Beyond Tonic: 8 Refreshing Gin Cocktails

Gin was once the most popular spirit in America in pre-Prohibition days. Since then, vodka and whiskey have bumped gin from its perch as the go-to liquor for sipping and cocktails alike. But don’t sleep on gin, which is poised to make a comeback.

Gin has been around since the Middle Ages when it was used as an herbal medicine. Today, however, the spirit is mostly enjoyed for its refreshing, floral and piney characteristics than for medicinal purposes. The unique taste of gin comes from the addition of juniper berries which are not, in fact, berries at all, but the conifer seed cones (similar to a pine cone).

Some people say gin tastes like a Christmas tree. Which, depending on your flavor profile sounds either amazing or more of an acquired taste. But the interesting and complex flavor of gin makes it great for exploring cocktails and the potential for exciting recipes. Yes, that means gin can be used with things besides tonic and a lime – although that does sound good right about now.

Get ready to explore all gin can offer with one of these refreshing gin cocktail recipes. Need to stock up before you start? Click below to order a bottle or two delivered straight to your door!

Gin Radler

• One can of Grapefruit Radler (Stiegl Radler is recommended)
• 2 oz of gin

Add ice to a large glass and fill with the radler and gin. Stir and garnish with lemon or lime.

Cucumber Gin Lemonade

• 3 oz lemon juice
• 3 oz cucumber juice
• 2 oz gin
• 2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda

Combine the lemon juice, cucumber juice, gin, and simple syrup in a highball glass and stir.  Add ice and top with club soda.

French 75

• 2 ounces London dry gin
• ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice
• ¾ ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces Champagne

Mix gin, juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice for about 20 seconds. Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne and a lemon twist.

Thyme Bees Knees

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 3/4 oz. lemon juice
• 3/4 oz. thyme-honey syrup

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve with a thyme sprig or lemon twist.

Gin Rickey

• 1.5 oz Gin
• Half of a lime (or more to taste)
• Club soda

Put the lime and gin in a highball glass filled with ice. Add soda to top and stir.

Aviation

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a cocktail glass with a maraschino cherry.

Gin Spritz

• Juice of one lime
• 4 mint leaves
• 1 tablespon sugar
• 1 shot gin
• Prosecco

Muddle the lime, mint, and sugar in a glass. Put mixture into a cocktail shaker with ice and a shot of gin and shake. Pour into a glass and top with prosecco.

Dirty Gin Martini

• 2 1/2 oz. gin*
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz. olive brine

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and stir until cold. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an olive.