TASTE Summer 2026

PLUG + PLAY INGREDIENT/ PAIRING CHART

Cocktails should balance sweet against sour or bitter flavours and match the strong taste of spirits with weaker mixers, like juice, soda, water or ice.

GIN

TEQUILA

Gin’s characteristic flavourings include a defining top note of bright, evergreen-smelling juniper berries. It is often citrus forward, with botanical notes of spice, herbs and roots with a crisp, astringent finish.

Tequila has a unique profile that balances cooked vegetable flavour with aromas ranging from citrus fruit and flowers to grassy herbs and earthy spice. Blanco or silver (unaged) tequilas are versatile for mixing, as are some reposado (lightly aged) bottlings.

Suggested Spirit

Suggested Spirit

Broker’s London Dry Gin $29.99 United Kingdom 359125

El Jimador Silver Tequila $41.99 Mexico 460378

Fruit, herbs and teas are a few flavours that pair well with gin—and of course, iconic tonic water. Rethink gin drinks with: FLAVOUR PAIRINGS/MIX IT WITH…

FLAVOUR PAIRINGS/MIX IT WITH…

Tequila pairs beautifully with citrus, which is why the classic margarita, with its citrus liqueur mixers, is iconic. But it also matches with many other tropical flavours, such as these:

Tea, especially Earl Grey and herbal, floral flavours like chamomile and lavender.

Pineapple, especially combined with hot pepper spice.

Sparkling water and fruit, in flavours ranging from citrus to berry or peach.

A dash of pickle or olive brine added to tonic or soda water.

Bright, tart hibiscus flowers brewed into a tea.

Fresh watermelon purée or juice.

GARNISHES

GARNISHES

SEASONAL CUCUMBER FRUITS

HERBS

HERBS

SEASONAL CUCUMBER

SPICY

ROSEMARY THYME

ROSEMARY THYME

JALAPEÑOS OTHER PEPPERS

CITRUS

SPICES

ORANGE LEMON/LIME GRAPEFRUIT

PEPPERCORNS

CITRUS

FLAVOURED RIMS

ORANGE LEMON/LIME GRAPEFRUIT

SALT/SUGAR PLAIN/WITH CHILI/PAPRIKA

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