Oh the weather outside is frightful…but seriously, winter has just started and we've already had enough of the cold. However, there is a plus to the bitter relationship many of us have with winter…the holidays! The holiday’s are a time of family, friends, and of course, alcohol! Now, we don’t mean going out every night is the answer to your winter woes- but a thoughtfully designed drink may be what you need to warm up during those frigid nights. Connor Remus, our Managing Editor, got into the holiday spirit and whipped us up one of his favourite cocktails. Read below to get Connor’s take on his go-to gin cocktail!

I'm a gin lover year-round but I have to admit, with its botanical and alpine notes, it can really illustrate the winter season. Scroll down to learn how to make my holiday comfort drink...and always remember to drink responsibly!

For this holiday cocktail, we obviously wanted to start with our favourite-gin, and build from there. Professional gin drinkers are loyal to their favourite brands. We've personally always been a big fan of either Bombay or Dillion's- but Bottega- a family run distillery caught my eye this year with their newly introduced dry gin, BACUR.

I paired BACUR with lighter, sweeter notes like honey or elderflower. It seemed to make the most sense to create a seasonal cocktail that was sweet, fresh, light and also reminiscent of the winter weather. An opposite vibe of a hot toddy.

Thus, I give you...

Into the Woods

INGREDIENTS:

3 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice
1.5 oz of BACUR dry gin
1 oz of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co Elderflower Tonic
1 tsp of natural honey
Ice
2 oz Tonic
Lemon twist and balsam spring for garnish

COCKTAIL PREPARATION:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, syrup, lemon juice and honey together.
Shake & strain into coupe glass.
Top with Tonic water.
Garnish with a lemon twist and balsam.

ENJOY!