Gin cocktails offer a world of refreshing and flavorful drinks. These mixed beverages showcase the unique botanical notes of gin, combining them with other ingredients to create tasty concoctions. From classic recipes to modern twists, gin cocktails can suit many tastes and occasions.
You’ll find 19 gin cocktails that range from simple to complex in this collection. Some are time-honored favorites, while others are newer creations. Each drink highlights gin’s versatility as a spirit. Whether you prefer sweet, sour, or savory flavors, there’s likely a gin cocktail here that will appeal to you.
The Tom Collins is a classic gin cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. To make one, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
Top off the glass with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel or orange slice if you like.
This refreshing drink has a nice balance of tart and sweet flavors. It’s easy to make at home and great for sipping on hot summer days.
A Gimlet is a classic gin cocktail that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Mix 2 ounces of gin with 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
For a twist, try using vodka instead of gin. This gives the drink a lighter flavor that lets the lime shine through.
Garnish your Gimlet with a lime wheel or wedge. You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of syrup you use.
The French 75 is a classic gin cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. It’s a refreshing and elegant drink that’s perfect for special occasions.
To make a French 75, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and chilled champagne. Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute.
Top off the glass with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon twist. The result is a bubbly, citrusy cocktail with a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less simple syrup. Some variations use honey syrup instead for a unique twist. The French 75 is best served cold in a chilled glass.
The Bee’s Knees is a classic gin cocktail that combines gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. It’s a simple yet delicious drink that highlights the botanical flavors of gin.
To make a Bee’s Knees, you’ll need gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass. For an extra touch, you can garnish with a lemon twist. The sweet and sour flavors balance nicely, making it a refreshing choice for warm days.
Try experimenting with different types of gin to find your favorite version of this drink. Some people even use vodka instead of gin for a different taste.
The Aviation is a classic gin cocktail with a striking purple hue. It combines gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
To make an Aviation, you’ll need:
2 oz gin
1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
1/4 oz crème de violette
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The drink has a delicate floral taste with a hint of sweetness.
You can garnish your Aviation with a brandied cherry or lemon twist. This elegant cocktail is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a classic gin cocktail known for its bright, refreshing taste. It’s made with equal parts gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and Cointreau.
A dash of absinthe adds complexity to the drink. You can use a light rinse of absinthe in the glass or add a few drops directly to the shaker.
To make this cocktail, combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist if you like.
The Corpse Reviver #2 has a balanced flavor profile. You’ll taste citrus notes, herbal hints from the gin, and a subtle sweetness. It’s a great choice for gin lovers looking to try something new.
The Last Word is a classic gin cocktail with a unique flavor profile. It combines equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
To make it, shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. The result is a balanced mix of herbal, sweet, and tart notes.
This Prohibition-era drink fell out of favor for decades before being revived in the early 2000s. Now it’s a staple at craft cocktail bars.
You can try variations by swapping the gin for other spirits. The Pete’s Word, for example, uses scotch instead of gin for a smokier twist.
The Southside is a refreshing gin cocktail that combines mint, citrus, and sweetness. To make one, you’ll need gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves.
Start by muddling mint leaves in a cocktail shaker to release their oils. Add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass to remove any mint bits.
Garnish your Southside with a sprig of fresh mint. The result is a balanced drink with bright flavors and a hint of herbal freshness.
The Vesper is a famous cocktail with ties to James Bond. It blends gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc for a strong, sophisticated drink.
To make a Vesper, you’ll need 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, and 1/2 part Lillet Blanc. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Finish your Vesper with a twist of lemon peel. This adds a bright, citrusy aroma to complement the drink’s crisp flavors.
The Vesper is best enjoyed ice cold. Its smooth taste and high alcohol content make it a popular choice for special occasions or as an elegant aperitif.
The Hanky Panky is a sophisticated gin cocktail with a rich history. It was created in the early 1900s by Ada Coleman, the head bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel.
To make a Hanky Panky, you’ll need gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca. Mix these ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain into a chilled glass.
The classic recipe calls for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, with a dash of Fernet-Branca. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. For a drier version, try using more gin.
Garnish your Hanky Panky with an orange twist to enhance the flavors. The complex blend of botanicals creates a unique and memorable drink.
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail known for its creamy texture and light, frothy top. It’s made with gin, fresh citrus juices, cream, egg white, and orange flower water.
To make it, shake all ingredients except soda water vigorously without ice. This helps create the signature foam. Then add ice and shake again to chill.
Strain the mixture into a tall glass and top with a splash of soda water. The drink should have a thick, foamy head that rises above the rim.
The Ramos Gin Fizz takes some effort to make, but the result is a refreshing and luxurious drink. Its unique texture and flavor make it stand out among gin cocktails.
The Clover Club is a classic gin cocktail with a pretty pink hue. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white.
To make one, shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a chilled glass. The egg white gives the drink a silky texture and foamy top.
This cocktail dates back to the early 1900s. It was named after a men’s club in Philadelphia where it was popular.
You can garnish a Clover Club with fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick. The drink is tart, sweet, and refreshing. It’s perfect for sipping on warm days.
The Gin Rickey is a simple, refreshing cocktail perfect for hot summer days. You’ll need gin, fresh lime juice, and club soda to make this classic drink.
To prepare a Gin Rickey, fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of gin and the juice of half a lime. Top it off with club soda and give it a quick stir.
Garnish your Gin Rickey with a lime wedge or twist. The drink has a clean, crisp taste that lets the gin shine. You can adjust the amount of lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
This cocktail is named after Joe Rickey, a political lobbyist from Washington, D.C. in the late 1800s. It’s a great choice when you want something light and easy to drink.
The Gin Sour is a classic cocktail that brings out gin’s best qualities. It mixes gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a tart and refreshing drink.
To make a Gin Sour, you’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass.
For a frothy texture, you can add an egg white before shaking. This step is optional but adds a silky smoothness to the drink.
Garnish your Gin Sour with a lemon twist or a few drops of bitters. The result is a balanced cocktail that’s both sour and sweet, perfect for sipping on a warm day.
The Singapore Sling is a gin cocktail with a rich history. It was created in 1915 at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, Singapore.
This drink combines gin, cherry liqueur, Benedictine, and pineapple juice. It also includes lime juice, bitters, and club soda.
To make a Singapore Sling, mix the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with club soda.
You can garnish your Singapore Sling with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry. This tropical cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm day.
Understanding Gin
Gin is a unique spirit with a rich history and diverse varieties. It gets its distinct flavor from botanical ingredients, especially juniper berries.
History of Gin
Gin’s roots trace back to 16th century Holland. Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius created a juniper-flavored medicine called genever. It spread to England, where it became very popular.
In the 18th century, gin consumption in London grew rapidly. This period was known as the “Gin Craze.” The government tried to control it with laws.
By the 19th century, gin’s quality improved. New distilling methods and recipes emerged. Gin became a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.
Types of Gin
There are several types of gin:
London Dry Gin: A classic style, very juniper-forward
Plymouth Gin: Slightly sweeter, made only in Plymouth, England
Old Tom Gin: Sweeter than London Dry, popular in the 19th century
Genever: The original Dutch style, malty and smooth
New Western Dry Gin: Modern style with less juniper focus
Each type has its own flavor profile and works best in different cocktails.
Botanical Ingredients
Gin’s flavor comes from botanical ingredients. Juniper berries are always used, giving gin its pine-like taste. Other common botanicals include:
Coriander seeds
Angelica root
Citrus peels
Orris root
Cassia bark
Some gins use unique botanicals like lavender, cucumber, or tea. The mix of botanicals gives each gin its own character. Distillers often keep their exact recipes secret.
Mixology Basics
Crafting great gin cocktails requires some key tools, techniques, and garnishes. These elements help you create drinks that look and taste amazing.
Essential Bar Tools
You’ll need a few basic tools to make cocktails at home. A shaker is crucial for mixing drinks with ice. Get a jigger to measure liquor accurately. A bar spoon helps stir drinks smoothly. A strainer keeps ice and fruit bits out of the glass.
A muddler crushes fruits and herbs to release flavors. Sharp knives cut garnishes neatly. Invest in nice glassware – it makes drinks look better. A citrus juicer squeezes fresh juice easily. Keep a bottle opener and corkscrew handy too.
Techniques for Perfect Cocktails
Shaking and stirring are two main mixing methods. Shake drinks with citrus or cream to blend well. Stir clear, spirit-forward drinks to keep them clear.
Muddle gently to avoid bitter flavors. Double strain pulpy drinks for smooth texture. Chill glasses before serving to keep drinks cold longer.
Layer drinks by pouring over the back of a spoon. Flame citrus peels to add aroma. Dry shake egg white drinks first, then shake again with ice.
Ideal Garnishes
Garnishes add visual appeal and enhance flavors. Citrus twists and wheels work well in many gin drinks. Use fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary for aroma.
Match garnishes to drink flavors. A lemon twist brightens a gin and tonic. Rosemary sprigs pair well with herbal gins. Candied ginger adds spice to ginger-based cocktails.
Pairing Gin Cocktails with Food
Gin cocktails pair well with a variety of foods, enhancing flavors and creating memorable dining experiences. From light appetizers to hearty main courses and sweet desserts, there’s a perfect gin pairing for every part of your meal.
Appetizer Pairings
Start your meal with light bites that complement gin’s botanical notes. Olives make an excellent choice, whether green, black, or stuffed. Their salty flavor balances the gin’s herbal qualities. Nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios offer a savory crunch that works well with gin cocktails.
Cheese is another great option. Try a cheese platter with different varieties:
Creamy brie
Sharp cheddar
Tangy goat cheese
These diverse flavors can match different gin styles. For a refreshing pairing, serve cucumber sandwiches or smoked salmon canapés with a gin and tonic.
Main Course Pairings
Gin cocktails can stand up to heartier dishes too. For seafood lovers, try pairing a classic gin martini with grilled fish or shrimp scampi. The gin’s botanicals complement the delicate flavors of seafood.
If you prefer meat, consider these pairings:
Roast chicken with a gin fizz
Lamb chops with a negroni
Pork tenderloin with a gin gimlet
For vegetarian options, spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells go well with gin-based drinks. The creamy filling and tomato sauce create a nice contrast to the gin’s crispness.
Game meats like pheasant pair nicely with juniper-forward gins, highlighting the spirit’s traditional flavors.
Dessert Pairings
End your meal on a sweet note with gin-friendly desserts. Fruit-based treats work especially well. Try a lemon tart or key lime pie with a gin and tonic for a zesty finish.
For chocolate lovers, dark chocolate truffles pair nicely with a gin old fashioned. The drink’s subtle sweetness enhances the chocolate’s rich flavor.
Other dessert ideas include:
Berry pavlova with a gin fizz
Vanilla panna cotta with a floradora cocktail
Shortbread cookies with a gin sour
These pairings balance sweet and tart flavors, creating a satisfying end to your meal. Remember, the key is to match the intensity of your dessert with your gin cocktail for the best taste experience.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
