Fresh, vibrant and easy to make at home, these seasonal cocktails from Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers are perfect for spring and summer sipping
As the days grow longer and the weather begins to warm, cocktail season shifts into something lighter, brighter, and more refreshing. Enter Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, whose latest lineup of spring and summer cocktails leans into vibrant fruit, garden herbs, and crisp, easy-drinking profiles.
From effervescent highballs to citrus-driven sippers, these recipes are designed with versatility in mind—whether you’re hosting, unwinding on the patio, or simply looking to elevate your at-home bar game. Even better, Dillon’s offers a range of cocktail kits—complete with ingredients and recipes—available directly through their website, making it easier than ever to recreate these drinks at home.
Here are five cocktails worth shaking up this season:
Melon Cucumber Fizz
A refreshing, garden-driven spritz
Built around the bright, aromatic profile of Dillon’s Melon Gin (now available at the LCBO), this cocktail is the definition of warm-weather refreshment. Crisp cucumber and subtle melon notes create a clean, cooling drink that feels tailor-made for sunny afternoons.
Base spirit: Gin (Melon Gin)
Why make it: Light, vibrant and effortlessly drinkable—this is a go-to patio cocktail with a fresh, seasonal twist.
Recipe:
- 5 oz Dillon’s Melon Gin
- 75 oz fresh lime juice
- 5 oz simple syrup
- 3–4 cucumber slices
- 3 oz soda water
- Cucumber ribbon or slice, for garnish
Method:
Add the cucumber slices to a shaker and gently muddle. Add the gin, lime juice and simple syrup, then fill with ice and shake for 10–15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled glass, top with soda water, garnish and enjoy.
The Melon G&T
A seasonal spin on a classic
A simple yet elevated take on the gin and tonic, this version highlights Dillon’s Melon Gin with a touch of sweetness and fresh aromatics. It’s familiar, but just different enough to feel new again.
Base spirit: Gin (Melon Gin)
Why make it: Easy to make, endlessly refreshing, and perfect for casual warm-weather sipping.
Recipe:
- 5 oz Dillon’s Melon Gin
- 3–4 oz premium tonic water
- Fresh melon slices or cucumber, for garnish
- Lime wedge (optional)
Method:
Fill a rocks glass or wine glass with ice. Add the melon gin and top with tonic water. Gently stir to combine, garnish and serve.
The Niagara Buck
A fruit-forward whisky highball
This cocktail brings a Niagara twist to the classic “buck” style, combining Dillon’s Rye Whisky with strawberry rhubarb jam and ginger beer. The result is a lively balance of spice, sweetness and acidity.
Base spirit: Rye Whisky
Why make it: A perfect bridge between seasons—comforting from the rye, but lifted by bright fruit and ginger spice.
Recipe:
- 75 oz Dillon’s Rye Whisky
- 5 oz strawberry rhubarb jam
- 5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 dashes Dillon’s Rhubarb Bitters
- 3 oz ginger beer
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Method:
Add whisky, jam, lemon juice and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake for 10–15 seconds. Strain into a glass and top with ginger beer. Stir, garnish and enjoy.
Blueberry Thyme Fizz
A bright, herbaceous refresher
Fresh, vibrant and lightly aromatic, this cocktail pairs blueberry with thyme for a balanced and summery profile. The addition of soda water keeps things lively and sessionable.
Base spirit: Vodka
Why make it: It’s equal parts refreshing and flavourful—ideal for warm afternoons or casual entertaining.
Recipe:
- 5 oz Dillon’s Vodka
- 75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 5 oz blueberry jam
- 2–3 dashes Dillon’s Orange Bitters
- 3 oz soda water
- Fresh mint and blueberries, for garnish
Method:
Add vodka, lemon juice, jam and bitters to a shaker with ice. Shake for 10–15 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, top with soda water, garnish and enjoy.
The Bee Sting
A bold, citrusy cocktail with a kick
For those who like a little edge to their cocktail, The Bee Sting delivers. Dillon’s Dry Gin 7 meets elderflower, lemon and hot honey for a drink that balances floral sweetness with a gentle heat.
Base spirit: Gin
Why make it: Complex, textured and just a little spicy—this is a cocktail with personality.
Recipe:
- 2 oz Dillon’s Dry Gin 7
- 75 oz Dillon’s Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 dashes Dillon’s Ginger Bitters
- 5 oz hot honey
- 1 egg white
- Soda water (optional)
Method:
Add all ingredients (except soda) to a shaker and dry shake for 10–15 seconds. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass, top with soda water if desired, garnish and enjoy.
