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
Jam Jar Martini | Gin Cocktail
Born from the “make it with what you’ve got” spirit of the early 2000s, the Jam Jar Martini is as simple as it is delicious. Fresh gin, zesty citrus, and...
The Rhubarb Sour | Gin Cocktail
This Rhubarb Sour drives sharp rhubarb and fresh citrus over a smooth, structured base. The texture stays soft, the flavour stays bright and the finish lands clean.
The Insomniac Martini | Vodka Cocktail
The Insomniac sits apart from the Espresso Martini. It keeps the coffee base but adds richness, creaminess and a clear nutty depth from our hazelnut vodka or Nocino. The sweetness...
French Blonde | Gin Cocktail
The French Blonde has gathered fresh attention, rumoured to be Taylor Swift’s current favourite. It blends grapefruit, elderflower liqueur, Lillet Blanc, gin and lemon bitters into a light, floral, citrus-driven...
Rosé & Red Berry Daiquiri | Vodka Cocktail
Summer brings the best of English fruit and local farms are full of ripe strawberries and raspberries. Pick your own or grab a punnet from the farm shop. This cocktail...
Oyster Martini | Vodka Cocktail
Ready to step outside your comfort zone. The Oyster Martini became the standout serve of 2023. Oysters carry a clean minerality that works brilliantly with our Chardonnay Vodka. The result...
Chocolate Martini | Vodka Cocktail
Easter is the ideal moment to showcase the Chocolate Martini. Chocolate and alcohol have been paired since ancient Central America and the drink gained fame in 1955 when Rock Hudson...
