First things first, gin is the perfect starting point for an array of delicious cocktails, and it all starts with juniper berries. Juniper is the main component for making ‘gin’ Gin and without it you would just have flavoured vodka. It acts as the foundation, to which you add other botanicals to create a well-balanced and aromatic flavour.

The History

Although we know and love gin as a classic ‘go-to’ in a summer beer garden, it actually dates back to the sixteenth century where it was first used to treat stomach-ache, gout and gallstones.

During the Thirty Years War, it made its way to the British Troops fighting in the Low Countries. It was used to warm up soldiers who faced damp weather conditions but also gave them some Dutch courage.

Gin was then slowly introduced in England upon the soldiers return to their home country and the distillation commenced, albeit without any health and safety regulations. It was the drink of choice for the poor and was blamed for a lot of the crime until the Gin act of 1736 was introduced, which put a tax on gin and made it unaffordable for most.
However, seven years later, the act was repealed and a new policy was introduced making the drink widely available once again.

So, enough of the history lesson. It’s time to honour this wonderful spirit and play around with some fun cocktail recipes to make at home! Whether you are feeling a little fruity or want something with more of a kick, there is something for you. Here are our top 5 picks.

The Bees Knees

Ingredients

50ml Gin. | 10ml Runny Honey | 1tsp Water | 15ml freshly squeezed Lemon juice | Lemon twist to garnish.

Stir the honey into the water until blended. Stir into a cooled cocktail glass and mix in the gin and lemon juice. Serve with a lemon twist.

The English Garden

Ingredients

25ml Gin | 50ml freshly squeezed apple juice | 20ml freshly squeezed lime juice | 20ml sugar syrup | sprig of mint | Slice of cucumber

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, apple juice, lime juice and syrup. Bruise in the cucumber and mint and strain into a glass. Serve with a slice of cucumber.

Bramble

40ml gin | 20ml sugar syrup | 20ml lemon juice | 10ml crème de mure |berries or lemon zest, for garnish

Mix together a large measure of dry gin and lemon and sugar syrup and mix together! Pour over crushed ice and drizzle the crème de mure through the drink. Garnish with either lemon zest or even some fresh seasonal berries!

Elderflower Fizz

50ml gin | 20ml lemon | 10ml sugar syrup | 10ml elderflower cordial |soda |for topping up

Mix together lemon, sugar and a splash of elderflower cordial. Pour over ice and top up with the soda! Decorate with your favourite herb or even a zest of lemon! So refreshing.

A Classic Negroni

25ml gin | 25ml Sweet Vermouth | 25ml Campari | Ice |Slice of orange for garnish

Mix together the gin, vermouth, Campari and ice, mix together until the outside of the glass feels cold. Add some fresh ice and make sure it's as smooth as can be. Garnish with an orange slice.

When life hands you lemons, pass the gin.

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