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Try these top gin cocktails, from classic recipes like the Gin Fizz and French 75 to modern favorites like the Gin Gin Mule. Each recipe features step-by-step instructions and expert tips!

Best gin cocktails
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Looking for drinks to make with gin? As a cocktail expert and certified mixologist, I’ve created over 300 cocktail recipes and some of my favorite drinks of all time are made with gin.

I’ve made every gin cocktail imaginable, from the Gin Fizz to the Last Word, and what I love about this spirit the way its botanical flavor adds refreshing, nuanced character to drinks. I’ve reviewed all my recipes and here’s a list of the very best gin cocktails that impress people every time I serve them.

My Top Gin Cocktails & Drinks

Want gin cocktails by skill lever or season? Try our simple gin cocktails, summer gin cocktails or winter gin cocktails.

Choosing Gin for These Cocktails

Gin is one of the more varied liquors out there, with lots of differences in flavor between top brands. The best choice is a gin you love, but here some of our recommendations:

  • Malfy, Aviation, and Beefeater London Dry have a developed, botanical flavor that blends well in cocktails.
  • Locally distilled gin is a great option! In Indianapolis, we like 8th Day Distillery, Hotel Tango, and Big Heart Gin.
  • Steer clear of strong flavored sipping gins in cocktails. For us this includes brands like Tanqueray gin, which is very floral, and Opihr gin has very forward spices. These overpower the subtlety in many mixed drinks.

Gin Drinks by Skill Level

Our top beginner-friendly gin cocktails the Gin and Tonic, Gimlet, Tom Collins, or Gin Gin Mule. Our top adventurous gin cocktails for experienced palates are the Ramos Gin Fizz, Singapore Sling, or Last Word.

Gin Cocktails For Beginners: If you’re new to making cocktails at home, start with the Gin and Tonic, Gimlet, Tom Collins, or Gin Gin Mule. These require minimal ingredients and simple techniques: no special equipment needed beyond a shaker and measuring tools.

For Adventurous Palates: Once you’ve mastered the basics, try drinks like the Ramos Gin Fizz, Singapore Sling, or Last Word. These recipes demand more ingredients and sometimes special techniques like dry shaking for foam.

Make Ahead Tips for Parties

Several of these gin cocktails work well for batch preparation. Spirit-forward drinks like the Negroni or Martinez scale up perfectly: just multiply the recipe, combine everything except ice in a pitcher, and refrigerate. When guests arrive, pour over ice and garnish.

A classic Gin and Tonic is an obvious choice for a party. I like setting up a G&T bar with garnishes like sliced cucumber, orange peels, lemon wedges, and even dill fronds.

For fizzy cocktails like the French 75, prepare the base (everything except champagne) ahead of time. Add the bubbles right before serving to maintain carbonation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gin should I use for these cocktails?

A classic Malfy, Aviation, or Beefeater London Dry are versatile choices for most gin cocktails. We typically avoid very strong gins like Tanqueray and Opihr gin. However, you can explore other styles like juniper-forward gins or citrusy gins depending on your taste preference.

What’s the secret to a perfect gin cocktail?

High-quality ingredients are key. Use fresh citrus juices, good quality gin, and appropriate ratios as per the recipe. A well-chosen garnish can elevate the flavor and presentation, from citrus twists to fresh herbs.

Can I substitute ingredients in these cocktails?

It depends on the recipe. Simple syrups can be swapped with pure maple syrup (our favorite), honey syrup, or agave nectar. Experiment cautiously, but remember some substitutions might alter the taste profile significantly.

How can I make these cocktails ahead of time?

Pre-squeeze citrus juices and prepare simple syrups in advance. See the notes in the “Make Ahead Tips” section above. Make sure to assemble and serve cocktails right before drinking for the freshest flavors and perfect carbonation if using sparkling ingredients.

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Gin Fizz (& More Gin Cocktails)

Gin fizz

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Looking for the best gin cocktail recipe? Try a refreshing Gin Fizz: it’s sweet, tangy, and has a frothy egg white foam topping. For more classic Gin Cocktails, see the list above.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup gin
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or simple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (1 lemon)
  • 1 egg white (or for vegan, substitute 2 tablespoons aquafaba)
  • ¼ cup soda water

Instructions

  1. Place the gin, maple syrup, lemon juice, and egg white in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake.
  2. Pour the drink into two glasses and top with the soda water, which forms the egg white foam on top. Serve immediately.

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi there! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of two cookbooks, busy parents, and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share simple, seasonal recipes and the joy of cooking. We now offer thousands of original recipes, cooking tips, and meal planning ideas—all written and photographed by the two of us (and tested on our kids!).

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7 Comments

  1. Beemom says:

    Thank you so much for your guide to these 30 gin cocktails. Beginning last summer, I prepared a different one from the list each Sunday for cocktail time. My husband and I have enjoyed the adventure, even though he is not usually fond of mixed drinks especially those containing gin

    So, today, I prepared the 29th of the 30. I skipped the Negroni because I just cannot stand Campari no matter how hard I try to like it.

    I appreciate your clear instructions, and I love the history note that accompanies each drink recipe.

    Thanks again. Cheers!

  2. Kathy Warren says:

    Dear Sonja and Alex,
    Loved your email with the different gin recipes! When I turned 21 (a day or two ago!), my Dad made me a Singapour Sling, and I loved it! It became my standard order whenever we went out to eat. My husband could make me one in record time! However, a few years ago someone introduced me to the Mule! And I have to say, I love mules, my favorite being A Mullberry Mule.
    Have you ever tried Revelton Mulberry Gin? It’s made here in Iowa (I’m an Iowa girl, born and raised!) and I absolutely love them. Was introduced to them by one of my friends who owns a bar. She told me she “KNEW” that I would love them since I was such a fan of mules in general.

    The recipe is :
    Revelton Mulberry Gin
    Ginger beer
    a dash of Rosa’s Sweetened Lime Juice.

    I think they’re great! Thanks for posting. Can’t wait to try some of your recipes for Gin.

    Kathy Warren

  3. Spencer Pieczonka & Drew Blaire says:

    Hi there, I make this cocktail. The taste is splendid, however, the eggs whites we’re not as high as the image. Ours was a mm – what did i do wrong?

  4. Amit Singh says:

    Great recipes. Any particular Gin brand? or any Gin?

    1. Sonja Overhiser says:

      Any should work! Our favorite is Malfy.