There are so many things to love about the British summer time, but the vast majority of them can probably be separated into two simple categories: cocktails, and anything with the slightest trace of gin in it. Mention gin cocktails to us and you’re onto a winner. If you’re sat nodding in agreement then you’re in the right place. If for some crazy reason you aren’t, we’re still confident you’ll find something to tempt your taste buds amongst our exclusive special offers).
With the warmer months edging closer, we’re already starting to dream of quenching our thirst with a cool cocktail in the sun. The downside is that this isn’t exactly a cheap pastime. But not to worry - Spirit Store have made it our mission to refresh the nation by sharing our top 10 easy cocktails with gin so you can relax, refresh and wow your friends, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Incidentally, we’ve also thought up some of the most creative gin cocktail names of all time - just saying.
We’re also pretty knowledgeable when it comes to identifying the best gin to buy, so if you’re looking for a tantalising cheap gin online, look no further. So, grab your
The Cucumber Gin Cooler
We promised you the best gin cocktails for summer, so where better to start? As cool cocktails go, you’ll struggle to beat the crispness of a Cucumber Gin Cooler. This botanical beverage is simple to make, quintessentially British and remarkably refreshing, making it the perfect addition to any garden party or barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 2-5 Cucumber Slices
- 80ml Soda Water
Method:
Muddle the cucumber and place in the bottom of a tall glass. Top with ice to crush further and release even more flavour. Add your gin, top up with soda, stir and enjoy!
The Classic G&T
OK, so a basic gin and tonic recipe doesn’t require the most fanciful list of ingredients, but it’s a classic for a reason and, when you’re in desperate need of quick replenishment, it’s effortless yet elegant. When garnished with a little thought and care, the taste is exquisite - and the calorie count is pretty low too!
Ingredients:
- 50ml Tanqueray No.10 Gin
- 100ml Tonic Water
- Handful of Blueberries
- Sliced Lemon
- Sliced Lime
- Crushed Mint
Method:
Crush the mint in the bottom of a tall class, top with ice to release further flavour. Add a slice or two of lemon and lime and a few blueberries if preferred. Stir, taste and enjoy!
The G&G
The G & G - or gin and grapefruit - applies a delicious twist to one of the classic gin cocktails - the much-loved gin and orange juice combination. We think it’s even more refreshing than the original, just try not to drink it for breakfast too often. We’ve used Whitley Neil gin for this one, but feel free to use your own preference.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Whitley Neill Gin
- 30ml Lime Juice (use a lime squeezer if you’re struggling)
- 100ml Sparkling Grapefruit
Method:
Serve all ingredients over ice in a tall glass and stir. That’s all there is to it!
The Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is the Tom Jones of cocktails. Sure, it’s been on the scene for a little while now, but it still oozes class and there’s few that come close to matching it. As cocktails go, the Tom Collins is pretty simple to make too!
Ingredients:
- 50ml Edinburgh Gin
- 30ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup*
- Soda Water
- Lemon Slice To Garnish
Method:
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice (preferably crushed) and add your gin, lemon juice and premade sugar syrup (to make this add cold water to sugar in a pan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves). Shake thoroughly and strain into a tall glass. Top with soda water as required and garnish with a slice of lemon.
The Negroni
When it comes an abundance of flavour and the freshest ingredients, we're generally happy to trust the Italians on anything.
Ingredients:
- 25ml Gin
- 25ml Vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- 1 Orange
Method:
The Negroni recipe couldn’t be simpler and proves there’s hidden beauty in bitterness. Pour the gin, sweet vermouth and Campari into a tumbler and serve over ice. Zest the orange over the glass for an extra citrusy burst.
The Iced G & Tea
Tea cocktails might just be the future. Few beverages provide as much summer satisfaction as an iced tea on a warm day, making the Iced G & Tea the perfect concoction, and quite possibly our favourite gin cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 30ml Mason’s Yorkshire Tea Gin
- 20ml Re'al Peach Puree Infused Syrup
- 50ml Earl Grey Tea
- 50ml Lemon Juice
Method:
Pour all of the ingredients into a tall glass, stir and serve over ice. Add a slice of lemon for a hint of fruitier flavour. It’s refreshingly simple.
The English Summer Garden
Arguably the most thirst-quenching of all British cocktails, the English Summer Garden offers royal refreshment of the highest order. It’s rather splendid to look at too. This is the perfect cocktail to ‘serve’ during this year’s Wimbledon!
Ingredients:
- 50ml Gordon’s Gin
- 25ml Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
- 75ml Apple Juice (not from concentrate)
- 10ml Lime Juice
- Cucumber ribbons (for presentation)
Method:
Pour the gin, elderflower liqueur, apple juice and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly. Strain into a tall glass, serve over ice for the best results. Add a cucumber ribbon to each glass for aesthetics and serve.
The Iced G & Tea Le Fizz Français
Also known as the French 75, this cocktail will make your heart fizz. The French 75 recipe is one of the easiest to perfect and is perfect for celebrating birthdays, graduations or any other special family occasion. Next time you need to raise a glass, do it with some extra style!
Ingredients:
- 30ml 6 O’Clock gin
- 15ml Lemon Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup
- Belstar Prosecco to Top Up
- Lemon Twist For Garnishing
Method:
Fill your cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lemon juice and premade sugar syrup (to make this add cold water to sugar in a pan and bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves). Shake thoroughly (your cocktail shaker should be cold to touch). Strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with lemon twist to add a touch of sophistication.
