Simple Serves with a Butlers Twist

As the seasons shift, so do the drinks we reach for. You could be yearning for crisp, bracing cocktails to cut through richer food, or something celebratory to share with friends, this time of year is perfect for revisiting a few classics that are made well, with great ingredients found at Butler's.

You don’t need a fully stocked cocktail cabinet or complicated techniques to make something special at home. A handful of quality bottles, good ice and a little care goes a long way. Below are three seasonal cocktail ideas using some of our favourite spirits and wines from the shop, each one easy to recreate, full of character and guaranteed to impress.

A Proper Martini with Butler’s Lucky Paws Gin

Few cocktails are as timeless (or as divisive) as the Martini. Done well, it’s crisp, elegant and wonderfully refreshing. The key is starting with a gin that has real personality.

Butler’s Lucky Paws Gin is a brilliant choice here. Our very first own-label spirit, created in collaboration with the brilliant team at Murray and Yeatman Distillery. This project has been a dream of Cassie's and even features their beloved rescue dog, Bubbles, proudly on the label.

Crafted with care and conscience, over 10% of each bottle sold (£3.50 per bottle) will be donated to Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, where we continue to support their life-changing work. As an ambassador (and dog lovers), this cause is close to our hearts, and Rob at the distillery also rescued his dog from Raystede and supported the charity during lockdown.

Lucky Paws is a six-times distilled, vapour-infused London Dry, delivering a beautifully smooth finish. Expect bold juniper up front, followed by bright citrus layers, and a sweet, aromatic hint of saffron on the finish.

How to serve:

• Stir (don’t shake) Lucky Paws Gin with plenty of ice

• Add a small amount of dry vermouth (adjust to taste of course)

• Strain into an ice cold glass

• Garnish with a lemon twist or a green olive (olive juice to make it dirty)

The result is a Martini that’s crisp and uplifting, perfect as an aperitif before dinner or as a refined early-evening drink and great conversation starter.

The Black Velvet – Guinness Meets Champagne

The Black Velvet is one of those drinks that feels surprisingly luxurious for how simple it is. Traditionally made with stout and Champagne, it’s rich, creamy and celebratory all at once, a brilliant choice for colder evenings or special occasions.

Using Guinness and Gallimard Champagne Cuvée Réserve Blanc de Noirs NVelevates this classic drink. A 100% Pinot Noir Champagne made by 6th generation winemaker, Arnaud Gallimard in Riceys (South Champagne).  The heavier soils of their vineyards in the Cotes des Bar sub-region, tend to produce a richer style of wine and this one is no exception.

Unofficially organic, the Gallimard Family have embraced natural and sustainable farming methods with no insecticides or pesticides, no tilling of the soil and a minimal addition of sulphur. The fruit is slightly macerated in the press and the result is an unusual orange tint as well as a rich and fruity bouquet. The process of malolactic fermentation also develops creamy and fruity flavours. 

A truly independent Champagne house with an ethical approach. Expect an opulent wine with wild berry, cherry and tart apple fruit and a toasted brioche finish. What’s not to love?!

How to serve:

• Pour Guinness gently into a chilled flute, filling halfway

• Slowly top with well-chilled Champagne, pouring over the back of a spoon

The contrast is part of the magic: creamy, dark and malty meets fresh, vibrant bubbles. It’s indulgent, unexpected and always impressive.

Tequila and Citrus Spritz with Mi Campo Tequila Blanco 

Tequila cocktails don’t have to be overly sweet or complicated. When you start with a well-made tequila like, simplicity is your friend. This a season appropriate tequila cocktail that lets the star of the show really shine.

Mi Campo Tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, carefully matured for seven years in the sun-drenched fields of Jalisco, Mexico. The cooked piñas are gently pressed to extract their sweet, honeyed flavours, ensuring a smooth, balanced spirit free of bitterness. With its refined character and silky finish, Mi Campo is a modern expression of traditional tequila craftsmanship.

Aromatically rich, it opens with enticing notes of cooked agave, banana, fresh coconut, and almonds, supported by layers of sweet orange, green apple, and a touch of vanilla. On the palate, delicate hints of orange blossom tea and honey intertwine with vibrant citrus, all elegantly balanced by a whisper of white pepper

Simple Seasonal Tequila Serve:

Try a Tequila & Citrus Spritz:

• 50ml Mi Campo Tequila Blanco

• Fresh lime juice

• A splash of agave syrup (optional)

• Top with soda water

• Garnish with lime or grapefruit peel

This makes a bright, refreshing drink that works just as well before food as it does alongside tacos, grilled vegetables or spicy dishes.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Seasonal

Great cocktails don’t need to be fussy. With a few quality bottles and an understanding of balance, you can create drinks that feel thoughtful, seasonal and genuinely enjoyable.

All of the bottles featured are available in the shop where staff are happy to give you any advice on your cocktail queries and online. Perfect for stocking up, experimenting a little, or simply enjoying a well-made classic at home.