Summer is the perfect time to break out classic summer gin drinks. Gin already has a bright, floral flavor to it that lends itself beautifully to citrus and sweet mixers. This way, you can whip together delicious gin cocktails for summer and kick up by the pool. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy gin cocktails for summer parties you can make with just a few ingredients.Â
Lemongrass Elderflower Collins
A take on the classic Elderflower Collins, the lemongrass Elderflower Collins adds a touch of citrus-like flavor without making it too sweet or sour. This is also the beauty of most classic gin cocktails. You can take the classic root cocktail (in this case the elderflower collins cocktail recipe) and make it your own.
Lemongrass brings a subtle lemon taste without making it too sweet. To make the lemongrass Elderflower Collins you’ll need:
- 2 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz St. Germain (elderflower spirit)
- Lemongrass
- Soda water
To make, muddle the lemongrass in a highball glass. Add ice, then pour gin, lemon juice, and St. Germain into the glass. Top with soda water and serve
Violet Fizz
The violet fizz is a take on the classic gin fizz (of course, the gin fizz is built off of the Tom Collins). The violet fizz is slightly different, using creme de Violette instead of sugar. This helps remove some sweetness while providing an enjoyable summertime cocktail.
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz Creme de Violette
- 1 tbsp egg white
- Sparkling mineral water
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the lemon juice, gin, creme de Violette and egg white. Now shake and pour.
Frozen Negroni
The frozen negroni is basically the classic negroni meets a frozen margarita (what’s not to like?). This frozen feature is what helps make it perfect for a relaxing day by the pool.
To make the frozen negroni you’ll need:
- 4.5 oz Gin
- 2.5 oz Campari
- 2.5 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange slices
- Ice
Combine the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, allow to chill (at least eight hours). Add ice to blender and pulse until smooth.
Basil Gimlet
When it comes to gin cocktails few are more classic than the classic gimlet. The basil gimlet takes it a step further by bringing along basil into the recipe.
To make the basil gimlet you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 7 basil leaves
Clap with the basil in between your palms (the oil of your skin helps open up the aroma and flavor of the basil). Now, place the leaves in a cocktail shaker, add lime juice and simple syrup and shake. Now, add in the gin and shake with ice. Strain and enjoy.