Papaiti Gingle All the Way Christmas Gin

Think boozy Christmas pudding in a glass: that is how Papaiti describes Gingle All the Way, its returning Christmas gin. The Whanganui distillery packs it with eleven ingredients: juniper, coriander seed, cassia bark, nutmeg, ginger, orange peel, sultanas, cherry, walnut, cacao nibs and cardamom. It is bottled at 40% ABV, in limited quantities, and Papaiti calls it rich, spiced and unapologetically festive. It returns each year for the festive season.

Citrus · Limited Edition · Spicy · Fruity

Orange peel and warm spice open the nose, followed by the deeper fruit of sultanas and cherry. Cassia, nutmeg, ginger and cardamom bring the baking spice of a pudding, while walnut and cacao nibs add a darker, drier, slightly bitter edge. Juniper and coriander keep it a gin and add lift beneath the richer flavours. The fruit and spice feel generous without becoming heavy, and the finish is warm, nutty and gently bitter. There is also a festive trick: Papaiti suggests shaking the bottle to watch it snow. The cacao and walnut keep the sweetness in check.

Papaiti's own suggestion is dry ginger ale with a twist of orangeTwistA strip of peel twisted over the glass to release its oils, then dropped into the drink.Glossary, which brings out the ginger and the peel. The gin also suits a festive NegroniNegroniAn Italian cocktail of equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and red bitter (Campari), served over ice with orange peel. Born in Florence in 1919.Glossary, a gin Old Fashioned with orange bittersBittersHighly concentrated bitters (Angostura, orange…), added in dashes to season a cocktail.Glossary, or a hot toddy on a winter evening, and it makes a good gift under the tree. A few drops of water bring out the cacao and walnut when it is tasted neat.

For the long drink, pour 45 ml of Gingle All the Way over firm ice and add 100 ml of Schweppes Premium Mixer Ginger & Cardamom Tonic. Add an orange twist, a cinnamon stick and a clove to the drink, and set matching garnishes beside the glass. The ginger and cardamom tonic follows the spice, and the garnishes complete the Christmas theme.