Five Innovative Gin Twists on Classic Cocktails That'll Spice Up Your Summer

Overview

We're calling it: this summer is the summer of fresh and fruity cocktails in the backyard with as many mates as possible. Nothing is going to ruin the gin-filled summer we know we deserve — not even La Niña.

To celebrate the warmer months, we've teamed up with Whitley Neill Gin to bring you five original cocktail recipes that go well beyond your usual G&T.

For the uninitiated, Whitley Neill Gin produces handcrafted artisanal gin from the first gin distillery in London, dating back 200 years — and it's still the only gin distillery in London today. Of course, it's got a London Dry gin, but it's also known for its innovative flavoured gins which take cocktails to new heights. So dust off your cocktail shaker, make a spread of your favourite cheeses and call your mates for an afternoon sip session.

Paul Liddle

MELON PATCH

Serves one

If you like your cocktails packed with real fruit and with a slight herby twist, the Melon Patch will be right up your alley. This take on a classic G&T features the Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin which, with its rich juniper notes, citrus and exotic botanicals, pairs well with the fresh watermelon chunks and mint. It's bound to be a winner after a long day at the beach, when your guests roll in sandy-footed and sun-kissed.

120ml Strangelove Coastal Tonic Water

Basil
Ice (crushed)

Method:
Add watermelon pieces and gin into the bottom of a tall glass. Add tonic water and top with crushed ice. Garnish with basil.

 

Paul Liddle

BRUNCH MARTINI

Serves one

Think martini, but fit for brunchtime. In this concoction, the grapefruit gin, tonic and lemon complement each other to make a perfectly sweet and zingy cocktail. And there's a dollop of marmalade, which is an interesting addition to impress your pals. Whether a hair-of-the-dog or a summery concoction to start a long lunch, this one will go down a treat.

30ml Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin

15ml pink grapefruit juice

15ml lemon juice

1 barspoon (or teaspoon) of marmalade

30ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic
Ice

Method:

Shake gin, both juices and marmalade together over ice. Add 30ml Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic Water to shaker — but don't shake again. Then, simply strain into a cocktail glass.

Paul Liddle

POMME SPRITZ

Serves one

It's a universal truth that spritzes are the go-to balmy weather drink. This one features the Whitley Neill Quince Gin, which has a distinctive flavour that's a real winner. Pair that with a dash of cloudy apple juice and a good pour of prosecco for a fun, bubbly finish.

Ingredients:
45ml Whitley Neill Quince Gin
60ml Strangelove pear soda
30ml cloudy apple juice
60ml prosecco
3 thin apple slices
Cucumber ribbon
Ice

Method:
Build all ingredients over ice in a highball or balloon glass, then garnish with green apple and cucumber.

Paul Liddle

CRIMSON COCO COOLER

Group serve

Serve a jug of this cooler on those sticky summer days when the only activity you can carry out without breaking a sweat is walking from pool to freezer. Refreshing coconut water and fizzy cranberry soda make it the perfect arvo cocktail. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to make — just chuck all the ingredients in a carafe with some ice, give it a quick stir and you're good to go.

Ingredients:
120ml Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin
250ml Capi cranberry soda
360ml coconut water
30ml lime juice
Raspberries (to garnish)
Lemon (to garnish)
Cucumber (to garnish)
Mint (to garnish)
Ice

Method:
Add gin, cranberry soda, coconut water and lime juice into a carafe and fill with ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with raspberries, lemon wheels, cucumber wheels and mint.

Paul Liddle