The herby and floral notes of gin make for a great foundation to drinks that are combined with other ingredients, for a crisp cocktail that is refreshing and light. Most gin lovers swear by how well it pairs with citrus fruits or zesty flavours that do not overpower its taste but at the same time, bring their distinctive notes to a cocktail – that give it an entirely unexpected flavour. That being said, gin cocktails are a great way to sip on a drink through the day without feeling drained or tipsy, while continuing to have a good time for much longer than usual. Here are six drinks to keep you company.
Gimlet
In the world of cocktails, the gimlet is a real classic. It is known as one of the best gin sours. Gin and lime drink are mixed to make a sweet-tart symphony that goes well with the botanical notes in the gin. This drink is elegant because it is so simple. When you drink a gimlet, it's like waking up your taste buds in a good way. It’s a pure and satisfying experience that shows why this cocktail is so popular.
Negroni
When seeking the quintessential pre-dinner cocktail, the Negroni takes centre stage. Comprising gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, it embodies the essence of aperitifs, making it the ideal appetite enhancer. This classic cocktail, renowned for its acquired taste due to Campari’s bitterness, becomes an irreplaceable companion to meals once you acquire the taste. Surprisingly versatile, it complements various cuisines, although it finds its best match in Italian fare, creating a delightful harmony between the cocktail and the culinary experience.
Gin & Tonic
The gin and tonic is a simple drink with only two ingredients that is often used as the base for a gin highball. Its simplicity ensures it’s a difficult one to get wrong and is a reliable choice, whether at the bar or in your home. This combination offers a dry, less sugary alternative among soda highballs. While there are variations in quality, it’s challenging to create an unpleasant gin and tonic. However, opting for a quality gin and premium tonic water, along with the essential addition of fresh lime, elevates this classic cocktail to a whole new level.
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Monkey Gland
Gin and orange juice form a delightful flavour pairing, but among the well-known gin cocktails, the Monkey Gland stands out as an intriguing favourite. Despite its amusing name and unique inspiration, it offers a pleasant surprise. Initially, it combines gin, orange juice and grenadine to create a fantastic drink. However, to elevate it, a touch of absinthe is introduced, adding an underlying hint of anise that transforms this cocktail from merely good to absolutely spectacular, delivering an extra dimension to its taste profile.
Aviation Cocktail
Image Credits: Slightly Pretentious
Once difficult to produce due to the scarcity of its primary ingredient, creme de violette, the aviation cocktail has regained preference in the modern cocktail revival. We can once again appreciate this extraordinary beverage, now that certain brands are producing this stunning purple liqueur. In addition to creme de violette, all you need is gin, maraschino and fresh lemon juice to make this simple but delicious cocktail. The mix of gin, cherry, violets and lemon produces an attractive classic with a long and storied history, thanks to its magnificent visual appeal and distinctive floral flavour.
Floradora
The Floradora, lesser known than other cocktails, earns its spot for two compelling reasons: it beautifully highlights the gin-raspberry combination, and it has a knack for winning hearts. Its popularity surged when a technology webcast featured its recipe, introducing this classic gem to an entirely new audience. Comprising gin, lime, raspberry and ginger ale, its charm lies in its simplicity. If you haven't sampled it yet, you're overlooking a hidden treasure in the world of cocktails that skilfully marries the vibrant flavours of gin and raspberry with the refreshing effervescence of ginger ale.