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By Promote ShetlandDecember 16th 2021

The Christmas season has arrived and to celebrate we are sharing some Shetland-themed cocktail recipes to help you get in the festive spirit.

It's been a challenging year at times and we all deserve a little bit of luxury, especially at Christmas. And there's nothing like a cocktail to help get you in the festive mood.

If you fancy a celebratory tipple, why not try one of these tasty Shetland-inspired drinks? If you plan to enjoy them with family or friends, please remember to follow the latest Covid guidelines.

Drinks with northern soul

Shetland is home to the UK’s most northerly distillery, Shetland Reel in Unst.

The distillery was founded by owners Frank and Debbie Strang some 12 years ago and is based in the former RAF Saxa Vord complex. Working with master distiller Stuart Nickerson Shetland Reel has crafted several award-winning gins, including many small batch special editions.

Our first recipe is a warming drink inspired by mulled wine or cider – and it’s the perfect cocktail for those cold nights. The recipe is given a twist with the addition of Shetland Reel Countdown Gin, launched to mark the “countdown” to satellite launches from the proposed Saxa Vord Spaceport.

The project is still under development with the first space launches expected in 2022 but you can get in the mood for blast off with this cocktail which includes warming and relaxing herbs and spices. It can be made in large batches or smaller amounts.

The Lerwick cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 300ml Shetland Reel Countdown Gin

  • 200ml Gran Marnier

  • 200ml red wine

  • 150ml apple juice

  • 10 heaped teaspoons of sugar or 7 spoons of honey

  • 10 cloves

  • Three star anise

  • Tablespoon of chamomile flowers.

Instructions:

  1. In a large saucepan add the Shetland Reel Countdown Gin and combine with the Gran Marnier, red wine and apple juice.

  2. Add either the sugar or honey, cloves, star anise and chamomile flowers.

  3. Add 200ml of water and slowly simmer for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before decanting into heat proof glassware or mugs. Enjoy responsibly.

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Another of Shetland Reel’s special editions is the citrus-inspired Lemon Fest, which is turned into something festive for this next cocktail. Everybody loves a chocolate orange at Christmas, don’t they?

Chocolate orange espresso martini

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Lemon Fest gin
  • 25ml of freshly-brewed espresso
  • 25ml of Triple Sec
  • 25ml of crème de cacao

Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake well and pour before garnishing with two or three coffee beans.
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If you have any Lemon Fest left over, the final Christmas cocktail is said to be the bees' knees. It consists of a core cocktail mix which can be topped up with soda water or prosecco, or for a 'hot toddy' version you can simply add hot water.

Elder bees' knees

Ingredients:

  • 25ml honey syrup
  • 25ml lemon juice
  • 15ml lime juice
  • 25ml orange juice
  • 25ml elderflower liqueur
  • 50ml Lemon Fest gin
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Soda water, proseccor or hot water for topping up

Instructions:

  1. Add the syrup, the citrus juices, elderflower liqueur and gin to a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigourously.
  2. Strain into two Collins glasses or champagne flutes and top up with your choice of soda water or prosecco and stir.
  3. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and sliced lemon.

For the hot toddy:

  1. Add the syrup, the citrus juices, elderflower liqueur and gin to a jug, along with a few rosemary leaves.
  2. Stir to combine and strain the liquid into two heat-proof glasses.
  3. Add hot water, stirring as you do so.
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