Gin cocktails have long been a staple in bars and homes alike, offering a refreshing and sophisticated option for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of gin, there’s a drink for everyone to enjoy. What makes gin cocktails especially appealing is their versatility, allowing for creative combinations that highlight gin’s unique botanical flavors.
You’ll find that gin pairs well with a variety of ingredients, from citrus to herbs to spices, making it an exciting choice for crafting new and intriguing drinks. This collection of 19 gin cocktails will give you inspiration and ideas for your next gathering or quiet evening at home. As you experiment with these recipes, you’ll discover the endless possibilities that gin has to offer.
1) Negroni
The Negroni is a classic gin cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. It features a balanced blend of three key ingredients: gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
To make a Negroni, you will need equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Start by adding these ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir the mixture until it is well-chilled. Then, strain it into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel for an elegant finish.
This cocktail is known for its strong, bitter taste, making it a favorite among those who enjoy bold flavors. The Negroni is not just a drink; it’s an experience.
2) Martini
The Martini is a well-loved classic gin cocktail. It’s typically made with gin and dry vermouth, stirred or shaken with ice. This mix is then strained into a chilled martini glass, giving it a refined look.
To garnish, you have a couple of popular options. A twist of lemon adds a fresh citrus aroma, while olives provide a briny bite. Both pair well with the botanicals found in gin.
The ratio of gin to vermouth can vary. A stronger drink uses more gin, while a vermouth-heavy version offers a more balanced flavor. Experiment to find your perfect mix.
A Dirty Martini is a common variation. It includes a splash of olive brine, adding an umami depth. This tweak makes the drink saltier and a bit more complex.
Whether you prefer it dry, dirty, or with a twist, the Martini remains a timeless choice.
3) Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It is known for its refreshing and light taste, making it a favorite for warm weather.
To make a Tom Collins, start with a Collins glass filled with ice cubes. Pour 1 1/2 ounces of gin into the glass.
Add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the ingredients well.
Next, fill the glass with club soda. This gives the cocktail its fizzy and refreshing quality.
For garnish, you can use a lemon slice or an orange half-round along with a cocktail cherry. This adds a touch of color and a bit of extra flavor.
Enjoy your Tom Collins on a sunny day or at a casual gathering. This straightforward cocktail is easy to make and always delightful to drink.
4) French 75
The French 75 is a timeless gin cocktail that has captured hearts for nearly a century. It’s elegant and refreshing, making it perfect for various occasions. To create this drink, you need just a few ingredients.
Start by adding ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake the mixture well to chill it.
Once the mixture is chilled, strain it into a Champagne flute. Top it off with champagne or any sparkling wine of your choice. For a final touch, garnish with a lemon twist.
If you’re hosting a party, you can mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just add the champagne.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or celebrating, the French 75 offers a delightful blend of flavors. This cocktail is a favorite for good reason and is sure to impress your guests.
5) Gimlet
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. This refreshing drink combines gin with fresh lime juice and simple syrup. It’s known for its crisp and tart flavor.
To make a traditional Gimlet, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 0.5 ounces of lime juice, and 0.5 ounces of simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
You can also experiment with variations. Substitute vodka for gin to create a Vodka Gimlet, or add muddled basil and cucumber for a fresh twist. Play around with different gins to find the flavor profile you like best.
This cocktail is perfect for warm days or as a pre-dinner drink. Its simple ingredients make it easy to mix at home, yet it feels sophisticated. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a new variation, the Gimlet is sure to impress.
6) Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail known for its light, refreshing taste. It combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
Start by adding gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. For a frothy texture, you can add an egg white as well.
Close the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds. This step is called a dry shake and helps to emulsify the egg white, creating a frothy texture.
Next, open the shaker and add ice. Shake again for around 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
Strain the contents into a chilled highball glass. Top off the drink with soda water, which adds fizz and dilutes the mixture slightly.
Optionally, you can garnish with a lemon twist for added flair and a touch of citrusy aroma.
The Gin Fizz is a balanced, smooth drink that showcases the aromatics of gin, making it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
7) Aviation
The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail. It has a beautiful purple color and a floral flavor. The key ingredients are gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
Start by adding 1.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur, 0.5 oz crème de violette, and 0.75 oz lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake well until the mixture is chilled. Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass. You can garnish it with a brandied cherry if desired.
The crème de violette gives this cocktail its signature violet color. The drink has a floral aroma and a slightly tart taste from the lemon juice.
This cocktail disappeared for about 50 years but has recently made a comeback. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a balanced and elegant gin drink.
8) Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic gin cocktail that originated in Singapore in 1915. This refreshing drink is a mix of gin, Benedictine, Heering cherry liqueur, Grand Marnier, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of bitters.
To make a Singapore Sling, you’ll need a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Pour in the gin, Benedictine, cherry liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and bitters.
Shake the mixture for about 8 to 10 seconds until well chilled. Strain the contents into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Top off the cocktail with a splash of club soda for a bit of fizz. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry for a tropical touch.
This cocktail is both fruity and slightly complex due to the combination of different liqueurs and juices. It’s perfect for hot days or festive gatherings.
9) Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a classic gin cocktail from the Prohibition era. Its name means “the best” or “outstanding.” This drink is simple to make and tastes great.
You need three main ingredients: gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. First, make the honey syrup by mixing honey with warm water until it dissolves.
Combine two ounces of gin, three-quarters ounce of fresh lemon juice, and three-quarters ounce of honey syrup. Shake the mixture with ice until well-chilled.
Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel to add a nice citrus aroma. Enjoy while it’s cold.
The Bee’s Knees can be changed up a bit. For example, you can use a floral gin or even replace the gin with vodka if you prefer. You can also use different types of honey, like lavender honey, for a unique flavor.
This cocktail is refreshing, light, and a perfect choice for any occasion.
10) Last Word
The Last Word is a gin cocktail known for its balanced flavor and complexity. This drink combines gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
To make a Last Word, add ¾ oz of each ingredient into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake the mixture for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. You can choose to garnish it with a brandied cherry or a lime twist for an added touch.
The Last Word offers a refreshing yet robust taste with herbal, citrus, and slightly sweet notes. It’s a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts for its unique and pleasing combination.
11) Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic gin cocktail. It features a balanced mix of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
To make this drink, you need 0.75 ounces of each ingredient. Add these to a shaker with ice and shake well.
Before serving, rinse a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe. Discard the excess. Then, strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
This cocktail dates back to pre-Prohibition times. It was first listed in “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930.
The drink is light and refreshing, with a slight tartness. Its unique flavor comes from the combination of gin and absinthe.
Remember, this cocktail is strong, so enjoy in moderation.
12) Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a timeless and refreshing cocktail. It’s simple to make and offers a crisp, clean taste. Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This helps keep the drink chilled.
Pour 2 ounces of gin over the ice. Use a good quality gin for the best flavor. Next, add around 4-6 ounces of chilled tonic water. Gently stir the mixture to combine, being careful not to lose much carbonation.
A citrus garnish is key for a classic Gin and Tonic. You can use a lemon or lime wedge. Squeeze the juice into the drink and then drop the wedge into the glass. This adds a nice citrusy note.
For an extra touch, run a citrus wedge around the rim of the glass before squeezing it. Some like to experiment with different garnishes such as grapefruit slices, cucumber ribbons, or even herbs like rosemary.
The beauty of the Gin and Tonic lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the gin-to-tonic ratio to suit your taste. Enjoy this refreshing drink as a perfect companion for a warm day.
13) Clover Club
The Clover Club is a classic gin cocktail from the early 1900s. It combines gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and an egg white to create a smooth, frothy drink.
To make it, start by adding 1.5 oz of gin, 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 oz of raspberry syrup to a cocktail shaker. Add an egg white as well.
Next, shake the mixture without ice to create foam. Then, add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass.
For garnish, use fresh raspberries on a skewer. This adds a nice touch and additional taste to the drink.
The Clover Club is known for its balance of tart lemon and sweet raspberry, making it a refreshing choice. It’s a great example of a gin cocktail that’s both pretty and delicious.
14) White Lady
The White Lady cocktail is a refreshing, citrus-forward drink based on gin. It was created by the famous bartender Harry MacElhone in the late 1910s and has remained a classic since. This cocktail is both elegant and light, making it a popular choice for many.
To make a White Lady, you need gin, lemon juice, and triple sec. Some recipes also include egg white for a smoother texture. Start by adding the gin, lemon juice, and triple sec to a cocktail shaker without ice. This is called “dry shaking.”
After dry shaking, add ice to the shaker and shake again until the mixture is well-chilled. This ensures the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.
Be cautious if you decide to use egg white, as consuming raw eggs carries a risk of food-borne illness. If you prefer, you can skip the egg white and still enjoy a great-tasting cocktail.
The White Lady is perfect for those who enjoy a tart and refreshing gin drink. Its simplicity and bright flavors make it stand out among other gin cocktails.
15) Southside
You can make a Southside cocktail with just a few ingredients. You’ll need gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Start by muddling 6-8 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. This releases the mint’s flavor.
Next, add 2 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of lime juice, and 0.75 oz of simple syrup to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds.
Double-strain the mix into a chilled cocktail glass to remove mint bits.
Garnish with a mint sprig on top for a fresh finish. Enjoy your refreshing Southside cocktail!
16) Vesper
The Vesper is a famous gin cocktail that James Bond made popular. It has a unique blend of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, giving it a distinct taste.
To make a Vesper, start by adding ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in 3 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the shaker feels cold to the touch. Then, strain the drink into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a twist of lemon peel, rubbing it around the rim of the glass first for extra flavor. This cocktail is strong, so enjoy it slowly and savor its balanced taste.
17) Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is a classic cocktail with a rich history. Created by Ada Coleman at the Savoy Hotel in London, this drink dates back to the early 1900s.
You will need gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca to make this cocktail. Start by combining 1.5 ounces of gin, 1.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, and 0.25 ounces of Fernet-Branca in a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir the ingredients together until well-chilled. Then, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel to add a citrus note.
For a slightly drier variation, you can adjust the gin and vermouth proportions. A popular version uses 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 0.25 ounces of Fernet-Branca. Some mixologists even add a dash of fresh orange juice for extra zest.
The Hanky Panky stands out due to the unique bitterness of Fernet-Branca. It balances well with the botanicals in gin and the sweetness of vermouth, creating a flavorful and sophisticated drink.
This cocktail is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced, bitter-sweet drink with a touch of history.
18) Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for many years. You will need the following ingredients: 2 oz London Dry Gin, 1 oz heavy cream, 1 egg white, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 2-3 drops of orange flower water, and soda water.
First, add all the ingredients except the soda water into a cocktail shaker. Do not add ice yet. Shake vigorously for at least 10 to 20 seconds to mix everything well.
Next, add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15 seconds, which helps to chill the mixture. Strain the mixture into a chilled Collins glass.
Finally, top off the cocktail with soda water. The result is a creamy, fizzy drink with a beautiful foam on top. This drink is known for its smooth texture and unique flavors.
19) Sloe Gin Fizz
The Sloe Gin Fizz is a refreshing, classic cocktail. It’s known for its light and bubbly character. To make it, you’ll need sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Start by adding sloe gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled.
Next, strain the mixture into a highball or Collins glass filled with ice. Top it up with club soda.
Garnish your drink with a lemon wedge and a cherry. The Sloe Gin Fizz is perfect for a sunny afternoon or a casual gathering.
Enjoy the bright, fruity flavors combined with the fizzy texture. This drink is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
The History of Gin Cocktails
Gin cocktails have a rich and varied past, stemming from centuries of experimentation and social trends. From humble medicinal beginnings in Holland to sophisticated drinks in contemporary bars, gin has firmly established its place in cocktail history.
Origins of Gin
Gin’s story starts in 17th-century Holland. It was first used as a medicinal remedy, known as genever, and was believed to treat various ailments. Soldiers later spread it to England, where it gained immense popularity.
Gin was relatively easy to produce, leading to the infamous “Gin Craze” in the 18th century. During this time, gin was cheaper than beer, resulting in widespread consumption. British legislation eventually regulated production, improving quality and boosting gin’s reputation.
Evolution of Gin Cocktails
Gin cocktails began emerging in the 19th century. The Martini is one of the earliest examples, becoming known for its mix of gin and vermouth. The iconic Tom Collins also dates back to this era, initially crafted by John Collins, a bartender in London, or as part of the Great Tom Collins Hoax of 1874.
Through the 20th century, the Prohibition era in the USA ironically bolstered gin’s prominence. It was easily made in “bathtubs” and became a staple in speakeasies. The classic Corpse Reviver #2 and French 75 were born during this time, showcasing gin’s versatility.
Key Ingredients in Gin Cocktails
Understanding the key ingredients in gin cocktails helps in creating balanced and flavorful drinks. Knowing the various gin varieties, prominent botanical profiles, and typical mixers will enhance your cocktail-making skills.
Gin Varieties
Gin comes in several varieties, each bringing its own unique flavor to cocktails. The most common types are London Dry Gin, Plymouth Gin, Old Tom Gin, and Genever.
London Dry Gin is well-known for its strong juniper flavor, making it ideal for classics like the Martini and Gin & Tonic. Plymouth Gin is slightly sweeter and less dry, giving a soft mouthfeel, perfect for a Gin Fizz. Old Tom Gin is even sweeter and often used in historical recipes like the Tom Collins. Genever is the ancestor of modern gin, featuring a malty taste, often used in cocktails like the Collins.
Botanicals and Flavor Profiles
Botanicals define the character of gin, as they add complexity and distinct flavors. The primary botanical in all gins is juniper.
Other common botanicals include coriander which adds citrus notes, angelica root for earthy undertones, orris root that contributes floral aspects, and citrus peels like lemon and orange. Some brands include unique botanicals such as lavender, rose petals, or peppercorns, providing a variety of flavor profiles to explore. Knowing the botanical makeup helps you pair the gin with complementary mixers and garnishes.
Typical Mixers
Gin cocktails often use mixers to balance the spirit’s strong profile. Common mixers include tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, and fruit juices.
Tonic water, with its bitter quinine taste, pairs perfectly with the juniper in gin, forming the iconic Gin & Tonic. Soda water is a neutral mixer that lets gin’s botanicals shine, used in cocktails like Gin Rickey. Ginger beer provides a spicy kick, making drinks like the Gin Mule more interesting. Fruit juices such as lime, lemon, orange, and grapefruit add a refreshing tartness, making them ideal for recipes like the Gimlet or the Gin Sour. Combining these mixers thoughtfully can elevate the overall experience of your gin cocktails.
