Trial and Error: The best coloured gin to drink this summer

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Once upon a time, gin was that nasty herbaceous drop your mother drank on the back deck - with even nastier tonic.

But the last few years have done wonders for gin. It's become cool, boutique, and one of the most coveted spirits on the market.

Since the arrival of pink gins a couple of years ago, the spectrum has expanded in 2019 to a veritable rainbow of mother's ruin - the flavoured gin category is growing by 154 per cent every year.

So, in the middle of their work day, NZH Lifestyle staff Sinead and Silke "took one for the team" and conducted some very serious research on the best gin to drink this summer.

Here are four top colourful gins reviewed and rated.

1. PINK: Blush rhubarb gin, $79.99, 700ml, 37% ABV

Blush gin. Photo / Supplied

While the first batch was allegedly mixed up in a jam jar, Blush rhubarb gin has become a well-known go-to for fans of a rose-tinted drop.

Sinead and Silke were instantly impressed by this very drinkable number, deeming it "fruity and delish" with its rhubarb infusion.

2. BLACK: Scapegrace Black, $75.99, 700ml, 42.2% ABV

Scapegrace Black makes for a good party trick: the unique ingredients mean when tonic is added, the black gin changes to a bruised purple hue. Photo / Supplied

The world's first naturally black gin sold out in a day when it hit shelves in September.

A scientific concoction, it blends aronia berry, saffron, pineapple, butterfly pea and sweet potato – at precise temperatures in a defined sequence, to achieve its colour.

And it makes for a good party trick too: the unique ingredients mean when tonic is added, the black gin changes to a bruised purple hue.

Our taste testers were impressed although Sinead found it a bit on the sweet side.

3. PURPLE: Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice, $89.99, 700ml, 43.4% ABV

Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice. Photo / Supplied

Recommended served with a slice of cucumber and a zest of orange, the garnish didn't save things for Silke and Sinead.

Herbaceous with lavender and orange notes, this more traditional gin reminded our duo of their grandmothers' perfume.

4. BLUE: Bombay Sapphire with paint, available in selected bars,

Bombay Sapphire with edible blue paint. Photos / Supplied

A regular bottle of Bombay has been spruced up with the addition of an edible gin paint. Brush it around the rim of your glass before adding your gin and watch it turn blue.

Currently available at Bedford Soda & Liquor and The Glass Goose, Sinead and Silke were fans of the art class activity, but not so much of the gin.

The verdict:

These gin buddies put Blush at the top of their list, followed by Scapegrace Black, Bombay Sapphire and lastly, Hendrick's.