These easy gin cocktails are smooth, botanical, and utterly delicious!
And from the classic gin fizz to a crisp Tom Collins, they’re pretty darn impressive.
Gin Cocktails & Drink Recipes
Gin is super trendy right now (hello, Negroni!), which means there are plenty of unique and modern drinks to highlight this classic spirit.
Some are clean, crisp, and sophisticated, with plenty of aromatic goodness, while others are smooth, complex, and refreshing.
But one thing’s for sure, these gin cocktails are impossible to resist.
1. Gin Fizz
The 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.
Made with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of club soda (or soda water), it’s light, refreshing, and beautifully bubbly.
And since it’s quite plain looking, I suggest using fancy glasses for serving. Your friends will feel like royalty if you hand them a gin fizz in a gold-rimmed glass!
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, powdered sugar, club soda, lemon slice (for garnish)
2. Gin and Tonic
We can’t talk about gin cocktail recipes and not mention the classic gin and tonic. Other than the Negroni, it’s probably the most famous of them all!
It’s an easy drinker, with a sharp taste that calls for just two ingredients.
Though you can make fun variations with fruits and syrups! For example, it’s incredible with lavender or elderflower syrup.
But to keep it clean and simple, go for a London dry gin, like Tanqueray or Beefeater.
Ingredients: London dry gin, tonic water, ice cubes, lemon slice (for garnish
3. Tom Collins
Sharp and summery, the classic Tom Collins is full of tangy citrus flavor and depth.
You’ll need gin (I like Hendrick’s), simple syrup, lemon juice, club soda (or soda water), and sugar. Shake it until chilled, then serve on the rocks.
Watching your sugar intake? No problem. Just replace the sugar with a spoonful of honey for a touch of golden flavor without losing any sweetness.
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, ice cubes, lemon slice (for garnish
4. Watermelon Gin Punch
Serve this flavorful watermelon and gin punch at your next backyard bash, and all your friends will beg you for the recipe.
It’s wonderfully sweet and overflowing with watermelon flavor. But the lemon juice and fresh mints ensure every sip is bright and fresh.
As for the gin, I recommend something slightly less bitter with more fruity notes. And if you can find fruit-infused gin, that’ll make it all the sweeter.
I like Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin because it brings a wonderful tropical flavor to the punch.
Ingredients: fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, club soda
5. Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation cocktail is one of those gin drinks you save for special occasions.
Its purple hue is simply gorgeous and the floral aroma is hard to resist.
Made with crème de violette and maraschino liqueur, it’s sweet, fragrant, and super crisp.
Serve in a martini glass with a twist of lemon and you’re guaranteed a good night.
Ingredients: gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice, lemon slice (for garnish)
6. French 75
The French 75 is named for a French field gun used in World War I, so you’d better believe it packs a punch!
It’s tart and bubbly, and probably not for those who prefer fruity frozen drinks.
But if you enjoy sour over sweet with plenty of fizz, I think you’ll fall in love at first sip.
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne, lemon twist (for garnish)
7. Pineapple Passionfruit Tom Collins
I know we already had a Tom Collins but I just had to include this stunning fruity version.
I mean, does it get any more Instagram-worthy than this one?
You’ll need passionfruit and pineapple juices for that sweet, tropical taste.
Pour that over crushed ice until it reaches the bottom of a tall glass. Then top it off with Empress Gin, a beautiful purple spirit I know you’ll adore.
Ingredients: passionfruit nectar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Empress Gin, crushed ice & highball glass
8. Earl Grey Tea Cocktail
Have you ever had a gin and tea cocktail? Because it’s something pretty special!
Earl Grey tea is incredibly fragrant and infused with oil of bergamot, making it nice and citrus-forward.
Blend that with gin, and you’ve got a pleasantly floral drink with black tea notes and plenty of herbal goodness.
Add some honey for sweetness and serve it on the rocks. Yum!
Ingredients: cold Earl Grey tea, gin, honey simple syrup, lemon juice, lavender sprigs (for garnish)
9. Negroni
If you’ve been online at all this year, you’ll know the Negroni is the new favorite of many cocktail drinkers.
It’s not modern, but it sure is trendy. And the classic recipe has seen a whole new generation of drinkers fall in love with it.
Made with equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But seasoned sippers will appreciate the depth and nuanced flavors.
Ingredients: gin, sweet Vermouth, Campari, orange twist (for garnish)
10. Cucumber Cooler
Late summer evenings were made for cucumber coolers.
They’re made with ingredients that’re probably already in your cupboards, and they come together in a snap.
The drink might not be complicated, but feel free to get creative with the presentation.
I like it in pretty glasses with a sprig of fresh mint, a wedge of lime, and long slices of fresh cucumber swirled up the inside.
Ingredients: gin, cucumber slices, lime wedges, tonic water, mint leaves, sugar
11. Strawberry Gin Smash
This funky and fruity cocktail is just as much fun as it sounds.
And 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 for just a touch of spice. Yum!
Ingredients: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, honey, mint leaves, gin, ginger beer, ice cubes
12. Bramble
Bramble cocktails are the ultimate summer sippers.
They’re made with gin (obviously) and plenty of plump, fresh blackberries and blackberry liquor.
And really, the blackberries are a must! Their deep berry flavor is unmatched and ensures this drink isn’t overly sweet.
But if you can’t find blackberry liquor (Crème de Mûre), use Chambord or Crème de Cassis instead.
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord, lemon slice & fresh blackberries (for garnish)
13. Last Word Martini
Developed during the Prohibition era, this roaring 1920s 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.
Sophisticated, sour, and very boozy, it’s another drink that sweet tooth may not enjoy. That said, give it a try and it might surprise you!
Ingredients: gin, Green Chartreuse liqueur, maraschino liqueur, lime juice
14. The Best Gin Sour Recipe
Sorry, but if you don’t like overly sour, alcohol-heavy drinks, this might not be for you.
Because even with the simple syrup and lime juice (instead of lemon or a sour mix), it’s very intense.
But for anyone who genuinely enjoys the taste of gin and likes a drink with a smooth egg white foam, this is a must-make.
Ingredients: gin, egg white, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
15. Greyhound Cocktail
Easy but enticing, the Greyhound is my go-to cocktail on warm, lazy days.
It’s a quick three-ingredient drink with lots of fresh grapefruit juice. But don’t worry, you’ll mix in simple syrup to keep it from being too sour.
Shake it up with gin and ice, then serve this martini its signature glass.
Ingredients: gin, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, ice cubes
16. Grapefruit Gin Martini
How gorgeous is this grapefruit juice and gin martini? That stunning pink hue is sure to make your Instagram feed pop!
Luckily, this gin martini tastes even better than it looks.
It’s quite boozy, thanks to the blend of vodka, gin, and orange Curaçao.
And while the citrus flavors do help to balance the bittersweet notes of the grapefruit, it’s still pretty tart.
Ingredients: gin, vodka, ruby red grapefruit juice, grapefruit bitters, Orange Curaçao, ice cubes, oregano sprig & grapefruit slice (for garnish)
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?
And while you may not be at risk of scurvy, I still think this cocktail qualifies as deliciously mouth-watering medicine that makes everything better.
Ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
17 Classic Gin Cocktails
These easy gin cocktails are smooth, refreshing, and utterly delicious! From the classic gin fizz to a crisp Tom Collins, they’re pretty darn impressive.
Ingredients
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a gin cocktail in 30 minutes or less!
