Nine gins to sip while soaking up the sun this summer

Ok, so we may be getting a bit ahead of ourselves with that ‘soaking up the sun’ comment… but it’s still summer here in the UK and that’s something to celebrate! Seasonal summer gins – whether limited editions or distillery staples – offer an exciting world to explore. You could be transported to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with zesty citrus, to the sultry warmth of a Caribbean island with tropical fruits, or to an English country garden with heady floral fragrances. We’ve selected a few releases that we think it’s worth getting in your gin goblet this summer.

Bombay Sapphire Sunset

Bombay Sapphire’s second flavoured expression, after the launch of Bombay Bramble last year. This gin adds turmeric, Spanish mandarin and Indian white cardamom to Bombay Sapphire’s classic 10-botanical bill, resulting in a bright and zesty yet earthy gin that sings of tropical shores.

Chase Distillery – Raspberry and Basil Gin

Refreshing the classic ‘fruity and savoury’ gin flavour combo. This vibrant expression from Herefordshire’s Chase Distillery marries its GB Gin with herbaceous basil and tart-yet-juicy raspberry. It could be a summery treat for people who don’t like their fruity gins too sweet.

Philadelphia Distilling Co. – Bluecoat Elderflower Gin

One for true elderflower lovers, bringing the fragrance and brightness of the bloom to your glass. It’s made by macerating elderflowers with Philadelphia Distilling Co.’s flagship Bluecoat American Dry Gin for two weeks. It started as a distillery exclusive, but is now available to buy outside the US. Try using it to sweeten up a Tom Collins.

Wildjac Distillery – English Summer Gin

The first in a range of limited-edition seasonal releases from this young English distiller. Its botanical recipe includes homegrown lemon thyme and four citrus fruits, creating a zingy gin that would add a tart bite to some sweeter summer cocktails.

Hayman’s – Exotic Citrus Gin

For those seeking a tropical burst of flavour. To make this gin, Hayman’s infused its London Distilled Gin with citrus fruits including pomelo, kumquat, Persian lime and mandarin for a boldly citrus-forward spirit. We reckon this would sit well in many summery drinks.

The Shed Gin Distillery – Drumshanbo with Sardinian Citrus Gunpowder Gin

A real citrus bomb from Irish distillery The Shed. This limited-edition gin marries the original Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin – distilled with green tea – with rare Sardinian citrus. The result, says the distillery, is a fragrant gin that would pair well with grapefruit.

Whitley Neill – Mango and Lime Gin

The latest limited-edition seasonal offering from Whitley Neill. The distiller says it’s inspired by the exotic flavours associated with Sri Lanka, balancing notes of sweet mango and zesty lime with peppery spice. It sounds like a solid G&T choice to us.

Tanqueray – Blackcurrant Royale

Taking a humble summer fruit to new heights. Tanqueray’s Blackcurrant Royale Distilled Gin – a rare flavoured expression in its range – was released earlier this year. It blends Tanqueray London Dry Gin with blackcurrants, vanilla and black orchid for a sumptuous spirit that could make some delightful sweet summer drinks.

Four Pillars – Olive Leaf Gin

One for fans of a more savoury gin. Its botanical mix includes olive leaf and extra-virgin olive oil from three olive varieties, harvested in Four Pillars’ home state of Victoria, Australia. With savoury notes and a silky, oily texture, we think it would make a delicious ice-cold Martini.