Summer is finally here and what better way to cool down than to have a long glass of gin and tonic with lemon, lime or even cucumber. Gin bars are the new wine bars and the selection of gins they have to offer is eye watering. You can’t try them all in one go, so you’ll definitely have to make more than one visit. Here’s our top 4 in Edinburgh.

Heads & Tales

This bar is a hidden gem in Edinburgh’s West End, nestled on Rutland Place. They are all about experimenting with gin and have two gin stills (Flora & Caledonia). They are the home of Edinburgh Gin and have launched their own Heads and Tales Edinburgh Gin which you need to go and try. It is a rare opportunity to see gin distilling while you relax over a cocktail or two. Because Heads and Tales share their space with Edinburgh Gin, their team of bartenders has a wealth of knowledge that they love to share, they are experts in trying new recipes with a mixture of old and new styles of gin.

Juniper

This newly refurbished cocktail bar is on Princes Street, part of the Royal British Hotel, has stunning views of the city skyline. It has established a reputation as ‘THE’ place in Edinburgh for creative cocktails that don’t disappoint and their house cocktail – The Juniper is a delectable gin cocktail with Edinburgh Elderflower gin, Belvedere Citron, Orgeat, Kiwi Puree, Apple juice and Apple Foam! If that doesn’t take your fancy then go for pretty in pink with Rose Gin and Prosecco. Sleek, chic and discreet, Juniper is top of the list for anyone looking to go somewhere that will impress you and your guests.

One Square

Located within the Sheraton at Festival Square, One Square is a classy and stylish bar, perfect for sipping gin. Gin has a rich and illustrious history in the city of Edinburgh. So it would only seem apt that, One Square proudly plays its part in Edinburgh’s gin renaissance, with more than 70 different varieties proudly positioned behind their bar. This includes their very own, One Square Gin – a truly globetrotting gin, hand made with only the finest natural botanicals. Mediterranean liquorice and orris root add a heady kick, while juniper and fragrant Scottish Heather add a twist closer to home. Notes of lemon, lime and anise are combined to create a citrusy, easy-drinking gin that refreshes and invigorates in equal measure. They offer a gin tasting connoisseurs experience for £29.50, the perfect way to get better acquainted with this spirit.

The Jolly Botanist

This is an awarding winning gin bar with bi fold windows that open fully to the street for balmy summer evenings sipping their favourite tipple. The gin menu takes some reading but will help you understand the intricacies and intrigue of gin and there will definitely be something on there that takes your fancy. They also serve fantastic sharing platters, which of course are perfectly washed down with a refreshing gin cocktail. 47 different gins to choose from and 11 gin cocktails! Our favourites are the Basilito – Hendricks gin, lemon juice and fresh basil and the breaking gin – Edinburgh Gin, Apricot brandy, Campari and orange juice.