In my world, cranberry is to winter as pumpkin spice is to autumn. It’s tart, bright, fresh and brings to mind crisp snowfall and family gatherings.

Speaking of flavors that define a season, let’s talk about a personal favorite of mine: gin and tonics. There’s something about the crisp, botanical bite of gin paired with the gentle fizz of tonic that makes it a timeless classic. It’s my year-round indulgence, a beloved staple that never goes out of style.

A few winters back, I stumbled upon a bottle of Cranberry Gin Liqueur from Koval Distillery (I’m not sponsored, but hey, Koval, if you’re listening, I’m all for a dreamy collaboration!). It’s as if this bottle was crafted in the very essence of a winter evening. The liqueur itself is so delightful that it transforms a simple G+T into a festive holiday cheer in a glass.

This drink is beyond delectable. The sweet and tart profile of cranberry liqueur melds beautifully with the gin, bringing forth a cocktail that’s both simple to make and sophisticated in taste. It’s a novel twist on the G+T that has since become my go-to for cozy autumn and winter evenings.

In a perfect world, I’d crown each glass with a skewer of fresh cranberries for that Instagram-worthy touch. But as with most garnishes, they’re purely for aesthetics, let’s be real. The sage was more than enough decoration this time around.