From the Distillery
COCKTAILS
Stories, recipes, and reflections from our corner of Wiltshire exploring the craft, the landscape and the flavours that shape our spirits.
FROM THE DISTILLERY BAR
Each month, we create a new cocktail inspired by the season, the landscape and the spirits we make at Downton Distillery.
Some recipes revisit established classics. Others explore fresh ingredients, unusual flavour combinations and new ways to serve gin, vodka, liqueurs and eaux de vie. Every recipe includes clear measurements, practical techniques and guidance to help you make it confidently at home.
From crisp Martinis and refreshing summer serves to warming nightcaps and orchard-led cocktails, this is where we share what we are mixing behind the distillery bar.
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
Autumnal Martinez | Classic | Gin Cocktail
A rich, autumnal riff on the Martinez, combining Great Bustard Autumnal Gin, sweet vermouth, Downton Crème de Cassis and orange bitters. Dark fruit, orchard spice and bittersweet citrus.
Jardin éphémère | Spritz | Brandy Cocktail
Jardin Éphémère cocktail with elderflower, apple, Downton Eau de Vie de Cidre and Champagne. A fresh, aromatic orchard-inspired serve.
COCKTAILS | DOWNTON DISTILLERY
Romeo and Juliet | Gin Cocktail
Refreshing gin sour with Great Bustard Gin, lime, cucumber and mint. Crisp, aromatic, balanced with rose water, bitters and a subtle touch of salt.
Green Wing Sour | Gin Cocktail
The Green Wing Sour is a vibrant, herbaceous cocktail from Downton Distillery, blending bold citrus with fresh green notes and a smooth botanical base—perfectly balanced, refreshingly original.
Bustard Cobbler | Gin Cocktail
The Bustard Cobbler is a rich, fruit-forward cocktail from Downton Distillery, combining seasonal ingredients with Great Bustard Gin for a refreshing twist on a classic cobbler bright, bold, and beautifully...
English Garden | Long Style | Gin Cocktail
The English Garden is a fresh, floral serve that mirrors the Wiltshire countryside in a glass. Shown on Sunday Brunch in June 2024 by Olivier Ward, it has become a...
Pegu Club | Short Style | Gin Cocktail
The Pegu Club opened in 1882 in Rangoon and became a social centre for British officers. Its signature cocktail, built on gin, citrus and bitters, was created to cut through...
Virginia Creeper | Gin Cocktail
The Virginia Creeper is a new sour from Ben Morley, created during a visit to the distillery. If you enjoy a Bramble, this sits in the same family. It takes...
Spiced Lady | Sour Style | Gin Cocktail
Sour cocktails combine citrus, spirit and syrup for a clean summer serve. They adapt easily to personal taste. This version uses chili to add warmth and spice. Shake for longer...
Gin Gin Mule | Long Drink | Gin Cocktail
The Gin Mule blends gin, mint, lime and ginger beer for a crisp, refreshing serve. Born at New York’s Pegu Club, it remains a modern crowd-pleasing classic.
Paloma | Long Style | Gin Cocktail
This Paloma pushes clean grapefruit and lime to the front. The gin gives structure, working with the bold citrus notes of Explorer's. A touch of soda lifts the profile and...
