Sarah Bernardi, Hendrick’s Gin West Coast Brand Ambassador, began her impressive career in her hometown of New Orleans, where she perfected her bartending skills and developed a passion for Southern hospitality in the world-famous French Quarter.

She brought this passion to the UK, where she successfully managed several cocktail bars in Scotland, earning multiple nominations for prestigious awards and eventually rising to become the UK Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin. Now based in Los Angeles as the Hendrick’s West Coast Brand Ambassador, she’s bringing her delightful Southern charm, her deep love for hosting, and her creative flair for mixology to a new world of discerning cocktail lovers.

The perfect cocktail — yes, it does exist

Sarah comes from a large family where every holiday — indeed, every family gathering — is a celebration, and one often centered around food. “There really isn’t a better way to elevate your dining experience than with the perfect cocktail,” she says. “Celebrating something? Have a French 75. Everyone gathering at yours for a nightcap? Have an Unusual Negroni.  It’s such an easy way to impress your guests and elevate your evenings.”

Sarah’s personal favorite for relaxing at home during the holidays, and for spur-of-the-moment celebrations, is “the French 75 with Hendrick’s. It’s my go-to all year round, but it is the PERFECT holiday drink. It looks so refined in a champagne flute or Nick and Nora glass. It’s celebratory and it’s the perfect balance of gin, lemon, sugar, and champagne. It isn’t the holidays for me until I have one.”

Stick with the classics and add some twists

For festive cocktails, Sarah’s best advice is to stick with the classics: “The recipes work, and often times those cocktails are already balanced. Then, adding a twist is an easy way to personalize your cocktails, especially when you are just getting started. For example, you can infuse your bitters with strawberries in a Negroni, or substitute a candy cane syrup for simple syrup in a French 75. You still use the same ratios as the classic cocktails so you know it works!”

For home mixologists who want to elevate their cocktail game and really impress their guests, Sarah has two simple bits of advice:

First, “ The quality of each ingredient is so important. That’s why Hendrick’s Gin makes such delicious cocktails. You want to make sure you are creating drinks with premium and fresh ingredients. Use fresh squeezed juice instead of store-bought, and try making syrups at home. If what you are putting in the drink is the premium it will taste premium.”

Second, she says,” Ice is so important. A Negroni just tastes better with block ice, because it helps with the overall dilution of the cocktail. Having a Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic? A glass full to the top with nice chunky ice will affect the overall dilution and the carbonation of your drink. It’s very easy to make clear block ice at home, and this instantly makes every drink better. You can also go a step further by freezing dried rose petals or citrus peels in your ice tray next time; and I love cucumber rounds. It’s so gorgeous and shows you took the time and care to really impress your guests.”

Hendrick’s Gin French 75 for the Holidays

12 oz Hendrick's gin

6 oz fresh lemon juice

6 oz candy cane syrup (2-1)

1 bottle (750 ml) chilled champagne or sparkling wine

Lemon twists and optional crushed candy canes

In a large pitcher, combine the Hendrick's gin, fresh lemon juice, and candy cane syrup. Stir well to combine. Just before serving, gently pour in the chilled champagne or sparkling wine, stir lightly, pour into flutes, and garnish with crushed candy canes and a twist of lemon.

Hendrick’s Gin

The art of making Hendrick’s Gin begins with a first distillation from an old-fashioned copper pot still, yielding a rich and intricate spirit. A second distillation is accomplished in a long-necked Carter Head, producing a delicate, more refined spirit. Each still is infused with an unusual symphony of 11 botanicals, then married together and graced with a curious yet marvelous infusion of rose and cucumber.

Handcrafted in Scotland in minuscule batches by William Grant & Sons, Hendrick’s is the only gin that uses this marriage of spirits to produce a divinely smooth gin that has both the required character and balance of subtle flavors.

The result is a wondrously refreshing gin with a delightfully floral aroma, elevating any gin cocktail and all occasions. Hendrick’s Gin has an ABV of 44% and an SRP of $34.99. Please drink the unusual responsibly. For further information, visit www.hendricksgin.com/.

Find Hendrick’s in stores and online.