Gin cocktails are a popular choice for happy hour and home entertaining. From classic options like the Martini and Negroni to refreshing choices such as the Gin & Tonic and Gimlet, there’s something for every taste preference.
These versatile drinks can be simple or complex, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Gin’s botanical profile makes it an excellent base spirit that pairs wonderfully with various mixers and ingredients.
Whether you prefer something boozy and spirit-forward or light and refreshing, gin cocktails offer endless possibilities for your next gathering or relaxing evening at home. The following collection highlights some of the best gin-based drinks that have stood the test of time.
1. Negroni
The Negroni is a classic cocktail made with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. This balanced drink offers a perfect blend of botanical, sweet, and bitter flavors.
Make this cocktail at home with your favorite gin. Some popular choices include St. George Terroir, Bareksten, and Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin.
For the vermouth component, try Cocchi Vermouth di Torino or Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth Amaro. If you prefer a stronger gin flavor, use a bit more gin than the traditional equal-parts recipe.
This highlights the botanicals while maintaining the drink’s distinctive character.
2. Martini
The Martini is a classic gin cocktail that has stood the test of time. This elegant drink combines gin with dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or lemon twist.
To make a classic Martini, use 2 ounces of gin and about 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth. Stir the ingredients with ice until properly chilled, then strain into a martini glass.
Customize your Martini by adjusting the gin-to-vermouth ratio. Try variations like the Dirty Martini with olive brine or the Gibson, which uses a cocktail onion as garnish.
3. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic combines the botanical flavors of gin with the bitter sweetness of tonic water. British officers in India created this refreshing drink in the 1800s by mixing gin with tonic water to make quinine more palatable.
To make a perfect Gin and Tonic, fill a highball glass with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, and top with 3-4 ounces of tonic water. Garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slice for added flavor.
Elevate your G&T by experimenting with different gins or premium tonic waters. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more complex flavor profile.
4. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Serve it over ice in a tall glass, often called a Tom Collins glass.
This refreshing drink is perfect for warm days when you want something light and fizzy. The balance of sour lemon, sweet syrup, and botanical gin creates a delightful flavor profile.
Use any gin for this cocktail, though traditionally Old Tom gin was used. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim of your glass.
Try it at your next gathering for a classic crowd-pleaser.
5. French 75
The French 75 is a sparkling gin cocktail that’s both refreshing and potent. It combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne for a drink that’s perfect for celebrations.
To make this cocktail, mix 2 ounces of gin with 1/2 ounce of lemon juice and a teaspoon of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a champagne flute and top with chilled brut champagne.
Garnish with a lemon slice or twist. Some bartenders use lighter gins like Roku that won’t overpower the other flavors.
6. Bramble
The Bramble is a classic British gin cocktail that combines the tartness of blackberries with the botanical notes of gin. It’s refreshing and perfect for spring gatherings.
To make a Bramble, use gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and either crème de cassis or a homemade blackberry syrup. The balance of citrusy lemon with sweet berry flavors creates a delightful taste experience.
Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then pour over crushed ice in a glass.
Drizzle the blackberry element over the top for a beautiful color gradient effect.
7. Gimlet
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail known for its simplicity and perfect balance. This refreshing drink combines gin, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener.
The traditional recipe calls for 3 parts gin to 1 part lime juice, often using Rose’s lime juice for that authentic taste. Make it at home with fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a brighter flavor.
For a modern twist, add muddled cucumber to create an even more refreshing variation. The Gimlet works well with any premium gin.
8. Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a creamy, frothy cocktail with a fascinating history dating back to 1888 in New Orleans. This drink takes more effort than most gin cocktails, but the results are worth it.
The classic recipe includes gin, citrus juice (both lemon and lime), heavy cream, egg white, sugar, orange flower water, and soda water. Plymouth gin works well, though you might try Malfy or an Old Tom gin for different flavor profiles.
This cocktail stands out for the extensive shaking required to create its signature foamy texture. When prepared correctly, it tastes refreshingly like a creamsicle with floral notes.
9. Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling is a classic gin cocktail with a vibrant history dating back to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It strikes a perfect balance between boozy and refreshing.
The traditional recipe combines gin, cherry brandy, Bénédictine, lime juice, Angostura bitters, and club soda. Try Beefeater, Tanqueray No. Ten, or Bombay Sapphire for the gin component.
This cocktail delivers a complex flavor profile with acidity from citrus and pineapple, subtle sweetness from the liqueurs, and a pleasant bitterness. Serve your Singapore Sling in a tall glass.
10. White Lady
The White Lady is a classic gin cocktail from the Prohibition Era. It’s similar to a Sidecar but uses gin instead of brandy.
This elegant drink combines gin, Cointreau (or dry curaçao), and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Some recipes also include sugar syrup and egg white for a silky texture.
Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Shake hard with ice until well combined.
The White Lady offers a perfect balance of strong gin, sweet orange liqueur, and tart lemon. It’s a sophisticated choice for any occasion.
11. Aviation
The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail from the early 1900s. It has a distinctive light purple color and balanced flavor profile.
To make an Aviation, use gin, crème de violette liqueur, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients create a perfect blend of floral, sweet, and tart notes.
Try Beefeater or Plymouth gin for the best results. Beefeater 24’s tea flavors complement the violet notes wonderfully.
The purple-blue hue comes from the crème de violette, making it as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to drink.
12. Hanky Panky
The Hanky Panky is a sophisticated gin cocktail with a fascinating bitter twist. It combines equal parts gin and sweet vermouth with a few dashes of Fernet Branca, an intensely bitter Italian amaro.
To make this cocktail, use 1½ ounces each of gin and sweet vermouth, 2 dashes of Fernet Branca, and an optional dash of orange bitters. Garnish with an orange twist for a touch of citrus aroma.
The Fernet Branca gives this drink its distinctive character. The Hanky Panky offers a balanced approach to enjoying this complex flavor.
13. Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a classic cocktail born during Prohibition when honey masked the harsh taste of bathtub gin. Today, it stands out for its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
This bright cocktail combines gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. The honey adds a smooth sweetness that pairs beautifully with the botanical notes of gin.
To make one at home, mix 2 ounces of gin with ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice and ¾ ounce of honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Try different gin styles to change the character. Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire work well, but Barr Hill Gin with its honey notes creates an exceptional version.
14. Corpse Reviver #2
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a refreshing gin cocktail with a fascinating history as a hangover cure. It balances gin, fresh lemon juice, Lillet Blanc (or dry vermouth), and Cointreau in equal parts.
A dash of absinthe gives this cocktail its distinctive herbal character. Use a quality gin like Beefeater or Bombay for more budget-friendly options.
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Serve the Corpse Reviver #2 in a coupe glass.
15. Last Word
The Last Word is a classic gin cocktail with equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. This balanced drink offers a unique blend of herbal, sweet, and citrus notes.
Many gin varieties work well in this cocktail. Popular choices include Monkey 47, Tanqueray No.10, Bombay Sapphire, and The Botanist.
Create variations by substituting genever for gin, as in the “Latest Word” version. The Last Word is typically served in a coupe glass and shaken with ice until well-chilled.
16. Clover Club
The Clover Club is a classic pre-Prohibition cocktail that combines gin with bright, fruity flavors. It features a beautiful pink color and frothy texture that makes it stand out at any gathering.
To make this elegant drink, use gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, raspberry syrup (or preserves), and an egg white. The egg white creates that signature foamy top when shaken properly.
Most recipes call for about 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 to 3/4 ounce of simple syrup, and a barspoon of raspberry preserves or syrup. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice for that perfect frothy finish.
17. Southside
The Southside is a refreshing gin cocktail that combines mint, citrus, and sweetness. It was the signature drink of the famous 21 Club in New York.
To make this cocktail, gather gin, fresh lemon or lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves. Combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz citrus juice, and 2 teaspoons of sugar or 3/4 oz simple syrup in a shaker.
Add 5-7 mint leaves and ice, then shake well. The result is a bright, minty drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
Serve it strained into a martini glass or over ice in a rocks glass.
18. Sloe Gin Fizz
The Sloe Gin Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that showcases the unique flavor of sloe gin. This berry-infused spirit creates a beautiful balance of sweet and tart notes.
To make this classic drink, gather sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Some recipes also include dry gin to add more complexity.
Combine 2 ounces of sloe gin with 1 ounce of lemon juice and a teaspoon of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda for that signature fizz. For variation, try adding rosemary as a garnish or mixing with sparkling wine for a Sloe Gin French 75.
19. Basil Smash
The Gin Basil Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the herbal notes of fresh basil with the botanical profile of gin. It’s perfect for warm weather and has become a modern classic since its creation.
To make this vibrant drink, gather gin, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Gently muddle several basil leaves in a shaker to release their oils and aroma.
Add 50ml of gin (London Dry works well), 25ml of fresh lemon juice, and about 12.5ml of sugar syrup. Shake vigorously with ice until cold, then double strain into a glass filled with ice.
The bright green color and aromatic basil make this a visually stunning and delicious cocktail option.
20. Salty Dog
The Salty Dog is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin with tart grapefruit juice. The salted rim gives the drink its distinctive name.
To make this cocktail, gather gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and salt for the rim. Run a wedge of grapefruit around the edge of your glass and dip it in salt.
Pour the gin and grapefruit juice over ice and give it a quick stir. The drink offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
You can also substitute vodka for gin if you prefer.
21. Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a refreshing, frothy cocktail perfect for warm days. It combines gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water for a light, zesty drink.
Shake 2 ounces of gin with 3/4 ounce of lemon juice and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Pour into a glass and top with soda water.
Shake the mixture vigorously with ice for the classic fizzy texture. The traditional recipe uses egg white to create a silky foam on top, but you can skip this ingredient if you prefer.
Garnish your Gin Fizz with a lemon slice or twist to enhance its citrus aroma.
Gin Cocktail Essentials
Making great gin cocktails at home requires understanding a few key elements. Mastering these basics will transform your mixing skills and impress your guests.
Key Ingredients for Classic and Modern Gin Cocktails
Gin is the foundation of many iconic drinks. London Dry gin works well in most cocktails, while botanical-forward gins shine in simpler mixes.
Plymouth gin offers a smoother option for martinis. Fresh citrus juice is essential—always squeeze lemons or limes just before mixing.
Bottled juices lack the bright flavor needed for a Gimlet or Tom Collins. Quality mixers matter tremendously.
Premium tonic water makes a huge difference in a Gin & Tonic. Look for Fever-Tree, Q Tonic, or other craft options.
Common modifiers include:
- Vermouth: Sweet (red) for Negronis, dry for Martinis
- Bitters: Angostura for complexity, orange for brightness
- Sweeteners: Simple syrup, honey syrup, or liqueurs like St-Germain
Keep fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary on hand for modern creations.
Choosing the Right Glassware
The right glass enhances both presentation and drinking experience. Highball glasses are perfect for tall, refreshing drinks like Gin & Tonics or Collins cocktails.
Martini glasses (or coupes) showcase elegant drinks like Martinis, Aviations, and Gimlets. Their wide opening releases aromas effectively.
Rocks glasses (Old Fashioned glasses) work best for spirit-forward cocktails served over ice, like Negronis.
Consider these pairings:
- Highball glass: Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins
- Coupe/Martini glass: Martini, Aviation, Last Word
- Rocks glass: Negroni, Gin Old Fashioned
- Nick & Nora glass: More sophisticated alternative for martini-style drinks
Chill glasses before serving to keep drinks colder longer.
Garnishing Techniques for Gin Drinks
Garnishes add visual appeal and complementary flavors to gin cocktails. Citrus peels contain aromatic oils that enhance the drinking experience.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove just the colored part of the citrus peel, avoiding bitter white pith. Express oils over the drink by twisting the peel, then rub around the rim.
Lightly slap fresh herbs before adding them to release aromas. For mint or basil, place the garnish near the straw so the scent reaches you with each sip.
Edible flowers make stunning garnishes for spring and summer gin drinks. Try violets, pansies, or nasturtiums.
Other classic garnishes include:
- Cucumber ribbons for refreshing drinks
- Skewered cocktail onions for Gibson martinis
- Rosemary sprigs (lightly charred for extra aroma)
Expert Tips for Serving Gin Cocktails
Getting your gin cocktails just right requires attention to the balance of flavors and proper chilling techniques.
Balancing Flavors in Gin-Based Drinks
Gin has a complex flavor profile dominated by juniper and botanical notes. Pair gin with ingredients that complement rather than overpower these flavors.
For sweeter drinks, use fresh citrus juice to balance the botanicals. A 2:1 ratio of gin to sweet ingredients often works well as a starting point.
Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. If your cocktail tastes too strong, add a touch more mixer or sweetener.
If it’s too sweet, a dash of bitters can help restore balance. Consider the specific gin you’re using.
London Dry gins work well in classic recipes like Martinis, while more floral gins pair nicely with herbal mixers. Keep garnishes simple but purposeful.
A lemon twist adds aroma and visual appeal without overwhelming the drink.
Chilling and Dilution Strategies
Proper temperature is crucial for gin cocktails. Always use fresh, quality ice because old ice absorbs freezer odors and affects taste.
For stirred drinks like Martinis or Negronis, stir with ice for about 30 seconds. This chills the drink and provides just enough dilution to smooth out harsh edges.
Shake drinks like a Tom Collins vigorously for 10-15 seconds with plenty of ice. This method creates proper dilution and gives the desired frothy texture.
Pre-chill your glassware by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. This step keeps your cocktail colder longer.
For long drinks like Gin and Tonic, use larger ice cubes that melt more slowly. This prevents watering down your drink too quickly.
