I have started to get back into cocktail making recently. As part of my supper club menus I like to create a welcome cocktail for the guests to enjoy before they sit down for their meal. Over the summer months there was an emphasis on berries and elderflowers but now we are entering the Autumn I like that to influence what I add to my cocktails as much as it affects they choice of the dishes I like to prepare.
My October cocktail – by complete chance – happened to fit the brief of a challenge set by thebar.com. They wanted me to share my favourite classic cocktail recipe with a personal twist to inspire readers to make their own cocktails at home.
I had decided to create a spiced apple and ginger fizz, which happens to be my adaptation of the ultimate classic cocktail – the gin and tonic. My version uses cloudy apple juice and local apples (now in season) from the farm shop along with my favourite ginger cordial, fresh mint and some sparking water, with Tanqueray gin – my personal favourite at the moment.
Over the last few years, gin has seen a resurgence in popularity and the choices are almost overwhelming when you are trying to decide which gin to buy. And then there’s the tonic. Do you go for traditional or one with a twist? I swapped the tonic completely and went with sparkling water, which complimented the flavours adding fizz but not too much flavour.
If you enjoy sipping a classic cocktail from time to time or are thinking of having a party, maybe even a supper club of your own, why not check out thebar.com for some classic cocktail inspiration.
For more classic cocktails with a twist I have a few ideas for you:
Singapore Sling – Foodie Quine
White Wine Sangria – Supper in the Suburbs
*SPONSORED POST* Please remember to drink responsibly (over 18s only) and eat before you drink to avoid the adverse effects of alcohol. For further advice visit Drinkaware.

Classic Cocktails – My Way
Ingredients
- 25 ml Tanqueray gin
- 150 ml cloudy apple juice
- 20 ml ginger cordial
- Sparkling water
- 1 apple thinly sliced into wedges
- Mint leaves
- Ice
Instructions
- Put ice into your chosen glass
- Measure the gin, apple juice and the ginger cordial, stirring well before pouring into the glass
- Top with a splash of sparkling water
- Place a few sprigs of mint into the glass and the apple slices
- Drink immediately
Recipe Notes
This cocktail could be adapted in many ways. Why not try pear juice instead of apple and elderflower cordial instead of ginger.
I am a huge gin fan and love the autumnal twist you’ve put on the humble G&T! Great recipe 🙂
Hi Emma, thanks it’s a lovely way to enjoy gin and is rally warming with the ginger
Oh that spiced apple and ginger fizz sounds wonderful and just perfect for the full on apple season we’re having this year. The thought of being welcomed with one of these has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Now where’s that bottle of gin?
You’re right Choclette this is a bumper apple year so it’s good to have another way to enjoy the apples!
Oh and Apple and ginger cocktail sound so good right about now. Adult appetiser – I like it!
It’s a great appetiser!
Although I don’t drink, I almost always order a mocktail when eating out! I love the different flavour combinations. This spiced apple and ginger fizz sounds lovely! Perfect for autumn 🙂
Hi Nadia, the apple & ginger with sparkling water would make a lovely mocktail indeed!