It’s the beginning of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend so it really seems like the perfect time to chat gin! When the sun comes out in Britain, it’s almost compulsory to drink Gin, and we’ve been loving trying out different fruit and herb combinations to master the perfect G&T. I thought I’d share a few of our favourites with you, in case you’re after a little weekend cocktail inspiration!
Lemons and Thyme. A favourite for a refreshing early afternoon tipple, I’ve been pairing our G&Ts with a shot of limoncello, to make them that bit more boozy. Limoncello works surprisingly well with gin, it adds a little sweetness whilst being light and refreshing. I love adding a few sprigs of thyme for a herby aftertaste.
Rhubarb & Rose. Anyone else a big fan of rhubarb gin? I didn’t expect to love it quite as much as I do, I’m particularly enamoured with Edinburgh Gin’s offering. I keep a few bottles of Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade in the fridge to pair with this, it’s the perfect sweet and fruity mix for a summer’s afternoon, and if you’re having the girls over, serve these garnished with edible flowers, for the perfect instagrammable pink drink.
Strawberry and Black Pepper. Slice fresh, in season strawberries, and chuck a handful in the glass. Take the edge off that sweetness with a crack of black pepper, twisted over the glass and stirred in. Sounds weird, tastes wonderful.
Orange and Basil. An oldie but goodie. I like to add a thick slice of orange, as well as a twist of peel for an extra orange-y zing, and then add 3-4 basil leaves. Mix them around with the ice for a few moments before you add your gin and tonic to really bring out the flavour of the basil.
Grape and Elderflower. This one can be a little fiddly, because it works best I think if the grapes are added whole and peeled, but if you’re not too fussed you can just muddle the grapes with the ice. Add a splash of elderflower cordial, or if you’re after something really boozy, an elderflower liquor, St Germain is my favourite.
Overnight Raspberries. If you’ve got time on your hands, soak a punnet of raspberries in your favourite gin overnight, before adding to your G&T. They’ll not only flavour the gin something wonderful, but they’ll be a fantastic boozy snack once you’ve emptied your glass!
Blackberry and Rosemary. Squash your blackberries a little in the bottom of a glass to release the juice, add ice and pour an aromatic gin over. Top the glass up with tonic, and use a sprig of rosemary to stir, being sure to wipe the rosemary around the inside of the glass. The perfect balance of sweet and herby.
What’s your favourite spring summer gin pairing?