Summer gin vibes: 4 mixers to try that aren’t tonic

While gin and tonic is a classic, gin pairs well with many other flavours. Here are four of our favourites.

Pomegranate

Fruity and slightly tart, the exotic pomegranate is the perfect accompaniment to the botanicals that give gin its complex, distinctive taste. Try gin with pomegranate juice and rosemary or, for something more festive, add a tot of gin to this pomegranate champagne punch. In the latter recipe, you can also substitute regular sparkling wine for the non-alcohol version for a fruity take on the classic French 75 cocktail. Alternatively, if you’re not quite ready to leave the tonic behind, mix your gin with pomegranate molasses and pink tonic.

Berries

Whether you opt for blackberries, raspberries, blueberries – or a mix of all three! – there is something about these bright fruits that make any cocktail festive. Keep it simple by mixing gin with raspberry jam, lemon juice and soda water, or add some complexity with a splash of bitters such as Campari or Aperol. You can substitute the raspberries in both these recipes with any other berries you have on hand.

Ginger

For a change from tonic, ginger beer is another mixer that goes well with gin. But why stick to ginger beer? Pair fresh ginger with a host of other ingredients for gin cocktails that are spicy, sweet, and may even contain health benefits! Try pairing gin and ginger with pineapple, cinnamon and/or turmeric, or add a tot of gin to this mint and ginger lemonade or this apple, lemon and ginger spritzer.

Grapefruit

Some may find the bitterness of grapefruit a welcome addition to a cocktail, while others may pucker their lips in distaste. If you fall into the first category, be sure to try this grapefruit and rosé cocktail, which just screams “summer”. If you’re planning to serve it as a welcome drink, make it extra festive by using sparkling rosé.