A couple Saturdays back we hosted a party for my good friend Krystal’s birthday and going away to London for a year (jealous!!!) celebration! In true girly fashion, we decided it needed to be themed. Who would pass up the opportunity to speak in British accents and drink gin all night?!

A truly royal send off was in the making as the perfect party drink for the occasion was chosen: a Gin Bucket. It might not sound all that appealing, especially if you’re not a big gin drinker, but this stuff is my favorite punch-esque drink! The citrus does wonders with the gin, and the whole drink feels fresh and light and bubbly. What more could you ask for in a bevvy? Oh, it’s also light on the wallet, serves tons of people, and is a clear drink… No gross red stains on our floor or on your teeth!

We prepared in excitement for the night, me sporting my brand new crop (tutorial here!) and Krystal in an adorable blue dress from Urban Outfitters. The Gin Bucket was spot on for our theme and everyone had a smashing time! Host your own British bash and make your own gin bucket to share!

Ingredients:

1/2 Handle of Cheap Gin (seriously don’t waste your Tanqueray, it won’t matter for this drink)
1 liter Grapefruit Fanta
1 liter Sprite (or Sprite Zero if you want less sugar)
2 Large Oranges
3 Limes
2 Lemons

1. Fill a bowl, or a bucket if you fancy, with ice. Pour equal parts gin, Fanta, and Sprite into the bowl.

2. Zest 1 orange peel into the bowl for a bit of color and texture. Then cut up all the of the fruit and juice into the bowl. You want to make sure to get some pulp in there too, so just stab a fork in the fruit slice and twist!

3. Slice up some of the remaining rinds and add to the bowl for color. Stir and serve!

Other citrus fruits can easily be added to this recipe. The Fanta can also be replaced by Fresca, but make sure to use regular Sprite in that case because you need at least one soda in there with some sugar. I’ve tried it with all diet sodas before and it wasn’t so enjoyable. Drink up ole chaps!