The phrase “better letter than never” seems to truly define the Cocktails, 365 experience. We have these grand plans of involvement in major events in the cocktail movements of the day and then we promptly get involved with enjoying the event and not writing about it. Specifically, today, we’re talking about World Gin Day.

Founded by ginthusiast Yet Another Gin, and currently run by UK blogger and all round gin soak Gin Monkey, World Gin Day is a celebration of all things gin, giving us a legitimate excuse (not that we need one) to mix up a cocktail and learn about all of the exceptional gins that are currently on the market.

So, while we’re pushing right towards the end of World Gin Day, we’re going to celebrate, late or not.

For today’s cocktail we decided to feature Russell Henry’s London Dry Gin.

Russell Henry London Dry | ® Cocktails, 365 Russell Henry London Dry | ® Cocktails, 365

We chose the Russell Henry because it’s a bit different from the gins we typically choose. It swings a bit sweeter and more fruit, with juniper, coriander, orris root, and lemon peel. It’s still a wonderful gin that lends its own specific flavors to the three cocktails we have for you tonight.

We mixed up three cocktails, some classic, some new fangled.

Gin and Tonic Gin and Tonic | ® Cocktail, 365

Gin and Tonic

The ultimate cocktail to test the muddle of a gin, mix one up for a perfect bit of refreshment for this World Gin Day.

  • 3 oz Russell Henry London Dry Gin
  • Juice from 1/2 lime
  • Tonic water to top

Build the drink in a rocks glass with an ice ball and serve.

Rothko_WGD Rothko | ® Cocktails, 365

Rothko

  • 3 oz Russell Henry London Dry Gin
  • Juice 1/2 lemon
  • 2 oz Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
  • 2 oz Campari
  • Tonic water to top

Take a frozen rocks glass and add the gin, lemon juice, vermouth, and Campari. Stir well, then add the ice ball and tonic water. Stir gently again and serve.

Smashing | ® Cocktails, 365 Smashing | ® Cocktails, 365

Smashing

  • 4 oz Russell Henry London Dry gin
  • .5 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • 2 handfuls basil (save 1 leaf for garnish)
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Juice from 1/2 lemon
  • Club soda to top

Add the basil leaves, St. Germain, bitters, gin, and lemon juice to a Boston shaker. Top with large ice cubes. Shake for at least a minute, until the basil is well broken up and mixed into the gin. Sure, this violates the “never shake gin” rule, but it will be worth it. After done shaking, pour into a frozen martini glass. Top with tonic water and then garnish with the basil leaf.

Any one of these will do wonders for your late World Gin Day!