This refreshing, sweet, slightly tart tipple combines London Dry Gin with zingy raspberry syrup, chilled lemonade and fresh raspberries, is the perfect refreshment to sip in the sunshine. It’s so easy to make at home with no unusual or costly ingredients. Perfect!

We’ve given serving sizes for one cocktail, but it’s a fantastic batch cocktail to whip up for you and your best gin pals, too! Simply multiple the quantities below and chill in the fridge before serving. However, note that if you make a larger batch in a jug, you’ll lose that lovely ‘blush’ effect in the glass. We think you can probably live with that, though…

Royal Blush

50ml gin
12.5ml raspberry syrup
A few raspberries
1 lemon
Lemonade, to top

Put lots of ice into a highball glass with a slice of lemon, then add your gin and raspberries, and top up with lemonade before pouring in the raspberry syrup. Don’t stir if you want to keep the “blush'“ effect! Alternatively, stirring gently will suffuse the whole drink with a soft pink colour and spread the flavour of the raspberry syrup more evenly. Garnish with a slice of lemon and serve.

*You can use store-bought raspberry syrup, but it’s extremely easy (and cheap) to make your own at home! Simply simmer 100g caster sugar with 100ml water and a handful or two of fresh raspberries and stir gently over a low heat - crushing the raspberries as you do so - until the sugar has dissolved and the fruit has blended into the liquid, creating a lovely syrup. Strain and leave to cool before using in your cocktails! (The raspberry syrup is also delicious over ice cream, by the way!)