GIN DRINKS

THE BRANDS BELOW MAKE THE BEST GIN SPECIALTY COCKTAILS

Aviation Gin

Aviation Gin

Esme Gin

Esme Gin

Tanns Gin

Tann's Gin

Gin Drink Specialty Cocktail Recipes

book 2
cocktail, martini, olive

Interesting Facts About Gin

Gin is Essentially Flavored Vodka: At its core, gin starts as a neutral spirit (like vodka) that’s infused with botanicals, most notably juniper berries, which give it its distinct flavor.

Juniper is Required by Law: To be classified as gin, the primary flavor must come from juniper berries, which have a piney, aromatic taste that defines the spirit.

The Dutch Invented It: Gin originated in Holland in the 16th century as a medicinal liquor called “jenever.” British soldiers brought it to England during the Thirty Years’ War, where it became “gin.”

England’s Gin Craze: In the 18th century, gin became so popular in England that it led to the “Gin Craze,” a period of mass gin consumption, often associated with social issues and excess.

London Dry Gin Doesn’t Have to Be Made in London: London Dry refers to a style rather than a geographic origin. This style is known for being dry, crisp, and heavily juniper-forward.

Interesting Facts About Gin

Old Tom Gin is Sweeter: Old Tom gin, a historic style, is slightly sweeter than London Dry. It was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries and is used in classic cocktails like the Tom Collins.

Plymouth Gin is a Protected Style: Plymouth gin can only be made in Plymouth, England. It has a more earthy flavor profile than other gins and a subtle sweetness.

Bathtub Gin: During Prohibition in the U.S., bootleggers made homemade gin, often in bathtubs, resulting in harsh, unrefined spirits. This gave rise to the term “bathtub gin.”

Genever is the Grandfather of Gin: Genever, the original Dutch spirit, is more malt-forward, resembling whiskey with a juniper flavor, and is the ancestor of modern gin.

Gin is Often Used in Cooking: Gin’s complex botanicals make it a versatile ingredient in cooking, adding depth to sauces, marinades, and even desserts.

Gin cocktail with blueberries and ice in a crystal glass by a bottle of gin.
An elegant Bombay Sapphire gin bottle placed against a blurred urban backdrop.

Interesting Facts About Gin

Gin and Tonic Was a Malaria Remedy: British soldiers in colonial India drank quinine-rich tonic water to prevent malaria. Adding gin made it more palatable, and the gin and tonic was born.

Botanical Varieties: Gin can include a wide variety of botanicals beyond juniper, such as coriander, citrus peel, angelica root, licorice, and cardamom, giving each gin a unique profile.

Gin Doesn’t Age in Barrels: Most gins are bottled right after distillation and do not benefit from barrel aging, unlike spirits like whiskey or rum.

Craft Gin is Booming: The recent craft spirits movement has led to an explosion of new gin brands worldwide, each experimenting with unique botanical blends.

Navy Strength Gin is Extra Strong: Navy Strength gin has a higher alcohol content, usually around 57% ABV. It was designed to prevent spilled gin from damaging gunpowder on British naval ships.

Interesting Facts About Gin

Gin is Calorie-Friendly: With its clean, low-calorie profile, gin is often a favorite among those seeking a lighter spirit, particularly when mixed with calorie-free tonic or soda.

Gin Martini is a Classic: The original martini was made with gin, not vodka, as popularized by James Bond. A traditional gin martini remains a classic cocktail.

Distilled vs. Compound Gin: Distilled gin is made by redistilling the spirit with botanicals, while compound gin is made by simply infusing botanicals into the base spirit without redistillation.

The World’s Most Expensive Gin: Some craft gins feature rare botanicals and complex distillation methods, resulting in premium bottles that can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Gin Tasting Focuses on Aromas: Tasting gin involves noting the bouquet of botanicals. You’ll often detect layers of herbal, floral, and citrus aromas that vary with each brand.

gin tonic, alcohol, glass

Get a Quote For a Personal Bartender To Serve Your Next Event!

FREE Alcohol Cost Calculator

We will assist you in determining exactly how much alcohol is needed at your party.

Gin Drinks

GIN FAQ:
POPULAR QUESTIONS EXPLAINED

Discover everything you need to know about gin with our comprehensive FAQ section. From its origins and ingredients to storage tips and cocktail pairings, we answer the most common questions to help you enjoy gin to the fullest. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of gin, this guide has you covered!

 

Gin Martini

2 oz gin, ½ oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive.

Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass.

Negroni

1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth.

Stir with ice, strain, and garnish with an orange twist.

Gin & Tonic

2 oz gin, tonic water, lime wedge.

Serve over ice in a highball glass with a lime wedge.

Tom Collins

2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, soda water.

Shake gin, lemon, and syrup. Strain into a glass, top with soda.

Aviation

2 oz gin, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ¼ oz crème de violette, ¾ oz lemon juice.

Shake and strain into a coupe glass.

Bee’s Knees

2 oz gin, ¾ oz honey syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with lemon twist.

French 75

1 oz gin, ½ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, champagne.

Shake gin, lemon, and syrup. Top with champagne.

Last Word

¾ oz gin, ¾ oz green Chartreuse, ¾ oz maraschino liqueur, ¾ oz lime juice.

Shake and strain into a coupe glass.

Southside

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, mint leaves.

Shake with mint, strain into a coupe glass.

Clover Club

1½ oz gin, ½ oz raspberry syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice, egg white.

Dry shake, then shake with ice, strain.

Contemporary Gin Cocktails

Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, soda water, egg white (optional).

Shake, strain into a highball glass, top with soda.

Corpse Reviver #2

¾ oz gin, ¾ oz Cointreau, ¾ oz Lillet Blanc, ¾ oz lemon juice, absinthe rinse.

Shake, strain, serve in an absinthe-rinsed glass.

White Negroni

1 oz gin, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, ¾ oz Suze.

Stir and strain, garnish with a lemon twist.

Hanky Panky

1½ oz gin, 1½ oz sweet vermouth, ¼ oz Fernet-Branca.

Stir, strain, garnish with an orange twist.

Bramble

2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, ½ oz blackberry liqueur.

Shake and strain over crushed ice, drizzle blackberry liqueur.

Pegu Club

2 oz gin, ¾ oz Cointreau, ¾ oz lime juice, dash of bitters.

Shake and strain into a coupe glass.

Vesper Martini

1½ oz gin, ½ oz vodka, ¼ oz Lillet Blanc.

Stir and strain into a chilled glass, garnish with lemon twist.

Negroni Sbagliato

1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, prosecco.

Stir gin, Campari, vermouth, top with prosecco.

Gin Basil Smash

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, basil leaves.

Shake with basil, strain, serve over ice.

Pink Lady

1½ oz gin, ½ oz applejack, ¾ oz lemon juice, ¼ oz grenadine, egg white.

Dry shake, then shake with ice, strain.

Fruity & Refreshing Gin Cocktails

Cucumber Gimlet

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup, cucumber slices.

Muddle cucumber, shake ingredients, strain.

Strawberry Gin Smash

2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, strawberries, mint, ½ oz simple syrup.

Muddle strawberries and mint, shake and strain.

Lavender Bee’s Knees

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lavender syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass, garnish with lavender sprig.

Rosemary Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, ¾ oz rosemary syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice, soda water.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Raspberry Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, raspberries, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, soda water.

Muddle raspberries, shake ingredients, strain into a glass, top with soda.

Elderflower Gin Sour

2 oz gin, ¾ oz elderflower liqueur, ¾ oz lemon juice, egg white.

Dry shake, then shake with ice, strain.

Grapefruit Negroni

1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, grapefruit juice.

Stir ingredients with ice, strain.

Cucumber Collins

2 oz gin, cucumber slices, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, soda water.

Muddle cucumber, shake ingredients, strain, top with soda.

Lemon Basil Martini

2 oz gin, lemon juice, fresh basil, ½ oz simple syrup.

Shake with basil, strain.

Thyme Gimlet

2 oz gin, ¾ oz thyme syrup, ¾ oz lime juice.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass.

Spiced & Bold Gin Cocktails

Spiced Gin Punch

2 oz gin, ½ oz cinnamon syrup, lemon juice, soda water.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Chili Gin Margarita

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lime juice, ½ oz chili syrup, ½ oz triple sec.

Shake, strain, garnish with chili.

Cardamom Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, ½ oz cardamom syrup, lemon juice, soda water.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Sage Gin Smash

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup, fresh sage.

Shake, strain over ice, garnish with sage.

Spicy Cucumber Gimlet

2 oz gin, cucumber slices, jalapeño slices, lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup.

Muddle cucumber and jalapeño, shake ingredients, strain.

Ginger Gin Sour

2 oz gin, ¾ oz ginger syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice, egg white.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass.

Pink Peppercorn Martini

2 oz gin, peppercorn syrup, ½ oz dry vermouth, lemon twist.

Shake, strain into a martini glass.

Cinnamon Gin Sour

2 oz gin, ¾ oz cinnamon syrup, ¾ oz lemon juice, egg white.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass.

Honey Ginger Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, honey, ginger syrup, lemon juice, soda water.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Rosemary & Grapefruit Gin Tonic

2 oz gin, tonic water, grapefruit wedge, rosemary.

Serve over ice.

Tropical & Exotic Gin Cocktails

Watermelon Gin Mojito

2 oz gin, watermelon cubes, mint leaves, lime juice, soda water.

Muddle watermelon and mint, shake ingredients, strain, top with soda.

Passionfruit Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, ½ oz passionfruit syrup, lemon juice, soda water.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Mango Gin Sour

2 oz gin, ¾ oz mango puree, ¾ oz lemon juice, simple syrup.

Shake, strain into a coupe glass.

Pineapple Gin Punch

2 oz gin, pineapple juice, ½ oz lime juice, ½ oz simple syrup.

Shake, strain over ice.

Tropical Gin Fizz

2 oz gin, coconut water, ¾ oz lime juice, soda water.

Shake, strain into a glass, top with soda.

Kiwi Gin Smash

2 oz gin, kiwi slices, mint, lime juice, simple syrup.

Muddle kiwi and mint, shake, strain over ice.

Papaya Gin Martini

2 oz gin, ¾ oz papaya puree, ½ oz lime juice, simple syrup.

Shake, strain into a martini glass.

Dragonfruit Gin Cooler

2 oz gin, dragonfruit cubes, lime juice, soda water.

Muddle dragonfruit, shake ingredients, strain.

Lemon Gin Cooler

2 oz gin, ¾ oz lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda.

Shake, strain, top with soda.

Coconut Gin Punch

2 oz gin, coconut cream, pineapple juice, ¾ oz lime juice, simple syrup.

Shake, strain over ice.

Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain alcohol (such as barley, wheat, or corn) with botanicals, the most essential being juniper berries. Other botanicals like coriander, citrus peel, cardamom, and angelica root contribute to its unique flavors.

Common types of gin include:

  • London Dry Gin: Known for its crisp, dry flavor and minimal sweetness.
  • Plymouth Gin: Softer and earthier than London Dry, only made in Plymouth, England.
  • Old Tom Gin: Slightly sweeter than London Dry, popular in classic cocktails.
  • Genever: The original style of gin, maltier and more robust, originating from the Netherlands.
  • New Western or Contemporary Gin: Focuses on botanicals other than juniper for unique flavor profiles.

While both start as neutral spirits, gin is flavored with botanicals, primarily juniper, giving it a distinctive herbal and aromatic profile. Vodka, on the other hand, is typically unflavored, smooth, and neutral in taste.

Gin is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, with tonic water (a classic Gin & Tonic), or in cocktails like a Martini, Negroni, or Tom Collins. It pairs well with citrus and herbal garnishes like lemon, lime, or fresh rosemary.

Unlike whiskey or rum, most gins are not aged. They are typically distilled and bottled immediately to preserve their fresh botanical flavors. However, some modern gins experiment with barrel aging for unique flavor profiles.

Scroll to Top