Everyone likes a good gin cocktail. These drinks, whether the usual gin and tonic or something new, are always popular.
Gin cocktails are the go-to mixed drinks for many, whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening. Everyone’s heard of the classic Tom Collins, but there’s a whole world of sweet and fruity drinks with gin. Our list has the best names, perfect for any season, including Christmas. Making these recipes at home is easy and simple. So, whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer sip or a cozy winter mix, we’ve got you covered!
Our top 10 gin-based cocktails: Yes, we have our favorite mixed drinks with gin at DrinksWorld! With its refreshing simplicity, the Gin and Tonic always tops our list. Following closely is the iconic Martini, a symbol of sophistication and elegance. The Negroni, with its bittersweet charm, is another classic we can’t resist. Then there’s the Tom Collins, a fizzy delight perfect for a sunny day. The Bramble, with its fruity allure, rounds out our top five. But that’s not all; we also adore the Bee’s Knees for its sweet and citrusy notes, the French 75 with its bubbly kick, the tart and tangy Gimlet, the balanced and herbal Last Word, and the Corpse Reviver #2, which is always a hit after a long night.
List of the 25 Best Gin cocktails & drinks recipes
Our DrinksWorld experts created a list of the top classic gin cocktails for you to try. We tested and tasted all these popular, botanical-rich mixed drinks ourselves, and we’re confident these recipes will delight everyone.
Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a popular classic cocktail from British colonial India. The drink was initially consumed for its medicinal properties to prevent malaria. Today, it’s loved for its refreshing taste and simplicity.
Martini
The Martini is an iconic cocktail that has been a symbol of sophistication for over a century. It’s often associated with James Bond, who famously preferred his “shaken, not stirred.” The Martini’s origin is debated, but it’s believed to have evolved from a drink called the Martinez in the late 1800s.
Negroni
The Negroni is a bittersweet cocktail that originated in Italy. Legend has it that Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favorite Americano cocktail by replacing the soda water with gin. The result was the Negroni we know and love today.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a refreshing, fizzy drink perfect for a hot day. It’s named after a practical joke popular in New York in the 1870s, where someone would be told that a man named Tom Collins was speaking ill of them at a nearby bar, leading them on a wild goose chase.
Bramble
The Bramble is a fruity cocktail created in the 1980s in London. It’s a delightful mix of gin, blackberry liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a sweet and tangy drink.
Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail, its name being a popular slang at the time, meaning “the best.” The honey in the drink was originally used to mask the taste of poor-quality homemade gins.
French 75
Named after the powerful French 75mm field gun, this cocktail packs a punch. It was created during World War I and is a delightful combination of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar.
Gimlet
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail with a naval history. British sailors drank it to prevent scurvy, thanks to the vitamin C in the lime juice.
Last Word
Originating from the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s, the Last Word is a balanced mix of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. It experienced a resurgence in popularity in the early 2000s.
Corpse Reviver #2
Part of a class of “hair of the dog” cocktails, the Corpse Reviver #2 was traditionally consumed as a hangover remedy. Its name suggests it can bring the dead back to life!
Southside
The Southside is often referred to as the “gin mojito.” Its origins are debated, with some believing it was the preferred drink of Southside Chicago gangsters during the Prohibition era.
Clover Club
This pre-prohibition classic is named after the Philadelphia men’s club where it originated. Its signature pink hue and frothy top come from the inclusion of raspberry syrup and egg white.
Aviation
The Aviation is known for its beautiful pale blue color, reminiscent of the sky. Created in the early 20th century, it features the floral notes of crème de violette.
White Lady
The White Lady is a smooth and citrusy cocktail. It’s believed to have been created in the 1920s, with its creamy appearance coming from the egg white.
Ramos Gin Fizz
This frothy delight was created in 1888 in New Orleans. It’s known for its creamy texture and complex flavor, and traditionally, it’s shaken for a very long time to achieve its signature frothiness.
Sloe Gin Fizz
A twist on the classic gin fizz, the Sloe Gin Fizz incorporates sloe gin, a red liqueur made from the sloe berry. It’s a bubbly and slightly tart cocktail with a beautiful rosy hue.
Pink Gin
Originating from the Royal Navy, Pink Gin was used to make the consumption of medicinal bitters more enjoyable. Its pink color comes from the addition of Angostura bitters.
Salty Dog
The Salty Dog is a refreshing cocktail perfect for a hot day. Its name comes from the salted rim of the glass, which enhances the grapefruit juice’s tangy flavor.
Alexander
The Alexander is a creamy and luxurious cocktail. It’s like a dessert in a glass, blending gin with crème de cacao and cream.
Pimm’s Cup
While Pimm’s No. 1 is the star of this drink, gin is a primary ingredient in the liqueur. This British cocktail is a summertime favorite, often garnished with various fruits and cucumber.
Monkey Gland
Despite its peculiar name, the Monkey Gland is a delightful cocktail. The name is believed to be inspired by a controversial medical procedure in the 1920s. The drink mixes gin, orange juice, grenadine, and absinthe.
Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is a simple and refreshing cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm day. It was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist who enjoyed his gin with sparkling water and lime.
Gin Daisy
The Daisy is a category of cocktails made with spirit, citrus juice, and a sweetener. The Gin Daisy is a bright and citrusy variant enjoyed since the late 19th century.
John Collins
A cousin to the Tom Collins, the John Collins uses Old Tom gin, a sweeter style of gin. It’s a tall, refreshing drink, perfect for quenching your thirst.
Turf Club
The Turf Club is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. It’s a sophisticated blend of gin, vermouth, and bitters with a hint of maraschino liqueur.
Top 11 gin brands to use in cocktails
We’ve love and use following five gin brands. Any of them can be your perfect choice for mixing up standout gin cocktails:
1. Bombay Sapphire
Bombay Sapphire is known for its cool blue bottle. It’s made with ten special ingredients from different parts of the world. It’s great for making cocktails.
2. Tanqueray
Tanqueray comes from London and has a strong taste of juniper. It’s in a green bottle and is often used to make Martinis.
3. Hendrick’s
Hendrick’s is a different gin because it has rose and cucumber flavors. It’s made in Scotland and is best with a slice of cucumber.
4. Beefeater
Beefeater is a classic gin from London. It’s been around since the 1860s and has a mix of nine flavors.
5. Gordon’s
Gordon’s is one of the most popular gins out there. It’s been around since the 1760s and is known for its strong taste.
6. Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin is sweeter than other gins. It’s great for certain cocktails and comes from a historic place.
7. Brockmans
Brockmans is a newer gin with flavors like blueberries and blackberries. It’s for people who want to try something different.
8. Sipsmith
Sipsmith is a gin from London that’s made the old-fashioned way. It’s smooth and has a rich taste.
9. Monkey 47
Monkey 47 is a German gin with 47 different ingredients. It has a lot of flavors, including cranberries.
10. The Botanist
The Botanist is from Scotland and is made with 22 local plants. It has a unique taste with floral hints.
11. Empress 1908
Empress 1908 is an excellent brand that changes color when you mix it. It’s from Canada and is inspired by a famous hotel’s tea. It has a mix of flavors like rose and grapefruit.
Gin Types
Gin is a popular alcoholic drink known for its juniper berry flavor. There are several types, each with a specific taste and production method.
- London Dry is the most recognized type. It’s known for its pronounced juniper flavor and a dry finish. Contrary to its name, it can be made anywhere, not just in London.
- Plymouth Gin has a fuller body and is slightly fruitier than the London Dry. It’s a unique style that originates from Plymouth, England.
- Old Tom is a sweeter version, often considered a bridge between London Dry and the sweeter Dutch Jenever. It was trendy in the 18th century.
- Jenever is the Dutch predecessor to today’s gin. It’s maltier and sweeter than most others, thanks to the addition of malt wine.
- Navy Strength is a more potent version, with an alcohol content of at least 57%. It was named for its popularity in the British Navy.
- New Western or Contemporary Gin is a modern style that plays down the juniper flavor, allowing other botanicals to take center stage.
- Compound Gin adds flavors to neutral spirits without re-distilling, resulting in a more straightforward production process.
- Barrel-aged gin spends some time in barrels, giving it a golden hue and adding wood flavors, much like whiskey.
More Gin drinks
Let’s take a look at some more gin cocktails to try out:
Empress, Aperol, Elderflower, Campari, Hendricks, and St Germain gin cocktails
When to serve gin cocktails?
We find gin cocktails perfect for different times and events, matching the mood and season. Here’s when they work best:
- Summer Days: Gin cocktails are refreshing, making them perfect for hot and sunny days. Their crisp taste can cool you down instantly.
- Winter Evenings: Even in the cold, a gin cocktail can warm the spirit. Some recipes have spices that suit the season.
- Festive Occasions: Christmas parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations often feature gin cocktails. They add a touch of elegance to any festive event.
Canned Gin Cocktails
Canned gin drinks are popular because they’re easy and ready to drink. They’re great for on-the-go and taste like they’re from a bar. Brands like “Gordon’s Pink Gin & Tonic” taste berry, while “Tanqueray Sevilla Orange Gin & Soda” is more citrusy. “Bombay Sapphire’s Gin & Tonic” is also good and refreshing. But we found the best one to be “Sipsmith’s London Dry Gin & Tonic.” It’s fizzy, tasty, and feels like a classic gin drink.
More about: Easy Cocktails.
More Drinks and Cocktails
If you move on from these gin cocktails, you’ll find lots of famous cocktail recipes:
- Vodka cocktails mix smoothly with many flavors, known for their versatility.
- Whiskey cocktails have a rich, deep taste, great for complex and savory mixes.
- Rum cocktails add a sweet, tropical touch, perfect for fruity and refreshing drinks.
- Tequila cocktails bring a bold, zesty flavor, ideal for lively and spirited mixes.
FAQs
- What’s the ideal mixer for gin? Tonic water is a classic choice, but it pairs well with various mixers.
- Can you consume gin without any mixers? Absolutely, many people enjoy sipping gin neat.
- Which gin cocktail is the most favored? The Gin and Tonic is arguably the most well-known and loved.
- How should you serve Bombay Sapphire? It’s versatile but commonly mixed with tonic or used in martinis.
- How is gin made? It is distilled from grain alcohol and flavored with botanicals, primarily juniper berries.
- What’s the difference between gin and vodka? Gin is flavored with botanicals, while vodka is typically more neutral.
- Is gin always clear? Most are, but there are barrel-aged ones that have a golden hue.
- How should gin be stored? In a cool, dark place, similar to other spirits.
Simple Gin Cocktails: Gin Rickey Recipe (and 24 More!)
Check out this popular Gin Rickey recipe! Mixing gin, lime, and soda, it’s a top pick for summer sipping.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel or wedge - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze in ½ oz fresh lime juice.
- Add Gin: Pour 2 oz Gin into the glass.
- Top with Sparkling Water: Fill the rest of the glass with club soda or sparkling water.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir gently the ingredients together.
- Garnish: Drop a lime wheel or wedge into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: I often use vodka for a neutral spirit flavor if I run out of gin. For something different, try white rum for a hint of sweetness.
- Lime: No limes on hand? Lemons work in a pinch, offering a different but still zesty flavor.
- Sparkling Water: Tonic water gives a slightly sweet and bitter twist, or even try ginger ale for a spicier take.
Making a Pitcher of Gin Rickey:
- Scale: To create a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of gin and 2 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin and lime juice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, top each with sparkling water, garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin alternative; several are on the market that capture the essence of gin without the alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular gin and follow the initial steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
