We love a bit of Christmas spice here at Muddy Norfolk, and the dream team behind Norfolk Gin have shared with us some of their favourite gin cocktails for this festive season. Bottoms up!

The classic: A Perfect Thyme

Ingredients:

• 1-2 measures of Norfolk Gin
• Favourite tonic
• Ice

Garnish:

• Strip of orange zest
• Sprig of fresh thyme

Glass:

• Highball or balloon

Method: Pour Norfolk Gin into your favourite glass, add ice and tonic. Gently squeeze the orange zest over the glass to release the oils. Finish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

The aperitif: Negroni

A classic, vintage, bittersweet cocktail. Simple and balanced.

Ingredients:

• 2 measures Norfolk Gin
• 2 measures Sweet Red Vermouth
• 2 measures Campari
• Ice

Garnish:

• Slice of orange

Glass:

• Tumbler

Method: Pour all the ingredients into a tumbler filled with ice. Stir well to mix. Garnish with a slice of orange.

The palate cleanser: Norfolk Gin & Grapefruit Fizz

A delightful refreshing drink for those colder winter moments. Bittersweet grapefruit and punchy Norfolk Gin. Aromatic rosemary. Spicy ginger ale. Elegant but with hint of earthy charm.

Ingredients:

• 2 measures Norfolk Gin
• 4 measures grapefruit juice
• Chilled ginger ale
• Ice

Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary and grapefruit

Glass:

• Highball or balloon

Method: Mix Norfolk Gin and fresh grapefruit juice in an ice filled shaker. Shake well and pour into your favourite glass. Add dry ginger ale for some spice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Make a pitcher and share with friends.

The sipping cocktail: Bees Knees

The name comes from prohibition-era slang meaning “The best.” A simple and refreshing cocktail with bright crisp flavours.

Ingredients:

• 2 measures Norfolk Gin
• 1 measure fresh lemon juice
• 1 measure lime cordial
• 1 teaspoon runny honey
• Ice

Garnish:

• Lemon & lime twist

Glass:

• Art Deco style champagne

Method: In the base of the shaker stir honey with Norfolk Gin, until honey dissolves. Add lemon and lime juice. Shake well with ice, strain, pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon and lime twist.

Winter bubbles: Blackberry & Hibiscus

This delicious wintery cocktail takes a little bit of preparation and planning. But with its rich, deep colour and a generous dash of celebratory bubbles, it’s certain to be a real crowd pleaser at Christmas parties. To enjoy at its best, make the blackberry and hibiscus syrup the day before. To create four cocktails, you will need 100ml of syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 measure of Norfolk Gin
• 1 measure of blackberry cordial
• Pinch of hibiscus tea
• Handful of blackberries (fresh or frozen)
• Prosecco

To pre-make the syrup:

• Measure out equal quantities of Norfolk Gin and a Blackberry cordial (Pixley Berries blends beautifully) and pour together
• Add a couple of pinches of hibiscus tea, plus a handful of blackberries (fresh or frozen) Muddle and leave to settle in a sealed jar in the fridge overnight
• Strain before using

Garnish:

• A sprig of mint

Glass:

• Wine Glass

Method: Pour a measure of your ready-made gin syrup into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco or a dry crisp sparkling wine

Enjoy – hiccup!