Top 10 Classic Gin Cocktails You Need to Try
Gin is the star of countless timeless cocktails. From the crisp simplicity of a Gimlet to the aromatic complexity of a Negroni, these ten recipes showcase gin’s versatility. Grab your favourite bottle, gather some quality mixers, and let’s explore the classics.
1. Martini
Ingredients:
- 60 ml London Dry gin
- 10 ml dry vermouth
Method:
- Chill a martini glass.
- Stir gin and vermouth with ice for 20 seconds.
- Strain into the glass.
Garnish: Lemon twist or olive
Tip: Adjust vermouth to taste—more for herbal depth, less for a purer gin flavour.
2. Negroni
Ingredients:
- 25 ml gin
- 25 ml Campari
- 25 ml sweet vermouth
Method:
- Build over ice in a rocks glass.
- Stir gently for 10 seconds.
Garnish: Orange peel
Why Try: Bitter, balanced, and endlessly adaptable—swap in barrel-aged gin for richness.
3. Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
Method:
- Shake all ingredients with ice.
- Fine-strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish: Lime wheel
Note: Use fresh lime for zing; bottled cordial won’t deliver the same brightness.
4. Tom Collins
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Soda water to top
Method:
- Shake gin, lemon juice, and syrup with ice.
- Strain into an ice-filled highball.
- Top with soda. Stir once.
Garnish: Lemon wheel and cherry
Serve: Tall and refreshing—ideal for warm afternoons.
5. Aviation
Ingredients:
- 45 ml gin
- 15 ml maraschino liqueur
- 15 ml crème de violette
- 20 ml lemon juice
Method:
- Shake all with ice until frosty.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish: Cherry or brandied cherry
Flavour: Floral and slightly tart—a real conversation starter.
6. Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Egg white (optional)
- Soda water to top
Method:
- Dry-shake (no ice) the first four ingredients for 10 seconds.
- Add ice and shake again.
- Strain into a highball and top with soda.
Garnish: Lemon zest
Texture: Silky foam if you include egg white.
7. Southside
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml lime juice
- 20 ml sugar syrup
- 8–10 mint leaves
Method:
- Muddle mint with syrup and lime.
- Add gin and ice, then shake.
- Fine-strain into a coupe.
Garnish: Mint sprig
Origin: Rumoured to come from Chicago—but perfected everywhere.
8. French 75
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- 60 ml Champagne
Method:
- Shake gin, lemon, and syrup with ice.
- Strain into a flute.
- Top with Champagne.
Garnish: Lemon twist
Occasion: Effervescent and celebratory—perfect for toasts.
9. Ramos Gin Fizz
Ingredients:
- 45 ml gin
- 15 ml lime juice
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 30 ml sugar syrup
- 60 ml milk
- 1 egg white
- 2 dashes orange flower water
- Soda water to top
Method:
- Combine all except soda; shake without ice for 30 seconds.
- Add ice and shake for another 30 seconds.
- Strain into a Collins glass and top with soda.
Garnish: None—let the foam reign
Labour of Love: Requires patience, but yields an unforgettable cloud-like drink.
10. Bee’s Knees
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 20 ml lemon juice
- 20 ml honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
Method:
- Shake all with ice.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish: Lemon twist
Sweet Spot: Honey adds viscosity and depth without cloying sweetness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Classics
- Ice Quality: Use large, clear cubes to minimise dilution.
- Glassware Matters: Serve each cocktail in its traditional vessel for optimal aroma and presentation.
- Fresh Ingredients: Citrus must be fresh. Bottled juice flattens flavour.
- Batch Prep: For parties, pre-mix gin and liqueurs; add citrus and ice per drink.
For more visit: The Gin Lounge Ilkley