The Gin co*cktails You Need to Know (2024)

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Updated: Nov. 10, 2023

There's nothing like a few cheeky gin co*cktails to wet your whistle. These classic drinks are perfect for every season.

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Martini

Described by journalist H. L. Mencken as “the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet,” the Martini puts the class in classic. This gin and vermouth elixir is a long time favorite of co*cktail connoisseurs the world over and no wonder. It satisfies with every sip.

Go To Recipe

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Gimlet

Say hello to the ultra-refreshing Gimlet. (Get the recipe here!) With a bright pop of citrus, it’s everything you could want in a thirst quencher. If gin isn’t your tipple of choice, you can make a vodka gimlet for the same splendid results.

Get more classic co*cktail recipes.

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Tom Collins

Think of the Tom Collins as the Gimlet’s sweeter sibling. Gin, fresh lemon juice, a dash of simple syrup topped up with soda water make for a perfect brunch co*cktail. The Tom Collins is one of the earliest co*cktails ever created at the end of the 19^th century and remains popular to this day.

Here are a few other old-school co*cktails to master.

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French 75

Who says we can only crack open the Champagne at New Year’s? Not anyone who’s ever tried a French 75! This classic dates to the 1920s. It’s a Tom Collins dressed for a black tie event; ditch the soda and use Champagne. No one would argue with that decision.

Want more sparkling co*cktails? We’ve got you covered.

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Gibson

The Gibson is simply a Martini garnished with a co*cktail onion rather than an olive. It’s a delicious example of the myriad ways Martinis can be customized to suit your palate.

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Not quite a master bartender? That’s OK. It’s super easy to mix up the classic gin and tonic. Pour equal parts gin and tonic over ice and garnish with a lime for co*cktail perfection. The lime is traditional, but a slice of cucumber or lemon peel will do the trick too.

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Negroni

Take one ounce gin, one ounce Campari and one ounce red vermouth, stir, then garnish with an orange peel. There you have it: the Negroni. Part bitter, part sweet, the Negroni is a wonderful no-fuss aperitif co*cktail.

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Aviation

With its iconic bluish-violet hue, the Aviation co*cktail gives you a sense of soaring above the clouds without ever leaving the comfort of your home. To make this early 20th-century co*cktail, fill a co*cktail shaker with ice, 1-1/2 ounces of in, 3/4 ounces of lemon juice, 2 dashes of maraschino liqueur and 2 dashes crème de violette. Shake well and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

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Vesper

The Vesper is the original Bond drink, first appearing in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale. The original recipe called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer made, but the Italian aperitif Cocchi Americano makes a fantastic substitute. To make, fill a co*cktail shaker with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce vodka, 1/4 ounce Cocchi Americano and shake well. Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a lemon peel.

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Bijou

So named because of its delicate, jewel-like color, the Bijou is the tipple to try if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary. Make this one by filling up a mixing glass with ice. Pour in an ounce of gin, an ouce red vermout, an ounce of green Chartreuse and a dash of orange bitters. Gently stir and strain into a Martini glass. Finish with an orange peel.

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Bronx

If you enjoy the occasional Martini, this pre-Prohibition co*cktail may wind up being your new favorite drink. The Bronx is like a Martini but with a few fun extras. Shake an ounce of gin, 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth, 1/2 ounce dry vermouth and 1/2 ounce orange juice up in a shaker with ice. Strain into a co*cktail glass and serve with an orange slice.

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Singapore Sling

While vodka might be a more popular choice for fruity co*cktails, the Singapore Sling shows that gin makes a great base for more exotic flavors. In a co*cktail shaker with ice, shake 2 ounces gin, 3/4 ounce cherry brandy, 2 bar spoons Benedictine, 2 bar spoons orange liqueur, 2 ounces pineapple juice, 3/4 ounce lime juice, 2 dashes of grenadine and a dash of Angostura bitters. Strain into a tall glass with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh fruit.

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Greyhound

Let’s bring back to basics, shall we? The Greyhound is easy to drink and even easier to make. Just pour two ounces of gin in a co*cktail glass full of ice. Top with four ounces of grapefruit juice (fresh is best).

If you have leftover fresh grapefruit, try this cake.

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Bee’s Knees

Another co*cktail which harkens back to Prohibition, the Bee’s Knees is citrusy, lightly sweet concoction that is a wonderful accompaniment to a weekend garden party. To make, shake 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounces lemon juice and 3/4 ounces of honey together before straining into a chilled co*cktail glass.

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Gin-Gin Mule

Ever tried a Moscow Mule? With its spicy kick of ginger, Moscow Mules are a popular vodka-based sipper that is delicious year round. The Gin-Gin Mule substitutes everyone’s favorite juniper-flavored spirit for vodka. Make sure to use a good quality ginger beer for that extra fiery flavor. To make, muddle mint leaves in a shaker. Then add 1-1/2 ounces gin, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup and shake. Pour over ice and top with ginger beer.

Originally Published: May 16, 2018