Top 5 Gin Cocktail Recipes

Abelson Editors -

With its botanical complexity, Gin is one of the most versatile spirits for cocktail-making. Here are five of the top cocktails every gin lover should know.

1. Classic Gin and Tonic

The Gin and Tonic is a simple yet legendary cocktail originating in British colonial India. British soldiers added quinine (found in tonic water) to gin to ward off malaria, and the refreshing drink became an instant classic.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml gin
  • 120–180 ml tonic water (to taste)
  • Ice cubes
  • Garnish: lime or lemon wedge or cucumber slices (for an English twist)

Instructions:

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the gin and top with tonic water.
  3. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge or cucumber slices.

Experiment with premium tonic waters for unique flavour pairings, and try different garnishes like rosemary or a twist of lemon for extra aroma.

Classic Gin and Tonic

2. Martini

The Martini is the epitome of sophistication and is often the first drink that comes to mind when mentioning gin. Originating in the early 20th century, it’s famously associated with James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” preference, though traditionally, it’s stirred.

Ingredients:

  • 75 ml gin
  • 15 ml dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Garnish: lemon twist or green olive

Instructions:

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, gin, and dry vermouth.
  2. Stir (or shake, if you prefer) until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olive.

For a dryer martini, use less vermouth. A "dirty" martini includes a splash of olive brine.

Martini

3. Negroni

The Negroni is a bold, bittersweet cocktail from Florence, Italy, made in 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni, who asked for a twist on the Americano cocktail. It’s ideal for gin lovers who appreciate a touch of bitterness.

Ingredients:

  • 25 ml gin
  • 25 ml Campari
  • 25 ml sweet vermouth
  • Ice
  • Garnish: orange twist

Instructions:

  1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
  3. Stir until well combined and garnish with an orange twist.

For a slightly lighter option, try the Negroni Sbagliato, which replaces gin with prosecco.

Negroni

4. Tom Collins

The Tom Collins is a refreshing, sparkling cocktail dating back to the 1800s. Named after the “Tom Collins hoax” that spread across New York in 1874, the drink has become a summer favourite.

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml gin
  • 25 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 15 ml simple syrup
  • 90 ml soda water
  • Ice
  • Garnish: lemon wheel and maraschino cherry

Instructions:

  1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then top with soda water.
  3. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel and cherry.

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and a homemade simple syrup for the best flavour.

Tom Collins

5. French 75

This bubbly cocktail dates back to World War I and is named after the French 75mm field gun. With gin and champagne, the French 75 is a sophisticated yet potent choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 25 ml gin
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 15 ml simple syrup
  • 90 ml champagne
  • Ice
  • Garnish: lemon twist

Instructions:

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until chilled.
  2. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
  3. Garnish with a lemon twist.

You can substitute champagne with prosecco or cava for different variations. Use a London Dry gin for a classic taste.

French 75

These five cocktails showcase gin’s versatility, with flavours that range from bold and bitter to light and refreshing. Each recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste, so don’t hesitate to experiment with garnish, glassware, and ingredient ratios to perfect your personal touch. Cheers to your next gin-based adventure!