Production has officially begun on the third Downton Abbey movie, marking a celebratory moment for fans of the beloved British saga. As filming kicks off, it’s the perfect time to toast this exciting news – and what better way to do so than with a glass of Highclere Castle Gin?
Highclere Castle, famously known as the “Real Downton Abbey,” is not just a historic estate but also the home of an award-winning gin. This premium spirit, launched in 2020, is co-owned by the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon who reside at the castle. Far from being a mere celebrity-endorsed brand, Highclere Castle Gin is a meticulously crafted beverage that reflects the estate’s rich history and botanical heritage.
The gin is infused with ten botanicals sourced directly from the castle grounds. These include citrus zest from the Victorian Orangery and lavender that the Bishop of Winchester planted in the 9th century and oats grown on the property since the 13th century. These oats add a distinctive complexity to the gin, contributing to its unique taste. The result is a gin that has garnered more awards than any other premium gin worldwide, winning over 100 international spirit awards with numerous scores of 96 points. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the gin’s exceptional quality and complex flavor profile.
Distilled above an ancient underground water source at Langley Distillery, England’s oldest gin distillery, this gin is produced in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800s. The high-proof gin is then carefully blended with water to achieve a precise alcohol content of 43.5%, enhancing its full flavor expression. Here are a few cocktails, expertly crafted by the Butler at the Castle, that are perfect for raising a glass in celebration.
The English Tea
The prettiest of cocktails and highlighting the botanicals in Highclere Castle Gin.
1.5 oz Highclere Castle Gin
infused with Jasmine Tea
.75 oz Luxardo Aperitivo Italiano
.5 oz of Triple Sec
Dash of orange bitters
Lemon Twist
Infuse 1.5 oz of Highclere Castle Gin in a glass with ½ teaspoon of loose-leaf jasmine tea. Let it sit for 30 minutes and strain. Combine infused Highclere Castle Gin, Luxardo, Triple Sec, and bitters in your cocktail
shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds. Strain into your cocktail coupe and garnish with a lemon twist
Negroni Spritz
While there have been many variations of this wonderful Italian classic, this negroni spritz takes it to new heights adding a touch of bubbles in the finish because bubbles make everything better.
1.5 oz Highclere Castle Gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz St. Germain/Elderflower Liqueur
1 dash of orange bitters
Dry Sparking wine
Orange Peel /Rosemary Sprig
Add Highclere Castle Gin, Campari, St. Germain, and bitters to a chilled mixing glass and stir for 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a tall white wine glass or champagne flute. Top with dry sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange slice or peel and a rosemary sprig.
Classic Dry Martini
Presented from Highclere Castle’s archived recipes; The Butler’s notes from the early 1920’s.
1.75 oz Highclere Castle Gin
.25 oz Dry Vermouth
Chill your martini glass ahead of the recipe. Fill the mixing glass halfway with ice. Add vermouth, stir for 10 seconds, and strain using only the perfume of the vermouth on your ice. Add Highclere Castle Gin, stir for 20 seconds, and strain into your chilled martini glass. Garnish with a verdant green olive or lemon twist. Prepare your garnish beforehand and, ideally keep all the ingredients chilled including the martini glass which creates a frosted finish and keeps the martini crisp. For an added twist, you may wish to add a dash of orange bitters.
Gin & Tonic “The Highclere G&T”
1.75 oz of Highclere Castle Gin
Artisanal Tonic Water
Garnish with an Orange Slice and a Sprig of Rosemary
Fill the glass with ice followed by gin, slowly pour in the tonic water, and then give a gentle stir. Cut some orange peel and twist it over the top of the glass which helps to release its natural oils. Place the orange peel into the glass along with a fresh sprig of rosemary. This delicious masterpiece deserves a well-chilled highball or balloon glass
Whether celebrating the new Downton Abbey movie or enjoying a beautiful summer evening, raising a glass of Highclere Castle Gin is a delightful way to toast the occasion. The gin’s rich history and exquisite taste make it a perfect complement to the sophisticated and timeless charm of Downton Abbey. Cheers to more cinematic adventures and Highclere Castle Gin’s exceptional spirit!
To celebrate the movie’s release, Highclere Castle Gin is offering the chance to win an EXCLUSIVE trip for two to a private cocktail party at Highclere Castle. The winner will receive a three-day, two-night trip for two to Highclere Castle this September, complete with airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, a behind-the-scenes tour of Highclere Castle and the estate, and tickets to an invitation-only, VIP cocktail party hosted by Lord and Lady Carnarvon, residents of Highclere Castle.
Residents of the United States, 21+ are invited to enter their email address for a chance to win the trip at the contest website, win.highclerecastlegin.com. One entry per email address. No purchase is necessary to win. Entries will be accepted May 29 – July 30, 2024. A random entry will be selected on July 31, 2024. Complete rules are available on the contest website.
