Gin is a very divisive spirit. If you enjoy it, you likely love it for its botanical, floral, and juniper-driven aromas and flavors. If you dislike it, that’s likely because you feel like sipping gin is the equivalent of drinking a glass of your grandma’s potpourri. If you’re in the prior group, you might drink it neat or on the rocks. That is if you’re really into gin. But more than likely you prefer to mix with it.
The juniper- and botanical-driven flavor profile works well in a variety of drinks. When it comes to classic simplicity, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of the gin and tonic (especially when it has the perfect ratio of gin to tonic). The effervescence and flavor of the tonic meld perfectly with the floral, herbal nature of a great London dry gin. Adding a slice of lime only adds to the overall fresh flavor.
While the gin and tonic might be the most ordered gin-based drink, it’s far from the only notable one. Not only are there seemingly countless classic gin-based mixed drinks, but most of them are fairly easy to whip up. You don’t need an advanced degree in mixology to make a martini, negroni, or even a Tom Collins. All you need is a great bottle of gin and a few simple ingredients.
Whether you prefer a classic London dry gin, an artisanal small batch gin, or any other type of random gin with over-the-top ingredients, this spirit is perfect for mixing. Below you’ll find some of the best gin-based cocktails ever conceived.
The best part? They’re all easy to make at home.
Martini
If you look up a list of the most popular classic cocktails, you’ll always see the martini included. If you thought martinis are made with vodka, you need a little education. This simple cocktail, at its most original, is made with gin and dry vermouth. It’s served in a traditional martini glass and is often garnished with a lemon peel and/or olive. There are many stories about its genesis. It’s believed to have been an offshoot of the Martinez cocktail (made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters). The first reference to the martini itself was in Harry Johnson’s Bartender Manual in 1888.
Ingredients:
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3 ounces of London dry gin
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.5 ounces of dry vermouth
Preparation: In an ice-filled mixing glass, add the gin and vermouth. Gently stir to combine. Strain the ingredients into a chilled martini glass. Add a lemon peel and/or olive garnish.
Gin and Tonic
By far the most well-ordered gin-based drink, the classic gin and tonic is fresh, flavorful, and delicious any time of year. The drink featuring gin, tonic, and a lime wedge has a long history and one that wasn’t completely based in the bartending world. Its origins can be traced back to the 1700s when it was originally consumed by British naval officers. It started as a way to stave off malaria by using gin rations mixed with quinine (the anti-malarial ingredient), sugar to balance the bitterness, and, eventually, lime.
Ingredients:
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2 ounces of London dry gin
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Tonic water topper
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Lime for garnish
Preparation: Add gin to an ice-filled rocks or old fashioned glass. Top with tonic water. Gently stir to combine. Add a lime wheel or wedge for a garnish.
Negroni
If you’re a fan of bittersweet foods and drinks, you’ll love the negroni. This summer staple is a popular aperitif in Italy and beyond. Enjoyed before dinner, it’s a complex, balanced drink consisting of gin, vermouth, and Campari. A take on the Americano, it’s believed that the negroni was first created in 1919 at the Caffè Casoni in Florence. It was named for Count Camillo Negroni because he went into the bar and asked bartender Fosco Scarselli to swap out the usual soda water for gin.
Ingredients:
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1 ounce of gin
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1 ounce of sweet red vermouth
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1 ounce of Campari
Preparation: In an ice-filled rocks or old fashioned glass, add gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with an orange peel.
Salty Dog
The aptly named drink was created sometime in the 1920s or 30s. Its true origin is a bit of a mystery as it’s a take on the classic greyhound cocktail with salt added to give it a subtle saline flavor. It’s as simple as cocktails come. The only ingredients are gin and grapefruit juice and a salted rim like you’d find in a classic margarita. What’s not to love on a hot summer day (or any day for that matter)?
Ingredients:
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1.5 ounce of gin
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3.5 ounces of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
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Salt
Preparation: In an ice-filled shaker, add the gin and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Shake vigorously to combine. Strain the ingredients into a salt-rimmed highball or pint glass.
