5 Cocktails To Celebrate World Gin Day
There are a million and one fake drinking holidays, most of which are nonsense. But as far as fake drinking holidays go, World Gin Day actually carries some legitimacy. Founded by gin-enthusiast Neil Houston in 2009, and since taken over by Emma Stokes (known more commonly by her Instagram moniker @ginmonkeyuk), World Gin Day has brightened the second Saturday of June by giving us an excuse to drink a few too many Gin & Tonics in the name of juniper appreciation. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the "holiday" shows no signs of slowing down, with events in over 30 countries, including a four day long festival in London dedicated entirely to the spirit.
For those of us that can't make it across the pond on June 9th, but still want to get in on the fun, we've compiled five gin cocktail recipes to get in the bar or try at home.
Glitter & Stars courtesy of Oscar Wilde
- 2 parts D. George Benham's Sonoma Dry Gin
- ¾ part Elderflower Liqueur
- Sparkling Wine
- Lavender Bitters
- Lemon twist
Combine Benham's Gin and elderflower liqueur in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled coupe. Add lavender bitters to taste, top with sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Acerbic Mrs. Parker courtesy of The Shanty at New York Distilling Company
- 2 parts Dorothy Parker Gin
- ½ part Lemon juice
- ½ part Hibiscus syrup
- ¾ part Combier Orange Liqueur
- Club soda
Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with lemon wheel.
Bog Cutter courtesy of Pernod Ricard Lead Mixologist Kevin Denton
- 1 ½ parts Plymouth Gin
- 2 ½ parts ginger Kombucha
- 1 part cranberry juice
- 1 part soda
Combine cranberry juice, gin, then Kombucha and soda over ice in a Highball glass. Stir gently, garnish with a lime wheel and fresh cranberries
Lady Windsor courtesy of Federico Avila, Bar Belly
- 2 parts cucumber honeydew melon-infused Ford's Gin
- 1 dash green peppercorn tincture
- 1 tsp Suze Aperitif
- ½ ounce yuzu lemon grass syrup
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice
The Spaniard courtesy of Ward III
- 1 ¾ parts Portobello Road Gin
- ¾ part Sherry Amontillado
- ¾ part Cynar
Build drink by combining all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass