We’re always looking for ways to up our backyard bartender game, so this summer we’re adding a twist to our favourite classic gin cocktails.
As the only yellow gin on the market, Ungava gin is unique in both its colour and flavour profile. The vibrant hue originates from wild rose hip, one of the six natural botanicals foraged from Ungava Bay used to make this Canadian spirit, which also adds a citrusy floral note to the typically neutral drink.
Gin’s resurgence and the meteoric ascent of this sophisticated spirit has led to many more bartenders experimenting with modern twists and elevating traditional classic cocktails. But there’s no need to wait for an outing to enjoy a gin-based tipple – add a bottle of Ungava Canadian Premium Gin to your backyard bar cart, mix up these summer sippers and let the fun be-gin.
![](https://cdn.foodism.to/gallery_landscape_widescreen_small/5d1cf1ad2dde8.jpg)
Grapefruit Gin & Tonic
This drink is typically served with a lime, but with Ungava a grapefruit is used to highlight the citrus and floral notes.
Ingedients
1 ½ oz. Ungava premium gin
2 oz. Tonic water
1 Grapefruit wedge
Ice cubes
Method
Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice cubes.
Add the gin and tonic water.
Stir well, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
![](https://cdn.foodism.to/gallery_landscape_widescreen_small/5d1bb21cc9808.jpg)
Bees Knees
Traditionally the lemon and honey are used to mask the bitterness of the gin, but with Ungava it complements the flavour profile rather than hiding it.
Ingredients
2 oz. Ungava premium gin
¾ oz. Fresh lemon juice
1 oz. Honey syrup (2:1 honey:water)
Lemon zest
Method
Pour all liquid ingredients into a shaker with ice.
Shake and fine strain into a chilled cocktail coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon zest and enjoy!
![](https://cdn.foodism.to/gallery_landscape_widescreen_small/5d1bb22016ff1.jpg)
Negroni Spritz
Giving a light touch to the Negroni, this Ungava iteration adds 1 oz. of club soda along with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Ingredients
1 oz. Ungava premium gin
1 oz. Bitter liqueur
1 oz. Red vermouth
1 oz. Club soda
Sprig of fresh rosemary
Orange zest
Ice cubes
Method
In an old-fashioned glass containing a few ice cubes, combine all the ingredients, except for the rosemary and the orange zest.
Stir well with a spoon.
Garnish with the orange zest and the sprig of rosemary.
![](https://cdn.foodism.to/gallery_landscape_widescreen_small/5d1bb225a2197.jpg)
Northern Gimlet
This twist on the gimlet is true to the Canadian heritage with spruce beer and peppercorns, but also adds extra citrus for summer.
Ingedients
1 ½ oz. Ungava premium gin
½ oz. White vermouth
1 oz. Lemon juice
½ oz. Grapefruit juice
¾ oz. Simple syrup
2 Dashes of egg white
Spruce beer
Fresh dill
Pink peppercorns
Ice cubes
Method
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice cubes, except spruce beer, pink peppercorns and dill.
Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass.
Top up with spruce beer.
Garnish with dill and few pink peppercorns.
Watch out for more from Ungava Gin around the city this Summer. But don't wait to get cracking on your cocktail making – you can get $3 off a bottle of Ungava Gin at the LCBO from now until July 20 (regularly $35.95 for 750ml).