Five Innovative Gin Twists on Classic Cocktails That'll Spice Up Your Summer
Consider these your go-to sips for summer.
In partnership with 
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.
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.
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
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
ALL SEASONS
Group serve
This is a drink for those who like their cocktails fresh, fizzy and sweet. It's also perfect when for when you've got your mates over and you need to look impressive while maintaining conversation and effortlessly whipping up a jug of something. If you really want to impress, make sure you have some edible flowers on hand to garnish.
Ingredients:
180ml Whitley Neill Rhubarb and Ginger Gin
200ml mango nectar
300ml Strangelove mandarin soda
90ml lime juice
Dehydrated citrus (to garnish)
Edible flowers (to garnish)
Ice
Method:
Combine gin, mango nectar, soda and lime juice in a carafe and top with ice. Garnish with dehydrated citrus and flowers, and serve.
For more information on the innovative Whitley Neill gin range, head to the website.
Top image: Paul Liddle
