Christmas Gin

Our flavorful Christmas Gin is packed with warm spices and fresh orange. All you need is 24 hours and you have the ideal holiday sipper to enjoy all season long. Serve it over ice or incorporate into your favorite gin cocktails to give them a holiday spin!

about this christmas gin recipe

Christmas gin is a simple way to bring the flavors of the holiday season to your favorite botanical spirit.

I’ve always been a big fan of infusing liquor, because it’s an easy way to upgrade your bar cart throughout the year. Since we are in wintertime, it’s time for capturing infusions that will last through these colder months.

My version of Christmas gin is full of the warming spices you know and love this time of year. From cinnamon to clove, allspice to juniper, and just a touch of orange, you get it all wrapped up in a bottle with this easy recipe.

Making homemade liqueurs is so much easier than you think, and all you need is 24 hours to make it! If you are running out of time to find the perfect gift, this is the one to lean on.

It’s so much fun to gift, but equally wonderful to bring out at holiday gatherings for an unusual after dinner drink or star of a holiday cocktail.

what is christmas gin?

Christmas gin is an infused gin that has all of the flavors of Christmas! We’re talking about warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, alongside orange to enhance the flavor of the botanicals in your favorite bottle of gin.

This gin can be used in your favorite classic gin cocktails to give them a festive flair. You can also easily make a bottle of this gin last minute and give it as a gift!

ingredients

gin. Use your favorite gin for this infused gin recipe! I used a bottle of local gin from Leopold Bros. You can also use Hendricks Gin or The Botanist.

juniper berries. I ordered my juniper berries, but you can also track them down at your local spice store. The berries have a fruity citrus flavor and an aromatic, piney flavor. They add so much flavor to the gin!

allspice berries. You can find allspice berries at your local spice shop or store. It is also easy to order them online!

cinnamon stick. Use your favorite type of cinnamon stick for this recipe! Make sure they are fresh as this will impact the flavor.

whole cloves. Be sure to use whole cloves and not ground cloves.

orange peel. Fresh orange peel is best for this recipe! You could also use dried, but if you do, I recommend using more than the recommended amount listed (about double).

this recipe’s must haves

All you need is a set of measuring spoons and measuring cups! Grab your bottle of gin and a fine mesh strainer, then you are good to go.

For serving, you will need your favorite glassware whether it is a rocks glass, champagne flute, or tall glass depending on the cocktail you are making. 

here’s how to make christmas infused gin

combine ingredients

Open the gin bottle and pour out about 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of gin (use it later for a different cocktail! Don’t throw it out!).

Add juniper berries, orange peel, allspice berries, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Add the lid back on.

infuse

Leave in a cool, dark place for 12 to 24 hours. I recommend checking the flavor after 12 hours, then at 18 hours and 24 hours.

strain

Strain through a fine mesh sieve, then pour the infused gin back into the bottle. The infused gin will keep for several months in a cool, dark place.

tips and tricks

use whole spices. Do not use any ground spices in this recipe. If you do, you will have a really hard time straining it out and will end up with a gritty infused gin. Using whole spices will impart all the flavor you need, without any grit in the final result.

let it sit. Let it infuse for as long as you like! You can technically let it infuse for up to 36 hours, though after 24 hours, I find that it becomes too overly flavored. The floral notes of the gin should still be there, alongside the warm flavors of the spices and orange peel. Be sure to taste it after 12 hours, and you can decide for yourself how long to let it sit.

adjust the spices. After you make your first batch, start playing around with the amount of spices you put in. You can add more cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, juniper berries, or cloves as desired.

More tasty holiday cocktails: Hot Mulled Apple Cider | Instant Pot Mulled Wine | Cranberry Mimosa | Cranberry Margarita

what mixes well with christmas gin?

This Christmas gin can be used in place of gin in all of your favorite classic gin cocktails. From a gin and tonic to gin and ginger ale, a gin martini or even your favorite holiday-themed gin cocktails. You can even top off some infused gin with champagne or prosecco for a bubbly treat at your next Christmas party.

how long does it take to infuse?

This gin infuses in just 12 to 24 hours! It’s a quick infusion. I recommend checking the taste after 12 hours, then again at 18 hours and 24 hours until it is the flavor you like. I prefer a stronger flavor, so I let mine infuse for the full 24 hours.

how long does homemade christmas gin last?

This homemade infused christmas gin will last for several months! That’s what makes it a lovely gift, in addition to the perfect component for your holiday bar cart. Simply store in a cool dark place after straining.

can I use this christmas gin to make a gin and tonic?

Yes, you certainly can! This infused gin is ideal for a gin and tonic because the warming flavors go really well with tonic. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy! I swear it’s a great choice for holiday parties.

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with christmas gin

This flavored holiday-infused gin is tasty enough to drink on the rocks with a garnish of a cinnamon stick! You can also use it in a gin and tonic, gin and soda, martini, gin fizz, san francisco cocktail, or any other cocktail that calls for gin for a festive twist. The warming spices of this infused alcohol lend themselves well to tonic, ginger beer, ginger ale, and more. It’s easy to make any Christmas cocktail with this gin!

If you ask me, a holiday cocktail goes best with one thing… Christmas cookies. I don’t know what it is about a nightcap and a plate of cookies, but enjoying this combination next to the Christmas tree with a roaring fire is pure bliss. You could go traditional with Christmas shortbread cookies. Enjoy a warm spiced compliment to the gin with chai snickerdoodle cookies or cranberry white chocolate oatmeal cookies. You could also enjoy easy chocolate covered oreos which are always a hit.

how to store

Store. Keep in a cool, dark place for several months after staining.

more gin recipes

A gin and ginger ale is a simple two-ingredient cocktail that everyone loves!

If you love citrus and herbs, you have to make this lemon basil gin and tonic.

An elegant pear rosemary gin and tonic is the perfect winter cocktail!

Finally, if you make this christmas gin recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!