Gin has long been a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts, thanks to its versatility and rich botanical complexity. From crisp and citrusy to floral and spiced, it offers an exciting base for a wide variety of cocktails, making it the perfect spirit to experiment with at home. Its balanced yet distinct character allows it to blend beautifully with mixers, fresh fruits, herbs, and even bold spices, creating drinks that suit every palate.
Gin-based cocktails range from light and refreshing to bold and sophisticated, catering to all kinds of preferences. Some showcase gin’s juniper-forward elegance, while others highlight complementary flavours like citrus, berries, and aromatic herbs. Classic options bring timeless appeal, while modern twists keep things exciting for those looking to try something new.
Today we will share with you five gin-based cocktail recipes that will not only impress your guests but establish you are the group’s defacto bartender. If you are willing to don that hat, go ahead, try out our easy recipes.
Also Read: Best Way To Drink Tequila
Gimlet – A Simple & Refreshing Classic
A zesty, citrus-forward cocktail that highlights the crispness of gin, gimlet doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, except for a good gin. It is easy on the wallet and quick to make.
Best Gin to Use: Paul John Malhar Citrus Indian Craft Gin
Ingredients:
- 60ml Gin
- 20ml Fresh lime juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Shake gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice.
2️⃣ Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3️⃣ Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pair With: Crispy tempura, lemon-herb chicken, or fresh seafood.
Why You’ll Love It: Light, crisp, and refreshing—the Gimlet is perfect for summer evenings.
Tom Collins
A light, effervescent cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather Tom Collins plays on the botanical flavours of the gin, allowing them to shine on the palate.
Best Gin to Use: The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Ingredients:
- 60ml Gin
- 30ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15ml Simple syrup
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Fill a highball glass with ice.
2️⃣ Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then stir.
3️⃣ Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon slice.
Pair With: Spicy Indian chaat, grilled paneer, or fish tacos.
Why You’ll Love It: Refreshing, fizzy, and easy to make—Tom Collins is the perfect party drink.
Martini
This boozy and elegant gin-forward drink is for those want to show-off their bartending skills and need a faultless recipe to do so successfully.
Best Gin to Use: Suntory Roku Japanese Craft Gin
Ingredients:
- 60ml Gin
- 15ml Dry Vermouth
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or green olive (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Stir gin and dry vermouth with ice until well chilled.
2️⃣ Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3️⃣ Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Pair With: Stuffed mushrooms, oysters, or goat cheese crostini.
Why You’ll Love It: The Martini is bold, sophisticated, and never out of style.
Also Read: Tips To Make Basic Cocktails At Home
Singapore Sling
This layered, tropical cocktail is named after the city where it was crafted and perfectly captures Singapore’s vivacious spirit in a glass.
Best Gin to Use: Cambridge Dry Gin
Ingredients:
- 45ml Gin
- 15ml Cherry liqueur
- 15ml Benedictine
- 10ml Cointreau
- 15ml Fresh lime juice
- 10ml Grenadine
- 120ml Pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Shake all ingredients except soda with ice.
2️⃣ Strain into a tall glass with ice and top with soda.
3️⃣ Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.
Pair With: Sweet and spicy Asian dishes, barbecue, or Thai curry.
Why You’ll Love It: The perfect balance of sweetness, citrus, and gin botanicals makes this an exciting cocktail.
Bee’s Knees
This sweet and citrusy gin cocktail has a touch of honey, which makes it the drink for those who have just begun their journey into the vast world of cocktails as it can easily please anyone’s palate.
Best Gin to Use: Jodhpur Spicy Distilled Gin
Ingredients:
- 60ml Gin
- 20ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15ml Honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Shake gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup with ice.
2️⃣ Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3️⃣ Garnish with a lemon twist.
Pair With: Butter chicken, citrus-glazed salmon, or spiced nuts.
Why You’ll Love It: Smooth, slightly sweet, and refreshing, this cocktail is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Looking for amazing spirits recommendations? Click here to check out the winners of the India Wines And Spirits Award 2024 edition.
