Winter Nights In:

Creating Desserts with Your Favourite King Island Spirits

King Island Coastal Gin and Waterwitch Vodka, reimagined for indulgent evenings. 

There’s something undeniably comforting about winter nights spent at home — the glow of the fire, the scent of something sweet in the oven, and a perfectly poured spirit in hand. But what if your favourite gin or vodka could go beyond the glass? 

At King Island Distillery Bass Strait, our spirits are made to be savoured — not just in cocktails, but as ingredients in winter-worthy sweet desserts. Crafted with purity, intention and King Island’s filtered rainwater, our spirits bring depth, balance and sophistication to everything they touch. 

Here are two easy, elegant recipes to make your winter night in even more indulgent — featuring King Island Coastal Gin and Waterwitch Vodka. 

Coastal Gin & Lemon Thyme Shortbread 

Infused with King Island Coastal Gin 

Our award-winning King Island Coastal Gin is crisp, refined and layered with coastal botanicals. Its citrus and herbaceous notes pair beautifully with buttery shortbread — especially when laced with a splash of gin and a hint of thyme. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 

• ½ cup caster sugar 

• Zest of 1 lemon 

• 1 tbsp King Island Coastal Gin 

• 2 cups plain flour 

• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme 

• Pinch of salt 

Method: 

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan forced). 

2. Cream butter and sugar until light. Add lemon zest, gin, and thyme. 

3. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Chill for 30 mins. 

4. Roll out, cut into shapes, and bake for 12–15 minutes or until just golden. 

5. Cool and dust lightly with sugar, or drizzle with a simple gin glaze. 

Serve with: A chilled Coastal G&T, garnished with lemon and rosemary. 

Vodka & Vanilla Winter Berry Compote 

Made with Waterwitch Vodka 

Smooth and crisp, Waterwitch Vodka brings clarity and warmth to rich winter fruits. This quick compote is the perfect topping for pancakes, porridge, baked brie — or simply spooned over vanilla ice cream with a nightcap. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries (blueberry, raspberry, cherry) 

• ¼ cup sugar 

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 

• 2 tbsp Waterwitch Vodka 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract 

• Pinch of cinnamon 

Method: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. 

2. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until fruit is soft and syrup thickens. 

3. Remove from heat, stir through vodka and vanilla. 

4. Cool slightly before serving warm — or chill for later. 

Serve with: A neat pour of Waterwitch Vodka, straight from the freezer, or stirred into a wintery espresso martini. 

Let the Spirit of the Island Inspire Your Kitchen 

From the windswept shores of King Island to your winter kitchen, our spirits are crafted to elevate both your drinks and your desserts. Add King Island Distillery Bass Strait spirits to your favourite dessert to indulge this winter.

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