The 8 Best Gins for the Summer
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there's no better way to cool off than with a refreshing gin cocktail in hand. Whether you’re a classic G&T fan or a cocktail connoisseur, these eight gins are set to elevate your summer sipping game. From traditional London Dry to exotic botanical blends, here’s our roundup of the must-try gins for this summer.
Our Pick: Highclere Castle Gin
First on our list is the regal Highclere Castle Gin. Inspired by the botanicals grown on the grounds of the iconic Highclere Castle (yes, the one from Downton Abbey), this gin boasts a blend of lavender, lime flower, and orange peel. Its smooth, citrus-forward profile makes it perfect for a sophisticated G&T or a refreshing Tom Collins. Pair it with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a twist of lemon for a truly royal experience.
With a 96/100 from the US Spirits Rating and countless awards, this our #1 pick this summer. We highly recommend that you indulge.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is a floral twist on the classic Hendrick’s Gin. With a bouquet of flowers and a hint of juniper, this limited-edition gin is as enchanting as a midsummer night’s dream. Its delicate and fragrant notes make it a fantastic choice for a light and breezy gin spritz. Just add tonic water, a splash of elderflower liqueur, and garnish with cucumber slices and rose petals.
Three Rivers Gin
This gin comes from Manchester’s first-ever city centre gin distillery, The City of Manchester Distillery. Tucked away on a back road and disguised as a warehouse when closed, this distillery crafts a bespoke gin with a slightly sweeter palate, featuring notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
For the best experience, I recommend enjoying it just a few doors down at the homemade pasta restaurant Sparrows. Here, they serve this delightful gin in house cocktails like the Ode-to-Ume, which combines Three Rivers Gin with plum bitters, apple, and umeshu.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin
Hailing from the Black Forest of Germany, Monkey 47 is an incredibly complex gin with 47 botanicals. It’s robust and flavorful, making it perfect for a variety of cocktails. For summer, try it in a gin basil smash: muddle fresh basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup, add Monkey 47, shake with ice, and strain into a chilled glass. It’s a garden-fresh delight!
The interesting thing about Monkey 47 is that people tend to be split on it. You either love it or hate it.
Tarsier Khao San Gin
Tanqueray No. Ten is a staple for gin lovers, known for its exceptional quality and citrus-forward flavor. Crafted with whole citrus fruits including white grapefruit, lime, and orange, this gin is bright and zesty. It’s the ideal choice for a classic martini. Serve it ice-cold with a twist of grapefruit for a crisp, refreshing sip.
Roku Gin
Straight from Japan, Roku Gin offers a unique blend of traditional botanicals and Japanese flavors like yuzu peel, sakura flower, and sencha tea. It’s a harmonious and well-balanced gin that’s perfect for summer cocktails. Try it in a Roku tonic: mix with tonic water, a splash of soda, and garnish with thin slices of ginger and yuzu peel for a refreshing, Eastern-inspired drink.
It has won all sorts of awards for best contemporary gin.
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
From the Scottish island of Islay comes The Botanist, a gin with 22 hand-foraged local botanicals. It’s a wild and herbal gin with a fresh, earthy character. Perfect for a bramble cocktail, mix it with blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then top with crushed ice and fresh berries for a taste of the Scottish wilderness.
Empress 1908 Gin
The classic. Empress 1908 Gin is as beautiful as it is delicious. Infused with butterfly pea blossom, this gin changes color from indigo to pink when mixed with tonic or citrus. Its balanced flavor profile includes juniper, grapefruit peel, and rose petal. Serve it in a magical Empress G&T, watch the color change, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary for a truly Instagram-worthy drink.
Have a Beautiful Summer
It's clear that each bottle offers a unique story and flavor profile, perfect for enhancing your warm-weather gatherings. From the regal and refined Highclere Castle Gin, inspired by the historic British estate, to the exotic allure of Roku Gin with its Japanese botanicals, there's a gin here to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you're sipping a classic G&T with the zesty and aromatic Tanqueray No. Ten, indulging in a floral cocktail with Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice, or exploring the rich, complex notes of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin, each of these selections promises to elevate your summer sipping experience. The creativity and craftsmanship behind each bottle are a testament to the growing versatility and popularity of gin. So, gather your friends, mix up some refreshing cocktails, and toast to the long, sun-drenched days with one of these exceptional gins in hand. Cheers to a summer filled with unforgettable flavors and moments!
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