If you only associate gin punch with summer, it might be time to think again. This beautiful autumnal gin punch recipe is a total taste sensation featuring an unlikely ingredient: IPA (India pale ale). Yes, really! It’s a fabulous one to make if you’ve got friends over for any celebration: a birthday, event like Oktoberfest or just a gin pals chin wag!

Believe us when we say that although gin and beer might not seem like top tipple companions, you’d be silly not to try this punch recipe. We will try anything in the name of ginny research - and we loved this recipe so much that it features in our book: Gin O’ Clock: A Year of Ginspiration. Which says a lot!

What is IPA?
IPA is a type of beer: India Pale Ale. It's a pale ale, made with higher alcohol content and containing more hops. IPAs are brewed to be hop-forward, to emphasise the bitter and fruity goodness contained within hops. Its origins can be traced back to 18th Century England, responding to a need for beer that would last lengthy journeys on ships.

Best made with a citrus-led gin, like Ozmoz Citrus Gin or Rock Rose Citrus Coastal Edition Gin (to give it the autumnal edge), this punch is a great one to make if you’re celebrating or making a nod towards Oktoberfest celebrations this year with friends - if you don’t just want to drink beer all day!

Give it a go and let us know what you think…

Grapefruit, gin and elderflower punch

120ml gin
60ml elderflower liqueur
120ml simple syrup
480ml golden or pink grapefruit juice
2-3 grapefruits, sliced into wheels, to garnish
1 x 350ml bottle of India pale ale, to serve

In a large jug, combine the gin and elderflower liqueur, then add the grapefruit juice and simple syrup. Grab a cocktail stirrer and mix thoroughly. Toss in a generous portion of ice and stir until you feel the chill as you touch the jug. Garnish with wheels of grapefruit.
Before serving, add a healthy splash of IPA to the jug - or if you’re feeling brave - leave an open bottle on the table and let them top up their own drinks. Serve with ice.