Sunny days and warmer weather are ahead, which means you’ll no doubt be spending more time in the garden. From relaxing with a good book to entertaining friends with a BBQ, you’ll be needing some delicious and refreshing cocktails to welcome the summer months.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique this year, and are known for having a green thumb, you’re sure to find the best summer cocktail ingredients in your garden! Fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers can all add something extra special to your favourite tipple.
Keep reading to discover our top 7 summer garden cocktails to try this year.
1. New Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned cocktail is famous around the world for its strong, dark and balanced flavours. But, if you’re looking to put a summertime spin on this iconic drink for your next get-together, the New Old Fashioned cocktail switches the orange bitters for sweet peaches and blackberries you can pluck straight from the garden. Ideal for the warmer weather, this drink is easy to make and a truly enjoyable combination.
2. Gin Proved
Our signature Gin Proved cocktail offers a wonderfully tangy-sweet flavour paired with an aesthetically-pleasing lilac shade that deserves to be splashed over your Instagram feeds this summer. Perfectly perfumed this cocktail has a clever combination of gin, Bols Parfait Amour Liqueur, which is flavoured with flower petals and vanilla, organic citric acid and liquid sugar.
3. Raspberry Mojito
While a fresh Mint Mojito is the ultimate summer drink and can easily be whipped up with some mint from your garden, if you want to take it to the next level, we’d suggest adding some raspberries to the mix for a sweeter, fruiter flavour. Blend the raspberries with lime, mint, white rum, sparkling water and a pinch of sugar for an invigorating drink - perfect for summer parties.
4. Lilac Lemon Drop Martini
A variation of the popular Lemon Drop Martini, the Lilac Lemon Drop Martini brings a bright, floral flavour into the drink along with a gorgeous, purple colour. With its sweet fragrance and slightly tart notes, this cocktail combines vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lilac simple syrup and a lemon twist for garnish and will instantly make you think of spring and summer meadows.
5. Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a true icon of mixology and combines a wide range of ingredients, most of which you can find in your garden to achieve the rich, spicy flavour. The classic recipe involves vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, celery salt, black pepper and celery sticks. Our own variation, the Ghost of Mary Tudor, delivers intense spice, heat and flavour in just one captivating sip.
6. The Great Pumpkin
For those who miss the comforting flavours of autumn, or if you’re throwing the last party of the summer before autumn arrives, The Great Pumpkin cocktail is rich in flavour and aromas. Carefully crafted, this cocktail features pumpkin ale, or pumpkin-infused whiskey if you want something spicier, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, maple syrup and ground cinnamon for garnish.
7. Rhubarb and Rosemary Daiquiri
A summer twist on everyone’s favourite Daiquiri, the Rhubarb and Rosemary Daiquiri is fun, fresh and fantastic. Blending white rum, rhubarb juice (which can be freshly squeezed, with some effort), rosemary syrup, lemon juice and a fresh rosemary sprig or a grapefruit wedge to garnish, this sweet cocktail will easily impress any guests.
Looking for more fun cocktails to try? Take a look at our blog all about our favourite colourful cocktails.
Make sure you also explore our pre-mixed cocktail gift sets with exclusive boxes featuring gin, whiskey, rum, tequila and Italian liqueurs.