My Favourite Christmas Cocktail Recipe

I first came across this divine cocktail, the English Garden, while dining at Ralph’s restaurant in Paris. I insisted that the bartender tell me what was in such a beautiful drink, and he kindly shared the ingredients.

I took inspiration from this recipe to make a similar English Garden cocktail, and am very happy with the mix. To me, it is perfectly balanced, and none of the ingredients are overpowering. Everything works in unison to create the perfect cocktail.

Ingredients for my English Garden:

• Gin of your choice (I use The Botanist)

• Creme de Pamplemousse, a grapefruit liqueur (I use Massenez)

• A wine-based aperitif (I use Lillet Blanc)

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Ice

• Piece of lemon peel

• Jigger, or cocktail measuring cup

• Cocktail Shaker

• Your favourite cocktail glass, pre-chilled

Cocktail shaker, tray and jigger are Ralph Lauren. Candle is The White Company.

Instructions:

Cut a piece of lemon peel that you’ll use as a garnish, and rim your cocktail glass using another piece of lemon. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, then measure out your core ingredients into the shaker. Each of these core ingredients are measured out equally using your jigger, so, the same amount of gin, grapefruit liqueur, aperitif, and lemon juice. I use the smaller measurement.

Place the lid on your cocktail shaker and shake for around 10 seconds. Pour your mixture into your cocktail glass, and gently place the lemon peel into the centre of your cocktail.

Serve and enjoy x