A fall-themed cocktail with ice, an orange twist, and a cinnamon stick in a rocks glass, surrounded by pinecones, autumn leaves, and a lit candle on a rustic wooden table.

How to Replace Bourbon with Gin in Fall and Winter Cocktails

Cocktail Culture

Bourbon usually owns the colder seasons — but that doesn’t mean gin has to sit it out. With the right botanical base, you can swap The Old G into classic fall and winter cocktails for something smooth, spiced, and refreshingly different. From mulled twists to holiday sippers, here’s how to warm up with gin.

Why Swap Bourbon for Gin?

Bourbon brings body and caramel, but gin — especially The Old G — brings:

  • Bright citrus to cut through rich flavors
  • Earthy spice to layer with warm ingredients
  • A lighter finish for longer sipping sessions

It’s fall without the fog.

1. Gin Hot Toddy

A lighter, spiced-up take on a cold-weather classic.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz The Old G
  • ¾ oz honey syrup
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • 4 oz hot water
  • Cinnamon stick or clove for garnish

Build directly in a mug and stir. The citrus and botanicals shine without being heavy.

2. Gin-Spiked Apple Cider

Like mulled cider, but with a twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz The Old G
  • 4 oz warmed apple cider
  • Dash of nutmeg or cinnamon
  • Orange peel garnish

Warm, stir gently, and serve in a handled glass. It's crisp, cozy, and not overly sweet.

3. Rosemary Gin Old Fashioned

Swap bourbon for The Old G in this bold, aromatic build.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz The Old G
  • ½ oz rosemary simple syrup
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Orange twist + rosemary sprig

Stir and serve over a large cube. The result? A bright but herbaceous sipper perfect for sweater weather.

Flavor Match: Why The Old G Works

Thanks to its:

  • Cardamom, juniper, and citrus backbone
  • No added sugar
  • Smooth, oxygen-infused finish

The Old G can hold its own in colder weather cocktails without overpowering or disappearing.

Final Pour

Fall and winter aren’t just for dark spirits. The Old G brings the flavor, the depth, and the smooth finish to light up any cold-weather cocktail. So next time you reach for bourbon, give gin a go — and make your season smoother.

Black and white image of The Old G gin pouring from a botte into a clear glass against a dark background. The water flow is steady, creating small ripples in the glass.
Buy The Old G

The Old G Gin is unlike any other. It’s smooth, with no burn, no bite, and none of the bitterness that defines traditional gin. Its bold flavor profile stands out, whether sipped neat or mixed into a cocktail.