YetAnotherGin

The snow has started to arrive, the gloveless fingers are being frozen. It’s time to realise that it’s not getting any warmer. So why not look at cocktails suitable for winter, I’ve mentioned the Hot Apple Gin with Beefeater Winter but how about something with a bit more depth.  The Purl.

Luckily, those folks at Purl London have recreated the drink that gives them their name. Purl as a drink is something that you will most likely not have come across. It’s an old fashioned winter warmer, of warm ale flavoured with bitters. This is then spiked with whisky/brandy or perhaps instead mixed with milk and a measure of gin, whisky or brandy.

When I first read about Purl, it didn’t quite appeal. Though now I’ve got a recipe which has been crafted together by Hendrick’s and the boys at Purl.  Whilst I have not had the opportunity to serve this yet, I could imagine this making a nice Christmas Eve drink for the family.

Hendrick’s Purl
For six people

• 150ml Hendrick’s Gin
• 1 litre of good quality hoppy ale
• 200ml cloudy apple juice
• 5 slices of satsuma
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 90g sugar
• 5g hops
• 2 cloves
• 1 dessert spoon honey
• 2 large splashes of Angostura Bitters
• 1 whole star anise

Heat all the ingredients in a pan. Simmer for 20 minutes then strain the hops out and serve with satsuma slices and a stick of cinnamon to garnish.