Three Fun Summer Cocktails For Gin Lovers

Gin is often overlooked when it comes to summer cocktails. The gin and tonic isn't exactly summery, and gin and juice gets mundane after a while. If you're not a fan of the more common rum or vodka-based summer cocktails and are looking to switch things up, try making one of these more creative gin-based drinks.

Gin Limeade

You'll love the intense lime flavor of this summery cocktail. It's tart enough to really let the gin shine through, but not so tart that you'll find yourself puckering.

Ingredients (for a pitcher of 4 - 6 cocktails):

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2/3 cup gin

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan on the stove. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a pitcher, add the other ingredients, and stir. Add plenty of ice, and serve in low-ball glasses garnished with slices of lime.

Twisted Blue Hawaiian

The Blue Hawaiian is classically made with rum, but this "twisted" version calls for your favorite gin instead. This bright blue drink makes quite the stunning presentation, so consider serving it at a pool party or backyard barbecue.

Ingredients (for one cocktail):

• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 1 ounce sour mix
• 1/2 ounce cream of coconut
• 1/2 ounce blue curacao
• 1 1/2 ounces gin

Combine all of the above ingredients in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake until moisture beads up on the outside of the shaker. Strain into a hurricane glass, garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cute straw (or mini umbrella), and serve.

Purple 'Rita

This funky purple cocktail isn't quite a margarita since it's made with gin, not tequila. But it will knock your socks off with the combination of citrus flavors, grape undertones, and saltiness.

Ingredients (for one cocktail):

• Plenty of flaked margarita salt
• 2 ounces lime juice
• 1/2 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce grape liqueur

Moisten the rim of a margarita glass with a little gin, and dip it in the salt to coat it. In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine the lime juice, triple sec, simple syrup or agave, gin, and grape liqueur. Shake well until moisture forms on the outside of the shaker, and then strain into your prepared margarita glass. Garnish with a lemon or lime slice if you desire. Enjoy!

Contact a supplier, like Monin,to find the ingredients and tools you need.