This mulled gin cocktail is full of warming spices, in a cold cocktail. It's easy to make with a spice-infused simple syrup, plus I've made mulled wine ice cubes to give it some extra pizazz.
This cocktail takes the amazing flavor of mulled wine, but turns them into a cold cocktail!
An easy mulled wine simple syrup is the basis of the cocktail. Then just add gin and top it up.
For extra pizzazz - freeze mulled wine into ice cubes.
It's decadent, delicious and perfect for the holidays.
Winter cocktails
I love the transition of seasons.
Even as the leaves fall to the ground and shatter underfoot, there's a sense of newness. We pull our coats from the back of the closet and wrap up against the season's chill.
Halcyon days of summer are forgotten as we look forward to Halloween, Christmas, New Year.
But as summer's sun fades in memory, we aren't always ready to thrust ourselves straight into winter woolies, roaring fires and hot chocolate.
We need time to adjust. And there's no better way to adjust with a season-straddling cocktail.
This mulled gin cocktail with mulled wine ice cubes is your gateway to winter.
Mojitos are too summery, spritzers too light. But we're not quite ready for bubbling vats of mulled wine just yet, are we?
So let's mull us some gin. Let's bring those warming mulled wine spices and give them a little chill. Let's throw caution to the wind.
There are no rules, only the rules we make. And my rule is that gin goes with everything (even cake).
Mulled Spice Syrup
I made a mulled spice-infused simple syrup as the flavour base for this cocktail.
Don't be frightened, it really is simple.
Clue's in the name, people.
Just heat water and sugar in a pan with spices and oranges.
Your kitchen will smell enchantingly festive.
You may suddenly hum a carol or two.
You'll embrace the chill in the air and start thinking about Christmas lists.
Don't fight it.
As John Snow says, 'Winter is coming'.
This syrup would make a fantastic Christmas gift, and it will keep for a few months in a cool dry place.
This recipe makes around 500ml, so double the recipe for gifting.
Other great edible gifts are my ginger pecan brittle or salted chocolate honeycomb.
Mulled Wine Ice Cubes
Now, the mulled wine ice cubes aren't essential to this cocktail. But you'll have to admit that they make it rather special. I had some leftover mulled wine (I know!! I'm quite surprised myself), so I just froze it in an ice cube tray.
Instant cocktail glamour. They're the feather boa of the ice cube world.
Instead of regular ice melting and diluting the drink, these cubes melt into the cocktail bringing their own mulled flavour to the drink and staining it red.
You start with the mulled gin cocktail and then it changes slowly to a gin/wine hybrid that works beautifully together.
It's sort of like two cocktails in one.
I'm good to you like that.
Freezing Wine
Freezing leftover wine is a great way to use it up.
Transfer it from the tray to a bag or jar, then use a few cubes to flavour gravies, soups and stews.
Perhaps not mulled wine cubes, but actually, they could give a nice spicy flavour to savoury dishes (suddenly I'm inspired to make mulled wine gravy.....).
Get the recipe
Mulled Gin Cocktail
Ingredients
For the mulled spice syrup
- 2 ¼ cups (500ml) water
- 2 cups (400g) caster sugar
- 2 washed unpeeled satsumas/tangerines/small oranges quartered
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
For the cocktail (per cocktail)
- 1 ½ oz (45ml) gin (or vodka)
- 1 ½ oz (45ml) mulled spice syrup
- Soda water or fizzy lemonade/sprite if you like your cocktail sweeter
- Ice or frozen mulled wine ice cubes (see note)
Instructions
- For the mulled simple syrup
- In a medium saucepan, bring all simple syrup ingredients to a boil and gently stir until the sugar dissolves, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, then pour the simple syrup through the sieve to strain out the ingredients.
- Pour the syrup into a sterilised jar (see note) allow to cool and store in a cupboard for up to two months.
- To serve:
- In a tall glass, add ice cubes (or mulled wine ice cubes), gin, mulled spice syrup and top up with soda water.
Note:
- If you have any leftover mulled wine, freeze it in cubes for this cocktail. Alternatively, you can get the same colour-effect by freezing cranberry juice.
Note:
- sterilise the jar for the simple syrup by running it through the dishwasher and using hot, or wash well then heat in the oven for a few minutes and allow to cool before removing.
Note:
- If you prefer vodka, then use that instead of gin!
Notes
- If you have any leftover mulled wine, freeze it in cubes for this cocktail. Alternatively, you can get the same colour-effect by freezing cranberry juice.
- Sterilise the jar for the simple syrup by running it through the dishwasher and using hot, or wash well then heat in the oven for a few minutes and allow to cool before removing.
- It's lovely with other spirits. Try vodka, spiced rum, brandy.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Jacqui Bellefontaine
I must mist must try this!
Niamh
Now this sounds like a gorgeous festive cocktail. And I am totally with you, gin goes in EVERYTHING! 🙂
choclette
I know so many creative people, but when it comes to food and drink, you are one of the best. Gin and mulled wine? Oh yes. And what a clever effect it has, layering the colours in the glass - it looks stunning.
Kate Hackworthy
Thank you so much Choclette, that is so lovely of you to say 🙂
Elizabeth
This is a genius idea! Shetland Reel Gin have just launched a new Christmas gin that is now screaming to be made into these cocktails!
Midlands Mum (@Aceso84)
This sounds right up my street, now I know what I will be making my guests at the weekend.
Jen
What an amazing cocktail, adding wine ice cubes is a genius idea and spiced gin is always a winner.
Florentina
I love mulled wine but haven't tried it with ice cubes before! Brilliant as it is always 90 degrees in SoCal!
Platter Talk
We plan on making your recipe over the weekend! What a wonderful sounding drink.
Igor @ Cooking The Globe
So on time! It's Friday and now I know how I'm spending the evening with my wife 🙂
Lucy Parissi
I think I love you. This is beyond awesome as a concept and cocktail. And I love the Oxo barware - need to get me some!
Kate Hackworthy
Ha, thanks Lucy!
HedgeComber
I swear, whenever I think I've found my favourite cocktail (currently a Kir Royale) along comes another one that I just know will blow the last one out of the water!
Janie x
Kate Hackworthy
I'm definitely partial to a nice Kir Royale myself!
Jane
Kate, these are on our xmas cocktail list - thanks for the awesome recipe!
Claudia | Gourmet Project
First: I have your same straws, and lovet hem :-). Second: this cocktail looks and sounds so good. Third: do you have a suggestion to substitute satsumas? Thanks for sharing your wonderful idea 🙂
Kate Hackworthy
Hi Claudia, thank you so much! You could use any oranges, or if you don't like oranges, maybe half a lemon would be nice - or leave the oranges out completely. 🙂
Heather @Bostongirlbakes
This looks like the perfect happy hour cocktail...you make some and I'll pop over with a dessert 😉 Love your writing too!
Kate Hackworthy
SOunds like a perfect trade off!
Lucie Aiston
This sounds yummy!! Not allowed for me at the moment but will search this out after May next year and will enjoy it!!
Nayna Kanabar
What a lovely drink the colour is so beautiful too.