Gin has become a mainstay in bars and homes alike, celebrated for its versatility, complex flavor profile, and long-standing history in cocktail culture. With a blend of botanicals like juniper, citrus, and various spices, gin is a spirit that lends itself beautifully to a wide range of cocktails, from refreshing summertime sips to robust, spirit-forward classics. For both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to gin, exploring popular gin cocktails is a delightful journey through some of the most beloved drinks in the world.
Gin cocktails date back centuries, gaining popularity in 18th-century England, where gin itself became a staple spirit. The earliest gin drinks were relatively simple, often mixed with tonic or water to temper the bold, juniper-forward flavor of gin. But as the art of mixology evolved, bartenders began experimenting with different ingredients, leading to the creation of some of today’s most iconic drinks. From the simple elegance of the classic Martini to the rich, herbaceous layers of the Last Word, gin cocktails offer a wide range of flavors that appeal to almost any palate.
One of the unique aspects of gin is its incredible diversity. Unlike spirits like vodka, which are often distilled to be neutral, gin must contain juniper as its primary botanical, yet it leaves room for distillers to add countless other botanicals. This means that each gin has a unique profile, ranging from floral and fruity to earthy and spicy. Popular styles like London Dry, Old Tom, and contemporary gins each lend their own distinct character to cocktails, making gin one of the most exciting spirits to explore in cocktails.
As gin’s popularity surges, gin cocktails have seen a resurgence on menus worldwide. Modern classics like the Gin Basil Smash and the Negroni Sbagliato (a twist on the classic Negroni) have introduced new flavors and textures, while old favorites like the Gimlet, Tom Collins, and Bee’s Knees continue to charm with their simplicity and refreshing taste. The diversity of gin cocktails makes them ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends, enjoying a quiet evening drink, or celebrating a special occasion.
In this guide to the 30 most popular gin cocktails, we’ll walk you through a mix of timeless classics and modern favorites, each with its own unique story, flavor profile, and recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for a zesty, citrus-forward drink or a rich, aromatic mix, this list offers a cocktail for everyone. Join us as we explore these essential gin cocktails and discover new ways to enjoy this beloved spirit.
Read on to find inspiration for your next cocktail hour and elevate your gin game with these delicious and sophisticated drinks!
Gin Cocktails
1. Gin & Tonic
The Gin & Tonic is a refreshing, crisp cocktail with a slight bitterness from tonic water that balances perfectly with the botanical flavors of gin. Originating in the British colonial era, it was popularized by British officers in India who added tonic (containing quinine to prevent malaria) to their gin. This drink became a beloved classic and remains a go-to for its simplicity and refreshing qualities. Gin & Tonic tastes slightly herbal, citrusy, and effervescent, with the garnish of lime adding a fresh, zesty aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 4-6 oz tonic water
- Lime wedge for garnish
2. Martini
A Martini is a smooth, elegant cocktail that emphasizes gin’s botanical flavors with a dry, vermouth-balanced finish. Its origins are debated, but it became iconic in America in the late 1800s and rose to fame in 1920s Hollywood, a symbol of sophistication. The Martini can be made dry (with minimal vermouth) or dirty (with olive brine), giving the drink an individualized twist. It tastes crisp, slightly herbal, and spirit-forward with a choice of olive or lemon garnish.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- Olive or lemon twist for garnish
3. Negroni
The Negroni is an Italian aperitif with a bold, bittersweet profile from Campari, vermouth, and gin. Invented in Florence around 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni, who requested gin in place of soda in his Americano, this drink offers a striking blend of herbal, bitter, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s commonly garnished with an orange slice, adding a bright citrusy aroma. Each sip reveals layers of sweetness and bitterness, making it perfect for a slow savor.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange slice for garnish
4. Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a tall, lemony gin cocktail created in the mid-19th century in the United States. Known for its refreshing, sweet-tart taste, it’s typically served over ice with club soda for a bubbly finish. Legend has it that the drink originated as a prank known as the “Tom Collins hoax,” in which people were told to look for a man named Tom Collins, only to be given this delightful drink instead. The Tom Collins tastes slightly citrusy and sweet, with a light gin flavor, making it ideal for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Lemon wheel for garnish
5. French 75
Named after the powerful French field gun used in WWI, the French 75 is a lively, bubbly cocktail that combines gin, lemon, and champagne for a bright, celebratory flavor. This cocktail was invented in 1915 at the New York Bar in Paris (later Harry’s New York Bar) and quickly gained popularity. It tastes vibrant and zesty, with a bubbly texture from the champagne and a crisp gin backbone. The lemon adds a sharpness that pairs perfectly with the effervescence of the champagne, making it a classic choice for toasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Champagne
- Lemon twist for garnish
6. Aviation
The Aviation is a floral, slightly sour cocktail that gets its signature light purple hue from crème de violette. Created in the early 20th century at New York’s Hotel Wallick by bartender Hugo Ensslin, it gained popularity due to its unique color and complex flavor. With hints of cherry and lemon alongside the botanicals of gin, it offers a balanced profile of tartness and sweetness, finishing with subtle floral notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.25 oz crème de violette
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
7. Bee’s Knees
Created during the Prohibition era, the Bee’s Knees cocktail uses honey and lemon to mask the harshness of the gin often available at the time. This cocktail has a sweet-tart profile, with honey giving it a warm, rich sweetness that balances the gin’s botanicals. It’s often associated with hidden bars and the creativity that flourished when quality alcohol was hard to come by.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
8. Last Word
This cocktail was first mixed in the 1920s at the Detroit Athletic Club. Known for its herbal and complex profile, it has a sweet, tart, and slightly bitter taste due to the blend of green Chartreuse and maraschino liqueur. Each sip reveals layers of flavors, making it a unique cocktail that has become a staple in modern cocktail bars.
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz gin
- 0.75 oz green Chartreuse
- 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.75 oz lime juice
9. Gin Fizz
The Gin Fizz is a light, frothy cocktail that gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th century. Its addition of egg white gives it a creamy texture, while the lemon and club soda make it refreshing and bubbly. It tastes bright and tangy, with a velvety finish thanks to the egg white, making it a great brunch cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Egg white (optional)
- Club soda
10. Clover Club
Named after a gentlemen’s club in Philadelphia in the late 1800s, the Clover Club is a fruity, pink cocktail that combines gin, lemon, and raspberry syrup for a sweet-tart flavor. The egg white adds a smooth, frothy texture. It became especially popular among women in the early 20th century for its approachable taste and vibrant color.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz raspberry syrup
- Egg white (optional)
11. Vesper
Invented by Ian Fleming’s James Bond in Casino Royale, the Vesper Martini is a strong, dry cocktail made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Its flavor is crisp and spirit-forward with slight floral notes from Lillet Blanc. This cocktail’s association with Bond made it famous as a sophisticated, glamorous choice for those who prefer a very dry martini.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz gin
- 1 oz vodka
- 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc
- Lemon twist for garnish
12. Corpse Reviver #2
Part of a family of “morning-after” cocktails, the Corpse Reviver #2 is a citrusy, herbal drink known for its “reviving” qualities. Popularized in the 1930s by the Savoy Cocktail Book, it tastes bright and complex with hints of absinthe and is refreshing without being too sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Dash of absinthe
13. Singapore Sling
Created in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon at Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Singapore Sling is a tropical, fruity cocktail with flavors of cherry, pineapple, and lime. It was originally intended as a socially acceptable cocktail for women, gaining popularity worldwide for its colorful presentation and exotic flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz cherry brandy
- 0.25 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- Dash of grenadine
14. White Lady
Created by bartender Harry MacElhone in the 1920s at his bar in Paris, the White Lady is a creamy, slightly tart gin cocktail with lemon. It’s light and smooth, with a lemony freshness that balances the gin’s botanicals, and is ideal for those who enjoy a mellow, not overly sweet drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
15. Southside
The Southside cocktail, often considered the gin version of a mojito, has a refreshing, minty, and slightly sweet profile. Reportedly popularized at the Southside Sportsmen’s Club on Long Island, it’s a great summertime cocktail that tastes fresh and herbal, with a hint of citrus.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
16. Pink Lady
With its soft pink color and smooth, sweet flavor, the Pink Lady was especially popular in the 1920s. This cocktail combines gin, grenadine, and applejack, making it fruity with a hint of creamy texture from egg white. It has a slightly tart yet sweet flavor and a silky mouthfeel, making it both flavorful and visually appealing.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz applejack
- 0.5 oz grenadine
- Egg white
17. Pegu Club
Named after a British officer’s club in Burma, the Pegu Club is a tangy, slightly spicy gin cocktail with lime. First recorded in the 1920s, it combines gin, orange liqueur, and bitters for a complex, bittersweet flavor. The citrus and bitters balance perfectly, making it a great aperitif.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz Cointreau
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Dash of orange bitters
18. Gimlet
The Gimlet, made popular by British naval officers in the 19th century, is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail blending gin with lime cordial. Originally created as a way to prevent scurvy, it has a crisp, tart flavor balanced by the slight sweetness of lime. This refreshing drink is smooth and slightly sour, making it a great choice for a summer evening.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lime cordial (or fresh lime juice and simple syrup)
19. Negroni Sbagliato
Meaning “mistaken Negroni,” this cocktail was accidentally created in Milan in the 1970s when prosecco was added in place of gin. The result is a bubbly, lighter Negroni with bitter, sweet, and citrus notes. It tastes similar to a Negroni but with a touch of effervescence, making it perfect for brunch or a light aperitif.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz prosecco
- Orange slice for garnish
20. Gin Basil Smash
This refreshing cocktail was created in 2008 in Hamburg, Germany, and quickly became a modern classic. With fresh basil leaves muddled alongside gin and lemon, it offers an herbaceous and citrusy profile. The Gin Basil Smash tastes fresh and bright, with the basil adding a savory twist that balances the gin’s botanicals.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
21. Ramos Gin Fizz
Invented by Henry Ramos in New Orleans in 1888, this creamy, frothy cocktail requires a lot of shaking to achieve its smooth texture. The addition of egg white, cream, and orange flower water creates a thick, silky mouthfeel with a light, citrusy flavor. Known for its unique texture and complex flavors, it’s a brunch favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Dash of orange flower water
- Club soda
22. French Martini
Although not a classic Martini, the French Martini uses gin, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice for a sweet, tropical twist. Created in the 1980s, this drink has a light, fruity profile with a slightly tart finish. It’s perfect for those looking for a sweet cocktail with a bit of a bite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz raspberry liqueur
23. Gin Rickey
Popular in the early 1900s, the Gin Rickey is a light and bubbly cocktail that combines gin, lime, and soda water. Named after Colonel Joe Rickey, this drink is simple, refreshing, and low in sugar, making it ideal for a hot summer day. It tastes light, citrusy, and crisp.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- Club soda
24. Martinez
Considered a precursor to the Martini, the Martinez combines gin and sweet vermouth with maraschino liqueur and bitters. First created in the late 1800s, it has a richer, more complex flavor profile than the Martini, with a hint of sweetness and herbal undertones.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur
- Dash of Angostura bitters
25. Salty Dog
The Salty Dog is a twist on the Greyhound, featuring gin, grapefruit juice, and a salted rim. This cocktail’s salt enhances the tartness of the grapefruit and balances the botanicals of gin. It’s tangy, refreshing, and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of saltiness in their drinks.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz grapefruit juice
- Salt for rimming glass
26. Hanky Panky
This cocktail was created by Ada Coleman at the Savoy Hotel in London in the early 1900s. The Hanky Panky combines gin with sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca for a complex, herbal flavor. It’s slightly sweet, with a strong bitter finish, making it ideal for those who enjoy robust, layered cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
- Dash of Fernet-Branca
27. Red Snapper
Essentially a gin version of the Bloody Mary, the Red Snapper combines gin, tomato juice, and spices for a savory brunch cocktail. Created at the King Cole Bar in New York City, it tastes spicy and refreshing, with the gin adding a unique botanical edge.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Dash of hot sauce
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
28. Bijou
The Bijou, meaning “jewel” in French, was created in the late 19th century and combines gin with green Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and bitters. It’s a rich, herbal cocktail with hints of sweetness and a slightly bitter finish. Each ingredient represents a precious gem: gin for diamond, Chartreuse for emerald, and vermouth for ruby.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Dash of orange bitters
29. Pimm’s Cup
A British summertime favorite, the Pimm’s Cup is a fruity, light cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1 (a gin-based liqueur), lemonade, and fruit garnishes. Created by James Pimm in the 19th century, it’s refreshing and slightly sweet, often served at British sporting events.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 3 oz lemonade (or lemon soda)
- Slices of cucumber, lemon, strawberry, and mint for garnish
30. English Garden
The English Garden cocktail is a blend of gin, apple juice, elderflower liqueur, and lime. This fruity, floral cocktail has a refreshing and sweet taste with a hint of tartness from the lime. It’s perfect for spring and summer and captures the essence of an English countryside garden.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1 oz apple juice
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- 0.5 oz lime juice
Non-alcoholic Gin Options
The best part about good cocktails is the company shared in the experience. We at Baristas and Bartenders recognize that not everyone can partake in alcohol for various reasons…but everyone deserves community! To that end, we wanted to share a few non-alcoholic gin options as a substitute for the recipes above.
Free Spirits
$30 – $37
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Non-alcoholic
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B vitamins
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Vegan
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Low calorie
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Gluten-free
Ritual Zero Proof
$29 – $40
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Non-alcoholic
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1:1 replacement
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1-2g sugar
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All natural flavors
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Gluten-free
We’ll be adding more content on non-alcoholic spirits in the future including some in-depth reviews and recipes so please check back.
