The next time the sun’s out and you’ve got a free afternoon to enjoy with a tipple or two, forget the ‘80-style Sangria and the same old jug of Pimms and try something new!

Laden with fresh fruit, juice, and even a dash of champagne here are there, these easy gin-based cocktail punch recipes are just the ticket for spring and summer get togethers (even if the “party” is just you and your better half/bestie/housemate!). We think they are destined to become classic recipes you’ll enjoy for years to come.

So get the ice in the freezer, dust off that fruit cocktail bowl and start mixing - the only question is, which recipe will you start with? Maybe the only answer is to try them all (although, er, perhaps not on the same day, hehe!) Happy summer sipping, gin lovers!

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5 of the best summer cocktail punch recipes

1. Pink Gin Lemonade Punch

(Serves eight)

15 fresh raspberries
280ml gin
800ml rose lemonade
120ml elderflower liqueur
40ml lemon juice
Lemon slices, to garnish

Combine all your ingredients in a punch bowl with ice and stir well.

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2. Strawberry and Pineapple Punch

(Serves eight) 

350g strawberries
320ml gin
1l pineapple juice
160ml lemon juice
60ml simple syrup
Mint, to garnish

Begin by chopping and puréeing 300g strawberries in a blender. Add them to a punch bowl or jug with lots of ice. Pour over your gin, pineapple juice and lemon juice. Stir until the jug or bowl feels cold to hold. Garnish with your mint and remaining strawberries.

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3. Hibiscus Punch

(Serves eight)

400ml gin
120ml lemon juice
120ml hibiscus syrup*
1l elderflower tonic, to top up
Dried hibiscus flowers and lemon slices, to garnish

Combine all your ingredients with a large amount of crushed ice and stir well.

*To make hibiscus syrup combine 200ml water with 200g dried hibiscus flowers and 100g sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then remove from the heat. Leave to steep for 30 minutes. Double strain and use within two weeks.

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4. Aperol Gin Punch

(Serves eight)

250ml gin
150ml Aperol
500ml blood orange juice
500ml grapefruit juice
10 dashes orange bitters
120ml lime juice
120ml simple syrup
Blood orange slices, to garnish

Combine all your ingredients in a jug with plenty of ice and stir well. Garnish and serve.

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5. Cherry Blossom Punch

(Serves 8)

320ml gin
120ml maraschino liqueur
80ml lime juice
1l cherry cola
Maraschino cherries, to garnish

Combine all your ingredients except your garnish to a jug or punch bowl and stir well with a large amount of ice. Garnish and serve.