7 Must-Try Gins for Summer

In the British summer there's nothing more refreshing than an ice cold gin and tonic while you relax in the garden or cook up a storm on the BBQ. One of the joys of gin is that there is such a wide range of flavour profiles available. Some are warm and spiced, others floral and aromatic, others crisp and refreshing, others fruity and full-bodied  - and some just seem like they've been made for the summer.

So we've put together a list combining some of the most popular summertime gins and some of our top recommendations, along with serving suggestions to help you explore the world of gin this summer. Let us know if you try them and what you think!

6 O'Clock Gin
On a warm summer evening, 6 O'Clock is the ideal time (if not before!) to down tools and enjoy a gin and tonic in the sun - 6 O'Clock Gin is an ideal gin for just that. It's smooth and refreshing with a blend of juniper, orange and lemon citrus flavours, and floral notes from the botanicals that include elderflower.

We recommend pairing it with 6 O'Clock Tonic Water and fresh lemon.

Read The Gin Guide's full 6 O'Clock Gin review and tasting notes.

Bloom Gin
As the name suggests, Bloom is floral, smooth and light. Inspired by the 'English Country Garden', it features botanicals such as honeysuckle and chamomile and is the creation of Joanne Moore, Head Distiller of G & J Greenall's.

We recommend Bloom Gin in a G&T with a garnish of mint, or with soda water and strawberries.

Read The Gin Guide's full Bloom Gin review and tasting notes.

Gin Mare
Gin Mare is Spanish gin with a Mediterranean style, combining traditional botanicals with olive, basil, rosemary and thyme. It was one of the first gins to push the boundaries of gin flavours and to move away from a strict juniper focus. 

​We recommend Gin Mare in a gin and tonic with a basil garnish, or try it in a dirty martini.

Read The Gin Guide's full Gin Mare review and tasting notes.

Hendrick's Gin
A Hendrick's gin and tonic with cucumber has become a common sight in British bars in recent years. Featuring rose petals and cucumber as botanicals, it is fresh and floral, and ideal for the summer. Hendrick's is a Scottish gin and it combines two gin distillations from different types of still to get the best out of different botanicals.

We recommend Hendrick's Gin in a G&T with lime to balance with the cucumber and floral flavours, but cucumber is a popular choice. Or try it with soda water and a touch of elderflower.

Read The Gin Guide's full Hendrick's Gin review and tasting notes.

Martin Miller's Gin
What could be more refreshing in the summer than a gin that uses pure Icelandic glacial water? Martin Miller's Gin is fresh and smooth despite using a number of warm and earthy botanicals. If you enjoy Hendrick's, it's another gin that pairs well with cucumber and it is available in a number of large supermarkets.

We recommend Martin Miller's Gin with a garnish of cucumber or strawberry, or in a Bramble cocktail.

Read The Gin Guide's full Martin Miller's Gin review and tasting notes.

Pinkster Gin
Pinkster Gin combines 5 botanicals during distillation before carrying out a secondary maceration with 3 further botanicals including raspberries. It's fruity on the nose with black pepper and sweet raspberry flavours. Pinkster Gin makes a delicate, refreshing and different G&T that's perfect for summer. 

We recommend Pinkster gin with tonic and a garnish of fresh mint.

Read The Gin Guide's full Pinkster Gin review and tasting notes.

Wint & Lila Gin

This gin isn't as easy to track down in the UK, but it's well worth seeking out a bottle. It's fragrant, fresh and zesty, with orange peel and orange blossoms at the forefront alongside juniper. Wint & Lila Gin is another example of how Spain is becoming a leading player in the gin world, and if you take a sip and close your eyes, you can just imagine yourself strolling through a Spanish orange orchard.

We recommend Wint & Lila gin with tonic and orange peel, or in a Negroni.

Read The Gin Guide's full Wint and Lila Gin review and tasting notes.
​

What's your favourite summer gin? Let us know!​

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