classic sing. Malty, smooth, fantastically sweet and with just a little spice on the finish, this whiskey is ideal. Method: Famously simple, all you need to do is shake everything and pour into your cocktail glass, over large ice cubes. A little garnish of orange peel and you’re sorted.

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The Godfather

Ingredients:
40ml Cutty Sark Prohibiton
20ml amaretto liqueur
ice

This one is perfect for winter, really bringing out those nutty notes with sweet, luxurious almond flavoured amaretto. Everything is so silky it’s heaven. The sweetness is perfectly poised, and it feels indulgent yet sophisticated. Method: Add some big ice cubes into a glass, and pour in, first your Prohibition, and then the amaretto of your choice (Disaronno is hard to beat). Stir gently, and enjoy.

Like this? Check our our other One Drink, Three Ways pieces here