June is the real start of summer and a celebration of all things that can be enjoyed in the sunshine. It’s also the month of World Gin Day, on 11 June, and Father’s Day, on 19 June – two more excuses to mix up a refreshing and delicious cocktail to toast your favourite man and favourite spirit. Plymouth Gin has shared a couple of classic cocktail recipes to try mixing this summer to celebrate in suitable style. The ginmaker dates back to 1793 and Plymouth was the choice of spirit for the Royal Navy, so the gin has long been associated with the spirit of adventure and innovation.

For something equally as restorative but even easier to create than the below cocktails, you could also try a classic Plymouth Gin and tonic by simply mixing one part gin to three parts tonic and finishing with a twist of lemon or orange.

The Marguerite

This precursor to a martini is deceptively sophisticated in flavour given how easy it is to make.

Ingredients:

2 parts Plymouth Gin

1 part dry French vermouth

2 dashes orange bitters

Lemon peel garnish

Method:

Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass

Garnish with a lemon twist

Fresh Gimlet

This tart and moreish concoction is a modern interpretation of the Plymouth Gin cocktail created by the British Royal Navy in the 19th century when sailors mixed gin with the lime cordial taken on board to stave off scurvy. This contemporary cocktail uses fresh lime to create something sharp and summery. You could try replacing one part of the lime juice with elderflower and a pinch of salt (to make the flavours come alive) for a charmingly floral take on the cocktail, too.

Ingredients:

5 parts Plymouth Gin

2 parts fresh lime juice

1 part sugar syrup

Lime wheel garnish

Method:

Combine the liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously

Strain into a lowball glass over ice

Garnish with a lime wheel

plymouthgin.com