Raise a Glass: How to Celebrate World Gin Day This June 13th

Celebrate World Gin Day this June 13th by exploring the rich history and versatile flavours of this beloved spirit.
From its origins as a medieval herbal medicine to its status as a cornerstone of modern mixology, gin has captured the imagination of distillers and drinkers worldwide. Today’s global gin renaissance offers an unprecedented variety of styles, from traditional, juniper-forward London Drys to contemporary blends infused with local botanicals like citrus, floral elements, and native spices. Whether you are a lifelong enthusiast or a curious newcomer, there is no better time to raise a glass and master a few classic cocktail recipes.

The Classic Gin & Tonic

The ultimate test of a good gin is how it harmonises with a high-quality tonic water. This refreshing staple is perfect for warm afternoon celebrations.

Ingredients:

45ml Papa Salt Coastal Gin

Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water

Lime wedge

Nocellara Olive

Fresh ice

Method:

Add fresh ice to a stemmed balloon glass – pour over Papa Salt Gin and Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water. Squeeze and garnish with lime wedge and Nocellara olive. Simple and good.

The Elegant Tom Collins

Dating back to the 19th century, this bubbly, sweet, and sour drink functions like an elevated adult lemonade. It is exceptionally crisp and highly customisable.

Ingredients:

50 ml Gin

25 ml Fresh lemon juice

15 ml Sugar syrup (1:1 ratio)

Soda water to top

Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish

Method:

Add the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a shaker with ice.

Shake well until chilled.

Strain into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice.

Top with soda water.

Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.

The Sophisticated Negroni

For those who prefer a bold, bitter, and complex profile, the Negroni is an Italian masterpiece. Its equal-parts recipe makes it incredibly easy to build at home.

Ingredients:

30 ml Gin

30 ml Campari

30 ml Sweet red vermouth

Orange peel or slice

Method:

Combine all three liquid ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir thoroughly for about 20 to 30 seconds to chill and dilute.

Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.

Express the oils of an orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

The Gin Basil Smash (The Modern Crowd-Pleaser)

Created in Germany in 2008, this vibrant green drink has exploded in global popularity. It is highly photogenic, making it perfect for article imagery, and offers a herbaceous twist that appeals to both gin enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Ingredients:

60ml Gin (a citrus-forward or classic London Dry works best)

22ml Fresh lemon juice

15ml Simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water ratio)

10–12 Fresh basil leaves

Method:

Muddle the basil leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker to release the vibrant oils.

Pour in the fresh lemon juice and gin. Fill the shaker completely with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until ice-cold.

Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Garnish with a slapped sprig of fresh basil perched on top.

The Classic French 75 (The Elegant Standard)

Dating back to World War I, this sophisticated cocktail combines gin with champagne. It provides your article with a celebratory, high-end option that is incredibly easy to build but looks and tastes luxurious.

Ingredients:

30ml Gin (a traditional, botanical-heavy gin)

15ml Fresh lemon juice

15ml Simple syrup

60ml Champagne or premium sparkling wine

Method:

Combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.

Add ice and shake briefly until well-chilled.

Strain the mixture into a chilled champagne flute or coupe glass.

Top up gently with the champagne to keep the bubbles active.

Garnish with a long, elegant twist of lemon peel.

 

How do you like your gin served?