Tips for making the most refreshing Scottish gin drink for summer

Recently, The Scottish Gin Society, who have created a Scottish Distillery Map and online A-Z of Scottish gin, undertook a survey to find Scotland's top 10 gins - the results of which are shown in the video below.

So it's clear they know their stuff, so we asked their ambassador Alison Higgins to give us some tips and serves for creating the most refreshing Scottish gin drink for summer.

Glassware

Though gin in the UK is traditionally enjoyed in tall tumblers, the Spaniards (Europe's leading gin consumers) have been enjoying them in copa de balon glasses with the larger goblet style glasses able to hold more ice, more garnishes, more mixer and of course, more gin.

Best of all you can get them online for as little as £4 per glass.

Ice

The cooler the drink the more refreshing it's going to be, bigger cubes are better - though if you don't want to dilute your drink then try using frozen soft fruit such as raspberries instead.

Garnishes

Refreshing garnishes like citrus slices, twists and peels as well as mint are going to add an extra zing to your serve but just be careful to use only those that work well with the botanicals in your gin for the best flavour results.

Refreshing G&T serves

What better way to cool down than with a Gin and Tonic - here are three great serves that will refresh any palate.

Kintyre Gin

50ml serve of Kintyre Gin, top with a light tonic and garnish with some fresh mint

Fresh G&T, from The Old Curiosity Distillery

Take a serving of 50ml Chamomile &Cornflower Gin, add 5ml Fresh Lemon Juice (squeeze of wedge), fresh peppermint leaves and stir before adding a tonic of your choice and garnishing with a lemon slice.

Edinburgh Gin Seaside Gin

Take 50ml of EG Seaside, add a premium tonic of your choice - it goes well with Fever-Tree Mediterranean - and garnish with lemon peel and fresh thyme.