One whole day dedicated to gin. Now that’s a day worth celebrating. Saturday 9th June is World Gin Day and for a rather special occasion, it’s returning for its 10^th year.

In homage for its anniversary, whether you’re out and about and in need of a liquid refuel, at home on the couch catching up on Netflix or enjoying an al fresco in the park, crack open the gin and enjoy. As surely, a gin can’t simply cause any offence.

My appreciation for gin has also changed somewhat over the years, and with that, also how bars incorporated the spirit into the menu. A straight up G&T, no fussing, pure and simple.

Now you’re looking at gins infused with all sorts of delightful ingredients, dashes of syrup and funky garnishes – all of which really lends a hand to create a variety of flavours for individual preferences.

My favourite three gin drinks

1. Refreshing: for a drink that’ll leave you feeling fresh and funky, my go-to would be one with Bloom gin, muddled together with sliced strawberries, fresh basil leaves and completed with a basil tonic water.
2. Tropical: if you’re looking for something a tad different, say tropical… a subtle yet awesome taste, I’d recommend the Hoxton gin. This gin has fantastic hints of coconut and grapefruit and is perfectly paired with a light tonic and a grapefruit slice.
3. Floral: sweet and soft, the Partridges Chelsea Flower Gin is an easy sip. Its depth of flavours comes from the 19 botanicals, with a delightful underlying hint of rose. This is perfectly paired with elderflower tonic and a slice of cucumber.

And if your drinks cupboard is running low, Leeds has plenty of top places to go and enjoy a tipple or two. Whilst there will be gin on most menus, these are my favourite places to go and taste test.

Leeds gin watering holes  

Water Lane Boat House, Canal Wharf, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 5PS

Serving nine key premium gins, including their very own Waterlane Gin, you’ll be in good hands here with your choice of indoor and outdoor seating by the canalside. And if you’re feeling peckish, food is served daily.

Lazy Lounge, D, Wellington St, Leeds LS1 4JY

Eclectic, old English, Lazy Lounge offers the perfect comfort for a gin gathering. Sink into their chesterfields and take your time to have a tasty exploration through their 100 bottles of gin. On Mondays and Saturdays too, you’ll also be ale to join in on their gin tasting events where you’ll learn this history of gin, of course, taste gin alongside a galore of cake.

Potting Shed, Oxford Rd, Guiseley, Leeds LS20 8AA

Garden terrace and gins. The dream. And if the weather isn’t playing ball, enjoy their drinks menu inside in their indoor garden decorated wall to wall with plants and flowers. Scrumptious gin cocktails for some summer sipping.

Banyan, The Old Post Office, City Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 2ES

Located right by the train station, Banyan offers two generous gin menus, divvied up into paradise and platinum serves. At Banyan as well, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor seating or take shelter over two floors.

McMillans of Malton, 5a Market Street, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 7LY

Special shout out to this exquisite emporium of fine wine, beer and spirits. You’ll find this family run business in the heart of Malton, specialists in craft gin and whisky. Here you’ll be greeted with a friendly smile, a knowledgeable merchant who knows the finer things in life and beautiful bottles lined up from top to bottom to appreciate.

So, will you be celebrating World Gin Day today? And if so, how do you like your gin to be served?

I’d love to know in the comments below.

Charlotte xox