The Easy Homemade Christmas Gin Recipe for Gifting and Drinking

drinkscocktailschristmaswinterginspirit guide

5 Dec

I’m a bartender and you’re getting ripped of by limited edition Christmas gin.

You know the ones… Special Christmas botanicals infused that you see on the shelves of every supermarket around December selling for double the price.

No more! After today, you will learn how to make your own Christmas gin, the easy way. Perfect for drinking yourself or putting in a cute bottle with a cute bow as a cute gift.

Jump to Recipe

There’s something truly special about a homemade gift, especially when it’s a bottle of delicious, festive gin.

Whether you’re looking for a unique present or a tasty treat to enjoy yourself, homemade Christmas gin is the perfect project to tackle during the holiday season.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a delicious, seasonal gin that’s way easier to make than you might think.

As a bartender, I’ve seen how a custom infusion can transform the character of a spirit, and this Christmas gin recipe brings all those cozy holiday flavors to life.

We’re talking fresh, zesty oranges, warming spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a touch of sweetness that makes each sip feel like a holiday treat. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or complicated techniques, just a bottle of gin, some spices, and a little bit of time.

Why Make Homemade Christmas Gin?

The idea of making gin at home might sound ambitious, but it’s actually straightforward. You don’t need to distill anything, this recipe is all about infusing ready-made gin with festive flavors.

That means anyone can make it, even if you’ve never tried making a spirit before. Plus, a homemade bottle of gin is a thoughtful, unique gift that shows you put some effort and love into your holiday presents.

Perfect for Gifting or Enjoying Yourself

Homemade gin is versatile. You can make a big batch, bottle it in small jars or pretty bottles, and hand them out to friends, family, or coworkers as gifts.

It’s one of those homemade presents that’s both practical and fun, you’re giving them something they’ll actually use and enjoy!

On the other hand, if you’re keeping it for yourself, this gin makes a great base for cocktails, from gin and tonics to holiday-themed martinis or any of my Christmas day cocktails.

You can even just pour a little over ice for a simple yet festive drink.

What You’ll Need to Make Christmas Gin

The best part about this recipe is that you only need a handful of ingredients and tools to create your gin. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

Bottle of Gin – A mid-range gin works perfectly. No need to go top-shelf, as the infusions will add plenty of flavor, but avoid the cheapest stuff too.
1 Orange – You’ll use the peel for zestiness and a little juice for sweetness.
1 Cinnamon Stick – Adds warmth and that holiday spice we all love.
4–5 Cloves – These add a strong, spicy note. Cloves are powerful, so you only need a few.
1 Star Anise – Optional, but adds a unique flavor and looks pretty if you’re leaving the spices in the bottle.
1 tsp Juniper Berries – For that signature gin flavor. These are essential to make it taste like gin, so don’t skip them!
1 Vanilla Pod (optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness and rounds out the spices.

Tools

Large Mason Jar or Glass Bottle – To store and infuse the gin.
Peeler or Zester – For removing the peel from the orange.
Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth – To strain out the spices and peel once the infusion is complete.

Step-By-Step Recipe for Homemade Christmas Gin

1. Prepare the Orange and Spices

First, take your orange and peel it, trying to get just the zest (the colorful part) and as little of the white pith as possible.

The zest is where the oils and flavors are, and the pith can add bitterness. Use a peeler or a zester to get nice strips of orange peel.

Squeeze a little bit of the orange juice into a small bowl, but keep it to just about a tablespoon to avoid watering down the gin.

Next, get your spices ready.

Crack the cinnamon stick into a few pieces to help release more flavor, and lightly crush the juniper berries. Just give them a quick press with the back of a spoon, this helps them release their essential oils and boosts the flavor.

2. Combine Everything in the Jar

Add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and juniper berries into a large mason jar or glass bottle.

If you’re using vanilla, slice open the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into the jar, then toss in the whole pod too. Pour in the gin, making sure all the ingredients are submerged, and give it a good shake.

3. Infuse the Gin

Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 3 to 5 days.

The longer you leave it, the stronger the flavors will be, so taste it each day starting around day 3 to see if it’s to your liking. You want the flavors to be noticeable but balanced, you should taste the warm spices and orange, but it should still taste like gin.

4. Strain and Bottle the Gin

Once the gin has reached the flavor you want, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the peels and spices.

This keeps your gin clear and prevents the spices from overpowering the flavor if you’re storing it for a while. Transfer your strained gin into a clean glass bottle or several small bottles if you’re making gifts.

Tips for Customizing Your Christmas Gin

Add Other Holiday Spices

Feel free to play around with the spices to make your Christmas gin unique. Nutmeg, allspice, or ginger can add even more depth and holiday character. Just remember that a little goes a long way, especially with strong spices like cloves and nutmeg.

Sweeten It Up

If you like a slightly sweeter gin, you can add a touch of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) after the infusion process. This is optional, but it can add a nice balance if you plan on drinking the gin straight. I usually like to keep mine unsweetened and add any sweetness in the final cocktail if needed.

Use Dried Fruits

If you want to switch things up or if fresh oranges aren’t available, try using dried fruits. Dried orange or lemon slices, dried cranberries, or even a few raisins can give the gin a different kind of richness and natural sweetness.

I once used dried cranberries in my Christmas gin, and it added a nice, tart flavor.

Serving Ideas for Christmas Gin

Once you’ve made your Christmas gin, there are endless ways to enjoy it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Festive Gin and Tonic

Pour a shot of your Christmas gin over ice, top it with tonic water, and garnish with a slice of orange or a cinnamon stick.

The tonic’s slight bitterness pairs perfectly with the sweetness and spice in the gin, making for a refreshing yet cozy drink.

Christmas Martini

For a holiday twist on the classic martini, shake two parts Christmas gin with one part dry vermouth over ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a star anise pod or an orange twist to make it extra festive.

Warm Gin Punch

For a cozy winter punch, mix your Christmas gin with a bit of apple cider, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of ginger ale.

Warm it gently on the stove until it’s just steaming (don’t let it boil), then serve in mugs. Add a cinnamon stick or a slice of apple for garnish.

Bottling and Gifting Your Christmas Gin

Homemade Christmas gin makes for a beautiful, thoughtful gift. Here are some tips for bottling it up to impress your friends and family.

Choose the Right Bottles

Small glass bottles or mason jars work well and look great. Look for bottles with a tight-fitting cap to keep the gin fresh. You can usually find these at craft stores or online.

If you’re making several small bottles, consider using mini wine bottles or old-fashioned swing-top bottles.

Add a Personal Touch

Decorate each bottle with a holiday ribbon, a tag, or even a small sprig of rosemary or holly tied around the neck. You can even include a small label with serving suggestions, like recipes for gin and tonics or martinis.

Include a Note or Recipe Card

If you’re gifting the gin, consider including a recipe card with one or two cocktail ideas. It’s a small touch that shows you put thought into the gift and helps your recipient enjoy it right away.

Cheers to a Cozy Christmas with Homemade Gin!

Making Christmas gin at home is easier than you’d think, and it’s such a fun project. You get to experiment with flavors, create a custom infusion, and end up with a festive drink that’s as perfect for gift-giving as it is for sipping by the fire.

Whether you’re giving it to friends or keeping it for yourself, this Christmas gin is sure to add a little extra warmth and cheer to the season.

Happy holidays, and here’s to some festive, homemade sips!

Similar Recipes

Finally, if you enjoy this recipe, I’d recommend taking a look at these festive recipes;

As for Christmas drink resources, we recommend checking out;

Christmas Gin Recipe

Yield: 24

Author: Cameron Fielding

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 72 MinTotal time: 1 H & 22 M

Homemade Christmas gin is the perfect project to tackle during the holiday season. As a bartender I can confirm this is how all the big bars make delicious, seasonal gin and it's way easier to make than you might think.