Gin is a spirit that can be used in a wide range of cocktails, making it a favourite among bartenders and drinkers alike. Gin is made by distilling grain alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals. This gives it its distinctive flavour. Which is perfect for some classic gin cocktails. Some popular gin cocktails include the gin and tonic, the martini, and the Negroni.

If you're looking for new and exciting gin cocktail recipes to try out at home, you've come to the right place. Whether you want a classic gin and tonic or something more adventurous, there's a gin cocktail recipe for you.

Gin is perfect for mixing different cocktails, so we've put together a list of 19 refreshing cocktail recipes you can make in the comfort of your home. From fruity cocktails containing fresh lime juice to ones with herbal notes, there's a gin cocktail for everyone. So grab a bottle of gin, get mixing, and you'll be drinking gin cocktails in no time!

1. Gin and Tonic

First on this list is the classic cocktail, gin and tonic. A gin and tonic is a refreshing cocktail made with gin and tonic water. The two ingredients are combined in a glass, typically in a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 gin to tonic. It is then garnished with a slice of lime. You can also squeeze the lime, adding lime juice to the mix.

Gin and tonics are typically served ice cold. They are often enjoyed as an aperitif or as a refreshing summer drink.

There are many variations of this classic cocktail that you can try. For example, you can add fruit or herbs to the drink to give it a unique flavour. Or, you can experiment with different types of gin to find one that you like best.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 150ml tonic water
• Garnish with a lime wedge
  

First, add the gin and tonic water into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir to combine the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge.

2. Martini

A classic gin martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth and traditionally served in a martini glass.

The classic dry martini is made with gin and dry vermouth and is often garnished with an olive or a Lemon twist. Although no lemon juice is actually added to the cocktail.

The classic wet martini is made with gin and sweet vermouth and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. And the classic perfect martini is made with gin, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist.

As you can see, there are many variations on the classic gin martini. Still, the classic martini is the most popular.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 15ml dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or green olive to garnish
  

Fill a mixing glass with ice and add the gin and vermouth. Stir to combine. Strain into a chilled martini or cocktail glass. Twist the lemon peel over the drink and place it in the cocktail.

3. Gimlet

The gimlet cocktail is a refreshing mix of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century when British sailors added lime juice to their daily rum ration to prevent scurvy. The drink gained popularity in the early 20th century and was mentioned in the 1930s book The Savoy Cocktail Book. Today, the gimlet is a staple of classic cocktail bars worldwide.

The gimlet is traditionally made with gin and lime juice, but this classic cocktail has many variations. The key ingredient in a gimlet is lime juice, which gives the drink its refreshing tartness. Gin is the traditional spirit used in a gimlet. However, vodka can also be used.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 15ml lime juice
• 15ml sugar syrup
• Lime wheel for garnish
  

Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for about twenty seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

4. Negroni

The Negroni cocktail is another classic gin cocktail. It originated in Italy, and according to legend, the Negroni was created in 1919 when Count Camillo Negroni requested a bartender to make him a stronger version of the Americano. So, the bartender replaced the soda water in the Americano with gin, and the Negroni came into existence. The Americano is another popular gin-based cocktail.

Today, the Negroni is enjoyed worldwide and is one of the most popular gin cocktails. It is traditionally made with equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari, but this classic recipe has many variations.

Ingredients and Method

• 30ml gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• A citrus garnish, like an orange or lemon peel
  

Mix the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Add the orange peel to garnish.

5. Tom Collins

The tom collins cocktail was popularized in the 19th century. The origin of this gin cocktail is unclear, but it is thought to have been named after a British waiter. The tom collins is typically made with gin, lemon juice, sugar (or sugar syrup), and club soda.

Some variations of the recipe include the addition of fruit juices or bitters. Today, the tom collins is one of the most popular gin cocktails and can be found on menus in bars and restaurants worldwide.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 30ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• 90ml club soda
• Lemon slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
  

Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake for around twenty to thirty seconds. Strain into a collins glass filled about halfway with ice. Top with soda water. Stir to mix in the soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry.

6. Bee's Knees

The bee's knees cocktail is a gin cocktail that dates back to the Prohibition era. The drink gets its name from its key ingredient: honey. The honey gives the cocktail a sweetness that balances out the gin. It also provides a unique flavour profile that sets the bee's knees apart from other gin cocktails.

Ingredients and Method

• 50ml gin
• 22ml lemon juice
• 22ml orange juice
• 2 teaspoons of honey syrup
  

In a cocktail shaker, stir the honey syrup, orange juice and lemon juice until the honey is dissolved. Add the gin and some ice to the shaker. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

7. Greyhound

A greyhound cocktail is a tasty drink made with gin, fresh grapefruit juice, and ice. It's traditionally served in a highball glass and garnished with a grapefruit wedge. The greyhound cocktail is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1920s.

The greyhound was first mentioned in print in 1934 and quickly became a popular drink. Today, the greyhound is enjoyed by gin lovers and vodka lovers alike. If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail to enjoy, look no further than the greyhound.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 90ml grapefruit juice
  

Add the gin to a highball glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruit juice. Stir to combine.

8. White Lady

As you probably notice by now, there are so many gin cocktails out there. This fruity cocktail is a gin-based drink with lemon juice, triple sec, and egg white. The egg white gives the drink a frothy texture, and the gin provides a smooth, juniper-forward flavour.

Ingredients and Method

• 40ml gin
• 30ml triple sec
• 20ml lemon juice
• 15ml egg white (optional)
  

Shake all the ingredients with ice together in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a cocktail glass.

9. Last Word

You may not have heard of the last word cocktail. It's one of the gin cocktails that is both refreshing and flavorful.

The last word cocktail was created at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1900s. It quickly became a popular choice among gin enthusiasts.

The key to this cocktail is balance - the gin is offset by the maraschino liqueur's sweetness and the lime juice's tartness. While it's traditionally served straight up, you can also have this cocktail on the rocks.

Ingredients and Method

• 22ml gin
• 22ml green Chartreuse
• 22ml lime juice
• 22ml maraschino liqueur
  

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.

10. Southside

The Southside cocktail is a refreshing gin cocktail drink that is perfect for summertime. It consists of gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup combined in a shaker with ice and then strained into a chilled glass.

The resulting drink is tart and sweet, with a pleasantly refreshing citrus flavour. Garnish with a lemon slice or sprig of mint.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 30ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Mint leaves
  

Muddle the mint leaves and lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker. Add the gin, simple syrup and some ice. Shake for about twenty seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

11. Aviation

The Aviation cocktail is a gin-based cocktail that first became popular in the early 20th century. The classic recipe calls for gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de Violette. The drink is usually garnished with a cherry or lemon twist.

While the Aviation was once one of the most popular gin cocktails, it fell out of favour in the latter half of the 20th century. However, it has undergone a renaissance in recent years, thanks partly to its classic flavour and elegant presentation. If you're a fan of gin cocktails, the Aviation is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 15ml lemon juice
• 15ml maraschino liqueur
• 5ml creme de violette
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
  

Add the liquid ingredients into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake well, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Add the cherry for garnish.

12. French 75

The French 75 is a gin cocktail that includes Champagne and is garnished with a lemon twist. It is a refreshing and elegant drink. The cocktail's origins could be clearer, but it is thought to date back to World War I. The name is likely a reference to the French 75mm field gun used during the war.

Whatever its origins, the French 75 is a delicious and classic cocktail that will please any gin lover.

Ingredients and Method

• 30ml gin
• 15ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• 60ml Champagne
• Lemon twist for garnish
  

Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake for twenty seconds. Strain into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne. Lemon twist for garnish.

13. Gin Rickey

A gin rickey is a simple gin cocktail and a great drink. It is refreshing, flavorful, and easy to make with few ingredients.

To make a gin rickey, combine gin, lime juice, and soda water in a highball glass. You can also add a splash of grenadine for sweetness. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 15ml lime juice
• Top with soda water
• Garnish with a lime slice
  

Add the gin and lime to an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda water. Add the lime wedge for garnish.

14. Classic Gin Fizz

The gin fizz is a classic cocktail that dates back to the 19th century. A gin fizz is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar, and it's typically served in a tall glass with ice.

The gin fizz is a refreshing, straightforward cocktail perfect for summer parties. If you're looking for a simple gin cocktail, the gin fizz is a great option and quick to whip up. Definitely one of the best gin cocktails out there.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 30ml lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Top with soda water
  

Shake all ingredients with ice except soda water. Pour into a highball glass. Top with soda water.

15. Vesper

The Vesper is a gin cocktail Ian Fleming popularised in his James Bond novel Casino Royale. The drink itself is pretty simple, consisting of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif wine).

While the exact proportions vary depending on who you ask, the general consensus is more gin than vodka, with the Lillet Blanc making up the rest. The Vesper is traditionally served in a chilled martini glass with a twist of lemon peel.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 15ml vodka
• 7ml Lillet Blanc
  

Shake the ingredients together with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a strip of lemon peel.

16. Derby Cocktail

There is not much information about the origins of the Derby cocktail. Still, it's a delicious peach and mint cocktail. The classic recipe remains a favourite among gin lovers. Here's how to make one.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 2 dashes of peach bitters
• A few mint leaves.
  

Gently muddle the mint leaves in a mixing glass. Add the gin, bitters, and ice, then stir. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

17. Clover Club Cocktail

A Clover Club cocktail is a drink that was popular in the early 1900s. While it fell out of popularity in the mid-20th century, it has recently begun to make a comeback among mixologists and gin lovers. The Clover Club cocktail is light and refreshing.

Whether you enjoy it as a historical curiosity or simply for its delicious flavour, the Clover Club cocktail is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 7.5ml grenadine
• 22ml lemon juice
• One egg white
  

Shake all the ingredients without ice. Next, add ice and shake again until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass.

18. Hanky Panky Cocktail

A hanky panky is one of those gin cocktails with a great name. It's a classic gin martini with a twist. It's made from sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca served up in a martini glass. One sip and you will love it.

The drink was invented by Ada Coleman, who was the head bartender at London's famous Savoy Hotel in the early 1900s.

Coleman created the hanky panky cocktail for her friend, actor Charles Hawtrey. The drink quickly became a favourite at the hotel and has been enjoyed by gin lovers ever since.

Ingredients and Method

• 45ml gin
• 45ml sweet red vermouth
• 7.5 ml Fernet Branca
  

Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to combine and chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

19. Gin Sour

A gin sour is a classic cocktail that is both easy to make and very tasty. It's similar to the Tom Collins but without the soda water. It is made with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup and can be garnished with a cherry or slice of lemon.

The gin sour originated in the early 1900s and has remained a popular drink ever since. It's a super simple cocktail that you definitely should give a try.

Ingredients and Method

• 60ml gin
• 30ml lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup
• Lemon slice and maraschino cherry to garnish
  

Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into an ice-filled sour glass and garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.

Wrapping up

So there you have it, 19 delicious gin cocktails you can make in the comfort of your home. Whether you're a fan of fruity drinks or something with more herbal notes, I hope you found a recipe (or two) you'll enjoy making. If this is whetting your appetite for more cocktail recipes, head to our recipes page, where we've got plenty more for you to try out. Cheers!