Each year, we like to do a few of our favorite spring cocktail recipes. One of my biggest surprises while searching for ideal spring cocktails this year was the discovery of some great gins. As a former “never gin” drinker, I’ve come to realize that great gins offer a wide range of herbal flavors. One of my favorites is Highclere Castle Gin and here are a few of my favorite recipes for spring gin cocktails using Highclere Castle Gin.

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Discovering Highclere Castle Gin

When I had a chance recently to try Highclere Castle Gin, I was excited. I had the unique opportunity to receive a personal tour of Highclere Castle in England. My tour, before the days when the castle gained popularity because of Downtown Abbey, made me immediately fall in love with this historic manor. Of course, I was eager to try the gin.

When the Highclere Castle Gin arrived, the first thing to thrill me was the bottle. It is gorgeous and I love having it on my shelf. It really does make me think of an English garden with a lovely mix of botanicals. There is, of course, the classic juniper, but I also love the earthiness and the citrus notes. I can close my eyes and imagine I’m sitting in the English garden adjacent to the castle. I actually enjoyed sipping this one. You can order a bottle, available throughout the US, for about $50 per bottle. Here are three recipes for what I consider to be ideal spring gin cocktails, courtesy of Highclere Castle Gin.

Highclere Castle Gin & Tonic

What better spring gin cocktail is there than a gin & tonic? When you have a great gin, you must make a gin & tonic. We recommend using a good, artisanal tonic water such as Fever-Tree or Q Tonic Water.

A classic gin & tonic with Highclere Castle Gin. Photo courtesy Highclere Castle Gin

INGREDIENTS

• 50 ml Highclere Castle Gin
• Artisanal Tonic Water
• Orange Peel & Rosemary Sprig for garnish

PREPARATION

1. Fill a well-chilled highball glass with ice, followed by the gin.
2. Slowly pour the tonic water and give a gentle stir.
3. Cut an orange peel and twist it over the top of the glass to release the natural oils.
4. Place the orange peel into the glass along with a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Highclere Castle Classic Martini

A classic martini starts with the gin, includes a nice dry vermouth, and this one is best with the dash of orange bitters. I recommend you start with chilled martini glasses to ensure a crisp martini. This one is stirred, not shaken.

A classic martini with Highclere Castle Gin. Photo courtesy Highclere Castle Gin

INGREDIENTS

• 50 ml Highclere Castle Gin
• 10 ml Dry Vermouth
• Dash of Orange Bitters (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add the ingredients and give it a good stir.
2. Double strain the ingredients into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a verdant green olive or lemon twist.

Highclere Castle British 75

Those who know me and follow my writing and my travels know that I’m a big Champagne lover. This spring gin cocktail, made with gin and Champagne, is one of my all-time favorites. It’s even better using Highclere Castle Gin. While I prefer my plain bubbles in a flute, this cocktail is much better in the traditional champagne coupe. While many people think of this as a holiday drink, for me it is ideal for any time of the year, and especially refreshing as a spring gin cocktail.

A British 75 with Highclere Castle Gin. Photo courtesy Highclere Castle Gin

INGREDIENTS

• 50 ml Highclere Castle Gin
• Simple Syrup
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Champagne
• Lemon Garnish

PREPARATION

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.
3. Top with Champagne.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

I definitely recommend that you try the Highclere Castle Gin. It is such an elegant gin, with a smooth finish. I also suggest that you subscribe on their website to get the Butler’s Guide to English Cocktails.  It offers more great gin recipes. I suggest you try The Aviation with Crème de Violette and the Clover Club with raspberry syrup. I never thought I’d be a gin fan, but Highclere Castle Gin converted me. Enjoy these spring gin cocktails and be sure to let me know if you find your own perfect cocktail recipe! Be sure to check out more great cocktail recipes on Wander.