In the summer, it is time to celebrate with a drink in hand. Gin-based cocktails are perfect for summer days because they are light and refreshing!

So whether you like your drinks fruity or herbaceous, here are our top 5 gin-based cocktails that will help make your garden party extra special.

1. The Tom Collins

Where Does a Tom Collins Cocktail Originate From?

Many people believe there’s an interesting story behind the origin of the Tom Collins cocktail but they don’t know exactly where it came from. Many believe it is named after the ‘Tom Collins great 1874 hoax’ that kept popping up in and around New York bars.

“The Great Hoax”

The hoax was supposedly a joke that involved someone in the bar telling a punter or friend or patron that there was a man named ‘Tom Collins’ who was going around speaking badly of them and that he was sitting waiting in another bar. He would then seek Tom Collins for an explanation for his slanderous remarks against him.

What is a Tom Collins Cocktail?

A Tom Collins cocktail is a type of drink containing gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and club soda or sparkling water. It’s served with ice cubes and garnished with a slice of lemon.

How Did the Drink Come into Being?

In 1876 ‘Jerry Thomas’ wrote an article for his book ‘Bar-Tender’s Guide’ where he said: “Tom Collins is a very popular summer beverage, especially in hot weather”. Many others claim that the first version of the drink came into existence during the late 18th century when bartender John Collins served his creation at Limmer’s Hotel and Coffee House in London, England.

How To Make A Tom Collins

Pour gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into the highball glass. Add a few drops of soda water to make it fizzy and fill the glass with ice. Then, optionally, garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lemon wheel.

2. Gin And Tonic

A Brief History

The British East India Company’s troops introduced the cocktail to India. Malaria was a persistent concern in India and other tropical places. Scottish doctor George Cleghorn discovered that quinine, a traditional malaria remedy, could be used to prevent the disease in the 1700s.

Gin and tonics have been popular drinks for centuries. In fact, they are so old that it is hard to imagine any other drink being as well-known or loved by drinkers. They have always had their special place in society. It was only when the temperance movement started to gain ground in the 19th century that people began to think about what they were drinking.

We can all agree that the classic gin and tonic really cure all ailments. As for hangover cures, there isn’t one.

How To Make The Classic Gin and Tonic

When you’ve collected all of the required ingredients, you’ll want to use a highball glass and add some ice before pouring in the gin and topping off with the tonic. While stirring, be sure not to mix too much, or else you’ll lose most of the carbonation. Finally, if you want to add some extra flavour, you may opt for serving it up with a fresh slice of lime. All that’s left to do now is to serve it and savour every sip.

3. A Gin Rickey

A Little History

Gin Rickey is a beverage with a long history in politics. In the late 1800s, it was created (or rather, popularised) by a Democratic Party political lobbyist.

“Colonel Joe” Rickey was renowned as “a gentleman of grace and charm who sported a black cavalier hat above a drooping grey moustache.” He was also known to use alcohol. He visited the Shoomaker’s Saloon in swampy Washington, D.C., where a bartender mixed him a cocktail dubbed the “rickey,” but it absolutely was made with bourbon, not gin at the time. Lobbyists, politicians, and everyone brown-noser in between were reported to be drinking Gin Rickeys, Whiskey Rickeys, Brandy Rickeys, and “every other sort of Rickey known to mortal man” by the 1894 Democratic Convention. Finally, gin emerged because of the most typical iteration today. The jury is yet out on which incarnation of the political party will achieve equal success.

How To Make A Gin Rickey (Classic)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 – 2 oz using a gin of your choice (we recommend using 1 1/2 oz if you want the least amount of calories)
• Lime Juice (12 limes)
• Carbonated Water (4-6 oz) – go with mineral water if you prefer more flavour than a seltzer

Instructions:

Fill a large glass partly with ice or completely with ice for faster chilling and less overall dilution. Less ice will result in a drink that isn’t as cold and tastes watered down. Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice and stir to combine. Pour in your favourite carbonated water, gently stir, and enjoy! If desired, garnish with a lime wheel and mint or other plants that complement your preferred gin.

4. The Pink Lady Cocktail

History of the Pink Lady cocktail

In the early 20th century, there were many different theories about the origins of the Pink Lady cocktail. Some said it was created by a playwright named Hazel Down, while others claimed it was invented by a singer named Jayne Mansfield. But what does it matter? What really counts is that it became famous when it was discovered that the actress Jayne Mansfield drank a Pink Lady before each meal. So it became a quintessential female drink and went on to become an iconic cocktail for women.

How To Pour Yourself The Perfect Pink Lady

Make an impression by serving up this beautiful pink lady cocktail at your next party! A classic from the ’50s, this drink uses Triple Sec and freshly picked raspberries for an elegant taste.

Ingredients:

• A Handful of Raspberries
• Gordon’s Gin (40ml )
• Triple Sec (25ml)
• Lemon Juice (20ml)

Method:

Place a handful of British raspberries in a cocktail shaker and mash with a muddler or a long spoon.
Pour gin and add triple sec and lemon juice. Shake everything well and then strain the liquid into a martini glass.
Decorate with finely chopped lemon zest or serve with additional raspberries as needed.

5. A Singapore Sling

A Singapore Sling is a cocktail that was created in the early 20th century at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The Singapore sling is a classic gin cocktail that has enchanted drinkers for over a century. Singapore sling is a variation on a gin sling with some added ingredients. It’s essentially a single-serving punch. Today there are lots of variations on the theme of this recipe.

The Singapore sling is a stunning classic cocktail with loads of variations; it’s fruity, bubbly, and just plain fun. it’s so complex in the ingredient list you can use it to impress.

Originally, the Singapore Sling was meant as a woman’s drink, hence the attractive pink colour. Want an impressive cocktail that’s fruity and refreshing for the adventurous drinker, it’s a drink enjoyed by all.

Primarily a gin-based cocktail, the Singapore Sling also contains pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, and Bénédictine. Giving it the pretty pink hues are grenadine and cherry liqueur the main time involved in this drink is getting out and measuring all the components.

Conclusion

It’s always a good idea to learn the history of your favourite cocktail, and you’ll find that gin is no exception. From its humble origins in Holland, up through to today’s sophisticated concoctions like the Singapore Sling, there are many ways to enjoy this popular drink.

We recommend experimenting with different types of gin and tonics before coming up with your perfect recipe!