3 fresh gin cocktails to enjoy in time for spring

Apr 13 2021, 3:00 pm

Spring has sprung, and we’re eager to revive our happy hour roster with a lineup of delectable cocktails that reflect long-lasting days and warmer weather.

As flowers start to sprout and trees begin to blossom, it’s time to tuck away the parka and get reacquainted with your home garden (or the fresh herb section of your local grocer) for some vibrant, gin-infused drinks.

We love the way the botanicals in gin produce herbal and floral flavours, which is why you’ll always find our bar stocked with this clear spirit in the spring and summer months. But like any sip-worthy beverage, a cocktail is only as good as its base.

The essence of any standout imbibement is a quality, handcrafted gin, like Sipsmith Gin. This London Dry Gin is infused with 10 botanicals and macerates for 15 hours before being distilled in copper stills, always in small batches for smooth sipping. Whether you’re looking to stir up a classic, or longing to experiment, it’s a gin you can pare down or embellish with fresh flavours.

From your garden to your glass, take in the novelties of the new season with these cocktail recipes that are the embodiment of spring.

Sipsmith Gin Basil Smash

If spring had a taste, it would be this. Born out of a desire to see gin production return to London, the city where it earned its name, Sipsmith is taking it back to halcyon days of gin-making. As an at-home mixologist, using it as a foundation is a dream because all it takes is a few fresh ingredients to create a truly restaurant-worthy cocktail.

When it comes to this cocktail staple, all you need is a handful of basil and a couple of lemons to craft a captivating drink.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
  • 15 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 10 ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
  • 6 to 12 basil leaves

Method:

Muddle the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and other ingredients. Shake well. Double strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Sipsmith Classic Bee’s Knees 

All we’ll say is that this cocktail really is the bee’s knees. The citrus-forward classic allows its impeccably smooth gin base to shine — its botanical notes enhanced by the lemony tang and sweet honey finish.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
  • 25 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Method:

Combine the ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Southside Fizz

The words effortless and effervescent come to mind when we envision our ideal spring cocktails — and the Southside Fizz has both in spades. Its mixture of mint and lime makes for a refreshing sipper that will brighten even the cloudiest of days.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Sipsmith London Dry Gin
  • 25 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 15 ml simple syrup
  • Splash of club soda
  • A handful of mint (save a sprig for garnish)

Method:

Add a handful of mint to the bottom of the shaker and muddle lightly — don’t break down the mint too much or you’ll have pulpy pieces floating unpleasantly in your drink. Add gin, lime juice, and syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well combined — about 10 to 15 seconds. Double strain into a glass.


Get your cocktail shaker shaking with a bottle of Sipsmith Gin from your local LCBO.

For more gin-spiration, you can visit sipsmith.com.

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Victoria BouthillierVictoria Bouthillier

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