The 10+1 Perfect Gins for Summer

In summer, gin finds one of its most natural expressions: fresh, aromatic and able to turn even the simplest drink into a moment to savour slowly.

Citrus notes, Mediterranean herbs, delicate flowers, juicy berries and marine hints become the protagonists of spirits ideal for a garden aperitif, an evening on the terrace or a toast by the sea with friends.

There is no single style of summer gin: some look for dry, citrusy profiles, others prefer light floral nuances, while some love herbal notes or a softer, more enveloping tropical vein. In this selection we have gathered some gins suited to the warm season, chosen for their freshness, personality and versatility in mixing.

From the Gin and Tonic to the great classics, through highballs and more creative drinks, these ten gins are designed to accompany the most enjoyable moments of summer.

1. Apium Grapefruit Gin

Produced at the historic English distillery G&J Greenall's, whose gin tradition dates back to 1761, Apium is a gin built around coriander—the botanical that also inspired its name, echoing the Apiaceae family.

In the Grapefruit version, the classic base of juniper, coriander, angelica, rosemary, cubeb pepper and verbena is enriched with the vibrant notes of pink grapefruit. The result is a citrusy, aromatic gin in which the citrus component combines with the dry character of juniper and light herbal and spicy nuances.

Perfect for a summer Gin and Tonic with neutral tonic water and a slice of pink grapefruit, it also works well in fresh highballs and contemporary twists on classic cocktails.

2. Indian Summer Saffron Infused Gin

Created by the independent Scottish bottler Duncan Taylor, Indian Summer Saffron Infused Gin is designed to evoke bright days, outdoor toasts and summer evenings that seem never to end. The recipe combines angelica, coriander seeds, lemon peel and orris root with a distinctive saffron infusion carried out after distillation.

It is saffron that defines the gin's character: it lends an elegant golden colour and introduces soft, spicy and delicately earthy notes, supported by the freshness of lemon and the structure of juniper. The name recalls the “Indian Summer”, that unexpected return of sun and warmth after the first cold spells.

It is best enjoyed with a neutral or lightly floral tonic water. Its soft, distinctive spice also adds an original touch to cocktails such as the Negroni and Martini.

3. Gin Scorza

Produced by Distilleria Leonardelli, Gin Scorza is built around juniper and fresh Sicilian mandarin peel. Batch distillation and an essential selection of botanicals define a clean, crisp Mediterranean profile.

The organic wheat base and the essential botanical selection give rise to a fresh, clean Mediterranean profile, in which the liveliness of mandarin intertwines with the balsamic and resinous notes of juniper. Bottled at 40% vol., it maintains precise balance and pleasant immediacy on the palate.

It naturally accompanies terrace aperitifs, outdoor evenings and moments of relaxation on the warmest days. It works well in a Gin and Tonic with Indian Tonic or Mediterranean Tonic.

4. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus

Born from PJ Rigney's journey to Sardinia, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus celebrates Sa Pompia, a rare endemic citrus grown almost exclusively in the Siniscola area. Also known as Citrus monstruosa, it is often described as a natural cross between citron and grapefruit, with a thick peel and an intense aromatic profile.

Its lively, slightly bitter citrus notes integrate with the original Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin recipe, built around juniper, oriental botanicals and the distinctive Gunpowder Tea. The result is a lively, Mediterranean gin, in which the citrus component adds brightness to the spicy, herbal profile of the classic version.

Also worth trying in a refreshing reinterpretation of the Spritz, where its citrusy and slightly bitter component adds vibrancy and character.

5. Caprisius Gin Original

Caprisius Gin Original was created to capture the Mediterranean identity of Capri in a single spirit. Juniper and lemon meet thyme, marjoram and local wild herbs, processed through separate macerations and distillations to best preserve their individual aromatic nuances.

A delicate touch of sea salt completes the profile, adding a savoury vein that recalls the island breeze and makes the sip particularly fresh and distinctive. The result is an elegant, citrusy and herbal gin with a fully Mediterranean character. Also available in the Special Edition, with a bottle inspired by the Faraglioni of Capri.

Ideal in a Gin and Tonic with neutral tonic water and lemon peel, it also lends itself to fresh twists on the great classics, where it can enhance its Mediterranean, herbal and savoury profile.

6. Isle of Barra Atlantic Gin

Produced and bottled on the Scottish island of Barra, home to Scotland's westernmost distillery, Isle of Barra Atlantic Gin was created to tell the wild, coastal character of the Atlantic. The recipe brings together 17 selected botanicals, including carrageen seaweed harvested along the island's shores, which gives the spirit a distinctive marine imprint.

Juniper, citrus, coriander and liquorice build a saline, aromatic profile in which floral and herbal notes intertwine with a delicate briny vein. Carrageen also adds a fresh, almost minty sensation that makes the sip more dynamic and recognisable, accompanying the long, clean finish in which citrus and juniper remain well defined.

Also worth trying in a coastal-style Martini, where the gin best expresses its briny, herbal and delicately minty character.

7. Okinawa Recipe 02 – Red Label

Produced by the historic Masahiro Shuzo distillery, founded in 1883 on the Japanese island of Okinawa, Recipe 02 was created to tell the greener, more aromatic side of this subtropical territory. Its base is Awamori, the traditional Okinawan rice spirit, which gives the gin a soft, distinctive structure.

Juniper is joined by Citrus Tankan, southern mint, aromaticus, alpinia zerumbet, ginger and lemongrass. The result is a fresh, lively gin in which citrus notes intertwine with herbal, balsamic and slightly spicy nuances. Compared to Recipe 01, it presents a greener, more aromatic profile with particularly evident freshness.

Its unmistakable herbal character is best expressed with a neutral tonic water or in a Gin Rickey, with soda and fresh lime.

8. Aquamaris Distilled Dry Gin

Aquamaris Distilled Dry Gin is born in Sicily from an alcohol base obtained from ancient grains grown near the distillery. Juniper is distilled in a copper still heated by direct wood fire, while verdello lemon and savory are infused afterwards to define a fresh, decisive profile.

Pure spring water and microfiltered Mediterranean seawater complete the recipe, adding a subtle savoury imprint that enhances the botanicals. The result is a citrusy, marine gin, deeply connected to the Sicilian territory.

Also worth trying in a Negroni, where its citrusy, marine imprint brings freshness to the classic structure of bitter and red vermouth. Aquamaris's savoury notes enhance raw fish, shellfish and simple seafood dishes.

9. Poltergeist Citrus Gin

Craft-produced in small batches by Callington Mill Distillery in Tasmania, Poltergeist Citrus Gin is a gin with a lively, contemporary character, made in copper stills and bottled at 48% vol. without cold filtration, using pure Tasmanian mountain water.

Juniper, cardamom, coriander seeds, lemon myrtle and wild Tasmanian pepper build a lively profile in which the citrus component intertwines with spicy and slightly balsamic nuances. The result is an intense yet balanced gin, with a crisp, persistent freshness.

Best enjoyed with tonic or soda, or simply over ice, to enhance its citrusy, aromatic character.

10. Ramsay's Gin

Born from the collaboration between Eden Mill and Gordon Ramsay, Ramsay's Gin reinterprets the classic London Dry through botanicals selected along the Scottish coast of Fife and around St Andrews. Local honey and Mara seaweed harvested on the shores of Fife tell the gin's connection with this seaside territory.

Juniper, pink pepper, fennel seeds, lavender and lemon verbena complete the recipe, giving rise to a fresh, articulate profile in which floral, herbal and marine notes meet with balance. The result is a contemporary gin with a subtle savoury and aromatic vein.

Ideal for those seeking a coastal gin with a refined Scottish character. Excellent in a Gin and Tonic with neutral tonic or Indian Tonic, it is also worth trying in a Bramble, where blackberry and lime enhance its fresher, more aromatic side.

Bonus: Ginzero Foglia (alcohol-free bonus)

Ginzero Foglia is an alcohol-free interpretation of Gin Foglia by Distilleria Leonardelli, designed to keep a recognisable botanical identity in a lighter, more immediate and alcohol-free form.

The aromatic component, built around natural juniper, mint and rosemary flavours, recalls the green, balsamic spirit of the original recipe with a softer, more linear profile. The result is a clean, aromatic option in which Alpine references meet Mediterranean suggestions—ideal for those seeking an alcohol-free aperitif with a defined character.

Perfect with tonic and ice, it also lends itself to refined alcohol-free cocktails and “zero” reinterpretations of the classics. To best enhance its aromatic profile, it is recommended to serve it at 6–8 °C.