Orkney is a stunning island in the north of Scotland, celebrated not just for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, but also as a haven for craft spirit lovers. This guide will explore some mixers that elevate our Orkney Gin Company spirits to new heights! Although we are called Orkney Gin Company, we also produce other spirits, such as Orkney Vodka and Scotland's first Akvavit. Discover the hidden gems that will transform your next drink into something truly special.
Why do mixers matter so Much? An impressive 75% of your drink is mixer, making them key players in any drink! They enhance the base spirit's flavour, add complexity, and create new and unique combinations too. The right mixers can highlight the aromatic profiles of our Orkney Spirits, altering flavours and also bringing out botanicals you may have missed.
A Classic - Tonic We love: Artisan Indian, Fevertree Mediterranean, Thomas Henry. Tonic water is an essential mixer for gin, and has grown in popularity with vodka and akvavit recently too. Fever-Tree tonic water stands out as one of the most widely available options. With natural ingredients, it spreads the botanicals of spirits out, creating lots of complexity.
Try pairing Aatta Gin with Fever-Tree tonic and adding a slice of orange or a sprig of rosemary. This combination not only looks good but also adds excitement to the citrus notes, forms an earthiness to the cinnamon and juniper, and rounds the smooth vanilla and tonka.
Enjoy Rhubarb Old Tom Gin with Artisan pink citrus tonic, for a beautifully pink, fruity and fun treat. It's sweeter than others in combination, but still has the rounding bitterness to the tonic. We love to add raspberries to this!
Why not try Rosemary and Black Olive tonic with our Orkney Akvavit? It's gorgeously savoury - think martini! With hints of olive brine, and warm herbacious notes from the rosemary of the tonic, and the caraway and anise in the Akvavit. The orange is lifted to a bright and humble level too. We love this with some olives - bonus - enjoy this drink alongside fish!
Is Garnishing just Nonsense?! Never underestimate the impact of garnishes! Fruits, herbs and spices can enhance a Classic Gin, Vodka or Akvavit when served with tonic or soda. For a unique touch, consider adding a sprig of dill or basil to bring a refreshing element to your drink. If you are after something a little sweeter, we also suggest including a slice of orange for added flavour. All our spirits are made using orange, so it's a yummy fresh and safe bet - and something you'd always have around the house.
For Orkney Vodka, consider using a pinch of cracked black pepper or muddled cucumber. These additions provide a subtle earthiness and enhance the cocktail's visual appeal. A simple garnish can transform your drink from ordinary to extraordinary!
A Refreshing Mix: Elderflower Cordial Elderflower cordial is a delightful choice for mixing with our Johnsmas Gin. The floral sweetness pairs beautifully with the gin's floral and fragrant botanicals.
To craft a refreshing summer cocktail, mix Johnsmas with elderflower cordial and top it off with soda water. Alternatively, for a distinctive vodka spritz, combine Orkney Vodka with elderflower and fresh lime juice. This combination creates a burst of flavour that will impress your guests!
Delicious: A Cucumber Melon Cooler
Just like Elderflower, melon adds a zesty and floral note. Wny not try this light, hydrating cocktail with a crisp, clean taste, complemented by hints of sweetness and a herbal finish.
Ingredients:
50ml Orkney Vodka
25ml cucumber juice (freshly pressed or from a good quality juice)
25ml fresh cantaloupe or honeydew melon juice
15ml lime juice
10ml agave syrup (or honey)
2-3 fresh basil leaves (optional for a herbal twist)
Sparkling water or club soda
Ice
Method:
Prepare the juice: If you're pressing your own cucumber juice, simply blend cucumber slices and strain the pulp. For the melon juice, blend your melon of choice and strain out the pulp for a smooth juice.
Muddle: In a shaker, gently muddle the fresh basil leaves (if using) to release their oils and add an herbal note.
Mix: Add the Orkney Vodka, cucumber juice, melon juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until chilled.
Strain: Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with ice.
Top and garnish: Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for some fizz. Garnish with a cucumber ribbon, a basil sprig, or a small melon ball on a skewer.
This cocktail is a delightful combination of refreshing flavours that are light but complex, with the cucumber offering crispness, the melon adding natural sweetness, and the vodka tying it all together. It’s also an elegant drink for a summer brunch or garden party.
Citrus juices are a fun way to brighten cocktails and drinks. Fresh-squeezed, lime, orange or grapefruit juice can add a delightful zing to Orkney spirits - this is particularly special in the warmer months!
For a refreshing twist, pair Orkney Vodka with lemon juice, grapefruit juice, a dash of simple syrup, and soda. This cocktail is perfect for warm days. Orkney Gin also thrives with citrus; try an Aatta Gin Sour made with lemon juice and sugar for a refreshing balance of sweet and tart.
Rhubarb & Basil Smash
This herbaceous and tart cocktail is ideal for those who love fresh, bold flavors.
Ingredients:
50ml rhubarb gin
8-10 basil leaves
25ml lemon juice
15ml simple syrup
Ice
Method: Muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice and syrup in a shaker. Add the rhubarb gin and ice, then shake well. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
The Magic of Mixer: Ginger ale Ginger Ale is becoming increasingly popular as a mixer and pairs excellently with our Rhubarb Old Tom or Akvavit. Its ginger warmth really juxtaposes the fresh fruitiness of the rhubarb, and the bold citrus of Akvavit. If you're yet to try ginger ale as a mixer - think mild sweet lemonade with just a touch of ginger.
To create an eye-catching cocktail, combine Orkney Akvavit with ginger ale and a squeeze of lime. This beverage echoes a Moscow Mule but with a local twist. You can combine Mikkelmas, Orkney Vodka, or Christmas Old Tom with ginger beer to create a refreshingly spicy beverage that delivers a distinctive flavour experience.
Explore our website for more cocktail ideas.. Drinks and cocktails made with Orkney Gin Company spirits are limited only by your imagination. Gather your mixers, prepare your garnishes, and prepare for an unforgettable cocktail experience inspired by the stunning Orkney Islands. Cheers to your next mixology adventure!
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