Vanilla Spiced Gin and Orange Juice Cocktail with DIY Spider Glassware

This recipe is my version of a classic gin and juice. Although it’s a bit sweeter than the typical cocktail, it’s full of flavor. It has a delicious fall taste, if you know, you can image what fall taste like. To me it’s a combination of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.

You start by making a spiced simple syrup and then adding the best juice (Natalie’s of course) and some equally good gin. It’s the perfect cocktail to serve this Halloween, especially if your Halloween will be a little bit warm like it will be here in L.A. And because every Halloween drink needs some festive barware, I’ve created these super easy to make spider web glasses. The tape removes easily which means after Halloween your glasses can be reused for the next holiday!

Spiced Gin and Tangerine Juice Cocktail
1 serving

Supplies: drinking glasses / cocktail shaker / thin black graphic tape / tiny scissors

Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar / 1/2 cup water / 2 cinnamon sticks / 2 whole nutmegs / 1/2 vanilla bean, cut in half lengthwise / 3 oz. Natalie’s Orange Juice / 1.5 oz. gin / optional: orange slices for garnish

1. To make spider web glassware: Wipe the outside of the glass with alcohol and allow it to dry. Then apply the graphic tape in a star like pattern making sure to stop about 1″ below the rim of the glass. Apply more tape horizontally to connect the lines to create a web-like pattern. Tiny scissors make this part really easy!
2. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the cinnamon sticks, nutmegs and vanilla bean. Let the mixture steep for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the spices from the syrup. Transfer the syrup to a small bowl or measuring glass and allow it to cool completely.
4. Once the syrup is cool, mix 1 ounce syrup (use less if you don’t want it very sweet), 1.5 ounces gin, and 3 ounces of juice in a cocktail shaker for a 10 seconds. Strain and serving in a glass over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and fresh orange slices. Cheers!

The extra spiced simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

I use a tiny measuring cup for mixing drinks because it has ounces, tablespoons, and milliliters. Super helpful when making cocktails! I also adore the large sizes for cooking because they can be microwaved (perfect for melting chocolate) and washed in the dishwasher.

Check out the other Natalie’s recipes I’ve created, including more delicious cocktails, here and learn how to make your own grid placemats here.