Warm up winter at The Richard Onslow, Cranleigh.

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Best food blog surrey, Best winter cocktails in surrey, Cranleigh, Hendricks gin, Hudson Baby bourbon, Makers Mark, The Richard Onslow, The Richard Onslow winter cocktail menu, www.surreyKitchen.com

Fantastic Winter Cocktails

Winter drinks to get you through the cold  

So it’s feeling distinctly chilly outside right now.  High time to hole up in your cosy neighbourhood local and get some warm food on your plate and something comforting in your glass.

Happily you can do both at The Richard Onslow in Cranleigh, where there’s an all-new menu of winter cocktails, American whiskies and wines to warm you through, as well as some delectable, hearty fare to enjoy in the colder months.

The Richard Onslow has mixed up a fantastic new list of cocktails with a winter twist that will help get you through the cold.  It also has a great new line up of gins, bourbons and wines on a star-studded list that’s ideal for every day drinking as well as special occasions.

Rising star Makers Mark

Make me a cocktail…

First up is an Apple Mac, a warming, yet refreshing mix of Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, combining three single malts in an easy drinking blend, with apple juice, Stone’s Ginger Wine and a dash of heavenly honey.  It’s deliciously smooth and soothing.

Espresso Martini is the perfect pick-me-up this season, especially if it’s shaken up with Absolut Vodka, Kahlua and sugar syrup.  Ours is sophisticated and creamy with a revitalising kick of caffeine.

Beautiful blackberries feature on two new arrivals to the list, Hendrick’s Bramble and Blackberry Crush. The first is a sweet, sour and fruity mix of Hendrick’s gin, crème de cassis, sugar syrup and lemon juice giving it a lovely mix of sweet and sour, while Blackberry Crush combines Chase vodka distilled in Herefordshire with fruity berries and apple juice for a tart yet satisfying drink.

Negroni is also making a welcome comeback for winter. Strong and bitter, laced with Beefeater Gin, Campari and Vermouth, it’s the perfect way to whet your appetite before something satisfying to eat.

Hendricks Bramble and Blackberry Crush

A Bourbon bucket list… 

There’s not much better than a bourbon when it comes to mellow winter sipping and The Richard Onslow has got three American beauties on its new list.  Dubbed the first legal spirit to come out of New York since prohibition ended over 75 years ago, Hudson Baby Bourbon is produced in small batches at the Tuthilltown Gristmill where it is sonically matured using bass speakers. The result is a glorious drink packed with caramel and vanilla notes.

Maker’s Mark meanwhile is a rising star. This hand-made bourbon from Kentucky is rich and full-flavoured, with caramel notes and a distinctly sweet aroma.  It has a smooth, warm finish, making it the perfect antidote to dropping temperatures.  Basil Hayden’s is another small batch bourbon, a touch lighter, with a spicy rye kick that comes from the rye that’s added into the traditional corn-based mash bill.  A good example of what a classic bourbon should be.

Warming winter cocktails

Grand Gins 

This great English tipple has never been more popular and there are five fabulous new arrivals on The Richard Onslow’s list, including the delectable Cotswolds Dry, steeped with bay leaf, pepper and lavender for a spicy take on a classy London Dry. It’s served with bay leaf in a grand coupe with plenty of ice and a choice of tonic. It’s joined by Hayman’s Old Tom, made as the Victorians liked it with hints of citrus, juniper and pine for a subtly sweet taste. It’s perfect for a more rounded and full flavoured G&T or easy sipping over ice.

The Richard Onslow, Cranleigh

Time for wine

Sometimes one bottle of wine simply isn’t enough, unless it’s a magnum. This winter, you can turn your party into a proper celebration with one of The Richard Onslow’s five new wines in 1.5 litre magnums.  Jo Eames, who buys the pub’s wine from award-winning suppliers and wine merchants from Patagonia to Winchester, has picked out five favourites for sharing, celebrations and parties. There’s Chablis Domaine de la Motte, a soft, full Premier Cru Chablis with toasted oak and buttery fruit and Prosecco de Bertiol DOCG Valdobbiadene, superior fizz with green apple and brioche notes.  The High Field’s new wine list also features a great selection of quality everyday glasses of Sauvignon Blanc alongside several world-class wines.

“We love serving the good stuff here in the pub and drinks are no exception,” says Terri Dell, manager of The Richard Onslow. “This season, we’re really making a mark with some special new drinks, whether you favour fizz or like to mix it up with cocktails. We’re also serving mocktails and plenty of softies, so you don’t have to miss out if you’re driving.  With some cracking seasonal fare to enjoy as well, we’ve got everything in your glass and on your plate to savour this winter.  Come and see us soon,” she says.