Fizzy and Fabulous: 5 of our Favorite Gin Based Cocktails

Gin is a distilled alcoholic drink that derives its predominant flavor from juniper berries. Its fresh, botanical flavor truly adds a unique twist to any cocktail. In fact, many traditional cocktails rely on the personality of gin. If you’re looking to impress your friends and loved ones with cocktails both new and old, then you’re in luck. We’ve selected five gin-based cocktails that are easy to make and delicious to drink.

1. French 75

French 75

It doesn’t matter whether you have a cause for celebration or you’re just celebrating everyday accomplishments. A French 75 is the perfect gin-based cocktail to sip with loved ones. This classic cocktail dates back all the way back to 1915. Reportedly, the French 75 was invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. In fact, many famous cocktails, such as the Bloody Mary, were invented there. The website A Couple Cooks shows us how to make this fancy cocktail with that air of je ne sais quoi.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces gin
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice (plus lemon twist garnish, optional)
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 3 ounces champagne (about ½ glass)

Directions:

  • Make the lemon twist garnish if using.
  • Place the gin, lemon juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds until cold. Strain the liquid into a champagne flute.
  • Top off the glass with champagne. Garnish and serve.

2. The Salty Dog

The Salty Dog

If you want a gin cocktail that is easy to make, but complex in flavor, the Salty Dog may be exactly what you are on the hunt for. This cocktail is an original take on the Greyhound, a vodka cocktail with a similar flavor profile. The salty dog is both mellow and fresh, with a light and fruity taste. The Spruce Eats has provided an easy-to-follow recipe that you can share with friends at your next get-together!

Ingredients:

  • Coarse salt, for rimming
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 4 ounces grapefruit juice
  • Lemon or lime wedge, for garnish

Directions:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Rim a Collins glass with salt: Rub a lemon or lime wedge around the rim, then roll it in a shallow dish of coarse salt.
  • Fill the glass with ice and add the gin and juice. Stir well.
  • Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge. Serve and enjoy.

3. The Gibson

The Gibson

We guarantee that if you’ve watched the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, you’ve heard of our third cocktail. The Gibson is a unique twist on the classic martini and features a pickled onion garnish as opposed to an olive or lemon twist. The onion adds just a hint of salty, umami flavor that makes this cocktail completely one-of-a-kind. Check out Liquor.com’s recipe for the perfect Gibson!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ ounces gin
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Garnish: cocktail onion

Directions:

  • Add the gin and dry vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with a cocktail onion.

4. Clover Club

Clover Club

Everyone loves a lighter, fruitier cocktail at times. The Clover Club cocktail is a pink drink that is packed with flavor and quite a bit of history. This cocktail originated in the 1800s at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia where it was enjoyed by the elite of the time. This frothy drink was uber-popular in the 20th century, and for good reason. Epicurious has a fantastic traditional recipe. You’ll definitely want to try this historical and always delicious drink.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg white
  • 3 ounces of gin
  • 1-ounce dry vermouth
  • 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice
  • 1-ounce raspberry syrup

Directions:

  • Combine the egg white, gin, vermouth, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup in a cocktail shaker.
  • Seal and shake without ice for 5 seconds to froth, then unseal the shaker and add ice. Shake until well chilled, about 10 seconds.
  • Strain through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine tea strainer, dividing between 2 stemmed cocktail glasses. Garnish each drink with a raspberry.

5. The Aviation

The Aviation - gin based cocktails

We wanted to round out our list of gin-based cocktails with a cocktail that is pleasing to both the tastebuds and the eyes. The Aviation is a lovely, violet-hued drink that is dressed to impress. This twist on the Gin Sour was created in New York City at the Hotel Wallick. The cocktail was originally made with crème de violette, but there are also some versions without this special ingredient. A Couple Cooks has provided us with an awesome take on this unique and brightly colored drink!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces gin
  • ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
  • ½ ounce Maraschino liqueur
  • ½ ounce ​crème de violette
  • For the garnish: Luxardo cocktail cherry

Directions:

  • Add the gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and ​crème de violette to a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake until cold.
  • Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry, if desired.

Are you inspired to shake up some unique and delicious gin cocktails? If you’re looking for more recipes and home bar accessories, check out Prestige Haus’ Instagram and Facebook for more articles like this!