Gratifying gin cocktails that highlight the distinctive spirit

While that simple gin and tonic might always be perfectly refreshing on a leisurely afternoon, these gin cocktails take the distinctive spirit in a new direction. From a touch of the topics to fruit forward sips, these \ gin cocktails will have everyone seeing a classic spirit in a new light.

NOLET’S Silver White Sangria

While a sangria has many people thinking of a table filled with tapas and a pitcher overflowing with fruit, wine and brandy do not have to be the only spirits in the glass. With this recipe, the NOLET’S Silver Gin adds an herbaceous note to the mix. Balancing the sweetness of the white grape juice, the classic NOLET’s Gin adds a depth to the cocktail.

In addition, the ginger ale or club soda adds effervescence to the sip. Those bubbles make the cocktail even more refreshing. On a warm afternoon, this sangria recipe is a perfect way to unwind.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
• 1 bottle Dry White Wine
• 4 oz. White Grape Juice
• 4 oz. Sugar
• 4 oz. Sliced Seedless Grapes
• 1 Sliced Apple (Green or Red)
• 16 oz. Ginger Ale or Club Soda

Method:

• Dissolve sugar in a pitcher with white wine, NOLET’S Silver, and grape juice. Add grapes and apple slices and chill.
• Add ice and top with ginger ale or club soda. Serve over ice in a wine glass. Garnish with grapes.

Jamaica Tropical Gin Tonic from Hilton Cartagena

Although some people think of gin and an English garden, this cocktail from the Hilton Cartagena brings a taste of the tropics to the glass. The hibiscus flavors bring out a new layer of complexity in the gin. Quite refreshing yet a touch intriguing, the island vibes are waiting to be sipped.

Ingredients:

• 45 ml of Gordon’s gin
• 45 ml of hibiscus flower extract
• 150 ml of tonic
• 3 or 4 hibiscus berries for garnish

Directions:

• In a mixing glass, pour gin, hibiscus flower extract and ice. Mix and pour into a goblet glass. Pour the tonic into the glass and garnish with hibiscus berries.

The Last Drop from Waldorf Astoria New York

Sometimes a trip to New York City is all about savoring every possible moment. With this cocktail, The Last Drop, which is featured in The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book, the simple cocktail makes the drinker long for one more sip. While that Cassis at the bottom of the glass holds the intrigue, it is the flavor that makes people want to enjoy another one.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Citadelle gin
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.50 oz simple syrup (1 part sugar/1 part water)
• 0.25 oz Mathilde Cassis

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a mixing glass except Cassis. Add ice and shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Drip Cassis into center of drink, causing it to pool at bottom of glass. No garnish.

Fizzy Lemon Lavender Lane Cocktail

Tea is more than just a beverage enjoyed with a shortbread cookie. This cocktail from Celestial Seasonings features is Lemon Lavender Tea. Far from grandma’s spot of tea, there is an element of sophistication yet modern. Bright and refreshing, it could be the cocktail for those ladies who lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz gin
• 2 tea bags of Lemon Lavender Tea
• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• sparkling water

Method:

• Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil. Pour 2 cups of water over two tea bags in a cup. Steep 4 to 6 minutes and remove bags. Fill glass with ice, add the gin, tea and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with dried lavender stem and slice of lemon.

What gin cocktails are you sipping? Is there something new to behold in the glass?