5 Refreshing Summer Gin Cocktails We Love Right Now
I never thought I’d swap my summer screwdriver for a gin cocktail, but Bullards Gin changed my mind.
As a devoted vodka drinker, I’d long watched my gin-loving friends enjoy beautifully garnished drinks in elegant balloon glasses whilst my drink barely warrants an ice cube never mind a full herb garden. So, this summer, though, I decided to see what all the fuss was about.
Produced in Norwich, Bullards Gin has built a loyal following thanks to its smooth, contemporary style and balanced botanicals. It feels modern without losing sight of what makes a great gin. More importantly for someone not naturally drawn to juniper-heavy spirits, it’s incredibly approachable.
The real revelation has been discovering how versatile gin can be. While a classic gin and tonic is always welcome, Bullards Gin works brilliantly in a range of summer serves. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a garden party or simply an evening drink in the sunshine, these are five cocktails I’ve loved this season.
Elderflower Gin Spritz
If summer could be poured into a glass, it might look like this.
Light, floral and refreshing, the Elderflower Gin Spritz is elegant enough for celebrations yet simple to make at home. Combine 50ml Bullards Gin with a splash of elderflower cordial, then top with Prosecco and soda water. Add plenty of ice, a lemon wheel and a few mint leaves.
This is the drink I imagine sipping while pretending I own a vineyard in the south of France.
Strawberry Gin Smash
British strawberries are a summer highlight, so it seems only right to turn them into a cocktail.
Muddle fresh strawberries with lemon juice and sugar syrup, then shake with Bullards Gin and serve over ice. The result is fruity, vibrant and dangerously easy to drink.
It’s Wimbledon in a glass, minus the rain delays.
Cucumber and Mint Cooler
For particularly warm afternoons when even moving feels like too much effort, this is the cocktail to reach for.
Lightly muddle fresh cucumber and mint, then top with Bullards Gin, lime juice and soda water. The flavours are crisp, cooling and refreshing.
It tastes a little like a luxury spa day, only more fun.
Summer Berry Collins
A colourful twist on the classic Tom Collins, this cocktail combines mixed berries, lemon juice and Bullards Gin, topped with sparkling soda water.
The berries add sweetness and colour while the gin provides a sophisticated backbone. It’s bright, cheerful and ideal for serving to guests.
If you’re hosting friends this summer, this one is sure to impress.
The Perfect Bullard Gin and Tonic
Sometimes you can’t improve on a classic.
Served in a balloon glass, Bullards Gin pairs beautifully with a premium tonic and a garnish of pink grapefruit. The citrus notes complement the botanicals and create a drink that feels effortlessly sophisticated.
I’ve finally come to understand why gin drinkers are so devoted.
A Vodka Drinker’s Conversion?
Am I completely abandoning my beloved screwdriver? Not quite.
But Bullards Gin has broadened my horizons. What surprised me most wasn’t just the flavour, but the ritual around it. The glassware, garnishes, creativity and sense of occasion make the experience feel more special.
As someone who appreciates good food, beautiful presentation and life’s small pleasures, perhaps it was inevitable that I’d eventually join the gin crowd.
And if that crowd happens to be holding a beautifully garnished Bullard Gin cocktail in the summer sunshine, I’m more than happy to pull up a chair.
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Joanne Brook-Smith is a lifestyle writer and editor with over 20 years’ experience in regional publishing. Her work spans travel, interiors, wellbeing, food, and everyday living—always delivered with warmth, clarity and a keen editorial eye. Joanne has a particular talent for capturing the character of places and people, drawing on years of experience telling local stories that resonate more widely. Whether she’s profiling a new independent business or exploring the rhythms of rural life, her writing remains rooted in real-world relevance and charm.