While gin often sits in the shadow of its more popular counterpart, vodka, it's the lifeblood of some of the most iconic cocktails in history. You might be surprised to know how gin, with its distinctive juniper flavor, can transform a simple concoction into a complex, layered libation.
As a gin enthusiast, you likely know the iconic Gin and Tonic and the Cosmopolitan Martini well. However, there’s a vast array of gin cocktails you’d want to try. Explore the full potential of this versatile spirit and elevate your cocktail hour with the gin cocktails below.
Classic Gin Martini
Undeniably, the Classic Gin Martini is one of the better-known gin cocktails known for its simplicity, elegance, and the pure delight it offers gin enthusiasts.
Known for its straightforward yet intricate flavor profile, it combines the botanical nuances of gin with the subtle herbal notes of dry vermouth. This cocktail is perfect for various occasions, from formal gatherings to a relaxed evening at home.
Recipe
Serving size: 1 drink
Prep time: Approximately 5 minutes
Equipment needed:
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Coupe or cocktail glass
Ingredients:
2 1/2 oz gin (amount usually as preferred)
1/2 dry vermouth (amount as preferred, less than gin)
A dash of aromatic bitters
Olive or a lemon twist for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Chill your cocktail or coupe glass beforehand.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour the gin and dry vermouth into the shaker.
- Stir the mixture until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Add bitters if desired.
- Garnish with an olive or a lemon twist.
Negroni
The Negroni, one of the quintessential gin cocktails, has the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, boozy, fruity, and herbal flavors. This cocktail is a classic choice for those who appreciate sophisticated and complex drinks.
Originating from Florence, Italy, in 1919, this cocktail is an ideal choice for sipping leisurely—great for relaxed evenings or as a refined aperitif before dinner.
Recipe
Serving size: 1 drink
Prep time: Approximately 3 minutes
Equipment needed:
Mixing glass
Jigger
Bar spoon
Ingredients:
1 oz Campari
1 oz dry gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
Fresh orange peel for garnish
Directions:
- Combine Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir the mixture for about 25–30 seconds.
- Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
- Express the fresh orange peel over the drink, rub it around the rim, and then drop it into the drink.
Bee’s Knees
“Bee’s knees” is a popular slang for something that’s outstanding or excellent—and that’s exactly what this cocktail is. A favored libation during the Prohibition era, the Bee’s Knees combines three simple ingredients. And like its ingredients, it tastes refreshingly bright and lightly sweet (but strong). This is the perfect drink to serve to guests on a nice spring day.
Recipe
Serving Size: 1
Prep time: Approximately 5 minutes
Equipment needed:
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Coupe
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
3/4 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz honey syrup
Ice (for chilling)
Lemon peel for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup into your cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.
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Why Honey Syrup? If you don’t know what honey syrup is, you can make it with 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water. If you use pure honey in your cocktails, it’ll clump and affect the texture and taste of your cocktail. |
Tom Collins
Though believed to stem from a goofy hoax in 1874 America, this cocktail is certainly no joke. Tom Collins, a staple among gin cocktails, is a citrusy cocktail that's as versatile as it's delicious. It creates an amazingly balanced and refreshing cocktail.
Recipe
Serving size: 1
Prep time: Approximately 5 minutes
Equipment needed:
Highball glass
Mixing spoon
Ingredients:
2 oz London dry gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Club soda (to top)
Lemon wheel or Maraschino cherry for garnish
Directions:
- Add the dry gin, lemon juice, and syrup in your glassware.
- Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda. Stir.
- Garnish with the lemon wheel and cherry.
Aviation
The Aviation is well-known for its eye-catching purple hue. It offers a unique balance of floral, sweet, and tart flavors. The cocktail's light and refreshing flavor profile, with subtle hints of cherry and citrus, make it an ideal choice for a sophisticated evening event or a summer garden party.
Recipe
Serving size: 1
Prep time: Approximately 3 minutes
Equipment needed:
Coupe glass
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz maraschino liqueur
1/2 oz creme de violette (violet liqueur)
Ice
Brandied cherry for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Add the gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and juice into your cocktail shaker.
- Add ice into the shaker and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into your coupe glass.
- Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Southside
Rumored to have been the preferred drink of infamous American gangster Al Capone and his gang during Prohibition, the Southside is a delicious combination of gin, tart lime, mint, and sugar. It’s refreshing and slightly sweet.
Recipe
Serving size: 1
Prep time: Approximately 5 minutes
Equipment needed:
Cocktail shaker
Couple glass
Strainer
Ingredients:
2 oz gin
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4–1 oz simple syrup
5 mint leaves
Mint spring for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Toss in the mint leaves and juice into your shaker and gently shake.
- Add the gin, simple syrup, and ice. Shake until well-chilled
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
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Tip: Be more gentle when shaking this cocktail to avoid highlighting the bitter taste of the mint. Double-strain the contents to make sure none of the torn bits of the mint enter your glass. |
Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail known for its refreshing, delicate balance of sweetness, acidity, and effervescence. Considered a more protein-rich relative of the Tom Collins, the cocktail is celebrated for its simplicity and versatility.
This cocktail’s most popular variation is the Ramon Gin Fizz, created with additional rich heavy cream and aromatic orange blossom water. Another popular variation, the Grapefruit Gin Fizz, uses grapefruit soda instead of simple soda water.
Recipe
Serving size: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Equipment needed:
Cocktail shaker
Strainer
Measuring jigger
Glass for serving
Ingredients:
2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
1 egg white
Soda water
Garnish with lemon twist (optional)
Directions:
- Place the gin, lemon juice, syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds without ice to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the drink into a glass and top it off with soda water. The egg white foam should form on top of your Gin Fizz. If desired, garnish with a lemon twist.
More Gin Cocktails You Need to Try
The beauty of the juniper-forward gin is that it can be used in any simple gin cocktail recipe with barely any ingredients, like the Gin and Tonic, and add depth and complexity that would satisfy even the most discerning cocktail aficionados.
From the easiest gin cocktails to more complicated drinks, try out all these gin concoctions.
French 75
This gin cocktail combines gin with lemon juice, sugar syrup, and Champagne, creating a bright and effervescent drink that's both sweet and citrusy. It's an excellent choice for celebrating special occasions or adding a touch of festivity to any gathering.
Gin Sling
One of the simpler gin cocktails, this drink features gin, lemon or lime juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. Offering a balanced mix of sweet and sour flavors, this versatile cocktail is ideal for casual gatherings or as a relaxing drink any time of the day.
Gimlet
This classic cocktail features a mix of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. It offers a sharp yet sweet-citrus profile with a smooth finish that’s perfect for unwinding after work or as a sophisticated nightcap.
Gin Rickey
One of the simplest gin cocktails to create, this refreshing drink combines botanical gin, lime juice, and soda water. It’s tart yet thirst-quenching, perfect for hot summer days or as a light evening refreshment.
Corpse Reviver #2
This is a complex concoction of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe. True to its name, this is one of those stronger gin cocktails that delivers a slightly sweet taste with herbal and citrus notes that can make anyone perk right up.
Bramble
This cocktail brings together gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) for a fruity, tart experience. The sweet and sour balance of this drink makes it ideal for late spring or summer evenings when craving something with a fruity twist.
Clover Club
This sophisticated cocktail uses gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and an egg white to create a frothy, sweet, and tangy cocktail with a silky texture. It's an elegant drink, perfect for a soirée or as a delightful pre-dinner cocktail.
Singapore Sling
More complex than the gin sling, this gin cocktail is made with gin, cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Bénédictine, grenadine, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of bitters. It's a fruity, complex drink with a deep red hue, perfect for enjoying on a tropical evening or at a themed party.
White Lady
This cocktail combines gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice, resulting in a smooth, citrusy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. It's an excellent choice for those who appreciate gin cocktails with a crisp, refreshing taste, ideal for a formal event or an elegant dinner.
Greyhound
Among the simpler yet equally delicious gin cocktails is the Greyhound, made with gin and grapefruit juice. Its tart and slightly bitter taste makes it an excellent choice for a refreshing daytime drink or a light aperitif.
Create the Perfect Gin Cocktail Every Time in Seconds
With a touch of a button, you can enjoy your favorite gin cocktails without the hassle of running to the grocery store for ingredients.
The Bartesian cocktail maker allows you to craft bar-quality cocktails in less than 30 seconds. Simply pick your favorite gin, pop in a gin cocktail capsule, and press “Mix.” Perfect for unwinding in style, the Bartesian brings the sophistication of a high-end bar into the comfort of your home.
No self-proclaimed gin lover would turn down a great Gin and Tonic, but as they say, variety is the spice of any spirit! Give our gin cocktail capsules a try today.