17 Best Summer Gin Cocktails to Enjoy

Summer gin cocktails and sunny days are a match made in heaven!

Forget the complicated mixology. All you need is some gin, a few mixers, and a splash of creativity. 

There are plenty of tasty options, from citrusy sips to berry-infused blends and even some with tropical twists. 

When the sun’s out and the temperature’s high, there’s nothing like these summer gin cocktails to cool you down. Grab your gin, and let’s get mixing!

1. Blueberry Lemonade

This isn’t the lemonade you remember from your lemonade stand days! This blueberry lemonade with gin is a grown-up twist on a classic. 

It’s a blend of gin, lemons, blueberries, and basil simple syrup. 

The gin complements the lemon, while basil-infused simple syrup takes the flavor up a notch. The basil gives it an adult spin, emphasizing the gin’s botanical notes. 

Ingredients: gin, lemons, basil-infused simple syrup, fresh blueberries

2. Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail

The strawberry basil gin cocktail is the drink you didn’t know you needed.

Fresh strawberries make it sweet and tart, and basil gives it an earthy kick. Don’t forget the lemon. It brings on the sunshine!

The gin ties it all together, making the drink equal parts refreshing and fun!

Ingredients: strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, basil, gin, club soda

3. Singapore Sling

A Singapore sling is a classic gin cocktail. It’s more involved but worth the effort. It has eight ingredients, making it one of the most complex drinks on this list. 

But the payoff is rewarding. You taste fruity, sweet, and tart flavors in one sip. 

Ingredients: gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, lime juice, Benedictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, Angostura bitters

4. Best Gin and Tonic

The best gin and tonic is all about balance. You want the gin and the tonic to play nice so one doesn’t overshadow the other. 

According to this recipe, the middle-of-the-road ratio will do the trick. It keeps the drink light yet lets the gin’s aroma come through. 

Lime is also essential, turning the drink from good to great with its zingy kick. 

Ingredients: gin, fresh lime juice, tonic water, lime wedge or slice, ice.

5. Classic Gimlet

The classic gimlet is simplicity at its finest. It has gin, lime juice, and a bit of sugar. But the flavors mesh in a way that feels like a big deal. 

If you like things uncomplicated but still crave that wow factor, this is your go-to. It’s as refreshing as it is easy to make. 

Ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup.

6. Berry Mint Gin Smash

The berry mint gin smash is a fruit lover’s dream. Think of it as a berry salad but with a punch of gin and mint. 

It’s a drink you’ll want for chilling on the patio or jazzing up a BBQ. It’s vibrant, it’s sweet, and it’s minty fresh.

Ingredients: strawberries, red raspberries, blackberries, gin, mint simple syrup, ice, soda water

7. Blackberry Lavender Gin Sour

The blackberry lavender gin sour is your go-to for something classy yet laid-back. 

Start with muddling blackberries and lavender honey simple syrup. This gets you that deep, rich flavor and herbal kick. 

Then add egg white and lemon juice, shake it up, and bam, you have silky foam. 

Finish it with sage bitters and edible flowers for a smooth, show-stopping drink.

Ingredients: blackberries, lavender honey simple syrup, egg white, lemon juice, sage bitters, edible flowers

8. Bee’s Knees Cocktail

The Bee’s Knees cocktail is all about keeping it simple but delicious. 

It’s just gin, lemon, and honey syrup, but it packs a flavor punch. It has a little sweetness, a hit of citrus, and that gin kick. 

And that honey syrup is the magic trick to mix honey easily into a cold drink. 

Ingredients: honey syrup, lemon juice, gin, lemon twist for garnish

9. Classic Gin Rickey with Strawberry Twist

A gin rickey is a simple but incredibly refreshing cocktail. 

It combines gin, lime juice, and club soda and is served over a mountain of ice in a highball glass. 

Now, imagine taking that classic and giving it a strawberry twist. Add a bit of simple strawberry syrup to the mix, and you elevate the drink to a new level.

Ingredients: gin, freshly squeezed lime juice, ice, club soda, strawberry simple syrup

10. Frozen Gin and Tonic

Frozen gin and tonic is essentially a grown-up slushy. 

Just blend tonic ice cubes, gin, and a twist of lime zest. You get a slushy that’s both refreshing and packs a little punch. 

It’s ideal for sizzling summer days when you want more than just a cold drink but an icy experience.

Ingredients: tonic water, gin, lime, ice cubes.

11. Cucumber Mint Gin Fizz

Cool off with a cold glass of cucumber mint gin fizz. This drink takes the earthy taste of gin and kicks it up with zesty lime and fresh mint. 

Top it off with cucumber lime sparkling water for a vibrant and bubbly drink that screams summer. 

Ingredients: English cucumber slices, fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, gin, cucumber lime sparkling water.

12. Blueberry Gin and Tonic

This blueberry gin and tonic is a hit at summer BBQs or happy hours. It has the crisp, classic taste you expect from a gin and tonic but with a fruity kick. 

What sets this drink apart is the homemade blueberry syrup. It adds a sweet, tangy layer to go hand-in-hand with the gin. 

A splash of fresh lime juice balances everything out.  Plus, the vibrant blue hue is total eye candy!

Ingredients: gin, blueberry syrup, freshly squeezed lime juice, tonic water

13. Elderflower Gin Cocktail

This elderflower gin cocktail is your new go-to for sipping in the sun. 

You’ll love the floral aroma and flavor of the elderflower mixed with gin’s classic kick. Give it some bright freshness with quality tonic water and lemon juice. 

Ingredients: ice cubes, lemon juice, gin, elderflower liqueur, tonic water, mint or lemon balm leaves for garnish

14. Strawberry Lemon Gin Granita

This strawberry lemon gin granita is like summer in a spoonful. 

It’s not your typical icy granita. It’s more slushy, thanks to the gin. The strawberries make it fruity, while lemon adds a tart kick. 

It’s perfect for winding down after a long, hot day or impressing your BBQ guests.

Ingredients: fresh strawberries, simple syrup, gin, lemon juice & zest

15. Cucumber Mint Gimlet

The cucumber mint gimlet is the chill cousin of the classic gimlet. 

It uses the same gin and lime base but is boosted with muddled cucumber and mint. 

Pro-tip: Peel your cucumber to avoid bitterness. 

Ingredients: peeled cucumber, mint leaves, light agave nectar or simple syrup, lime, gin

16. Lavender Collins

The Lavender Collins is a Tom Collins that went on a spa day. 

Same gin, lemon, and fizzy water, but with a splash of homemade lavender syrup. The lavender elevates everything, making every sip feel like a mini-vacation. 

Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, lavender syrup, sparkling water

17. Aperol Gin Cocktail

This Aperol gin cocktail is a refreshing mix of Aperol, gin, and lime juice, balanced with simple syrup and soda water. 

The lime wedge adds that final touch.

It’s a zesty, slightly bitter drink, perfect for summer evenings. Enjoy!

Ingredients: Aperol, gin, lime juice, simple syrup, soda water, lime wedge