Introduction

Summer cocktails are one of the best parts about summer and with an indian summer on the way, you need to find out which are the best ones for the occasion. There is nothing better than sitting by a pool, or in your garden with friends and family, enjoying a refreshing gin-based drink. In this article, I wanted to share with you my favourites that are perfectly paired with any summer situation. These cocktails are all easy to make and delicious! They also look way more fancy than they actually are - perfect for impressing your guests this summer!

So what is my go-to summer gin drink?

It has to be the gin and tonic! Gin and tonic is simple to make, refreshing and perfect for a lunchtime tipple! On a hot summer day, nothing is better than kicking back with this classic beverage ! It's refreshing, easy to make and perfect for cocktails newbies or seasoned drinkers alike!

I find that the best type here is either a classic citrus style gin and tonic. Donkey Jack gin, with its strong juniper style and citrus high notes makes this my go to choice. You can pair it with a citrus style tonic water and I love using Fentimans Grapefruit tonic water. Then for garnish, you can not go wrong with pink grapefruit. That mixture of sweet and sour really wakes up your tastebuds.  If you want to know how to make the best gin and tonic, check out a previous blog I wrote, all about that!

Boost up the BBQ vibes.

Gin is the perfect choice for cocktails at the barbeque! I love to mix up cocktails with my BBQ favourites like lemonade, or ginger ale - they are all great mixer options when you're entertaining outdoors in summertime heat! You can start to impress with a few muddling moments here as well.

Its coming up Roses

For something a little sweeter, try this refreshing Rose Finch Gin mix. I recommend muddling a few strawberries or raspberries in the bottom of the jug, add in gin, ice cubes and top off with Fentimans Rose Lemonade. Garnish with whole strawberries!

Add a little kick

For something that is going to stand up to a meat lovers BBQ, then you need to have the Donkey Jack Mojito! Based on the traditional rum based mojito, this cocktail, this recipe is made with Driftwood Distillery's Donkey Jack Gin and ginger ale. Muddle some mint and ginger in the bottom of your glass, fill it up with ice cubes, add gin and top off with ginger beer or soda water and garnish with more mint. Those hamburgers will relish this ginger mint concoction - enjoy!

Something to start the evening?

A pre dinner cocktail is an opportunity to really show guests how skilled you are at cocktails making skills. But there is no reason to shy away from this cocktail because it is easy to make and is even easier to drink! A traditional gin sour is made by combining gin, lemon juice or lime juice a touch of sugar syrup and an egg white. The egg white is "cooked" by the citrus so there is no taste associated with it, but it adds a creamier texture to your cocktail and as it settles adds a foamy top that screams luxury! Now you know the basics, you can pimp it up!

Whats up Basil?

The first one to try is a basil gin sour made with JVS gin and uses lime as the citrus. Take 60ml of JVS, 30ml of lime juice, 30ml of simple syrup and muddle in the bottom of your shaker with basil leaves. Add in the egg white and then do a dry shake. Add in ice and shake again. Then strain into an elegant cocktail glass and let this drink do the talking for you!  Check out the recipe here

The flight path

If the gin sour does not tickle your fancy, then try this!  The Aviation cocktail is a classic gin cocktail that will help you navigate the evening. The ingredients are : 60ml of JVS gin, 30ml of lemon juice and a dash of maraschino cherry liqueur and 30ml of creme de violet. Shake well with ice in the shaker and strain into an elegant cocktail glass.

Time to relax

And at the end of the day, maybe you just want to sit back and relax, no fuss, no complication just some gin on the rocks.

Driftwood Distillery is the perfect gin for cocktails but it also makes a fantastic drink on its own. For this its easy... Chose either Rose Finch Gin or JVS gin. Chose a tumbler, add some ice and pour over the gin. Sip, relax and enjoy the summer!

So there we have it, a cocktail for every occasion and between you and me, these work whether we have an indian summer on the cards or not!