Gin lovers, listen up: we’ve rounded up the gin trends you need to know about now that summer 2021 has (finally) arrived. Keeping up-to-date with the world of gin is a no-brainer here at Craft Gin Club, so we’ve used our crystal ball and industry insights to predict what is going to be booming this season. Give these a read and see which ones sound like a bit of you…

From experiences to fiery flavours, and why we’re still loving a gin spritz, here are the gin-spiring things to watch out for and get involved with!

Gin experiences

Due to the pandemic, us gin-enthusiasts have been doing what we do best: enjoying our Craft Gin Club Gin Of The Month boxes and make delicious cocktails at home. We’ve also been hosting virtual gin tasting events (get on the waiting list for the next ones right here) and that isn’t about to change! But with restrictions lifting around the UK, the gin world is becoming experiential all over again, and this time - in real life! Think gin festivals, tasting events, local distillery tours and fabulous markets to name but a few. Now let the fun be-gin…

Wellness cocktails

Interest in low-alcohol and no-alcohol gin is only rising - and that’s just the beginning! It sounds almost too good to be true, but thanks to a new group of mixers and gins packed with good-for-you credentials (like this CBD Gin), your usual drink could be about to get a wellness upgrade. If you prefer your tipple lighter (like a hard seltzer that offers low sugar or low calories), then this wellness gin trend takes that notion one step further, seeing products that claim to have benefits like helping your gut and even improving your skin. Who knows, this trend could be just the tonic…

Garnish goals

We know the power of a great garnish (just look above at how beautiful the Floradora cocktail is!) so luckily the days of ‘ice and a slice?’ (which often means a sad-looking wedge of lime) are long gone. Whether you like to grow your own or use our garnish packs to jazz up your tipple, the sky really is the limit when it comes to garnishing delicious gin cocktails. Since honing our skills over the last year in lockdown, we’re getting more experimental and creative than ever, trying new daring garnish combinations or switching up the usual garnish go-tos. Think freshly picked rose petals married with luscious local lavender - we’re upping the ante with garnishes that look and taste fabulous.

Gin goes global

Perhaps making up for the travels we truly miss, we’ve got an increasing appetite for extravagant gins from all over the world. Don’t get us wrong - we love a local gin (and boy, there’s some seriously special ones made here in the UK) but gins from overseas are simply too tasty to ignore. Whether it’s from the land down under, like delicious Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin (with the scent and flavours of a sunny Aussie beach) or the herbaceous Amazonni Gin distilled in tropical Rio, Brazil - call it escapism, call it exploring, one thing’s for sure: we are seriously enjoying discovering tipples from further afield. To infinity and beyond…

Spritz switch

It’s no surprise that summer goes hand in hand with enjoying a spritz or two (or three!) - as they are the ultimate refreshing sip. Making a gin spritz also means you get a slightly longer drink - reflecting the wider trend to drink at a leisurely pace whilst lowering our ABV intake at the same time. So it’s a win-win! Combine gin with ingredients like prosecco for a tasty treat, (you’ll love this super summery Peach Prosecco Gin Spritz) or for something bright and zingy try the delectable Grapefruit Gin Spritz, which includes sparkling wine. We say, if in doubt - add bubbles!

Turn up the heat

This summer, as temperatures rise, it’s predicted we’ll be craving a tipple involving heat, reflecting the growing desire for a sensorial experience - with drinks that warm, tingle or slightly burn when sipping. Some like it hot - so match your cocktail to the (hopefully) warmer weather, with gin and flavours involving spice, whether that’s smoky gin, using ginger beer as a mixer or getting creative with refreshingly fiery recipes. Spice up your life (and tipple) with these genius ways, (we especially love the Ginerita recipe), getting gutsy with your garnish (slices of chilli, anyone?) or giving this bold twist on the classic a go: the chilli, coriander and lime G&T. 

Which one is your favourite trend? Tell us on Facebook!