Please imagine this. Ice cold gin, shaken to frosty perfection. Poured over ice that clinks just right against the glass. Topped with a splash of fizzy tonic and a squeeze of fresh lime. Garnished with a sprig of rosemary if you are feeling like a star.
And thirsty you, at happy hour, with this exciting little glass of botanical fireworks awaiting you.
I mean, come on! It is crisp, refreshing, and cool and boozy and almost comforting all at the same time. This is the energy we are bringing into the weekend.
1. Pink Pear Gin Martini
Look at that color! This stunner has a gorgeous pink hue that is basically begging for a photo op.
It isn’t hitting you over the head with booze like some martinis; instead, it finds a happy balance with orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, and pear nectar. If grapefruit is usually too tart for you, this pear combination is the answer.
Ingredients: Hendricks gin, orange liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice, pear nectar, simple syrup, pinch of salt
2. Gimlet
Legend says this drink came about in the 18th century to keep sailors from getting scurvy. Because obviously, the best way to get your daily dose of vitamin C is to mix it with spirits, right?
Even if you aren’t worried about scurvy, this mouth-watering remedy is just what the doctor ordered.
Ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
3. Strawberry Gin Smash
This cocktail is exactly as fun and fruity as you want it to be. It brings the bright vibes with a mix of smashed berries, fresh mint, lemon juice, and gin.
A drizzle of honey adds that necessary sweetness, while a frothy top of ginger beer gives it a little spicy kick. Yum!
Ingredients: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, honey, mint leaves, gin, ginger beer, ice cubes
4. Orange and Thyme Gin and Tonic
We have to talk about the G&T, but let’s make it a little dressy.
This version feels fancy but keeps it simple, using just a whisper of citrus and herb aroma to wake up the botanicals in the gin. It is such a lovely upgrade to the classic. You can always add more if you want!
Ingredients: gin, tonic water, ice cubes, orange zest, fresh thyme
5. Sloe Gin Fizz
The regular fizz is great, but this Sloe gin fizz? It is a total show-off.
Made with sloe drupes (a cousin to the plum), this spirit brings a stunning red color and a distinct fruity flavor to the glass. It is a perfect starter drink to get you hooked.
Ingredients: gin, Sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wedge (for garnish)
6. Watermelon Gin Punch
Put this punch out at your next backyard hangout and prepare to share the recipe. It is overflowing with sweet watermelon goodness, while lemon and fresh mint keep things bright and breezy.
I suggest grabbing a gin that isn’t too bitter—Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin adds a tropical twist that is just delicious.
Ingredients: fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, club soda
7. Earl Grey Royal Gin Fizz
Have you tried mixing tea and gin? Because it is something really special. Earl Grey is super fragrant and citrus-forward thanks to the bergamot oil.
When you blend that with gin, you get a lovely floral sipper with notes of black tea and heaps of herbal charm.
Ingredients: Earl Grey tea simple syrup, gin, lemon juice, egg white, Champagne or Prosecco
8. Pineapple Passionfruit Tom Collins
I know we love a classic, but this fruity version is just stunning. Is there anything more picture-perfect?
You get that sweet tropical hit from passionfruit and pineapple juices poured over crushed ice. Top it with Empress Gin for that signature purple look that we just adore.
Ingredients: passionfruit nectar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Empress Gin, crushed ice & highball glass
9. Cucumber Cooler
Late summer nights were practically invented for sipping these coolers. The ingredients are likely sitting in your kitchen right now, and the whole thing comes together in a flash.
Get creative with the look—I love using a pretty glass with a cucumber slice swirled inside, plus fresh mint and lime.
Ingredients: gin, cucumber slices, lime wedges, tonic water, mint leaves, sugar
10. Bramble
This is the ultimate summer drink situation. It starts with gin and loads of plump, fresh blackberries, plus blackberry liquor.
Those fresh berries are non-negotiable for that deep flavor that keeps things from getting too sweet. If you can’t find Crème de Mûre, Chambord or Crème de Cassis work great.
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord, lemon slice & fresh blackberries (for garnish)
11. The Best Gin Sour Recipe
Listen, if you don’t love a sour, alcohol-forward drink, this one might not be your jam. It skips the sour mix for real lime juice and simple syrup, making it pretty intense.
But for the gin lovers out there who want that smooth egg white foam? This is a must.
Ingredients: gin, egg white, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
12. Grapefruit Basil Greyhound Cocktail
This simple but enticing cocktail is my favorite for lazy, warm days. The original is just a quick mix of gin and grapefruit, but this version invites fresh basil and sparkling water to the party.
The result is delightfully herbal with a bubbly finish that just hits the spot.
Ingredients: gin, grapefruit juice, honey, basil, sparkling water
