Gin, with its distinct botanical backbone, is the quintessential summer spirit.
From crisp and refreshing to complex and intriguing, there's a gin cocktail for every palate and occasion. As we kick off our Summer Spirits Spotlight, let's dive into some iconic gin serves and uncover a hidden gem.
The Classics: Three Essential Gin Cocktails
These cocktails are cornerstones of the gin world for a reason – they perfectly showcase gin's versatility and refreshing qualities.
The Gin & Tonic (G&T)
- Why it's a classic: Simple, elegant, and endlessly customisable, the G&T is a global phenomenon. Its origins trace back to British soldiers in India using quinine (from tonic water) to ward off malaria, with gin added for flavour. Today, it's celebrated for its crisp, refreshing profile that highlights the gin's botanicals.
- Flavour Profile: A balance of bitter (from the quinine in tonic), sweet, and aromatic (from the gin's botanicals, often juniper-forward).
- Best for: A light, refreshing sundowner, or as a palate cleanser.
Simple Recipe:
- 50ml Gin
- 150-200ml Premium Tonic Water (adjust to taste)
- Garnish: A wedge of fresh lime or lemon (or get creative with cucumber, grapefruit, or rosemary!)
- Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add gin, then top with tonic water. Gently stir and garnish.
The Negroni
- Why it's a classic: This Italian icon is beloved for its bold, bittersweet character. Legend has it, it was created in Florence in 1919 for Count Camillo Negroni, who asked his bartender to strengthen his Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, soda) by replacing the soda water with gin.
- Flavour Profile: A sophisticated interplay of bitter (Campari), sweet (sweet vermouth), and aromatic (gin). It's an acquired taste for some, but utterly captivating for those who appreciate its complexity.
- Best for: An aperitif before dinner, or for those who prefer a stirred, spirit-forward drink.
Simple Recipe:
- 25ml Gin
- 25ml Sweet Red Vermouth
- 25ml Campari
- Garnish: An orange peel or slice
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled (about 30 seconds) to achieve proper dilution. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel, expressed over the drink to release its oils.
The Martini
- Why it's a classic: The epitome of sophistication, the Martini is a timeless cocktail shrouded in mystique and personal preference. Its exact origin is debated, but its place in cocktail history is undisputed. It's all about balancing the gin with vermouth.
- Flavour Profile: Clean, crisp, and juniper-driven, with subtle herbal notes from the vermouth. Can be dry (less vermouth), wet (more vermouth), or dirty (with olive brine).
- Best for: A refined pre-dinner drink, or for those who truly appreciate the nuances of gin.
Simple Recipe (Dry Martini):
- 60ml Gin (a high-quality London Dry is often preferred)
- 10ml Dry Vermouth
- Garnish: A lemon twist or an olive (or three!)
- Method: Combine gin and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist (expressed over the drink) or olives.
The Niche Gem: The Aviation
While the G&T, Negroni, and Martini are household names, the Aviation offers a beautiful and intriguing departure into gin's more floral and tart side.
- Why it's niche (but gaining popularity): This pre-Prohibition era cocktail gets its distinctive pale purple hue and floral notes from crème de violette, an often overlooked liqueur. It's less common than the big three but offers a unique and visually stunning experience.
- Flavour Profile: Floral, tart, and slightly sweet, with a beautiful balance of gin's botanicals, the sourness of lemon, and the unique addition of maraschino liqueur and crème de violette.
- Best for: Those looking to explore gin beyond the usual, or for a visually striking and refreshing drink.
Simple Recipe:
- 60ml Gin
- 15ml Maraschino Liqueur
- 7.5ml Crème de Violette
- 22.5ml Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garnish: A maraschino cherry or a lemon twist
- Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
