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
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...
Aperol Sour | Short Style | Gin Cocktail
The Aperol Sour brings Aperol’s blend of sweet and bitter orange into a clean, bright serve. Its sunset-orange colour sits under a thick, meringue-like foam. The flavour lands crisp, lightly...
Negroni Sour | Gin Cocktail
The Negroni was born in 1919 at Caffe Casoni in Florence when Count Camillo Negroni asked bartender Forsco Scarselli to strengthen his Americano by swapping soda for gin. The orange...
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Martini | Gin Cocktail
This Martini places puts great gin front and centre. Originating in the 1930s, it replaces dry vermouth with Dubonnet, a sweet, herb infused French aperitif created in 1846. Favoured by...
Petruchio Cocktail | Gin Cocktail
Inspired by our love of the Campari Sour, this cocktail swaps in Aperol for a lighter summer edge. Created in 2010 by Jamie Boudreau in Seattle, it suits Negroni drinkers...
