World Gin Day is a day to celebrate all things gin! It’s a day for gin lovers alike to share their love for the juniper spirit, and since the first event in 2009 it has evolved into a globe-spanning event celebrated by millions of people in over 30 countries.
The annual event takes place on the second Saturday of June – and this year is being held on Saturday June 12th. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, an occasional gin drinker or looking to learn more about the spirit, World Gin Day is a perfect opportunity to get involved and have a bit of fun, whether it’s with friends, family members or fellow gin lovers.
The day also gives gin brands a platform to connect with the gin loving public through hosting events such as gin tastings, distillery tours and cocktail making classes.
As the world is slowly getting back to normal, many events this year will be held online, allowing you to get involved without even leaving the house. Details of the events for 2021 can be found here on the World Gin Day website.
If you’re looking for a bit of ginspiration for the big day, we’ve selected some of the best gins on the market to try, along with a delicious cocktail recipe for each one.
Our top 6 gins to celebrate World Gin Day 2021…
1. Whitley Neill Mango & Lime Gin
Bursting with tropical and zesty notes this gin has been inspired by the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, offering an exotic mix of sun ripened mango with fresh lime. It can be enjoyed simply with tonic and ice, but also lends itself well to a variety of exotic cocktails.
On the nose there is sweet mango, citrus and undertones of subtle pepper moving into ripe tropical mango and juniper on the palate. The finish has hints of citrus sherbet with a warming spice of cassia bark and coriander.
ABV: 43%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
TROPICAL ISLAND COOLER
Ingredients
• 50ml Mango & Lime Gin
• 50ml Mango Juice
• 20ml Lime Juice
• Lemonade
• Pineapple Leaf and Mango Slice (to garnish)
Method
Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes. Add the gin, followed by the mango juice and lime juice, stir together gently and top with lemonade. Garnish the drink with a pineapple leaf and a fresh slice of mango.
2. Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin
Ki No Bi Gin is the first Japanese gin produced at the Kyoto Distillery. It was launched in 2016 and is made using locally sourced botanicals with a rice spirit base. First, the botanicals are separated into 6 elements (Base, Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral) and then each category is distilled individually before being blended together.
Offering a distinctive flavour, this gin is very refreshing with aromas of yuzu and lemon flavours at the forefront. The juniper helps to highlight the local botanicals used, bringing out an earthy element with warming notes of ginger on the finish.
ABV: 45.7%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
KI NO BI CLOVER CLUB
Ingredients
• 50ml Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin
• 25ml Dry Vermouth
• 10ml Lemon Juice
• 10ml Raspberry Syrup
• 1 Egg White
• 3 Raspberries (to garnish)
Method
Combine all the ingredients into a shaker and shake until the egg has emulsified (around 15-30 seconds). Add ice and shake again for another 15 seconds. Strain into a Martini glass and garnish with raspberries.
3. Portofino Dry Gin
Portofino Gin is produced in Liguria, a coastal region of north-western Italy, and features a mix of aromatic, herbaceous and floral botanicals. It is made with 21 carefully selected botanicals, handpicked from the hills of Portofino. The botanicals are individually macerated for 7 days in an alcohol base from Italian wheat grain, before being distilled separately using an ancient Italian copper still and a state-of-the-art Rotavapor.
This gin has a perfect balance of flavour. At first, you have notes of fresh citrus and juniper, moving into a delightful mix of floral lavender, herbaceous rosemary and sage and delicate notes of sweet marjoram.
ABV: 43%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
PORTOFINO SPRITZ
Ingredients
• Raspberries
• 40ml Portofino Dry Gin
• 15ml Italicus or another Bergamot Liqueur
• 2 drops of Lavender Bitters
• Prosecco
• Fresh Mint Leaves (to garnish)
Method
Add first 4 ingredients to a large ice-filled glass. Top with Prosecco and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
4. Malfy Gin Rosa
This offering from Malfy Gin is another citrus based expression available from their superb range of gins, including the popular Con Limone and Con Arancia iterations. It is distilled with the likes of Sicilian pink grapefruit peel, handpicked Italian juniper and sun-ripened Italian lemon.
Offering a refreshing citrus flavour, it has leading notes of zesty pink grapefruit balanced with rich juniper and hints of rhubarb. Best served with Mediterranean tonic, ice and a pink grapefruit wheel.
ABV: 41%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
PINK GIN FIZZ
Ingredients
• 25ml Malfy Gin Rosa
• Prosecco (chilled)
• Pink Grapefruit Twist (to garnish)
Method
For this super easy cocktail, just pour the gin into a flute glass and top up with chilled Prosecco. Garnish with a twist of fresh grapefruit peel.
5. Beefeater Peach & Raspberry Gin
World-renowned Beefeater Gin released their Peach and Raspberry flavoured gin in March 2021. This new addition to the brand’s flavoured gin range is made using a base of Beefeater’s London Dry recipe, with added natural sweet peach and raspberry flavours.
The expression is slightly sweet with a subtle raspberry tang. Served with tonic water, it creates and very light and refreshing drink perfect for the warmer months.
ABV: 37.5%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
PERFECT LADY
Ingredients
• 60ml Peach and Raspberry Gin
• 25ml Lemon Juice
• 20ml Orange Liquor
• 1 Egg White
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters (optional)
• Cinnamon Powder and a Vanilla Pod (to garnish)
Method
Add all ingredients into a shaker and dry shake until a foam begins to form. Add ice and wet shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a sprinkling of cinnamon powder and a vanilla pod.
6. Bombay Sapphire Sunset Gin
Released in early 2021, this summery tipple is the second gin to be released in the brand’s Special Editions series. It is made using Bombay Sapphire’s original recipe, featuring 10 core botanicals with the addition of three extra ingredients: golden turmeric, Indian white cardamom and Spanish mandarin.
Sapphire Sunset offers warm aromatic spices of cardamom and juniper with hints of florals and bittersweet citrus. Zesty orange is also prominent in the background. Designed for cocktails, it is perfect for experimenting with.
ABV: 37.5%
Serving suggestion for World Gin Day
BOMBAY SUNSET NEGRONI
Ingredients
• 25ml Bombay Sapphire Sunset Gin
• 25ml Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth
• 25ml Martini Speciale Bitter Liqueur
• 1 Orange Zest (to garnish)
• 1 Star Anise (to garnish)
Method
In a rocks glass, build over cubed ice and stir. Garnish with a twist of orange zest and 1 star anise.
