G in, glorious gin!

We take gin pretty seriously here at the Yuppiechef HQ — we even have our own monthly Gin Club where our team gets to taste all the new and exciting gins we have on offer. So if you're looking to spice up your summer, why not head over to our premium gin collection — you'll find new favourites and old winners, guaranteed to provide much gin-spiration.

We chatted to the clever people behind two of our local favourites — Bloedlemoenand Musgrave, and they shared the recipes for two delicious gin cocktails to try. Pair that with our top tips for seasonal cocktails — and you're on your way to a cool, cool summer!

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5 Top tips to make the most of your summer cocktails

1. Season’s sweetings

Simone from Musgrave gave us her tip for keeping the sugar levels down in your G 'n T: "Use equal parts of tonic and soda, so as not to knock out the intricate flavours of the gin itself — as tonic is very high in sugar with a strong flavour. Try to keep your garnishes focused to two key flavours, and refrain from creating too much interest in the glass by over-garnishing."

2. All muddled up

Nothing screams smooth summer sipping like muddled mint. To get the best out of your leaves, clap them between your hands a few times to release even more fragrance and flavour. That’s the spirit.

3. Making spirits bright

Citrus gives cocktails a punch of acidity, perfect for cutting through the sweetness of tonics and mixers. Want to get 50% more juice out of your lemons and limes? Pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds before giving them a squeeze.

4. Spice up your life

Garnish is getting a makeover and we’re here for it. Swap mint or basil leaves for a sprig of rosemary or thyme, and while you’re giving that a swirl, why not spice things up by tossing in cinnamon sticks, pink peppercorns or star anise for an aromatic twist.

5. Jingle bells on the rocks

Yes, classic cocktails often call for crushed ice, but keep your spirits up (not watered down) and your drinks cool by using larger ice cubes or ice ballsthat’ll help your drinks stay cold for longer without diluting them.

Summer gin-spiration from the pros

Bloedlemoen SAgroni

25 ml Bloedlemoen Gin
25 ml Campari
25 ml Full Cream Sherry
1 Orange twist/peel garnish (Pro tip: use a potato peeler)

Stir all ingredients together and strain into a tumbler glass with a big block of ice. Take the orange twist and squeeze the oil over the drink.

Musgrave Ruby & Rose

50ml Musgrave Pink Gin
25ml Pale Dry Sherry
50ml Cacao Rooibos Tea
15ml Lime Juice
15ml Grapefruit Juice
25ml Monin Plum Syrup

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and double strain. Garnish with dried rose petals for extra opulence.