The 9 Best Gin Cocktails to Drink This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing cocktails, and there's no spirit better suited for this than gin. With its botanical notes and versatile flavor profile, gin can be the star of a wide range of delicious drinks. Here are nine of the best gin cocktails to savor this summer.
1. The Summer Crown
Ingredients:
- .5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin
- .5 oz. Chambord
- .5 oz. Orange Curacao
- 1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
- 2 Mint Leaves
Instructions: Add mint leaf & grapefruit juice to cocktail shaker and muddle gently. Add Highclere Castle Gin, Chambord, and Orange Curacao to mint with ice. Shake & strain into tall glass with fresh ice and garnish with mint leaf.
2. Tom Collins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Lemon slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon slice and cherry. The Tom Collins is a classic, bubbly gin cocktail that is both tart and sweet.
3. Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass without ice and top with club soda. The Gin Fizz is light and airy, making it a delightful choice for hot summer days.
4. Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions: Stir gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange peel. The Negroni’s bold and bitter flavors are perfect for those looking for a more complex cocktail.
5. French 75
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Champagne
Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne. The French 75 is a sophisticated cocktail that's ideal for celebrations and summer soirées.
6. Aviation
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz crème de violette
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry. The Aviation is a beautiful and aromatic cocktail with a lovely pale blue hue.
7. Bee's Knees
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz honey syrup
Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The Bee's Knees combines the floral notes of gin with the sweetness of honey for a delightful, easy-drinking cocktail.
8. Southside
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions: Shake gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. The Southside is a refreshing mix of citrus and mint, making it an excellent choice for a hot summer afternoon.
9. Cucumber Basil Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions: Muddle cucumber and basil in a shaker. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, then shake with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice. The Cucumber Basil Smash is a cool and invigorating cocktail with fresh, garden-inspired flavors.
These summer gin cocktails offer a range of flavors and experiences, from the effervescent French 75 to the herbaceous Cucumber Basil Smash. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply relaxing in the sun, these drinks will keep you refreshed and satisfied. Cheers to a delightful summer!