We’ve highlighted a selection of our favourites for summer below, all of which provide an insight into London’s history, diversity and creativity – as well as refreshment!

SW4 London Dry Gin and Tonic: Graphic Bar, Golden Square
London may have a chequered history when it comes to gin consumption, but there is something of a renaissance happening at present and you have lots of fantastic, independent London-made gins to choose from. Try Clapham-made SW4 gin at Graphic Bar in Soho, which is excellent in a G&T.

Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew: The Hawksmoor, various locations
For anyone that likes ginger beer, this refreshing grown-up version is an absolute delight. A mix of gin, ginger syrup, lemon juice and London Pride, it was invented by “Shaky Pete” – the Hawksmoor‘s bartender par excellence – and will have you fizzing at any time of day.

Ocho Curado Tequila: La Perla, Covent Garden
Tequila may not seem like the most obvious choice for London summer drinking, but then Ocho Curado might just change your entire perception of the drink. Produced by Tomas Estes, the man behind London’s popular Café Pacifico chain, Ocho Curado is made by infusing Estes’ own Ochotequila with cooked agave. This results in a delicious, sweet and complex drink that is perfect to sip on its own – leave your salt and lime at home and head down to La Perla to find out for yourself!

Sipsmith Summer Cup: National Theatre Propstore
This modern version of a traditional English fruit “cup” – usually a flavoursome gin-based spirit designed to be mixed with a soft drink – is produced in Hammersmith at the acclaimed Sipsmith distillery. As it is packed with summery fruits and flavours, it inevitably attracts comparison with Pimm’s, but is well worth savouring in its own right on a sunny day. The National Theatre‘s playful riverside pop-up, Propstore, is a great venue in which to do so.

Meantime London Pale Ale: The Old Brewery, Greenwich
You can’t go wrong with a cool beer on a hot day, and if you head to the Old Brewery in Greenwich you’ll get an extensive history lesson along with your pint. Not only is it located in the beautiful surroundings of The Old Royal Naval College, but its well-stocked bar allows you to sample a range of different beer styles from the Meantime Brewery. Many of these, including Pale Ale, have been drunk by Londoners for hundreds of years.

Do you have any other favourite London tipples to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below…