A post-work soother, a refreshing party beverage, the perfect pre-dinner aperitif- there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this versatile spirit. But just in case you need inspiration, here are some gorgeous gin recipes that’ll have you reaching for the bottle. There are old favorites like Tom Collins and gimlets, alongside new creations like the red snapper and the strawberry smash. There are some to get the party started, and some to slow things down. Serve ice-cold cucumber coolers at your next summer BBQ, or keep it classy with a French 75. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional tipple or keen to experiment, you’ll find a favorite here. So stay home tonight and be your own bartender with these fun and fizzy recipes!
1. Gin Fizz
A gin fizz was my gateway cocktail. I took one sip a few years ago, and that was it. I became a committed gin drinker for life. Light, refreshing, and beautifully bubbly, this cocktail is a keeper. It’s made with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of club soda. This timeless tipple is sure to win you over from the first sip, just as it did with me.
2. Gin and Tonic
If gin and tonic were a rom-com, it’d be one of the cozy classics, like When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle. This simple but satisfying drink will make you feel warm and romantic inside. It’s an easy drinker, with a sharp taste, made with just 2 ingredients and a splash of lime. Serve this over ice for a summer sparkler, and don’t forget to invest in good-quality gin. With so few ingredients, this is one cocktail where the alcohol does all the work. Trust me, buying a good brand really makes a difference!
3. Tom Collins
I’ve drunk quite a few Tom Collins in my time, and this delicious recipe is my go-to version. Sharp and summery, it’s full of tangy citrus flavor and depth. You’ll need a cocktail shaker for this one. Mix together gin, simple syrup, lemon, club soda, and sugar, then shake it up. At this point, I find it helpful to channel Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Watching your sugar? No problem. Just replace the sugar with a spoonful of honey. It’ll add a touch of golden flavor without losing any sweetness.
4. Georgia Gin Cocktail
This fruity blend is perfect for summer cocktail parties. It’s flavored with peach schnapps and orange juice, creating a bright beverage that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Serve over ice with a wedge of orange and prepare to wow your guests.
5. Aviation Cocktail
If you want to make an impression at your next dinner party, mix up some aviation cocktails. This purple-hued drink is gorgeous to look at and tastes just as good as its eye-catching appearance suggests. Made with crème de violette, this fruity and floral cocktail has a distinctive taste that’s instantly recognizable. It’s sweet, fragrant, and very aromatic. Serve in a martini glass with a twist of lemon and you’re guaranteed a good night.
6. French 75
I used to order French 75 in cocktail bars because I thought it made me look sophisticated (and it totally did). Now that I’ve reached the age where taste is more important than impressing random strangers, I really appreciate the tangy flavor of this classy treat. With a splash of bubbly champagne along with the gin, this is a strong drink that’s ideal for special occasions. The French 75 is named for a French field gun used in World War I, so you’d better believe it packs a punch!
7. Gin Rickey
Tall, cool, and always welcome at a party, this cocktail is like an old friend. It’s a thirst-quenching, lip-smacking mix of sweet and sour – although mostly sour. Made with fresh lime and seltzer, it’s a simple but scrumptious cocktail bursting with citrus notes. If you’re sick of sickly sweet cocktails loaded with sugar, this is the drink for you. Light and tangy, it goes down very easily.
8. Pegu Club
This gin sour has a long history. It was first mentioned in a 1930s cookbook, which traced its origins back to the legendary Pegu Club in Burma. The drink quickly became popular, as all good cocktails do, and is now a favorite of connoisseurs around the world. This is a breezy blend of aromatic and fruity flavors. As you’d expect from a cocktail from Burma, it’s bursting with exotic taste. And it’s pretty strong too! Gin isn’t the only alcohol in this drink, it also boasts orange liqueur which adds a subtle citrus hit. That’s okay – you’ll need a reward after mixing this one. A good Pegu Club requires some elbow grease. Pour it into a cocktail shaker, add ice, and go nuts. As the experts say – shake until your hands go cold.
9. Negroni
A negroni is a bitter beverage with just a hint of sweetness. So if you like your gin sour, this will soon become a firm favorite. Equal parts gin, vermouth, Campari, this is not for the faint-hearted. Seasoned sippers will appreciate the depth and nuance of this classic Italian cocktail. Known for its bright red color, this is a great drink for the holidays. Work the crowd with this dazzling drink at your next festive event and things will get merry in no time!
10. Cucumber Cooler
Late summer evenings were made for cucumber coolers. This simple showstopper is a no-fuss kind of cocktail. It’s made with ingredients that are probably already in your cupboards – gin, lime, mint, cucumber, and tonic water. The drink might not be complicated, but feel free to get creative with the presentation. I love to serve this with a sprig of fresh mint, a wedge of lime, and slices of fresh cucumber. You could also add some sugar if you’re more of a sweet-toothed drinker.
11. Strawberry Gin Smash
This funky and fruity cocktail is just as much fun as it sounds. You’ll love the bright blend of smashed berries, lemon juice, fresh mint, and gin. It’s finished off with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and a frothy topping of ginger beer. If you want to make this like a bartender, you’ll need a muddler. This handy device is a bit like a pestle and is used to gentle squish or ‘muddle’ your ingredients together to help the flavors blend. Of course, fancy equipment isn’t strictly necessary. You can still enjoy this refreshing cocktail with just your own two hands and a thirst for delicious gin drinks.
12. Bramble
Bramble cocktails are the ultimate summer sipper. They’re made with gin (obviously) and plenty of plump, fresh raspberries. In fact, it’s more like a healthy juice crammed with vitamin C than a cocktail. Honest. Yep, health meets happiness in this juicy treat. It’s made with creme de cassis or Chambord (both black raspberry liqueurs), lemon juice, and simple syrup. There’s a little bit of magic in there too, or at least physics. Raspberry liqueur is heavier than gin, meaning it will sink to the bottom of your glass, creating a beautiful layered effect.
13. Last Word
Developed during the Prohibition era, this cocktail will bring out the rebel spirit in any drinker. It’s a gin martini, made with equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. This is a sophisticated sour drink that has retained its popularity due to its complex flavors and tangy top notes.
14. Red Snapper
Spicy and savory, this unique cocktail is a gin twist on the classic Bloody Mary. It’s a tongue-tingling blend of tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper, olive brine, and spices. To say this is spicy is a bit of an understatement! If you like your cocktails fiery and punchy, you’ll snap this up (sorry, I couldn’t help myself).
15. Greyhound Cocktail
Easy but enticing, greyhounds are my go-to cocktail on warm, lazy days. This perfect pink drink is so unfussy but so full of juicy flavor. It’s made with fresh grapefruit and simple syrup. The greyhound started life as a vodka cocktail, but you’ll love this modern-day version which is just as refreshing and invigorating.
16. Floradora
Red, pink, and frothy, the Floradora is almost too pretty to drink. Named after a Broadway musical, this drink is all about good times. It’s a fruity mix of crème de framboise liqueur, lime juice, ginger ale, and gin. Garnish with a lime wedge and you’ll have a party!
17. Gimlet
Rumor has it the gimlet was invented in the 18th century to stop sailors from getting scurvy. After all, what better way to convince grizzled seamen to get their vitamin C than mixing it up with alcohol? This recipe keeps it classic with gin, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sugar. It’s sweet, it’s sour, and it’s very refreshing. You may not be at risk of scurvy, but I still think this cocktail qualifies as deliciously mouth-watering medicine that makes everything better. Click on a star to rate it!
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