4 fun ways to transform your Mother’s Day tea with artisanal gin

Image Credit: Tegan Smith Photography and supplied

If you’re stumped on how to spoil Mum this Mother’s Day, why not shake things up with a cheeky twist on the traditional afternoon tea? Think botanical garnishes, gin-laced treats, and lots of laughs with her closest friends. Here’s how to serve up something truly special:

1. Set the scene with botanical flair

It’s all in the details! Turn your tea table into a fragrant wonderland with cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and dried rose petals scattered between the cupcakes and cucumber sandwiches. A light floral dress code will add a whimsical touch – bonus points if Mum gets a crown of fresh herbs or blooms to match.

2. Pair flavours like a pro

Gin and snacks? It’s a match made in high tea heaven. Choose foods that complement botanical flavours, like cardamom chicken sandwiches with a dollop of mango chutney, rose-scented macarons, and spicy ginger biscuits. And don’t forget the scones – serve them with orange zest and cardamom marmalade to echo the citrus notes in your favourite gin.

3. Mix up something magical

Warm, spicy, and oh-so-aromatic, this is no ordinary cocktail – it’s a full-on flavour experience designed for those cool autumn afternoons. Here’s the recipe to get tongues wagging:

Spiced Tea Negroni

Makes one

INGREDIENTS

• 35ml Musgrave Pink Gin
• 25ml Rosso vermouth (Martini works well)
• a dash of orange bitters
• a dash of aromatic bitters
• 1 slice of orange
• ½ cinnamon quill
• 2 cloves
• 1 star anise
• sweet hibiscus tea (brew 400ml using approximately 2 teaspoons loose leaf)
• 100ml sugar syrup
• cinnamon stick and orange slice, for garnish

METHOD

Add everything to a heatproof balloon glass. If you’re feeling theatrical (and very careful), gently heat with a chef’s torch until the spices release their scent. Serve in mugs or elegant glasses, and top with an optional swirl of orange oil-infused whipped cream.

Trust us – Mother’s Ruin has never tasted this refined.

4. Gift a little gin-spiration

End your elegant do with a thoughtful keepsake. Engraved gin glasses, a personalised cocktail recipe book (with a few family faves thrown in), or a mini memory album filled with photos and sweet notes from the kids – they’ll go down a treat. After all, what’s more precious than time shared over a tipple and a trip down memory lane?

So go on – pop open the good gin, dress up your dining room, and give Mum the toast she deserves. Afternoon tea just got a whole lot more fun.