16 Summer Gin Cocktails to Try

Gin Rickey is a classic summer adult beverage with lime juice and seltzer, garnished with lime wedges. Gin mixes well with lime because it has no strong flavor, similar to vodka. With lime juice, seltzer, and a hint of sugar if you'd like, gin Rickey will give you a bright drink that won't overwhelm the senses.

Everyone loves a good Moscow Mule, which combines vodka with ginger beer for a delightful drink. However, the London Mule switches out the vodka for gin, which I prefer in the summertime because the lime squeeze complements the subtle pine flavor in gin.

A Gimlet is another classic cocktail prized for its great-tasting simplicity. It's similar to a Gin Rickey in that it incorporates gin with lime juice, but instead of adding any seltzer or club soda, you can just pour more lime juice! This creates a stronger drink that has more of a punchy taste. Because the gin isn't watered down with seltzer, it's imperative to use high-quality gin like Plymouth gin.

As you might've guessed, the Bee's Knees is a gin cocktail incorporating sweet and delightful honey! Instead of lime juice, which many summer gin cocktails use, this recipe calls for lemon juice, which has a similar citrusy zest as lime juice but complements the sweet honey better than lime juice would.

Another lemon-juice-based gin cocktail is The Bramble, one of my all-time favorite summer cocktails. Instead of honey, it's simple syrup, Creme de Mure, and fresh blackberries that help the drink attain the perfect combination of tart and sweet. I like the soft pink look of the drink too, which is inviting for parties!

If you need a straightforward drink on a hot summer day, you can't go wrong with a classic Gin and Tonic. I love G&Ts because not only are they super simple to make, but something about the semi-bitter taste of tonic water blocks out any unagreeable taste in the gin and highlights the gin's strong characteristics.

Mint is one of those ingredients that can add a subtle yet necessary kick to any summer gin cocktail, and the South Side is an excellent example of this. The flavors blend together in such a way that you can detect the sweet and herbal taste of the mint, the tartness of the lemon juice, and the smoothness of the gin in one simple yet dynamic beverage.

Tom Collins is an old-school gin cocktail that has been around for decades. This extremely simple recipe combines just gin, lemon juice, and club soda. Although seemingly basic, it comes together in an invigorating drink with a zesty, sweet flavor. I think it's the perfect cocktail for those who don't feel like having a strong drink but still want something refreshing.

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that combines gin and citrus (both lime and lemon) with egg white, cream, and simple syrup. The result is a creamy texture with a silky, velvety finish that delights my taste buds every time. The flavor is sweet and tangy, but the egg whites add a scrumptious feel that makes this cocktail great for pre-dinner summer sipping.

I always crave an ice-cold lemonade in the summer, and if I want an alcoholic beverage at the same time, this Blueberry Lemonade Gin Fizz is my go-to. The combination of blueberry and lemonade works so well because it's sweet and tart at the same time. The gin pairs perfectly with the lemonade, providing a subtle yet wonderfully bright flavor that isn't too strong.

The Elderflower Grapefruit Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and delightful drink that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. The combination of gin, grapefruit, and elderflower liqueur creates a citrusy and floral taste that's light and refreshing on a hot summer day. The addition of sparkling water adds a subtle fizz, while the garnish of fresh grapefruit slices and thyme sprigs gives it a visually appealing touch.

Strawberry and basil is another great flavor combination because strawberries are only lightly tart, which works well with the earthy, slightly peppery taste of basil. When you add gin to the mix, the mild bitterness creates a complex yet inviting beverage that's sip-worthy any day.

My favorite thing about this Honey Lavender Gin Lemonade is that instead of just telling you to buy honey lavender simple syrup, it walks you through how to make your own! You can also follow the recipe if you want a virgin version of the drink, but all you have to do is add a bit of your favorite gin to give this cocktail the perfect kick for summertime events and parties.

Passion fruit is one of the most underrated fruit flavors, in my opinion, so I was excited to find this Passion Fruit and Gin Fizz cocktail recipe. The unique, heavy tropical flavor of passion fruit completely tones down any bitterness of gin, making it an ideal drink for those who don't necessarily like this liquor's taste but want to feel its effects in a delicious, refreshing way.

Blood Orange is another underrated drink mixer, as it has a unique tartness like no other. Combined with elderflower liqueur and gin, this Blood Orange Elderflower Gin Cocktail is truly something special. The sweetness of the elderflower brings out the best in the blood orange, while the gin adds that perfect punchiness to make this cocktail a total hit.

If you're looking to throw a summertime party or barbecue, this summer Punch recipe will surely be a hit! It's perfect for groups, and the recipe itself makes 10-12 servings, which is easy to double or triple if need be. But most importantly, the combination of elderflower cordial, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and apple juice create an incredible taste, bright, zesty, and refreshing drink. It'll be challenging for your guests not to return for seconds or thirds!