I think I’m not alone when I say that I tried new things during the first quarantine. One of the things was cocktail making. Right after vodka, gin is the second most well-known spirit for making cocktails. You can make countless cocktails with gin. Today I’ll show you seven easy to make gin cocktails worth learning.
Gin & Tonic
We’ve already written about Gin and Tonic in a previous article about ‘Five Alcoholic Drinks Every Real Man Should Know‘, but we can’t talk about gin-based cocktails without mentioning this timeless classic. It is one of those iconic drinks that does not require any special tools to make.
Ingredients:
- Handful of ice
- Tonic water, to top
- 50 ml gin
- 1 wedge of lime
Prep: 2 mins
Directions:
- Take the wedge of lime and squeeze gently while running around the rim of the glass, then drop in the bottom.
- Add plenty of ice.
- Pour the gin first, then fill the glass to the top with the tonic water.
Negroni
The Negroni is an Italian cocktail made of one part gin, one part vermouth Rosso (red, semi-sweet), and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered one of the best cocktails for summer. The Negroni is the Italian Gentleman Cocktail.
If you want to spice up the traditional recipe below, you can add a few dashes of orange bitters to the drink.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml Vermouth Rosso
- Orange peel – for garnish
Prep: 2 mins
Directions:
- Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth to a mixing glass filled with ice, and stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Dry Martini
One of the greatest benefits of a Martini – in addition to being extremely delicious, is its wide range of methods of preparation.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml Dry Gin
- 10 ml Dry Vermouth
- Twist of lemon or green olive for garnish
- Handful of ice
Prep: 3 mins
Directions:
- In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the gin and vermouth.
- Stir it well for about 30 seconds, then strain it into a martini glass.
- Finally, garnish with an olive or lemon twist and serve.
Some of the popular ratios:
- Dry Gin – French Vermouth = 1:1
- Dry Gin – Dry Vermouth = 2:1
- Dry Gin – Dry Vermouth = 3:1
- Dry Gin – Dry Vermouth = 5:1
- Dry Gin – Dry Vermouth = 10:1
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a Collins cocktail made from gin, carbonated water, lemon juice, and simple syrup or sugar.
Jerry Thomas, “the father of American mixology,” first mentions it in 1876. This “gin and sparkling lemonade” drink is usually served in a Collins glass on ice. It’s a refreshing cocktail that I recommend to everyone.
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Dry Gin
- 30 ml Lemon Juice
- 10 ml Simple Syrup
- Club soda, to top
- Lemon wheel for garnish
Prep: 3 mins
Directions:
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
- Fill with ice, top with soda water, then give it a good stir.
- Top it off with a lemon wheel for garnish.
Gimlet
Ingredients:
- 60 ml Dry Gin
- 30 ml Lime Juice
- Handful of ice
- Lime wheel
Prep: 3 mins
Directions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin and lime juice, then give it a good shake.
- Strain into a Coupe Glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
French 75
The inspiration for the title was apparently a 75mm Howitzer field gun used by the French and the Americans in World War 1. The gun was known for its accuracy and speed, and the French 75 is said to have such a kick that it felt like being hit by such a weapon.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gin
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- 15 ml simple syrup
- 90 ml Champagne or any sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Prep: 2 mins
Directions:
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain into a Champagne glass.
- Top with the Champagne.
- Finally, garnish with a lemon twist.
Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a classic and refreshing cocktail, perfect for sunny days and lively nights. It combines fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and gin’s botanical flavors.
With sparkling water or soda, it’s refreshing. Served over ice with a lemon wedge, it balances citrus brightness and smoothness. Whether you’re a gin lover or seeking something new, the Gin Fizz is a timeless choice. For those creamy foam on top, use one egg white.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Gin
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 10 ml simple syrup
- Club soda, to top
- Handful of ice
- One Egg white
Prep: 5 mins
Directions:
- Crack the egg white into a shaker, and pour the lemon juice, gin, and simple syrup over the egg. Don’t rush this step. The more time the citrus contacts with the egg, the more it “cooks it” (5-10 seconds is more than enough).
- Once everything is in the shaker, give it a good shake – it’s called dry shaking. When you are done with dry shaking, add ice to the shaker and shake it for another 5-10 seconds – it’s called wet shaking.
- After you are done with the second round of shaking, double strain it into the glass. Double straining is needed to make sure there aren’t any ice shards in the drink.
Keep on reading: How I Learned to Host Amazing Parties, Every Time
