An inspired Gordon Ramsay’s Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned for Christmas

By Nathalie Baylaucq 23.12.2024

Gordon Ramsay is a British chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for his fiery temper, high standards, and numerous successful television shows, including Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Kitchen Nightmares.

He has earned multiple Michelin stars for his culinary expertise and has built a global brand through his restaurants, cookbooks, and media presence.

As for a Christmas cocktail, while Ramsay hasn’t specifically shared a “perfect Christmas cocktail,” based on his cooking style, he would likely focus on bold flavors with high-quality ingredients. He might create a cocktail that combines classic festive elements with a refined twist. For instance, he could make a warming spiced drink like a Rum and Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned, blending dark rum with homemade cranberry syrup, orange zest, , garnished with a rosemary sprig. The drink would offer both warmth and balance—perfect for holiday celebrations.

Do you have a specific type of drink you’re hoping to recreate for Christmas?

An inspired Gordon Ramsay’s Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned :

This cocktail combines the festive, warming flavors of Christmas with a sophisticated twist. Gordon Ramsay’s approach to cocktails would emphasize quality, boldness, and refinement. The Rum and Spiced Cranberry Old Fashioned is a perfect drink for holiday celebrations, offering a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and depth.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Dark rum (choose a high-quality rum for best flavor)

• 25ml Homemade cranberry syrup (recipe below)

• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters

• Orange zest

• Fresh rosemary sprig (for garnish)

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Homemade Cranberry Syrup:

• 200g fresh cranberries

• 200g sugar

• 200ml water

• 1 star anise

• Zest of half an orange

1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, star anise, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the syrup thickens.

3. Strain out the solids and let the syrup cool before using.

Method:

1. In a mixing glass, add the dark rum, cranberry syrup, and bitters.

2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well for about 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.

3. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube.

4. Express the orange zest over the drink by twisting it to release the oils, then drop it into the glass.

5. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a cinnamon stick to complete the festive look and add a touch of aroma.

Tasting Notes:

• The richness of the dark rum combines seamlessly with the tart, spiced cranberry syrup.

• The bitters add depth and complexity, while the orange zest provides a fresh citrus kick.

• The rosemary and cinnamon garnish infuse the cocktail with an aromatic holiday scent, making it as pleasing to the nose as to the taste buds.

This cocktail would be perfect for those who appreciate strong flavors with a festive flair, fitting into any holiday gathering with style and sophistication.

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.