Charles Dickens invented the legendary protagonist of A Christmas Carol by misreading the tombstone of successful Edinburgh merchant Ebenezer Scroggie. Dickens was horrified by the apparently hard-hearted inscription ‘Meanman’ – but the tombstone actually read ‘Mealman’ in recognition of Scroggie’s successful career as a corn trader.

Thankfully, Dickens’ mistake gave birth to one of the most famous characters in literary history. The tale of his redemption from “a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner”, to a generous and good-hearted character is much loved almost 180 years after the novel was first published.

A Christmas Carol is set in London, so we have used a delicious classic London gin as a base for this approachable spirit-led signature. To complement the Braemble, an Edinburgh gin, we’ve added Tanqueray No.10. Less known than their popular London Dry, Tanquery 10 is a small batch gin is named after the stills of its origin, crafted using fresh citrus fruits and its traditional botanical mix of juniper, coriander, angelica root and licorice.

Believe us, you won’t want to wait for Christmas past, present or yet-to-come to taste this cocktail!

Ingredients:

  • 3 dashes Chinese Secret bitters              
  • 2 bsp. Monin Cinnamon              
  • 2 bsp.  Supasawa     
  • 1/2 oz. Braemble    
  • 1/2 oz. Amontillado sherry              
  • 1 1/2 oz. Tanqueray No.10        

How to Prepare:

  1. Prepare a blackberry garnish             
  2. Chill a coupe & put to one side
  3. Collect a mixing glass & fill with cubed ice    
  4. Add all ingredients     
  5. Stir for 15-20 seconds & dip taste             
  6. Discard ice from coupe
  7. Pour               
  8. Carefully position the blackberry into the base of the cocktail