3 Gin-Based Cocktails for Summer

Gin-Based Summer Cocktail RecipesWith the temperatures rising and the sun shining, there’s no better time than summer to enjoy a refreshing cocktail.

From classic drinks to more creative concoctions, when it comes to summer sipping, gin-based cocktails are always a fan favorite.

The abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients provides endless possibilities for crafting unique and delicious cocktails. Whether you prefer the tangy taste of citrus or cool mint leaves, there’s no shortage of inspiration to create the perfect gin-based summer sipper.

Here are some of my favorite gin-based cocktails for beating the heat, and a few fun ways to incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients. So grab your shaker and some ice, and let’s raise a glass to the joys of summer sipping!


Gin and Tonic

This popular drink is a simple yet refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for summer, and there are so many ways to make it your own. Here’s the basic recipe:

2 oz gin
4-6 oz tonic water
Lime wedge for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in the gin. Top with tonic water and stir gently (protect those bubbles!). Garnish with lime.

Gin and tonic is a great drinks to try out different gins! Pair a more botanical gin with a garnish of fresh herbs (think thyme, basil, or rosemary) and a few juniper berries for a more aromatic drink.

For something a little sweeter, add a splash of elderflower liqueur and garnish with fresh berries.

And for those really hot summer days, muddle fresh cucumber slices with a cucumber-infused gin for a cool, crisp drink.


Gimlet

The gimlet is a classic cocktail, typically served straight up in a chilled glass. It’s a refreshing and well-balanced drink, perfect for a hot summer day.

2 oz gin
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz simple syrup
Lime wedge for garnish

Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Give it a shake and pour it into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime.

Personally, I think this drink is perfect as is, but if you want to get fancy with it, use a basil-infused simple syrup or muddle mint or rosemary in with the gin to create your own twist on this classic.


French 75

This sophisticated cocktail is bubbly and fun, great for a summer night out.

1 oz gin
.75 oz lemon juice
.5 oz simple syrup
3 oz champagne
Lemon twist for garnish

Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice. Strain into a champagne glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

If you’re looking to shake things up (pun intended), add elderflower liquor to your French 75 for sweet, floral notes. To create a sweeter, pretty pink drink, add a splash of Chambord and garnish with a raspberry.

And there are so many more classic and creative gin-based cocktails, too. I’m always looking for new, fun drinks to try – share your favorite in the comments and be sure to check out these other summer recipes!

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Jill
Jill is an adventure-loving, iced coffee-drinking, recovering perfectionist and mom of two. After a number of years and adventures in Washington, D.C., she moved back home to Georgia and settled in Woodstock. Jill lives with her husband, two sweet littles—a thoughtful, loquacious 5-year-old and a fearless 3-year-old ready to take on (over?) the world—and her fur-st born hound, Apollo. Jill is a part-time photographer, writer, digital marketer, and a full-time mom (aren’t we all?).