You would have to be living on another planet to not have noticed the huge surge of interest in all things Gin. The variety of this botanical spirit that is now available is huge, ranging from locally made bottles to the popular big guns that have been around for decades. Gin cocktails have also enjoyed a surge of interest with so much more on offer now than the classic G&T. Whether you’re looking for some inspiration for your next party or fancy spicing up your evening aperitif, let us take you on a journey of all things Gin.
Our Top Picks for Best Gin Cocktails 2022
#1 Best Tonic Water for Classic Gin Cocktails: Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water, 6.8 Fl Oz (Pack of 24)
It’s hard to beat the classic G&T and there is no better tonic in our opinion from this one from Fever-Tree. Packed with botanical flavors this is a mixer that is also delicious on its own.
#2 Best Mixer for Sweet Gin Cocktails: Bittermilk, Mixer No 2 Tom Collins With Elderflowers, 16.9 Fl Oz
For those of you with a sweet tooth, this Elderflower mixer from Bittermilk is designed to create a Tom Collins cocktail. Tasty and refreshing this is a great mixer to add to your drinks cabinet.
#3 Best Flavored Tonic Waters: Jack Rudy Cocktail Co – The Tonic Trio
Love a G&T but fancy trying something a little different? Then check out this Tonic Trio from Jack Rudy Cocktail Co. You will have classic tonic, elderflower tonic and extra bitter tonic to choose from.
#4 Best Mixer for Gin Fizz: Q Mixers Club Soda, Premium Cocktail Mixer, 7.5 oz (12 Cans)
This club soda from Q Mixers makes the perfect ingredient for a Gin Fizz. For something fizzy and exciting go for this mixer.
#5 Best Low-Calorie Gin Mixer: Be Mixed Zero Calorie Cocktail Mixer, Cucumber Mint, 4 oz Glass Bottles (4 Pack)
Want to enjoy your favorite spirit but are counting the calories? This mixer from Be Mixed contains no sugar and no calories and also tastes delicious.
Gin: A Brief History
Gin has a long and varied history. It is made from re-distilling ethanol and has juniper berries and other natural botanicals added to it to give it its distinct flavor. It is said to have originated from the Middle Ages and was first referenced as a spirit flavored with “genever”, the Dutch word for the juniper berry, in a Flemish manuscript. Gin was originally produced as a form of medicine to treat illnesses such as gout and dyspepsia, however, its intoxicating properties soon led to it becoming a drink of choice. It gained popularity with British soldiers during the Thirty Years’ War when they had a bit of “Dutch Courage” before going into battle.
Following this, it soon made it’s way across the Channel becoming a popular drink in the later 17th Century where the drink gained the name ‘Mothers Ruin’ thanks to the effects of excessive consumption of this strong drink. The drink finally made its way over to the US in the 19th Century where it enjoyed a transformation into the classic cocktails we know today such as the Gimlet and the Tom Collins.
Best Gin Cocktails
See also:
If you’re looking for the best easy gin cocktails or best simple gin cocktails but don’t know where to start, let our guide help you. Some of these gin cocktail names will seem a little unfamiliar and strange, but please bear with us.
#1 Best Pink Gin Cocktails
You might be a gin lover but have you ever heard of pink gin? This is usually made by adding a combination of berries like raspberries, strawberries, and redcurrants. Some varieties of pink gin also contain Angostura bitters to give it a bittersweet flavor. Check out one of our favorite pink gin cocktails below.
Pink Ginsecco
- 1 x measure of pink gin
- 2 x measures of prosecco
- Lemonade
- Raspberries
- Mint
- Ice cubes
To make: add the ice cubes to a large wine glass, then simply add your measures of pink gin and prosecco and top up with lemonade. Add a few raspberries to the mix and garnish with some fresh mint. Delicious!
#2 Best Christmas Gin Cocktails
Gin has long been a Christmas drink of choice but there is so much more that can be done that goes beyond the classic gin and tonic. Whether you’re counting down the days to Christmas, want a special tipple to sip whilst you’re wrapping your presents, or want a drink to wow your guests at your Christmas party check out the best holiday gin cocktails below.
Sloe Gin and Cranberry Martini
- 1 x measure sloe gin
- 1 x measure normal gin
- Juice of ½ lemon
- A dash of cranberry juice
- Rosemary and fresh cranberries for the garnish
- Ice
To make: If you’ve been looking for one of the best sloe gin cocktails this one is for you. To make this winter warmer add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and get shaking. Pour into a Martini style glass, drop a few cranberries into the cocktail, and garnish with some fresh rosemary. A cocktail to die for!
#3 Best Ink Gin Cocktails
With so many different gins around it can be hard to keep up. Ink gin is one of the latest in the gin brigade and is unique in that it changes color. This amazing tipple is made in Australia and is crafted out of traditional juniper berries and a mixture of Australian ingredients including lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berries, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, elderflower, oris, and licorice root. The inky blue color comes from the petals of an exotic blue flower. When the gin is mixed it changes from a deep blue to a pinky blue – amazing!
The perfect Ink Gin and Tonic
- 1 x measure Ink Gin
- Good quality tonic water
- Blueberries and Rosemary for the garnish
- Ice
To make: As ink gin is a relatively new drink, we recommend keeping it simple and pairing it with tonic water. Simply pour the measure of ink gin over ice and top up with your desired quantity of tonic. For something a bit special, add some blueberries to the cocktail and garnish with a sprig of rosemary. An exotic twist on a true classic.
#4 Botanical Gin Cocktails
Gin is, by nature, infused with a mix of different botanicals. This is why there are so many different varieties of gins out there as experts play around with a variety of flavors from nature itself such as seeds, berries, fruits, roots, and herbs. For this reason, gin can be paired with all manner of herbs from your garden. For a truly botanical gin experience check out this herb packed cocktail.
#5 Rosemary & Thyme Collins
- 2 x measures of gin
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Two sprigs of Rosemary
- Two sprigs of Thyme
- 250g Sugar
- Soda Water
- Lime wedge for the garnish
To make: to start with you need to make a rosemary and thyme sugar syrup. To do this, simply add the rosemary and thyme sprigs to a pan with 250 ml of water and 250 g of sugar, simmer gently until the sugar has dissolved and then remove from the heat. Remove the rosemary and thyme and allow the mixture to cool before using in your cocktail.
To make the cocktail you will only need 20ml of your herb-infused syrup, and you can store the rest in the fridge for a later date. Add your syrup, gin, lemon juice, and ice to a cocktail shaker and mix it all together vigorously. Pour into your glass of choice and then top up with the soda water. Garnish with your lime wedge and a sprig of rosemary or thyme (or both!).
Best Gin Mixers 2022
Here are some of our favorite mixers that you can use to make popular gin drinks.
#1 Best Tonic Water for Classic Gin Cocktails: Fever-Tree Premium
This British-made tonic water has certainly lifted the bar when it comes to making a quality gin and tonic. Fever-Tree have made their name in the UK and now it’s time to hit the US. This case of 24 tonic waters is great value for such a quality tonic. The name comes from the ‘fever trees’ of the Democratic Republic of Congo where the quinine for this tonic is extracted from. With the addition of some delicious natural botanicals, this is certainly a high-quality mixer.
This Fever-Tree tonic water not only makes a great gin and tonic, it is also a great addition to the best vodka and gin cocktails. If you’re trying to take a break from the booze, this also makes a delicious drink on its own thanks to the distinctive and exciting flavors. Make your regular g&t that bit more special with this premium tonic water from Fever-Tree.
#Fever_Tree #Tonic_Water #Quinine #Premium #G&T #Gin_Cocktails
#2 Best Mixer for Sweet Gin Cocktails: Bittermilk, Mixer No 2 Tom Collins
This mixer from Bittermilk is the one for you if you’ve got a sweet tooth as it is flavored with aromatic elderflowers. Containing centennial hops to give it a bitter taste this mixer creates the perfect addition to gin and soda to create a Tom Collins. Plus, what’s great about this mixer is that it can also be used with any white spirit such as vodka or white rum to create another delicious drink.
This mixer is great value for money as you can make between 12 and 17 cocktails with it depending on the size of your drinks. Wow your friends with this delicious mixer that can be kept in your cupboard ready for whenever you have an unexpected guest. A perfect accompaniment to an evening aperitif in the garden or a warming drink by the fire.
#Bittermilk #Tom_Collins #Gin #Cocktail #Classic #Mixer
#3 Best Flavored Tonic Waters: Jack Rudy Cocktail Co – The Tonic Trio
If you like the idea of being the creator of some creative gin cocktails then this Tonic Trio is just the thing. The three tonics in this set include a classic tonic syrup if you’re after something traditional, an elderflower tonic for a more floral flavor, and the extra bitter tonic which will create the perfect G&T for those who prefer the ultimate sour taste.
Each bottle contains 8 oz which translates to around 11 servings, so for this set you can get approximately 33 drinks out of it so this set is really worth the price. This would make a great gift for your gin-loving friend or a treat for yourself if you want to spice up your drinks cabinet. These mixers can even be used beyond the traditional gin and tonic, why not also pair it with rum or a sparkling wine for something a little different.
#Gin_lover #Love_Gin #Elderflower_Tonic #Gift #Bitter_Tonic #Mixer
#4 Best Mixer for Gin Fizz: Q Mixers Club Soda Premium Cocktail Mixer
This club soda is the mixer to go for if you want to create the perfect Gin Fizz when paired with your favorite gin, a dash of lemon, and some sugar. Q Mixers ensure that the club soda contains as much carbonation as possible so that it really puts the fizz in your Gin Fizz cocktail.
This tasty soda is also flavored with a hint of Himalayan salt to bring out the flavor of the soda and the gin that you mix it with. This soda can also be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing drink or be paired with vodka or scotch for a delicious aperitif. Soda contains less sugar and calories than tonic water so this makes a low-calorie option if you’re watching your waistband.
#Low_calorie #Gin_Fizz #Cocktail_mixer #Club_soda #Q_Mixers #Gin
#5 Best Low-Calorie Gin Mixer: Be Mixed Zero Calorie Cocktail Mixer
If gin is your drink of choice but you are counting the calories then check out this refreshing mixer from Be Mixed. It is flavored with cucumber and mint which will create a low-calorie gin cocktail making a great alternative to sugar-rich alternatives. Containing zero sugar and zero calories Be Mixed mixers are made using all-natural ingredients including stevia extract which is a plant-based sweetener.
To make the perfect low-calorie gin cocktail pour a single measure of gin over ice and top it up with this cucumber mint concoction and then garnish with some fresh cucumber and mint leaves. A fantastic alternative to tonic water which can be high in calories and sugar content. Be sure to check out Be Mixed’s other zero-calorie mixers that can be enjoyed with a range of different spirits.
#Be_Mixed #Zero_Calorie #Sugar_Free #Cucumber #Mint #Fresh #Natural
Conclusion
When it comes to gin there are so many possibilities to make an interesting drink. While it is hard to beat the classic G&T there are so many other opportunities to make interesting gin cocktails based on a variety of mixers and ingredients. From pink gin to sloe gin and even ink gin there are plenty of different gins to choose from and what you pair them with can really alter the flavor. Try out some of our recipes above and wow your guests with some seriously exciting gin cocktails.
