The weekend is here and with it comes the age old question, what shall we drink? While going out to the bar is tempting, there’s something far more rewarding about enjoying drinks from the comfort of your home.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a cocktail master class hosted by Gordon’s Gin, where I got a hands-on refresher in how versatile this spirit can be. What struck me wasn’t just the variety of cocktails we created, but how simple they were to recreate at home.
- The Sicilian Lemon Mojito
This refreshing drink gives the traditional mojito a twist by swapping rum for the Sicilian lemon gin. To make this start by gently slapping 4–5 fresh mint leaves between your palms. This helps release their natural oils. Drop them into a glass and then add 30ml of simple syrup, 50ml of Sicilian lemon gin and 30ml of fresh lime juice. Give it a light stir, fill the glass with ice and top up with soda water. This drink is perfect for hot afternoons.
- Premium Pink Berry
To make this cocktail, combine 50ml premium pink gin with 30ml sweet and sour mix and 120ml mixed berry juice or cranberry juice. The key is balancing the berry flavours with the gin, creating a drink that’s neither too sweet nor overpowering.
- Mediterranean Spritz
Spritz style cocktails are approachable, refreshing and perfect for extended sipping. To make this cocktail mix 50ml Mediterranean orange gin with 120ml fresh orange juice and 30ml sweet and sour mix, then top up with Sprite.
- The Gordon’s Martean
Tea is at the heart of every Kenyan home whether it’s in the morning, noon or evening. But have you ever had gin infused tea? The Gordon’s Martean blends the comfort of tea with the freshness of garden herbs for a cocktail that’s both calming and classy. To make this cocktail, start by muddling 2 slices each of cucumber and fresh basil with 30ml simple syrup. Add 60ml gin, 60ml cooled green tea and 30ml fresh lime juice.
- Simple and Zesty
This is another gin infused tea. To make this combine 60ml pink gin with 60ml cooled hibiscus tea and 30ml simple syrup, then top up with tonic water. The hibiscus adds flavour and a beautiful colour.
- Ginger Amber
This cocktail showcases how to balance spices with citrus. To make this cocktail, mix 60ml Sicilian lemon gin with 20ml honey syrup and 60ml cooled lemon and ginger tea. The honey adds richness while complementing the tea’s spicy notes.
- Earl Fizz
This is a personal favourite and I guarantee you will enjoy it. To make this simply combine 60ml Mediterranean orange gin with 30ml cooled Earl Grey tea and top with tonic water.
The weekend is the perfect time to get creative with your cocktails. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to something special, these recipes prove that you can enjoy well-crafted drinks from the comfort of your home.
