Best Gin Based Cocktails 2023: The Top 10 Gin Cocktails
It is obvious that gin has evolved back from the ancient era to be one of the most adored spirits. From Old Fashioned to reinvented versions of modern classics, gin works perfectly for them. No matter how much you love gin or how much you are a noob at it, these gin cocktails are sure to offer a little extra sa. This is an essential guide to gin cocktail lovers; we have gathered some common yet exotic cocktails, recipes, and tips and tricks for you.
1. Classic Gin and Tonic
Ingredients: 2 Oz of gin, 4 Oz of tonic water, a lime wedge or sprigs of herbs like basil or rosemary
Directions: Simply fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in the gin first, then the tonic water. Mix the two brews gently, then add a lime wedge or rosemary. This gin-infused beverage not only helps tonify but also helps boost your immune system as it represents an ancient tradition.
2. Negroni
Ingredients: 1 Oz of gin, 1 Oz of Campari, 1 Oz of sweet vermouth, garnished with a twist of orange peel
Directions: Combine gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass filled with ice. After combining, drain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. If desired, an orange can also be added as a garnish. The Negroni has become globally known and is adored among gin lovers due to its unique and sweet-bitter aftertaste.
3. Gin Martini
Ingredients: 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of very dry vermouth, ice, garnish – olive or a twist of lemon peel
Directions: Combine the gin and dry vermouth in a glass filled with ice cubes. Pour the mixture into a chilled martini glass. You may add olive or a twist of lemon peel, depending on your preference. The Gin Martini really exposes the true flavor of gin.
4. Tom Collins
Ingredients: 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, club soda, ice, a slice of lemon, and a cherry for decoration
Directions: Combine ice, simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin and shake. In a tall glass loaded with ice, pour through a strainer, and then add the club soda on top. Cherry and lemon zest should be used to embellish. Collins is perfect on hot days as it is light and quenching.
5. Basil and Gin Smash
Ingredients: 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, fresh basil leaves, ice
Directions: In a shaker, combine basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup and mix. After adding the ice and gin, shake strongly, and then pour the mixture into a rocks glass full of ice cubes. The gin Basil Smash makes gin lively and refreshing.
6. French 75
Ingredients: 1 ounce of gin, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, sparkling wine or champagne, ice, a lemon twist as garnish
Instructions: Cover gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice and shake. After straining, drizzle some champagne on top and finish with a twist of lemon. French 75 is a quite elegant drink combining the depth of gin with the sparkle of champagne.
7. Bee’s Knees
Ingredients: 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of honey syrup (mix warm water with honey), 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice, ice
Directions: First, mix lemon juice, honey syrup, and gin and cover with ice before shaking. Pour the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. The Bee’s Knees is a bright, invigorating, and slightly sweet cocktail, dating back to Prohibition.
8. Bramble
Ingredients: 2 Oz of gin, 1 Oz of fresh lemon juice, 1 Oz of simple syrup, 0.5 Oz of Crème de mûre or blackberry liqueur, crushed ice, blackberries, and a lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions: After shaking gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice, strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Top with crème de mûre and garnish with a slice of lemon and blackberries. The Bramble’s gin and berry flavors work harmoniously together.
9. Clover Club
Ingredients: 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, 3/4 ounce of grenadine or raspberry syrup, 1 egg white (for foam), ice
Instructions: Combine all ingredients without ice and shake, then strain into an ice-filled coupe glass. The Clover Club is a raspberry-flavored cocktail with a rich and creamy texture, classy yet old-fashioned.
10. The Last Word
Ingredients: 3/4 ounce of gin, 3/4 ounce of Green Chartreuse, 3/4 ounce of maraschino liqueur, 3/4 ounce of lime juice, ice
Instructions: After mixing the ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass and serve. The Last Word is beautifully herbaceous with subtle citrus hints.
FAQs
1. Which gin is the most suitable for making cocktails?
There is no set answer to this; it all depends on the cocktail and individual preferences. Distinctive gins like Hendrick’s work well in cocktails requiring a unique flavor, while London Dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater are versatile and blend well with many recipes.
2. What should be used to garnish gin drinks?
Common garnishes include lemon and lime wedges, basil, and rosemary. Berries, cucumber wedges, or even flowers can elevate the drink’s aroma and presentation.
3. Are gin cocktails possible to make without tonic?
Certainly! Many gin cocktails like Negronis, Martinis, and French 75 do not require tonic, offering a range of flavors from sweet and sour to bitter.
4. Can you give me a hint on the best way to store gin?
Store gin in a cool, dry place, never opened and exposed to air, as it can affect taste. Once opened, gin can last a couple of years with minimal change in flavor.
5. What are the best drinks that go well with gin?
Besides tonic, gin pairs well with fruit juices like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, as well as sparkling water, ginger ale, or soda. Each mixer offers unique flavor combinations.
6. Can I use gin for drinks that commonly use vodka?
Yes, gin can sometimes substitute for vodka, especially in drinks that complement gin’s botanical flavors, like a gin twist on a cranberry cocktail or Bloody Mary.
