The Best New Gins For Summer 2015

This summer, swap your go-to gin in that G&T for something a little more unusual. Here are five bottles to seek out:

The London No. 1 ($40)
It drinks like classic London dry gin, but the striking robin's egg blue hue—primarily the result of maceration with gardenia flowers—makes this quadruple-distilled bottle a go-to for adding surprising color to gin and tonics and other mixed drinks.

Principe de los Apostoles Mate Gin ($33)
Made in Argentina, this is the only gin made with yerba mate tea, which gives the spirit an appealing floral aroma and flavor and a velvety feel. The traditional juniper is dialed way back in favor of bouncy eucalyptus and peppermint.

RELATED   The Best Barrel-Aged Gins "

Bourbon Barreled Big Gin ($40)
This bourbon barrel-aged gin from Seattle's Captive Spirits is what some dub a "ginskey," a hybrid spirit showing characteristics of both gin and whiskey. This complex gin is well-rounded on the palate, with a spicy finish. But the one we can't wait for is the peated gin, due out in the fall.

Uncle Val's Restorative Gin ($39)
Bridging sweet and savory, this gin starts out with mild sweetness but segues into a refreshingly zingy finish with black and white pepper, coriander and ginger spice, plus a tiny hint of rose petals. It's ideal for Gibsons and dirty martinis.

Greenhook Ginsmiths Old Tom Gin ($45)
Spanning ginskey and the sweeter Old Tom style, this golden Brooklyn-made gin is based on an 18th-century recipe and aged for 12 months in former bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. It has a robust vanilla-mint profile with flecks of rosemary and lemon peel, and a long, spicy finish. Mix it into a Martinez or other cocktails—it's a whopping (but historically accurate) 101 proof.