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
Enzoni | Negroni | Gin Cocktail
The Enzoni is a modern take on the Negroni, built on Campari’s bitterness, fresh grapes and the herbal profile of Great Bustard Gin. Created in 2001 by Vincenzo Errico at...
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...
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 Apple Ginger Smash | Vodka Cocktail
This autumn serve brings cider, fresh apple and cinnamon into a warm, seasonal smash. It needs a firm muddle and a long shake, so be ready to switch arms. The...
Smoked Blood Orange Mimosa | Gin Cocktail
The Mimosa has a split heritage. Buck’s Club in London created the Buck’s Fizz in 1921, leaning heavily on Champagne. Paris followed in 1925 when Frank Meier at the Ritz...
Autumnal Apple | Short Style | Gin Cocktail
An autumnal gin sour built on dry cider and Explorer’s Gin. Maple syrup adds warmth without sweetness, while cinnamon brings depth and balance to this crisp seasonal cocktail.
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.
