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    Home » Cocktails » 23 Easy Gin Cocktails to Make at Home

    Published: Feb 5, 2023 · Updated: Feb 5, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    23 Easy Gin Cocktails to Make at Home

    Text - Easy Gin Cocktails to make at home with 4 photos of gin drinks .

    These easy Gin Cocktails are refreshing and delicious making them great to share with friends any time of year. With herbal and citrus notes, gin pairs well with lots of other flavors. Not sure what to make with that bottle of gin on your bar? Browse this collection of gin recipes.

    Text - Gin Cocktails with a hand drawn graphic of a gin bottle and cocktail glass over a collage of photos of gin cocktails.
    These simple gin cocktails are perfect to make at home.
    Jump to:
    • Gin Cocktail Recipes You'll Love
    • Simple Gin Cocktails
    • Can you use Non-Alcoholic Gin?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More ways to enjoy gin
    • More easy cocktails
    • New to Making Drinks at Home?

    Gin Cocktail Recipes You'll Love

    I find gin cocktail recipes to not be overly sweet, and because of the flavors found in gin (juniper, cardamom, and the like) they are usually totally refreshing to sip.

    While some people love gin, others are less likely to reach for it. But if you have a bottle on your home bar that you've been wondering how to use, this list has tons of tasty gin drinks to try.

    Related: Aperol Gin and Tonic

    Gin is used in a lot of classic drinks where it's the star of the show. But it also mixes well with fruit juices and other liqueurs to create some delicious mixed drinks.

    I love to drink gin with just some soda water and a squeeze of lime, but I know this list will have a recipe that will catch your eye. Give it a try this weekend.

    Simple Gin Cocktails

    Browse this list of easy gin cocktail recipes to find the perfect mixed drink to make for sharing with friends. If you like herbal notes and refreshing flavors, these gin cocktail recipes are what you need.

    1

    Refreshing Gin and Tea Cocktail Recipe

    The herbal flavors of gin are such a great accompaniment to herbal tea! This delicious drink is full of flavor and super refreshing. Similar to a gimlet, this one is a must try!

    2

    Blood Orange Cocktail with Gin and Sorbet Recipe

    This easy drink idea takes a classic gin cocktail idea and turns it into a float with citrusy sorbet! This is a great drink recipe to try if you're new to gin drinks. This one is a great spring drink idea.

    3

    Refreshing Gin Cocktail with Basil and Lemon Recipe

    This easy gin cocktail has fresh basil and lemon juice to make it bright and so refreshing. It's quick to make at home (plus you can see how to gift this cocktail kit along with the recipe!).

    4

    Classic Gibson Martini

    Photo Credit: www.mantitlement.com

    Dry vermouth and gin keep this cocktail decidedly classic, even down to the garnish of cocktail onions on a spear, adding a subtle flavor to the alcohol as it rests in the glass. This Gibson cocktail will taste best in a chilled martini glass after having been shaken over ice until frosty. Strain, garnish and enjoy.

    5

    Pomegranate Rosemary Gin Fizz Cocktail

    Photo Credit: herbsandflour.com

    Wintertime is perfect for including rosemary and pomegranates in your cocktails, and here, gin provides the alcohol component. Start by making a homemade simple syrup infused with fresh rosemary. Cool it and save it in the fridge until you're ready to make the drink. To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add pomegranate juice, gin, lime juice and the rosemary simple syrup and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top it with fizzy club soda and a sprig of rosemary. So pretty!

    6

    Classic French 75 Cocktail

    Photo Credit: www.joyfulhealthyeats.com

    Perfect for any celebration, this gin cocktail is brightened with lemon juice and sweetened with simple syrup. It's made bubbly by topping it with champagne. Shake everything except the champagne over ice and strain it into a champagne flute. Top it with the champagne and add a lemon twist for a festive garnish.

    7

    Cucumber Mint Gimlet

    Photo Credit: cookieandkate.com

    Muddled cucumber and fresh mint leaves add a cooling and tingling touch to this gin drink that makes it perfect for a spring or summer cocktail. Sweeten it with agave nectar or simple syrup and add a squeeze of lime juice to round it out. Shake it over ice until well-chilled and strain it into a martini glass. A sprig of mint is a fragrant garnish for this refreshing beverage.

    8

    Blackberry Bramble Cocktail

    Photo Credit: amandascookin.com

    Summer is the right time to make this blackberry-enhanced cocktail that requires Crème de Muré for a lovely purple color and fruity touch. London dry gin makes it delicious, along with lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake it over ice and strain it into a rock glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a slice of lemon.

    9

    Gin, Apple Cider and Ginger Beer Cocktail

    Photo Credit: creative-culinary.com

    Make this cocktail in the fall when all things apple and ginger are what your taste buds want to experience. Use apple juice or cider along with lemon juice and your favorite gin and shake it over ice before straining in a chilled glass. Top it with cold ginger beer and garnish with an apple slice. Extra points for grating fresh nutmeg over the top for a legit autumn taste.

    10

    Negroni Cocktail Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.foxandbriar.com

    No matter what vessel you use for this cocktail, it's a lovely shade of red, thanks to Campari in the mix. Dry gin, sweet red vermouth and Campari are stirred, over ice, in a rock glass. Finish it with an orange peel and enjoy this not-so-sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus.

    11

    How To Make a Gin Basil Smash

    Photo Credit: www.thekitchenmagpie.com

    If you like a gin mojito, chances are you'll love this riff that uses muddled basil. When the oils are released from the crushed basil, don't be surprised when the drink turns green - it's all good! Muddle the basil along with the simple syrup and lemon juice in the shaker before pouring in the gin and ice cubes. Shake and strain into a tall glass filled with ice. This is at the top of my list to make for my hubby and I!

    12

    Long Island Iced Tea

    Photo Credit: www.simplejoy.com

    With a potpourri of alcohol, this cocktail has always been a favorite for party time. Gin shares space with tequila, vodka, white rum, triple sec and lemon juice. Add them all to a highball glass filled with ice and top with chilled coca cola. Stir and garnish with a wedge of lemon. A hangover is all but guaranteed. :)

    13

    Grapefruit Gin Martini

    Photo Credit: www.awortheyread.com

    If you love a tart martini with more than a hint of citrus in it, try this tasty cocktail. Combine dry vermouth, Beefeater gin, orange curacao, grapefruit juice and a dash of grapefruit bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir. Strain it into your serving glass and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

    14

    50/50 Halfsies Martini

    Photo Credit: www.simplyrecipes.com

    Keep it simple with this half gin and half vermouth martini that's shaken over ice and strained into a chilled glass. Personalize it with your choice of garnish. Go for a lemon twist, an olive or a skewer of cocktail onions. What could be easier?

    15

    Gin Cocktail With Maraschino Cherry

    Photo Credit: cookingwithelo.com

    This fruity cocktail combines gin with lemon juice and Maraschino cherry juice over a glass filled with ice before topping it off with tonic water. Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a spear of Maraschino cherries. Elevate this drink by using artisanal Luxardo maraschino cherries for a gorgeous color and taste.

    16

    Bees Knees Cocktail Recipe

    Photo Credit: limoncellokitchen.com

    Skip the granulated sugar and reach for honey instead when making a simple syrup for this easy cocktail. You'll get a little more flavor from the simple syrup, depending on the variety of honey you choose. The cocktail is a simple mix of gin, lemon juice and honey syrup shaken over ice before straining into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy this sweet drink.

    17

    Gin Rickey

    Photo Credit: www.acouplecooks.com

    Super easy to make, this refreshing and classic cocktail is always a solid choice to serve no matter what the occasion. Grab a highball glass and add gin and lime juice to it and stir to combine. Add ice and then top with soda water. A slice of lime finishes it off and it's ready to enjoy.

    18

    Floradora

    Photo Credit: chelsweets.com

    Summertime in a glass is what you'll sip on with this gin and raspberry-infused drink that's topped with ginger beer. Start by making your raspberry simple syrup in advance and giving it time to chill in the fridge. For the drink, muddle raspberries in a shaker before adding gin, lime juice and raspberry simple syrup. Shake over ice and strain into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with raspberries.

    19

    Salty Dog

    Photo Credit: www.moodymixologist.com

    If you're craving a salty, tart, and sour cocktail, combine grapefruit juice and gin over a salt-rimmed double rocks glass and enjoy this tastebud-tingling drink. Use kosher salt or go a little bolder with flaky sea salt on the rim. Garnish this salty dog with a wedge of grapefruit.

    20

    Simple Pear Gin Cocktail with Rosemary

    Photo Credit: mittengirl.com

    Fall is the right time to make this fresh fruit cocktail. In a cocktail shaker, muddle slices of ripe pear with lemon juice to release the juices and flavor. Add ice and fill with gin, rosemary simple syrup and ginger liqueur. Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. A sprig of rosemary garnishes this tasty and fragrant seasonal cocktail.

    21

    Tom Collins Cocktail Recipe

    Photo Credit: kitchenswagger.com

    This citrus cocktail might be the easiest you've ever made. WIth minimal ingredients, it's a classic drink that's perfect for gin lovers. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir to combine and top it with club soda for a little fiz. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

    22

    Gin and Prosecco Cocktail

    Photo Credit: lovelyindeed.com

    Celebrations are the right time to serve this gin-infused bubbly cocktail with a hint of fruit from Prosecco. It's easy to make by filling a cocktail shaker with ice and adding gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a coupe glass and top it with Prosecco. Finish it with a twist of lemon for a garnish.

    23

    Sapphire Martini

    Photo Credit: homemadehooplah.com

    Make this as a big batch party drink or enjoy it as a one-off single martini that combines blue curacao and dry vermouth with gin for a brilliant blue drink that's perfect for a summertime pool party bash. A maraschino cherry is the right garnish for this colorful cocktail. While I don't usually suggest buying a bottle of specialty liqueur to make a cocktail, if you already have blue curacao on hand, here's another tasty way to use it!

    Can you use Non-Alcoholic Gin?

    Being sober is a big deal right now. I picked up a bottle of non-alcoholic gin to try it out and it's delicious. It has all the flavor you want from gin, but no alcohol. You can use it in place of the gin called for in any of the gin recipes above.

    I like to use it in a Non-Alcoholic Gin and Tonic to sip on while I get dinner together.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is good to mix with gin?

    Gin has almost a savory quality but is bright and has notes of fresh herbs. It pairs really well with soda water and tonic water, citrus juices (like orange, lime, grapefruit and lemon), cucumbers, and other fruit juices like cranberry and pineapple.

    How should a beginner try gin?

    If you are new to drinking gin cocktails, I think you should keep things simple. Try it with club soda or tonic water. Use about 1 ounce (as it's much more flavorful than vodka) and add a little squeeze of lemon or lime. Mix it in a glass and give it a sip. You should be able to get the notes of the gin but the water will make it less aggressive. Tonic water will give it a little bit more sweetness than club soda. If you like the flavor, you can try it in a cocktail.

    What brand of gin should I buy?

    Although I have several brands in my home bar, this is not my go-to spirit. That being said, Bombay Sapphire is a decent brand and pretty reasonably priced. Tanqueray and Hendrick's are also popular brands. I always recommend talking to friends and getting their recommendations if you're unsure. Or chat with someone at Total Wine.

    Is gin a healthy liquor?

    Gin has fewer calories and less sugar than some liquors making it slightly healthier. Always watch out for what you are mixing it with since things like fruit juices are full of sugar. They sometimes also contain fewer additives than other liquors.

    More ways to enjoy gin

    • Gin and Soda (use club soda or flavored seltzer water)
    • Gin and Tonic is classic
    • Gin Sour (with lemon juice - and some people also add egg white to make it frothy)
    • Muddle it with berries or other fruit to add more layers of flavor (See my Blackberry Gin and Tonic Recipe)
    • Use it with sparkling wine to make a spritz
    • Add it to any of your favorite cocktail recipes instead of the suggested liquor
    • A Tom Collins is a classic and sort of like a fizzy version of a sour

    More easy cocktails

    • Vodka Recipes
    • 2-Ingredient Cocktails
    • Vodka Gimlet
    • Kombucha Mimosa
    • Aperol Spritz

    New to Making Drinks at Home?

    Mixing drinks doesn't need to be overwhelming! Check out these posts that will help you get started making delicious cocktail and mocktail recipes without needing tons of ingredients or expert-level bartending skills.

    • The Essential Bar Tools you should have on hand
    • The Liquor You Need for a small but mighty home bar
    • Mixers to Keep on Hand to make TONS of drinks
    • How to Rim a Glass - 3+ ways
    • Here are 22 Easy Garnish Ideas to help you dress up your drink before serving.
    • Need Simple Syrup fast? Use this drink sweetener hack!

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • A woman with her hand on the stem of a spritz glass on a counter holding a Hugo Spritz.
      A Refreshing Hugo Spritz Recipe with St Germain
    • Woman arranging straws in a milk jug full of large batch white Russian, next to Kahlua and chocolate syrup.
      Large Batch White Russian Recipe
    • An Aperol summer cocktail in a glass on top of a white plate surrounded by fresh limes and topped with a lime slice.
      Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • A martini glass filled with a French gimlet cocktail.
      A Simple French Gimlet Recipe for Spring (St Germain Gin Gimlet)

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lainie Gutterman says

      July 03, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      What a fabulous idea! I've grown tired of bringing mini cupcakes to the hostess.

      Beautiful photography too! Great post!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 05, 2014 at 9:37 am

        Thanks Lainie! I couldn't think of a gift a frazzled hostess would want more. :)

        Reply
    2. Heidi says

      July 02, 2014 at 5:50 am

      And I'm making that cocktail when I get home tonight! Thank you!!!

      http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        July 02, 2014 at 1:53 pm

        I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

        Reply

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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