Mothers – they’re kind, they’re patient, they’re always good for a gossip and they know us better than anyone else! Of course, we can take them for granted from time to time, so Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to tell her just how much you care, and what better way than over a gin cocktail?
Gin has held on to its top spot as Northern Ireland’s favourite tipple for quite some time now and with that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top gin spots across Northern Ireland to impress your mum this Mother’s Day. What’s more we’ve gotten our hands on a gin cocktail recipe from each venue so you can start the celebration of mum at home today.
Love and Death Inc. 10 Ann St, Belfast
This hip, intimate venue is recognised as one of Belfast’s best cocktail venues and will see you mum experience Belfast like never before! Its super-talented bar team and quirky cocktail menu will delight your mum and maybe even see her try something new for a change!
The team at Love and Death Inc. recommend Braemble Gin Liqueur which has only recently hit shelves in Northern Ireland. Braemble Gin Liqueur is a simple yet sublime blend of lush blackberries and the finest London Dry Gin. With a distinctly sweet flavour profile, Braemble is ideal in cocktails or with a splash of tonic but most importantly – perfect for you mum whether she is a gin lover or totally new to the spirit. Braemble’s Bramble could be your mum’s new favourite tipple.
Ingredients
- 25ml of your favourite gin
- 25ml lemon juice
- 25ml Braemble Gin Liqueur
- 10ml sugar syrup
- Blackberry / mint or both to garnish
Method
Pour the gin into a short-stemmed glass, add lemon juice and sugar syrup. Fill with crushed ice and stir. Add some more crushed ice and cap with Braemble Gin Liqueur. For an extra touch of finesse, garnish with mint, a juicy blackberry or both.
For more visit braemble.com or @loveandeathbelfast on Facebook
Il Pirata, 279-281 Upper Newtownards Rd, East Belfast
This rustic but relaxed spot in the trendy neighbourhood of Ballyhackamore offers Italian-inspired dishes prepared with local produce. Homemade pasta, fresh breads – all served up by relaxed, yet knowledgeable staff. What could make it better? A gin of course. Il Pirata recommends you and your mum sample a Malfy con Limone, to bring your Italian-inspired to life.
Manager Adam Shaw says, “Whisking your mum away on an Italian adventure this weekend is easier than you think. Our Italian-inspired menu paired with a Malfy con Limone will offer an authentic taste of Italy, even right here in Ballyhackamore.
“Italy is synonymous with all things great – the arts, architecture, music, style and food. So it’s no surprise that Italy is also the birthplace of gin, an invention of monks on the Salerno Coast in the 11th century. The Malfy Distillery is situated just outside of Turin, the cultural centre of Northern Italy and an area famed for its production of wine and spirits. The Con Limone expression not only celebrates Italy’s heritage in gin but the the humble lemon – a thrilling symbol of the sun-soaked country.
“We’d recommend the Malfy Martini – it’s ideal for gin lovers and pairs well with most Italian dishes.”
Ingredients
- 50ml Dry Italian vermouth
- 50ml Malfy con Limone Gin
- Ice
- Lemon to garnish
Method
Fill a metal shaker with ice. Pour in the dry vermouth, stir briefly. Add Malfy con Limone Gin. Stir briskly for about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.
or more Italian inspiration visit malfygin.com or ilpiratabelfast.com
The Culloden Estate and Spa, Bangor Rd, Holywood, Co. Down
If you really want to impress mum this weekend, the award-winning Culloden Estate and Spa could be the perfect fit. This 5 star hotel offers a peaceful setting perched on the Holywood Hills overlooking Belfast Lough. It’s setting is matched by luxurious decor and award-winning facilities.
Your mum will adore the hotel’s Crozier Lounge where she can sit and watch the world go by and chat over a Jawbox Small Batch Gin. Everyone’s favourite – this award-winning gin is inspired by the magnificent industrial era of Northern Irish history when ordinary men and women put Belfast on the map for hard graft and craft.
The Ards Peninsula is home to both The Jawbox Distillery and the fields where its grain is grown and harvested. Northern Ireland through and through, this gin features eleven botanicals including locally-sourced Black Mountain heather.
The preferred Jawbox serve calls on a Belfast-invented accompaniment, ginger ale. To enjoy the Perfect Swerve, pour 35ml Jawbox into an ice-filled glass, topping up with premium Ginger Ale and garnishing with a squeeze and a wedge of lime.
For more information visit jawboxgin.com or hastingshotels.com
Galgorm Resort & Spa, 36 Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena, Co. Antrim
Just 30 minutes from Belfast and synonymous with luxury, your mum will feel like a queen spending the day at the peaceful and unique Galgorm Resort and Spa. Set within 163 acres of lush parkland with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, this is the ideal spot to take mum for a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle. The Conservatory at Galgorm is home to a Gin Bar that combines the stunning surrounding views with a with one of the most extensive & exclusive gin menus in the country. Your only worry will be choosing a cocktail.
The team of expert mixologists recommends Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin – an Irish gin from the deepest rural Ireland, and brings together oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea. The Curious Jackalope combines fresh grapefruit and lime and is a refreshing, memorable experience.
Ingredients
- 50ml Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 20ml fresh pink grapefruit juice
- 10ml sugar syrup
- Grapefruit and mint to garnish
Method
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Pour over ice. Garnish with mint and a wedge of pink grapefruit.
Visit galgorm.com or drumshanbogunpowderirishgin.com for more.
The Guillemot Kitchen Cafe and Wine Bar, 2 Seacliff Rd, Bangor, Co. Down
Bangor’s The Guillemot makes our list for a couple of reasons – one, its warm and friendly atmosphere and two, its proximity to the marina. Is there a better combination than a Sunday walk followed by a gin cocktail?
Rachel Armstrong, proprietor at the cosy but cool venue recommends The Fizzy Rascal, an invention from Copeland Gin. She says: “This gin cocktail is perfect for celebrating your mum – not only does it feature a local gin, it also features bubbles!”
Ingredients
- 25ml of Copeland Rhuberry Gin
- 15ml sugar syrup
- 15ml lemon juice
- Prosecco
Method
Fill a chilled flute with ice. Shake gin, sugar syrup & lemon juice together. Empty the ice from the flute glass & strain in mix. Top with Prosecco and garnish with a blackberry.
For more information visit copelandspirits.com and @theguillemot on Facebook.
