What do we want from a gin cocktail? Great question. We need it to be clean and crisp, maybe even a little sophisticated. We also need it to be smooth and refreshing to really bring the whole thing home.
Turn that into a super trendy drink, like a Negroni, that you can make for any occasion? YES.
1. Bramble
Bramble cocktails are the absolute best for summer sipping. It’s just one of those things you have to have when it’s warm out.
They’re obviously made with gin, plus a ton of plump, fresh blackberries and a splash of blackberry liquor.
And you really have to use fresh blackberries! Their deep berry flavor is just unmatched and it makes sure the whole drink isn’t way too sweet.
If you can’t get your hands on blackberry liquor, also known as Crème de Mûre, you can use Chambord or Crème de Cassis instead.
Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord, lemon slice & fresh blackberries (for garnish)
2. The Best Gin Sour Recipe
Okay, so I have to be honest. If you are not a fan of drinks that are super sour and heavy on the alcohol, this one might not be for you.
It’s a very intense drink, even with the simple syrup and lime juice instead of lemon or a sour mix.
But for anyone who really loves the taste of gin and enjoys a drink with that smooth egg white foam on top, making this is a total must.
Ingredients: gin, egg white, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
3. Gimlet
There’s a story that the Gimlet came about back in the 18th century as a way to keep sailors from getting scurvy.
I mean, come on, what could be a better way to get hardened seamen to have their vitamin C than by mixing it with some booze?
You might not be in danger of getting scurvy, but I still believe this cocktail is like a deliciously mouth-watering medicine that improves everything.
Ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)
4. Orange and Thyme Gin and Tonic
We could not possibly talk about gin cocktail recipes without bringing up the gin and tonic.
There’s a recipe for a classic version at the end, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, you have to try this one.
The citrus and herb elements aren’t overpowering. Instead, you get just a little hint of aroma that really boosts the botanicals already in the gin.
And it is such a lovely touch. Plus, you can totally add more if that’s what you like!
Ingredients: gin, tonic water, ice cubes, orange zest, fresh thyme
5. Watermelon Gin Punch
You should serve this flavorful watermelon and gin punch at your next backyard get-together. My friends always ask me for this recipe.
It has a wonderful sweetness and is just packed with watermelon flavor. But the lemon juice and fresh mints keep every single sip so bright and fresh.
When it comes to the gin, I suggest using something a bit less bitter that has more fruity notes. It’s even better if you can find a fruit-infused gin to make it even sweeter.
I’m a big fan of Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin for this because it adds a fantastic tropical flavor to the punch.
Ingredients: fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, club soda
6. Sloe Gin Fizz
A regular gin fizz is amazing. But a Sloe gin fizz? That’s a total showstopper!
Sloe gin gets its character from sloe drupes, which are berries that are pretty close relatives to plums. That’s what gives it that gorgeous red color and fruity profile.
This is such a great drink to start with. And after you’re completely hooked, you should check out other Sloe Gin cocktails!
Ingredients: gin, Sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wedge (for garnish)
7. Pink Pear Gin Martini
How beautiful is this pear and gin martini? That incredible pink color will definitely make your Instagram feed look amazing.
Unlike a lot of martini cocktails, this one isn’t super boozy. It’s balanced out with orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, and some pear nectar.
For anyone who thinks grapefruit is just too tart, this is a fantastic alternative.
Ingredients: Hendricks gin, orange liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice, pear nectar, simple syrup, pinch of salt
8. Grapefruit Basil Greyhound Cocktail
So easy and so enticing. The Greyhound is the cocktail I always make on those warm, lazy afternoons.
The original is just a simple three-ingredient drink that uses a lot of fresh grapefruit juice.
But this version kicks it up by adding fresh basil leaves and sparkling water. The result is a delightfully herbal aroma and a bubbly finish.
Ingredients: gin, grapefruit juice, honey, basil, sparkling water
9. Cucumber Cooler
Late summer nights were practically invented for cucumber coolers.
You can make them with things you likely already have in your cupboards, and they take no time at all to put together.
The drink itself isn’t complicated, but you should totally get creative when it comes to the presentation.
I love serving it in pretty glasses with a sprig of fresh mint, a lime wedge, and long ribbons of fresh cucumber spiraled up the inside of the glass.
Ingredients: gin, cucumber slices, lime wedges, tonic water, mint leaves, sugar
10. Strawberry Gin Smash
This cocktail is so funky and fruity, and it is every bit as fun as its name suggests.
You are going to love the bright mix of smashed up berries, lemon juice, fresh mint, and gin.
It gets finished with a little bit of honey for some extra sweetness and a frothy top of ginger beer that adds just the right amount of spice. So good!
Ingredients: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, honey, mint leaves, gin, ginger beer, ice cubes
11. Earl Grey Royal Gin Fizz
Have you ever tried a cocktail made with gin and tea? Because let me tell you, it’s a very special thing!
Earl Grey tea is insanely fragrant and it’s infused with oil of bergamot. This gives it a really nice citrus-forward quality.
When you blend that with gin, what you get is a pleasantly floral drink that has notes of black tea and a whole lot of herbal goodness.
Ingredients: Earl Grey tea simple syrup, gin, lemon juice, egg white, Champagne or Prosecco
12. Pineapple Passionfruit Tom Collins
I know there was another Tom Collins on the list already, but I just could not leave out this incredibly stunning and fruity version.
I mean, can a drink possibly be more Instagram-worthy than this one?
For that sweet, tropical flavor, you’re going to need both passionfruit and pineapple juices.
Pour those juices over crushed ice until the glass is full. Then you’ll top it with Empress Gin, which is a beautiful purple spirit that I’m positive you are going to adore.
Ingredients: passionfruit nectar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Empress Gin, crushed ice & highball glass