Lachie Strachan’s recipe for Gin and Orange Glazed Christmas Ham

The Gin and Orange Glazed Christmas Ham is the ultimate centrepiece for your holiday feast, blending the warm, smoky charm of BBQ with the bright, zesty flavours of citrus and a cheeky splash of gin. This recipe is perfect for adding a modern twist to the traditional Christmas ham, creating a dish that’s as impressive to serve as it is delicious to eat.

The gin and orange glaze creates a mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy flavours that caramelize beautifully over the scored fat, creating a sticky, golden crust that pairs perfectly with the smoky aroma of a BBQ. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed backyard Christmas lunch or a formal dinner, this ham will steal the show and have everyone coming back for seconds.

Not only is it visually stunning, but the preparation is straightforward, with just a few simple steps to ensure success. Plus, my tips, you’ll have all the secrets to achieving that perfect balance of flavours and textures, making this dish a standout memory for years to come.

Gin and Orange Glazed Christmas Ham

Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients

• Ham:
  • 1 whole leg of ham (bone-in, approximately 6-7kg)
  • Whole cloves (for studding)
• Glaze:
  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup gin (your favourite brand)
  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground ginger

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham:
   • Preheat your BBQ to 160°C using the indirect heat method for roasting.
   • Carefully remove the rind from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Stud each diamond with a clove.
2. Make the Glaze:
   • In a saucepan, combine the marmalade, brown sugar, gin, orange juice, orange zest, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
   • Heat over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes slightly syrupy (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Glaze the Ham:
   • Place the ham on a wire rack in a large roasting pan or BBQ-safe tray. Brush generously with the gin and orange glaze. Reserve some glaze for basting.
4. Cook the Ham:
   • Place the ham in the BBQ. Cook for 2-3 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes. Rotate the ham occasionally for even caramelization.
   • The ham is ready when the glaze is golden, sticky, and slightly caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 60°C.
5. Serve:
   • Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra orange slices and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for presentation.

Lachie’s BBQ Tips:

• Gin Pairing: Use a citrus-forward gin to complement the orange flavours.
• Wood Chips: Add a handful of orange wood chips to your BBQ for extra smoky depth.
• Leftovers: Thinly slice leftover ham for gourmet sandwiches or fry it up for breakfast the next day!

This recipe is sure to be a showstopper on any Christmas table!