Do you feel that? It’s really heating up out there. If only you had some refreshing gin for your cocktails and some cool, delicious recipes to help you kick the summer heat in style. Hang on! You do. Below is a list of simple gin cocktail recipes curated by our HHH Spirits family. Cool down this summer (and all year round) with these five easy gin cocktail recipes guaranteed to quench your thirst.
The Native Negroni — Serves 1
The Native Negroni is both herby and delicious. Made using our iconic Wax Lyrical gin, the HHH spin on this classic cocktail is one you’ll love time and time again. Served in an old-fashioned glass, this earthy cocktail can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
What You Need
- 30mls Wax Lyrical Gin
- 20mls orange bitters
- 30mls sweet vermouth
- Orange peel, to garnish
- Ice
Making The Native Negroni
When we said these recipes were simple, we weren’t kidding. All you need to do is half-fill your glass with ice and leave it to the side. In a separate glass or jug, combine the Wax Lyrical Gin, orange bitters and sweet vermouth. Stir until mixed and pour over ice. Garnish with your orange peel, and it’s ready to go!
The Blue Collins — Serves 1
Our take on the classic Tom Collins, this refreshing cocktail uses our signature Wax Lyrical Blue Gin to create a vibrant and delicious beverage to die for. Serve in a tall glass with a bit of ice and enjoy by the poolside (or at home in your PJs. We don’t judge here).
What You Need
- 50mls Wax Lyrical Blue Gin
- 15mls sugar syrup
- 110mls (approx) soda water
- 25mls lemon juice
- Lemon wedge, to garnish
- Fresh cherry, to garnish
- Ice
Making The Blue Collins
Pour the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain it into your glass. Top up the glass with ice and soda water, and garnish with your lemon wedge and cherry. Enjoy!
The KLC Rickey — Serves 1
Perfect for a hot summer’s day, the KLC Rickey is a fresh gin cocktail that is as flavoursome as it is revitalising. Best enjoyed lounging in the sun, this cocktail staple looks fantastic in a highball glass.
What You Need
- 50mls KLC Gin
- 30mls lime juice (fresh or bottled)
- Himalayan salt
- Tonic or soda water, whichever you prefer
- Kaffir lime leaf, to garnish (optional)
- Ice (enough to stir)
Making The KLC Rickey
Perhaps the simplest gin cocktail on this list, the KLC Rickey is made in the same glass you serve it in. Pour the gin and ice into your glass. Add the lemon juice and two pinches of salt. Mix with a stirrer and add your tonic or soda water to top it off. Garnish with a kaffir lime leaf, and you’re good to go!
The Bee’s Knees — Serves 1
If you’re looking for a delightful yet simple gin cocktail for summer, then this is it! The Bee’s Knees is easy to make, and when using our signature Miss Myrtle Gin, you’ll be left with a delicious drink you’ll want all summer long.
What You Need
- 60mls Miss Myrtle Gin
- 20mls lemon juice
- Honey syrup (to taste)
- Lemon peel, to garnish
- Ice
Making The Bees Knees
Pour the gin, lemon juice and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for about half a minute. Pour over a glass of ice, top with lemon peel and serve.
Note: This recipe calls for our Miss Myrtle Gin, which contains delicious hints of honey. If you’d like to strengthen the honey flavour, add some honey syrup to taste.
The Watermelon Freeze — Serves 1
Most ideal for a hot Australian day, The Watermelon Freeze is a gin cocktail that really can’t go wrong. You will need a blender, though. Oh, and maybe some hardy straws!
What You Need
- 1 cup cubed frozen watermelon
- 40mls Wax Lyrical Gin
- 5mls lime juice
- 1.5 cups tonic
- Lime/mint wedge, to garnish
Making The Watermelon Freeze
You guessed it! Place the watermelon cubes, lime juice, gin, and tonic in the blender. Blend, wait until smooth, and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime or mint, and serve. Mmm, we feel cool and refreshed already!