Shake up Some Gin Cocktails!

There’s no denying that London is the home of gin. You’ll find gin tastings, gin tours, and gin distilling. Explore the world of gin with a TRULY experience, and take your new knowledge home to mix these five refreshing gin cocktails.

1. The Full Minty

Your normal G&T not cutting it? Try pairing mint and elderflower to revive a classic that is perfect for spring.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• 100 ml elderflower presse
• 3 sprigs of fresh mint (1 to garnish)
• Sliced cucumber
• Crushed ice
• Spritz of lime juice or lime slice (optional)

Method:

Mix together the gin with mint and cucumber. Make sure you squash the mint enough to release its juices. Strain into a tumbler filed with ice and top with elderflower presse. Add the extra sprig of mint to garnish. Squeeze some lime juice or add a lime slice for a zingy note.

2. The Basil Smash

Gin and herbs are a wonderful combination. Try this delicious new recipe.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves (leave some to garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 15 ml sugar syrup (adjust to your taste)
• Ice cubes

‘Smash’ the basil and lemon juice together. Shake it all together with gin, syrup and ice. Strain into a tumbler filled with ice and garnish appropriately. Use lemongrass sticks to stir if you want show-stopper presentation.

3. Earl Grey Gin

This quintessentially British combination will be sure to spice up any tea-time.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• 90-100 ml tonic
• 2 earl grey tea bags (Twinning’s is the best)
• Fresh orange peel

Method:

Soak the tea bags in a small amount of hot water and leave to cool. Once the tea is at room temperature, take out the bags and mix with the gin and tonic. Top with orange peel to enhance the flavour of spicy bergamot.

4. Bees Knees

Try a 1920s favourite with the silky infusion of gin and honey.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml gin
• Honey syrup (honey mixed with a dash of water)
• Juice of ½ lemon and 1 slice to garnish.
• Ice cubes
• Camomile flowers (optional)

Method:

Shake together honey syrup, gin and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a thin slice of lemon. Add a few camomile flowers or a cinnamon stick for a homely twist.

5. Fruity Gin

With summer (almost) around the corner, swapping out tonic with fruit juice is a perfect picnic surprise.

Ingredients:

• 30 ml gin
• Apricot glaze or sieved jam
• 40 ml fresh fruit juice (passionfruit or pineapple are recommended)
• Diced pineapple or mango
• Crushed ice cubes

Method:

Dissolve the apricot glaze with the gin and pile up with ice and juice. Stir thoroughly and serve in glass jars with straws. Old jam jars have a rustic quality. Get creative and top with fruit pieces of your choice, lime slices or even mint leaves.

Which one of these gin cocktails are you attempting today?