A little something for the handbag?

“Where has the summer gone?” “Didn’t the summer go quick?” – These are questions the Scottish Gin Society team has heard over and over this last week. We have a stock response: ‘IT’S STILL SUMMER!”

Okay, so it’s not as warm or sunny and the kids might have started back to school, but if, like us, you’re not ready to give up on the Scottish summer yet, we’ve been looking at some of the ready-to-drink Scottish Gins that are on the market. Perfect for picnics, festivals, or a cheeky al-fresco drink to have in your bag.

Redcastle Gin: In a handy 200ml bottle, Redcastle’s award-winning classic gin is mixed with specially selected tonic water and a hint of lime.

Edinburgh Gin: You can now enjoy 2 expressions of Edinburgh Gin, pre-mixed in a can – The pre-mixed G&T has an abv of 6%, while the Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur and ginger ale has an abv of 5%. Both are available in Tesco stores.

Lone Wolf Gin: If you prefer a bigger G&T, you can buy pre-mixed Lone Wolf Gin & Tonic in 330ml cans – they pack a punch at 8.8% abv.

Eden Mill: There are several choices available from Eden Mill in a ready-to-drink format. Eden Mill Love Gin & Lemonade and their Original Gin & Tonic are available in 250ml cans. Or if you fancy a ready-made cocktail, you can pop into your local Aldi store and choose from Plum and Pink Grapefruit Gin with Tonic, Chilli and Ginger Gin with Ginger Ale, or a Traditional Gin with fresh Berries and Tonic (all 5% ABV) for £1.79 each

Hills & Harbour Gin: If it’s a delicious gin cocktail you’re after without the fuss, check out Hills & Harbour Smokey & Citrus distilled cocktail, made with Smoked Pineapple & Burnt Oranges, and 100% distilled with fresh fruit. Agreed, it’s not easy to pop in your bag, but ready to pour whenever you feel like it. (£40 for 50cl at 40% abv).

Tanqueray Gin – You can now buy Tanqueray London Dry Gin & Tonic and their Flor de Sevilla Gin & Tonic in 4x275ml packs and 275ml single-serve bottles in Waitrose stores or on Amazon.

Gordon’s Gin – Last but not least, Gordon’s pre-mixed G&T’s are widely available in Tesco stores and you have the choice of original, slimline and pink versions.

So there you are – plenty of reasons to get outdoors with your G&T’s for what’s left of the summer. And while we aren’t encouraging you to copy the legendary Pink Gin Lady, go ahead, be adventurous!

Please enjoy Scottish Gin responsibly