Gin is one of the staple alcohols and the base of many delicious classic cocktails. It often graces the bar with the likes of vodka, whiskey, and rum.
Gin is a clear distilled liquor that is flavored from juniper berries. Many people describe the flavor as citrusy, floral, and pine, due to the juniper berries. Gin pairs well with citrus flavors, which is how many gin cocktails are made.
There are several different types of gin styles that are commonly found. London Dry gin is what most of the popular name brands are made from. You'll find this style in Bombay Sapphire and Tanqueray. Plymouth is a type of gin that can only be produced in Plymouth, England.
Old Tom gin is a style that many gin drinkers argue should be the only gin used in a Tom Collins. Navy Strength has an incredibly high alcohol content at 57%. It's suggested to use this type of gin to make negronis.
One of our local favorites is Chemist American Gin, distilled in Asheville, North Carolina. It's unique and doesn't taste "as tree-y" as the others due to its Juniper content.
The gin types can mostly be used interchangeably in most gin drinks.
We've rounded up the best gin cocktail recipes to try this summer.
Best Gin Cocktails for Summer and Spring
1. Gin Fizz
This classic gin cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and soda water. To make, shake all the ingredients except the soda water. Pour into a glass and top with the bubbly water. Enjoy the fun fizz from the egg white!
Get the recipe here from the Spruce Eats.
2. Gin & Tonic
Most people associate gin with a gin and tonic. This drink only takes two ingredients, making it easy to whip up. To make, just combine one part gin with two parts tonic water. It's traditionally served over ice with a squeeze of lime.
To jazz it up, try adding in Lillet Blanc, a French wine that pairs perfectly with the gin.
Get the recipe here from Inspired Taste.
3. Tom Collins
One of the most iconic gin cocktails is the Tom Collins. It's made by combining club soda, gin, lemon, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker, before straining it into a highball glass. The garnish of a lemon twist and maraschino cherry is what gives the drink its signature look.
Get the recipe here from Cookie and Kate.
4. French 75
This refreshing cocktail is perfect to serve at a springtime brunch. It's made by shaking gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. It's then poured into a champagne flute and topped with champagne. If you don't like Champagne, you can substitute prosecco.
Get the recipe here from Platings and Pairings.
5. Gin Gimlet
A gin gimlet is sweet and tangy. It's made by combining gin, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. One of the most popular gimlet variations is the basil gimlet. Muddled basil gives the drink an herbaceous kick.
Another twist on the classic is a French gimlet. This one adds elderflower for a floral note.
Get the base recipe here French Gimlet here.
6. Southside
This cocktail is the gin version of a mojito because it uses fresh mint leaves. It requires muddling the mint first, before adding gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. If you add soda water, you've got a southside fizz.
Omit the lemon and mint and you'll make a gin rickey!
Get the Southside recipe here and Gin Rickey here.
7. Gin Martini
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This is the classic dry martini for a reason. It's crisp, refreshing, and timeless. A dry martini is made with good quality gin and dry vermouth. A lemon peel is the signature garnish. The drink should be shaken and not stirred!
Get the recipe here from Vinepair.
8. Singapore Sling
This fruity, bubbly cocktail screams summertime. It has a lot of ingredients but is well worth making at home. For the sling, you'll need cherry liqueur, gin, Cointreau, lime juice, angostura bitters, grenadine, and pineapple juice.
Combine all the alcohols and juices into a cocktail shaker and add two dashes of the bitters. Shake, then strain and pour over ice. Finish with a splash of soda water.
Get the recipe here from A Couple Cooks.
9. Negroni
The Negroni is an Italian cocktail that was originally served as an aperitif before dinner. It makes a great sipper or late-night drink. This drink is easy to make because it's equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir with ice and serve cold.
Get the recipe here from The Pioneer Woman.
10. Gin Mule
This drink resembles a blend of a mojito and a Moscow mule. It combines fresh mint, gin, lime juice, ginger beer, and simple syrup. Everything is mixed together and topped with ginger beer.
Get the recipe here from Simple Joy.
