Summer is the time for outdoor gatherings, delightful weather, and, of course, barbecues. What better way to elevate these occasions than with a selection of refreshing gin cocktails? At Cocktail Crates, we've put together a list of 5 easy gin cocktails that will surely impress your guests and make your summer barbecue unforgettable.
1. Classic Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is more than just a refreshing beverage; it is a product of British colonial history. In the 19th century, British officers in India took to adding a splash of gin to their medicinal tonic water, which contained quinine, to help combat malaria. Quinine is derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, and while effective against malaria, it has a bitter taste. Gin, with its botanical flavour, helped mask the bitterness, and a squeeze of lime made the medicine go down smoother – quite literally! This pragmatic drink soon became a pleasurable staple, symbolising the quintessential British spirit and its deep-rooted association with colonial India.
How to Make it:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour 50ml of premium gin.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slice.
Different Versions:
Explore various gin profiles like floral, herbal, or citrus to find your perfect match. Check out our Gin and Tonic cocktail boxes for curated selections.
2. Bramble Cocktail
Created in the 1980s by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell, the Bramble is a modern classic that capitalises on British fondness for blackberries. As legend would have it, whilst working at Fred’s Club in Soho, Bradsell sought to create a drink that was quintessentially British; drawing inspiration from the fresh blackberries he used to pick as a child on the Isle of Wight. The Bramble beautifully marries dry gin with lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mûre (a blackberry liqueur), and crushed ice, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a visually appealing presentation.
How to Make it:
- Crush ice and fill a glass halfway.
- Add 50ml gin, 20ml lemon juice, and 10ml simple syrup.
- Drizzle 15ml crème de mure (blackberry liqueur) over the top.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice.
Different Versions:
Experiment with different berry liqueurs or syrups to put a spin on the classic Bramble. Discover our Bramble cocktail box for an easy starter kit.
3. Singapore Sling
A luxurious creation from the early 20th century, the Singapore Sling is famously concocted by Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Long Bar of Raffles Hotel in Singapore around 1915. The cocktail was designed as a means for ladies to enjoy alcohol in public without stigma, by presenting their beverage as a fruit juice. With its vibrant pink colour, derived from cherry brandy and grenadine, the complex recipe also includes gin, Cointreau, Bénédictine, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters. This tropical drink has become synonymous with Singaporean hospitality and continues to draw visitors to the original bar.
How to Make it:
- In a shaker, mix 35ml gin, 15ml cherry brandy, 7.5ml Cointreau, 7.5ml DOM Bénédictine, 120ml pineapple juice, 15ml lime juice, a dash of grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
- Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry.
Different Versions:
Adjust the fruit juice ratios or substitute different liqueurs to create your own version of this tropical drink. Our Singapore Sling cocktail gift box can help you get started.
4. Clover Club
The Clover Club dates back to the pre-Prohibition era and was first crafted in the oldest club of Philadelphia, a gentlemen's club of the same name that favoured this drink. The cocktail is known for its sophisticated, frothy texture achieved by vigorously shaking together gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and an egg white. It was a favourite among pre-prohibition lawyers and literary figures who frequented the club for its intellectual environment. Though it fell out of favour for many years, the Clover Club has enjoyed a resurgence, celebrated once again for its balanced, elegant flavours
How to Make it:
- Add 50ml gin, 15ml lemon juice, 15ml raspberry syrup, and one egg white to a shaker without ice and shake well (dry shake).
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Different Versions:
Swap raspberry syrup for other syrups like blackberry or elderflower for a twist on the classic. For an easy mix, our Clover Club cocktail gift box has everything you need.
5. Negroni
The Negroni tells the story of Italian count Camillo Negroni,
How to Make it:
- Combine equal parts (25ml each) of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir well and strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Different Versions:
Experiment with different gin or vermouth brands for subtle taste variations. Our Negroni cocktail gift box offers a classic take on this iconic drink.
Each of these gin cocktails brings its own unique flavours and history to your summer barbecue, ensuring your gathering is a hit. For those looking to explore these cocktails further or seeking the perfect gift, Cocktail Crates offers a wide range of cocktail gift sets and boxes, including our exclusive charcuterie cocktail boxes, which pair beautifully with any gin selection.
Remember, a great cocktail is not just about the drink itself but the experience and memories it creates. So, grab your cocktail shaker, and let's make this summer barbecue season the best one yet!
For those new to cocktail crafting, don't hesitate to sign up for our community at Cocktail Crates for more recipes, tips, and the latest in cocktail trends.
Cheers to a splendid summer filled with joyful gatherings and exquisite cocktails!