We are rather partial to a G&T, it's certainly not a complicated cocktail and nothing quite says summer sun-downer like a crisp, icy cold Gin & Tonic.

Inspired by the spectacular Cape Palliser Lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the North Island, comes Lighthouse Gin, and now, this authentic New Zealand Gin brand has teamed up with iconic central Otago winery Mt Difficulty, to create the Lighthouse Mt Difficulty Barrel Aged Gin.

Just in time for Christmas, the limited edition gin is handcrafted with Lighthouse's signature nine botanicals and natural spring water filtered by the local Remutaka Ranges. The gin is rested in Mt Difficulty barrels, retired from five years service to their Central Otago Pinot Noir, resulting in a golden tone with a light citrus flavour and a hint of thyme and red berries - yum!

The aromatic gin makes a refreshing G&T with a twist, or try their top summery mix

• 30ml Lighthouse Mt Difficulty Barrel Aged Gin
• 30ml red vermouth
• Peach and Ginger sparkling water
• Dehydrated orange slice

Mix the Lighthouse Mt Difficulty Barrel Aged Gin with red vermouth in a tumbler glass over ice.
Top up with peach and ginger sparkling water before garnishing with a dehydrated orange slice and a sprig of wild thyme.

Enjoy!

Lighthouse Mt Difficulty Barrel aged gin is available at Glengarry and Liquorland.