As the sun shines bright this summer, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing gin cocktail to quench your thirst. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these 20 gin cocktail recipes are sure to hit the spot. From classic twists on old favorites to innovative creations that showcase the versatility of gin, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of gin cocktails and highlighting some of our favorite summer sippers. With flavors ranging from sweet and citrusy to bold and botanical, there’s something for everyone in this collection of refreshing gin cocktails. So grab your gin, your favorite mixers, and let’s get started!
Classic Gin and Tonic with a Twist of Lime
Elevate the classic gin and tonic recipe with a refreshing squeeze of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) gin
– 4-6 ounces (120-180 ml) tonic water
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top with tonic water, holding back the fizz with your finger if desired.
4. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the drink, releasing it gently to avoid overwhelming the flavors.
5. Stir briefly to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None!
Elderflower Gin Fizz with Cucumber
Experience the perfect blend of floral and citrus flavors with this elegant Elderflower Gin Fizz, infused with the cooling essence of cucumber. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Elderflower-infused gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Lime wheel and cucumber slice for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add sliced cucumber to the shaker and muddle gently to release its flavors.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel and cucumber slice.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Raspberry Gin Smash with Fresh Mint
Combine the sweetness of raspberries with the crispness of gin and the freshness of mint, and you’ll have a delightful summer cocktail that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the raspberries with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their juice and flavor.
2. Add the gin, mint leaves, and lime wedge to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with simple syrup (if using) and garnish with additional fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Gin Basil Smash with Lemon Juice
A refreshing twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, this Gin Basil Smash combines the smoothness of gin with the brightness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of basil. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup basil leaves, plus more for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Muddle the basil leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon in a cocktail shaker to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with additional basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Negroni with Orange Peel Garnish
Experience the perfect balance of bitter and sweet in this iconic Italian cocktail, elevated by a fragrant orange peel garnish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce Campari
– 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
– Slice of orange peel (about 1 inch long)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink by gently squeezing it above the surface of the cocktail, releasing its oils onto the liquid.
6. Place the orange peel slice on top of the drink as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your beautifully crafted Negroni with Orange Peel Garnish!
French 75 with Gin and Champagne
A classic cocktail gets a modern twist with the addition of gin, creating a crisp and refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup champagne
– 1/4 teaspoon simple syrup (optional)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin and lemon juice to the shaker.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute or coupe.
5. Top the drink off with champagne.
6. If desired, add a dash of simple syrup for sweetness.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, after all!
Gin Martini with a Dirty Olive Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this classic Gin Martini recipe, infused with a dirty olive twist that adds a salty and savory flavor. Perfect for those who love the simplicity of a well-made martini.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) dry vermouth
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, brine reserved
– 1/4 teaspoon olive brine
– Lemon twist or olive garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and vermouth.
3. Add the pitted green olives and their reserved brine to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive on a toothpick.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, no cooking involved!
Tom Collins with Homemade Lemon Syrup
Combine the bright citrus flavors of lemon and lime with a hint of sweetness and effervescence to create a timeless Tom Collins cocktail. This recipe uses homemade lemon syrup to elevate the classic drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz homemade lemon syrup (see below)
– 3 oz club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Homemade Lemon Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
3. Let cool to room temperature before using.
To make the Tom Collins:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and lemon syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time for the lemon syrup)
Bramble Cocktail with Blackberry Liqueur
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Bramble recipe, featuring blackberry liqueur and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz blackberry liqueur (such as Chambord)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist or blackberry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or a blackberry.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold beverage!
Gin Rickey with Lime and Soda Water
This simple yet elegant cocktail is perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you need a revitalizing drink. With just a few ingredients, you can create this classic Gin Rickey with a twist of lime and soda water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Soda water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and lime juice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wheel over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Aviation Cocktail with Crème de Violette
Experience the elegance of the Roaring Twenties with this iconic cocktail, featuring the subtle sweetness and floral notes of crème de violette. This Aviation Cocktail is a masterclass in balance and refinement.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gin
– 3/4 oz Maraschino Liqueur
– 1/2 oz Crème de Violette
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Dash of simple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in an instant.
Pink Gin Cocktail with Angostura Bitters
Experience the classic combination of gin, citrus, and spices in a vibrant pink hue.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz London Dry Gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, grapefruit juice, and grenadine syrup.
3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Gin Sour with Egg White Foam
Take your classic Gin Sour to new heights by incorporating a silky egg white foam, adding texture and depth to this refreshing cocktail. This unique twist will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1 large egg white
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
3. Crack in the egg white and continue shaking for another 10-15 seconds, until the mixture becomes frothy and doubled in volume.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink!
Corpse Reviver No. 2 with Lillet Blanc
This classic cocktail is a refreshing blend of gin, Lillet Blanc, and citrus juices, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– Splash of soda water
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and orange juice to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Gin Mule with Ginger Beer and Lime
The classic Gin Mule gets a boost of flavor and spice with the addition of ginger beer and lime. This twist on the original is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and squeeze in the lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (mostly spent stirring and garnishing!)
Southside Cocktail with Fresh Mint and Lime
This refreshing cocktail is a twist on the classic Sidecar, featuring fresh mint and lime as the stars of the show. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Gin
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the fresh mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and additional fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Gin Daisy with Orange Liqueur
This classic cocktail gets a citrusy boost from the addition of orange liqueur, making it perfect for warm weather sipping. The combination of gin, lemon-lime soda, and sweet orange liqueur creates a refreshing and revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 oz lemon-lime soda
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
• Splash of grenadine (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and lemon juice.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda.
4. Add the orange liqueur.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of orange or a splash of grenadine, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Clover Club with Raspberry Syrup
A twist on the classic cocktail, this Raspberry Clover Club is a refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white, garnished with a sprig of mint.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 oz raspberry syrup
– 1 dash orange bitters
– 1 egg white
– Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of orange bitters and shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds.
4. Crack in the egg white and continue shaking until frothy, about 15-17 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a sprig of mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
White Lady with Triple Sec and Lemon
Experience a delicate balance of citrus and sweetness with this refined cocktail. The combination of white rum, triple sec, and lemon creates a sophisticated drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz white rum
– 3/4 oz triple sec
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add white rum, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes)
Gin Fizz with Lavender Infusion
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and aromatic Lavender Gin Fizz recipe, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a sophisticated evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3 oz club soda
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– Ice
– Lemon twist or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Heat over low heat until warm.
2. Remove from heat and add dried lavender buds. Let it infuse for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Discard lavender buds.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the Lavender Gin Fizz mixture over the ice.
6. Top with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist or edible flowers.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Summer just got a whole lot more refreshing with these 20 gin cocktail recipes! From classic twists on the gin and tonic to fruity fizzes and bittersweet sours, there’s something for every palate. Try adding a splash of elderflower liqueur to your gin fizz, or infusing your gin with lavender for a floral twist. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity or crisp and citrusy, these recipes are sure to quench your thirst all summer long.
