Gin is one of the most versatile spirits when it comes to cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like the Gin & Tonic or a modern twist on an old favorite like The French 75, there’s a gin cocktail that’s just right for you.
Gin is too often forgotten in the world of spirits, but it’s a powerhouse of flavor and perfectly complements a wide range of other ingredients.
Take a look at these delicious gin cocktails and see how this often overlooked spirit can be transformed into something truly sophisticated.
But first…
What is gin?
- Gin is a clear spirit with a piney, botanical flavor thanks to its main ingredients: juniper berries and grains.
- Taste: Most gin has notes of pine from the juniper, but every brand uses different ratios of botanicals and aromatics to achieve unique flavors. These can include citrus peel, angelica root, lavender, lemongrass, ginger root, rosemary, and more. Some brands are juniper-forward, have hints of citrus, are herbaceous and floral, and so on.
- Alcohol content: No less than 40% ABV (as required by US and EU law).
Gin is most often clear in color and looks similar to vodka, but it is much more flavorful, herbal and dynamic. Read all about the differences between gin and vodka here.
And now… On to the cocktails!
The BEST Gin Cocktails
With its bright, citrusy flavor and enticing foamy top, this Aperol Sour is the light and refreshing cocktail you need in your life! Ready in 5 minutes and perfect for sunny days.
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The Aviation Gin Fizz recipe combines Empress 1908 Gin, crème de violette, orgeat and lemon juice. The addition of egg white makes it frothy and delicious.
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Perfecting the Classic Gin & Tonic is easy with this Gin and Tonic recipe. Learn how to make the tastiest version of this classic drink at home.
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Gin, lemon juice and honey combine in this delicious Bee’s Knees cocktail. Served straight up in a martini glass.
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This Blackberry Bramble Cocktail is the perfect spring sipper. Made with just 4-simple ingredients, this gin based cocktail has bright flavors of blackberry and lemon, and is a definite crowd pleaser.
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The Aviation Cocktail combines crème de violette, maraschino cherry liqueur and a bit of lemon juice for a perfectly sweet and tart cocktail that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
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This French 75 cocktail recipe is festive, easy to make, and elegant. Plus – Bubbles!!! A sparkling wine cocktail always helps to make your party sparkle!
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This Dill Pickle Vodka Martini is a fun twist on the traditional dirty martini. Made with just 3 ingredients – gin, pickle juice and dry vermouth.
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The clover club cocktail is a classic gin cocktail with a luxurious, creamy texture named after the Philadelphia men’s social club.
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A refreshing pink gin and grapefruit Italian greyhound cocktail made with red or pink grapefruit juice, Aperol liqueur and a rim of fresh rosemary sugar.
Get the RECIPE from Family Style Food
This Violet Blueberry Gin Sour is a far cry from the classic lemon-based gin sour. Expect to shake up a fruity, floral and lip-smackingly fresh libation.
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Gin Fizz is a simple cocktail made with quality gin, lemon juice, club soda, simple syrup, and a pasteurized egg white.
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Citrus and gin. Does it get any more classic than this? A homemade Tom Collins cocktail is mere moments from gracing your hand!
Get the RECIPE from Jo Cooks
Here’s how to make a gin gimlet, a classic cocktail recipe with a rich history, a balanced flavor profile, and only three ingredients.
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The light, refreshing southside cocktail is made from muddled fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. Top with club soda for bubbles!
Get the RECIPE from Well Seasoned Studio
The Gin Rickey recipe uses lime and soda water in one classically simple cocktail. Make one in less than 5 minutes today!
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Negroni Sbagliato. This Italian cocktail is known as an incorrect Negroni switching the gin for Prosecco. So refreshing!
Get the RECIPE from Inside the Rustic Kitchen
Make this Gin Mule cocktail using ginger beer, gin, lime and fresh mint. A refreshing twist on the Moscow Mule.
Get the RECIPE from A Beautiful Mess
The Hanky Panky. A robust cocktail with gin, vermouth and a dash of Fernet Branca.
Get the RECIPE from David Lebovitz
Classic Negroni Cocktail – Stir up this ruby red, gin based Italian cocktail with just 3 ingredients and a slice of orange peel for garnish!
Get the RECIPE from Aberdeen’s Kitchen
A Gin Martini is a classic cocktail that every at home bartender should know how to make.
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The Martinez cockail is a classic mix of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters that meld into a smooth cocktail that’s perfectly balanced.
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The last word cocktail is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail consisting of gin, green chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur.
Get the RECIPE from Kitchen Swagger
This Corpse Reviver Cocktail is a classic Halloween drink made with four different liquors to help you survive the holiday craziness.
Get the RECIPE from Sugar & Cloth
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a tall, creamy, citrusy classic with sky-high foam. Originally known as the New Orleans Fizz, this gin cocktail was born in the Big Easy in the 1880s.
Get the RECIPE from Moody Mixologist
The White Lady Cocktail. An easy to make gin cocktail recipe. Stunning any time of year, and surely will impress especially the holidays.
Get the RECIPE from Little Figgy
More liquor guides
- Rum Cocktails
- Bourbon Cocktails
- Vodka Cocktails
- Whiskey Cocktails
- Cointreau Cocktails
- Triple Sec Cocktails
- Moscow Mule Cocktails
- Blackberry Cocktails
- Frangelico Cocktails
- Creme de Violette Cocktails
25+ BEST Gin Cocktails
Gin is one of the most versatile spirits when it comes to cocktails. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic like the Gin & Tonic or a modern twist on an old favorite. Try this Aperol Sour, with a bright, citrusy flavor and enticing foamy top. Ready in 5 minutes and perfect for sunny days.
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Servings: 2 cocktails
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Aperol
- 1 ½ ounces gin
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1 ½ ounces simple syrup
- Few dashes orange bitters
- 1 egg white***
- Ice
Instructions
- Add Aperol, gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, bitters and egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. (This is the dry shake.)
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker and continue shaking for 30 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail between two chilled coupe glasses and garnish with dehydrated lemon or orange wheels, or a fresh lemon twist.
Notes
***For an Aperol Sour with no egg, simply omit the egg white OR substitute it with two teaspoons aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas).
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
Nutrition
Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg