Recipes
Our 5 Go-To Summer Cocktails
Summer is here— mix up a cocktail as vibrant as the season!
Not a day goes by where we don’t look forward to the arrival of summer, and now it’s officially here! The season brings warm sunny days, perfect patio nights our favourite cocktailing flavours. From classic duos like strawberry & rhubarb to more unique pairings like apricot and basil, we’re certain you’ll find a new summer favourite below!
Before we dive in— make sure you have everything you need with our home bartending resources:
- Fun glassware
- Tasty summer simple syrups
- Unique summer garnishes
- The right barware
Pictured, from left: Dragon Fruit G&T, Honey Apricot Basil Spritz, Kiwi Summer Smash, Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail, Empress Gin Mule
1. Empress Gin Mule
All you need are three simple ingredients to create this simply stunning sip: fresh lime juice, ginger beer and of course, Empress 1908 Gin! Add the Empress Gin Mule to your home bar rotation and you’ll be set all season long.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 3 oz Ginger Beer
- Fresh Mint
Method
In a collins glass, build the gin, lime juice and ginger beer over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.
2. Honey Apricot Basil Spritz
This bright combination of summer flavours is to-die-for! Apricot, basil & honey are a recipe for the perfect patio afternoon. Find the full recipe from @whitekitchen_redwine below!
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 3 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 Apricot, thinly sliced
- 4-5 Fresh Basil Leaves, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoons Apricot Preserves
- 8 -10 oz Tonic Water
Method
In a pitcher combine half of the sliced apricots, basil, honey, and apricot preserves. Muddle these ingredients and then top with gin and tonic water. Gently stir. Add crushed ice to a glass and pour the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with sliced apricots, fresh basil leaves, and edible flowers.
Click here to check out the recipe on @whitekitchen_redwine’s feed!
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
We’ve raved about our love for strawberry and rhubarb in summer sips, and this cocktail is a perfect example as to why we’re head over heels! Check out the details from @afullliving below.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 2 Whole Strawberries
- 2 oz Fresh Rhubarb
- ½ oz Lemon Juice
- 1½ oz Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup
- Club Soda (to top)
Method
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the fresh rhubarb and strawberries. Add ice, lemon juice, strawberry rhubarb syrup, and gin. Shake vigorously to chill. Strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass and top with club soda. Garnish with strawberries and rhubarb. Enjoy!
Click here to find the full recipe on @afullliving’s feed!
4. Kiwi Summer Smash
A favourite of summer 2021, @the.boozy.ginger‘s Kiwi Summer Smash is perfectly simple and sweet. Next time you’re planning a patio happy hour, reach for this recipe— you won’t regret it!
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Simple Syrup
- 2 Kiwi, peeled & sliced
- Kiwi Slice, to garnish
Method
Muddle sliced kiwi with simple syrup in the bottom of a shaker. Add lemon juice, ice, and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass with fresh ice. Float Empress 1908 Gin on top. Garnish with a kiwi slice, stir & enjoy!
Click here for the full Kiwi Summer Smash recipe!
5. Dragon fruit G&T
Vibrant in hue, and flavour, too, @the.boozy.ginger’s Dragon Fruit G&T is an ideal summer sip. Curious where to find dragon fruit syrup? Click for Sarah’s choice here.
Ingredients
- ½ oz Dragon fruit Syrup
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 3 oz Tonic Water
- 1½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
- Dragon Fruit Slice
Method
Build in a cocktail glass over ice, starting with the syrup, followed by the lemon juice, tonic and finally, gin. Garnish with a slice of dragon fruit. Stir gently, and enjoy!
Click here to find the full recipe!
For more delicious spring recipes, be sure to visit our Instagram Page, and Cocktail Library (where you can filter by season, ingredient, difficulty, and more!)
Sip responsibly!
