How about this for a merry elixir? A Sloe Gin Fizz is perfect at Christmastime, and though it usually uses sparkling water for the bubbles, this is the season of going over the top, so we’re swapping in sparkling wine. It balances the sweet against the tart wonderfully, with so much fruity refreshment and brightness. Sloe gin (a liqueur, not a gin), brings a warm berry richness perfect for winter, sparkling wine lightens the mood and cuts through with effervescence, lemon juice brings some sour vibrance, and a little syrup just rounds off the balanced profile. A proper Christmas cocktail.
If you’re not into sloe gin then you are seriously missing out, so if you want more info on it and some recommendations, go here!
Ingredients (for 1)
50ml sloe gin
25ml lemon juice
10ml syrup
sparkling wine to top up
Optional garnishes: maraschino cherry or lemon slice
Method
1. Shake everything but the wine with plenty of ice until it feels cold to the touch.
2. Strain into your glass (highball or flute preferably).
3. Top up with your choice of sparkling wine, be that Champagne, Cava, Prosecco etc.
4. Garnish with a slice of lemon or cherries and voila!
For a cosier Christmas cocktail, how about The Spiced Clementine Mulled Whisky?