The distinct, botanical taste of gin is not only something to be admired - but also something that can be built upon in a tasty cocktail. Whether you want something fruity, something bitter, or just something to appreciate the deep flavours of gin, a cocktail is a perfect way to show your love for this beautiful spirit. We’ve lined up our favourite gin cocktails and given you some recipes so you can get cracking!
Martini
Gin at its utmost classiest: the martini is one to drink pensively while sitting in a hotel bar (though a living room will do) thinking of your lost lover and the expanse of poetry yet to be written… Basically, it’s a bit dramatic but seriously cool. Learning how to make the perfect martini is an impressive skill to be proud of, so start practicing now!
Ingredients
50ml gin
12.5ml dry vermouth
lemon twist or olives for garnish
Method
Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with cracked ice, stir (sorry James B) vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into a pre-cooled martini glass. Garnish with either a twist of lemon or a couple of olives. Enjoy!
Negroni
The negroni, another simple but perfect gin cocktail that’s boozy, bitter and moreish. The blend of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari is enough to make your mouth water just at the stunning, scarlet sight of one! Cheers!
Ingredients
25ml gin
25ml sweet vermouth
25ml Campari
orange slice for garnish
Method
Add ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with a slice of orange.
Gin Fizz
If you like frothy, foamy cocktails then the Gin Fizz is for you. It’s sweet with a tart kick from the lemon and a delicate botanical finish from the gin. In our opinion, it’s a bit like a lemon meringue pie in a cocktail! If you love that dessert and also love gin (like us) whip up one of these today for something delicious that will quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
50ml gin
25ml lemon juice
2 tsp sugar syrup
1 egg white or 2tbsp aquafaba
lemon slice for garnish
Method
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake for another 30 seconds. Strain into a tall glass and carefully garnish with a lemon slice!
French 75
New fact for the day, the French 75 is actually named after a gun that was used by the French and Americans in WW1 and was noted for its speed and accuracy. Why, then, is it used to describe a cocktail?! According to the inventors, this drink hits you as accurately and quickly as the ‘French 75’ - so watch out! Champagne and gin might at first seem like a weird combination, but seeing (or tasting) is believing! Mix up some of these at a party for a proper show stopper!
Ingredients
25ml gin
12.5ml lemon juice
12.5ml simple syrup
champagne
lime twist for garnish
Method
Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Double strain into a champagne flute and top up with champagne. Garnish with a lime twist and enjoy!
Gin and Tonic
This is the simplest and simultaneously the most customisable gin cocktail EVER. You won’t have to go hunting for expensive ingredients or spend hours crafting the perfect foam, the G&T is all about you. There’s so many different tonics out there now that we’re certain you’ll find something you’ll adore. If you’re a gin connoisseur, try working out the best pairings of tonics and gins! When it comes to garnishes, it’s again all about personal preference (and what you have in the cupboard/fridge/garden). Go wild and have fun!
Ingredients
25ml or 50ml gin
any tonic that takes your fancy
any garnish that takes your fancy
Method
Add the gin to the bottom of a large glass and fill with ice. Top up with tonic until the taste is to your liking, give it a gentle stir and garnish with anything you want! You do you!
Aviation Cocktail
Despite its name, this cocktail won’t induce instant flying abilities. We’re yet to find a cocktail that does - but in the meantime why not crack out the crème de violette and make this beautiful purple cocktail that’ll at least have your heart soaring!
Ingredients
50ml gin
12.5ml crème de violette
12.5ml maraschino liqueur
20ml lemon juice
brandied cherry or lemon twist for garnish
Method
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until cold. Strain into a glass of your choice and garnish with a brandied cherry or lemon twist. Up, up and away!
Bramble
If you want to make the very best version of this cocktail, we suggest you make it with foraged blackberries, but if that’s not an option store bought is completely fine! This cocktail will have you feeling like you’re sitting in the garden of your tiny remote cottage in the woods communicating with your animal friends, dressed head to toe in gingham. Bring out the checkered tablecloth, make a blackberry pie and enjoy this Bramble cocktail with all your foresty foraging friends…
Ingredients
50ml gin
25ml lemon juice
6 blackberries
25ml sugar syrup
lemon slice and blackberries for garnish
Method
Muddle blackberries in a rocks glass and add gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice and mix with a bar spoon. Garnish with a lemon slice and blackberries!
Clover Club
Legend has it that the Clover Club is named after a top-secret organisation concerned with, and only with, raspberry liqueur. Okay, maybe that’s made up - but that doesn’t stop this cocktail being our favourite way to use raspberry liqueur! It’s fruity, bright and a little sharp, guaranteed to having you party all night long…
Ingredients
75ml gin
1½ tbsp raspberry liqueur
25ml lemon juice
1 egg white or 2tbsp aquafaba
lemon twist or raspberry for garnish
Method
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice for 15 seconds. Add ice and shake for another 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist or raspberry!
Not found anything you like here? Make sure to have a look at The Best Gins to Try This Year and What Are Colour Changing Gins?!