Four Easy Gin Cocktails That’ll Take You From Brunch to Nightcap
Whether you're after a brunch-time tipple, a breezy afternoon spritz or a sultry nightcap, these gin cocktails will elevate every cocktail hour.
If there’s one spirit that’s had a rapid change in fortunes over the past few years, it’s gin. From being nan’s go-to to now being one of the most popular tipples going around, gin’s time in the sun probably should come as no surprise — this botanical spirit is versatile, easy and delicious, and can be sipped on just about any occasion.
To that end, we’ve teamed up with Bombay Sapphire to showcase four easy gin cocktails you can make this summer. Whether you’re after a kickstart to brunch, an sessionable afternoon spritz or a sophisticated nightcap, these minimal-effort serves might just become your new old reliables.
Red Snapper
Hosting a brunch — or need a hair of the dog? Fix yourself a Red Snapper. This gin-fuelled answer to the bloody mary draws on Bombay Sapphire’s spices and botanicals to add an extra layer of flavour to the mix, making it the perfect way to perk up your morning. You can also get creative with your hot sauces and spices, so you can tailor this serve exactly as you want it.
RED SNAPPER
Serves one
Ingredients
50ml Bombay Sapphire gin
100ml tomato juice
2 dashes hot sauce of your choice (eg. Tabasco)
1tsp horseradish (to taste)
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Pinch of celery salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
2 wedges fresh lemon
1 celery stalk
1 olive
1 cocktail onion
Ice
Method
In a long highball glass, add Bombay Sapphire and tomato juice. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice from one of the wedges, and discard. Next, season with hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, horseradish, salt and pepper according to your preference. Fill your glass with cubed ice and stir slowly. Finish with an impressive garnish: a celery stalk, an olive, a cocktail onion and a fresh wedge of lemon.
Bramble Spritz
There’s no doubt that this summer will be the summer of spritz. This particular spritz is a creative twist on the classic bramble, and is anchored by Bombay Bramble: a bold new gin infused with blackberries and raspberries. With its perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, this pour is ideal for an afternoon in the sun.
BRAMBLE SPRITZ
Serves one
Ingredients
30ml Bombay Bramble
10ml St Germain elderflower liqueur
20ml fresh lemon juice
70ml Capi grapefruit soda
10ml agave syrup
Pinch of sea salt
Mint sprigs
Grapefruit wedge
Ice
Method
Add Bombay Bramble, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, agave syrup and sea salt into a cocktail shaker. Shake well before straining into a wine glass and fill with ice. Top with soda and finish with mint sprig and grapefruit wedge to garnish. Tip: a good garnish makes all the difference and can add subtle influences to a tipple, so feel free go all-out with the final touches.
Gin and Tonic
A well-made G&T is a reminder that the simple things in life are often the most enjoyable. This Bombay Sapphire version is anchored by the floral earthiness of the base spirit, while also enhancing the bright, fresh flavours of citrus and juniper. It’s straightforward and oh so satisfying.
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE AND TONIC
Serves one
Ingredients
50ml Bombay Sapphire gin
100ml premium tonic water
Lime wedge
Ice
Method
Fill a balloon glass to the rim with large cubed ice. Pour in the gin, squeeze fresh lime directly into the glass and drop the wedge in. Top with premium tonic water, stir and enjoy.
Sunset Negroni
Okay, hear us out. While the classic negroni is more often seen as an aperitif, we think it’s just as satisfying as a nightcap. It adheres to the general rule of nightcaps being brown, for starters, while vermouth can aid digestion. Whatever time you choose to make this, though, the botanicals in Bombay Sunset — a balanced blend of golden turmeric, Indian white cardamom, and Spanish mandarin — create a complex harmony that make it a discerning drink to either start or end your night.
SUNSET NEGRONI
Serves one
Ingredients
25ml Bombay Sapphire Sunset
25ml Martini Rosso sweet vermouth
25ml Martini Speciale bitter liqueur
Orange zest
1 star anise
Cubed ice
Method
Build over cubed ice in a rocks glass and stir. Garnish with orange zest twist and star anise to finish. Tip: run the peel around the rim of the glass before you start making your drink to bring out more of its aroma.
Love gin? Head to the Bombay Sapphire website for more cocktail recipe inspo.