[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n erstwhile ingredient in herbal medicines, gin has a longstanding connection to British culture, so it’s not surprising that it’s one of her favorites.
While we can’t recall a time when gin was out of fashion, it’s getting a new wave of love from bar managers and mixologists.
Heck, even the Queen of England reportedly loves a daily gin cocktail or two (among others).
And, while you may never be royalty, you can certainly feel like it with one of these 12 royally good gin cocktails.
La Guapa, Tanta, Chicago, Illinois (Photo Above)
Celebrated for its pisco sour sip, this Peruvian spot has also got a creative, refreshing gin cocktail that’s expertly blended with CH Lavender Gin, rhubarb, lemon, and sparkling rosé.
Pine Trees and Bees, Sea Glass Restaurant and Lounge, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
A sip of Maine, this pour is local Ingenium Gin, honey simple syrup, lemon juice, local Green Bee Lemon Sting Soda (from their beehive honey), and local Coastal Root Pine Bitters.
Lily’s Tonic, City Hall Bistro at The Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Beer baron Adolphus Busch built the hotel, but the cocktails have been reimagined thanks to bev manager Anna Pereda.
Her Lilly’s Tonic, a nod to Busch’s wife Lilly, is made with dry gin and housemade tonic along with a pomegranate garnish.
Fancy Pants, Radiator, Washington, D.C.
Tanqueray, Prosecco, maraschino, Absinthe, citrus bitters with a tarragon, and a cucumber garnish are behind this see-and-be-seen bipartisan cocktail.
Dutch Mule, AVANT, San Diego, California
Grapefruit gives this Mule a surprise citrus twist and a little zing. It’s added to Nolet’s Silver Gin and ginger beer.
And not a copper mug in sight.
Old Tom’s Summer Blues Remedy, David Burke Kitchen, New York, New York
This sip of summer in autumn is made with Spring 44 Old Tom Gin, The Bitter Truth Violet Liqueur, Cointreau, and lemon. Guaranteed to boost your mood.
Tempo Bello, Arbella, Chicago, Illinois
Customer favorite Tempo Bello stars house-infused grapefruit gin, and Luxardo and Tempus Fugit liquers for “an extra juicy and carbonated Negroni variant.”
Dapper Dandy, Henley, Nashville, Tennessee
Head bartender Jon Howard’s cocktails complement James Beard award-winning executive chef’s RJ Cooper’s seasonal dishes, especially Howard’s Dapper Dandy, crafted with Plymouth Gin, Vermouth del Professore, Suze, and a dandy dandelion.
Improved Gin & Tonic, Legal Seafoods, Washington, D.C.
Legal Seafoods has partnered with St. George Spirits for their own curated St. George Gin, highlighting lemon, dill, and tarragon — perfect botanical pairings with seafood.
It’s finished with a sprig of mint and lemon wheel.
Not in D.C.? You can drink it at a Legal Seafoods near you, too.
Blackberry Gin Collins, Diplomat Prime, Hollywood, Florida
A fruity gin cocktail made with Hendricks Gin, fresh blackberries, sugar, and fresh-pressed lemon juice, a splash of sparkling water gives it some fizz.
Just the thing to toast to better days ahead!
The Molly Ringwald, Trace, Austin, Texas
A homage of a sip to the star of Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink, this features a cast of Dripping Springs Gin, Creme de Pamplemousse Rose, Tiamo Prosecco, and lemon.
The Castaway, Select Oyster Bar, Boston, Massachusetts
The innovative gin sip is created with Tommyrotter Gin, fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime juices, cinnamon-infused simple syrup, a pinch of salt, and Tiki Bitters, and it’s topped with seltzer and a lime wheel.
Best enjoyed with the freshest local oysters.
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Laurie Bain Wilson is a Boston-based journalist, author, and essayist who writes often about travel, food, and baseball. Find her on Twitter @laurieheather.
Photo credits: Paul Saraceno (Legal Seafoods).
This post originally appeared on blog.opentable.com