There are over five thousand gin distilleries worldwide. Back in 1990, there were about six. There’s at least one independent gin producer in most major cities. Check out the locally produced section of your liquor store, or pick up a few bottles curbside, right from the distillery.
When you crack open those bottles, and we can’t stress this enough, make something besides a gin and tonic. Sure, the G&T is refreshing, classic, and stylish. But there are so many ways to enjoy gin. Here are just a few.
Classic Gin Martini
Gin was the original spirit used in a martini, and chances are you’ve never had one with the classic recipe.
- 2 ¾ ounces gin.
- ¾ ounces dry vermouth.
- Dash orange bitters.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill and dilute, then strain into a chilled martini glass with olives or a lemon twist.
Negroni
This Italian classic is the perfect pre-dinner drink, happy hour order, or nightcap. It’s equal parts bitter, sweet, and strong (just like you).
- 1 ounce gin.
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth.
- 1 ounce Campari.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill and dilute—then strain over a big ice cube or in a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
French 75
At the turn of the 20th century, the French 75 was a quick-firing canon that packed a punch, just like this cocktail. Drink it for an effervescent Sunday Funday kickoff.
- 2 ounces gin.
- ¾ ounce lemon juice.
- ¾ ounce simple syrup.
- 2 ounces champagne (or any sparkling wine).
Shake the first three ingredients with ice, then strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a long lemon twist.
Gin Fizz
Adding egg white to this classic cocktail makes it creamy/refreshing, like a grown-up’s root beer float.
- 2 ounces gin.
- 1 ounce lemon juice.
- ¾ ounce simple syrup.
- 1 egg white (separated from yolk).
- 1 ounce seltzer.
Combine the first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice and shake for 10 seconds–add ice and shake again. Then strain into a chilled collins glass and top with seltzer.
Singapore Sling
Even though it’s a classic cocktail, every bar makes its own version. Fruity and robust, it’s open to whatever adjustments you make at home.
- ¾ ounce gin.
- ¼ ounce Grand Marnier.
- ¼ ounce Heering cherry liqueur.
- ¼ ounce Benedictine.
- 1 ounce pineapple juice.
- 1 ounce lime juice.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake. Then strain into a collins glass over ice and top with seltzer.
Bijou
If you’re looking to have a nerdy conversation with a bartender, order a Bijou on a mellow night.
- 1 ½ ounce gin.
- ¾ ounce Green Chartreuse liquor.
- 1 ¼ ounce Sweet Vermouth.
- 1 dash orange bitters.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice before straining into a chilled coupe glass.
Royal Hawaiian
Tiki drinks tend to be rum, rum, and more rum. This cocktail, named for the Waikiki hotel of its origin, uses gin instead. It’s an instant tropical vacation.
- 1 ½ ounce gin.
- ¾ ounce orgeat (almond and orange flower syrup).
- 1 ounce pineapple juice.
- ½ ounce lemon juice.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Then strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Death in the Gulf Stream
The Hemingway Daiquiri gets a lot of attention as Papa’s beverage of choice. But this tart boozy beverage was another of his favorites (sans sugar).
- 2 ounces juniper-forward gin, or genever.
- 1 ounce lime juice.
- ½ ounce simple syrup.
- 4 big dashes Angostura bitters.
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and dash the Angostura over the top. Then add lime juice and simple syrup. Top with gin and lime zest.
Hanky Panky
This simple cocktail offers just a hint of bitterness from the digestif Fernet Branca. If you’re not ready for a Negroni yet, try a Hanky Panky to warm up your palate.
- 1 ½ ounces gin.
- 1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth.
- 2 dashes Fernet Branca
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir to chill and dilute–strain into a chilled coupe glass.
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Corpse Reviver No. 2
Your first instinct when trying to recover from a hangover probably isn’t reaching for the gin. But bartenders and professional drinkers have sworn by this cocktail as a hangover cure since the 19th century.
- ¾ ounce gin.
- ¾ ounce Lillet Blanc.
- ¾ ounce Cointreau.
- ¾ ounce lemon juice.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.
Featured Image Credit: Mr.Autthaporn Pradidpong on Unsplash
