Gin is a unique and versatile liquor, with various flavours possible depending on the botanicals used. If you're just starting to explore the world of gin cocktails, you're in the right place.
The options include gin in both its simplest forms and more intricate mixes. These drinks are classics and will never go out of style.
1. Classic Gin Martini
No list of gin cocktails is complete without the classic Martini. It's a drink that's been around since the late 19th century and was made famous by a literary group known as the Martini Friends Society.
This is probably the most recognised gin cocktail in the world today! It's served straight up with garnishes, although you can order it extra dry or dry if you want a little less vermouth. It's easy to make this cocktail perfect every time with a bit of practice.
Remember that you'll need an entire bottle of dry vermouth for every bottle of gin. Vermouth is a fortified wine with a more potent flavour and requires a higher ratio to balance the gin.
Try making our zingy Gin Martini recipe at home in under 5 minutes!
2. Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic is a classic mix of gin and tonic water combined with a squeeze of lime. It's a drink that is perfect for any time of day or night and well suited to any occasion. It's even classy enough to be used as a cocktail before dinner.
Here are a few tips if you want to serve it at a party. Start by pouring each drink over ice. Ensure the ice is crushed or cracked, so the drink doesn't taste watered.
Some people prefer plain tonic, while others like adding fruit slices to their drinks. You can use lemons, limes, or oranges as garnishes for the latter.
Discover dozens of Gin and Tonic recipes on our online recipe hub.
3. Singapore Sling
This is another drink steeped in history. The Singapore Sling was first served at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in 1915. This cocktail is somewhat convoluted and includes gin and brandy, cherry brandy, blackberry brandy, grenadine, lime, pineapple and other ingredients.
Singapore Slings are always made with gin and can be served on the rocks or in a highball glass. Depending on the recipe, they may contain a variety of garnishes.
4. New Orleans Fizz
A New Orleans Fizz combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg. The eggs are used to create froth and bind the flavours together. If you want to make them, simply add the ingredients to a shaker or cocktail mixer and shake to mix.
Then, strain it into a glass filled with crushed ice and serve with a lemon wedge and a cherry. This isn't a complicated recipe, but it does require a bit of skill. If you're making cocktails for a crowd, you may want to have a practiced beforehand!
Conclusion
Gin is a versatile, sophisticated alcoholic spirit with a wide range of flavours. It is perfect for both mixing with other ingredients and drinking by itself.
One of the best things about gin is that it has a long history and was commonly used in mixed drinks before Prohibition took hold in the United States. Many of the classic cocktails you'll find today are made with gin.
When you're serving mixed drinks at a party, choose a classic recipe that's easy to make to ensure you and your guests enjoy the party. As long as you're not skimping on ingredients, these recipes are guaranteed to be a success.
At Jim and Tonic, we believe quality gin and sustainability should go hand in hand. We are a gin distillery with three cocktail bars in London and offer a direct-to-consumer shop on our website. We produce our four sustainable urban gins, perfected based on feedback from literally 10,000 punters who've visited our bars. If you're looking for a gin and tonic gift set in London, we've got you covered! Check out our gin shop now!