Delicious and (mostly) simple gin cocktails that you probably already have the ingredients to.
Bee’s Knees
Created by Frank Meier, who worked at the Ritz in 1921, this cocktail has started to make a comeback. The mixture is simple, but you do have to shake vigorously to create a froth with citrus juice alone. Most cocktails with froth include egg whites.
Make this party-friendly by leaving out a variety of flavoured syrups and tonics to mix and match. Don’t forget to create a little garnish station.
The No-Fuss Method
1.5 oz gin
1oz lemon
1/4 oz honey
3 oz tonic
Avoid the shaking and put your ice straight in a glass, add your ingredients, stir, and enjoy!
Mix It Up
The easiest was to mix this bad boy up is with different flavoured tonics. Fever Tree’s Tanqueray is an excellent choice.
If you want to try and add your own spices or fruit, it will be easier to infuse as a simple syrup to substitute for the honey.
Traditional
Bee’s Knees
Equipment
- Cocktail Jigger
- Cocktail Shaker
- Ice
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lemon
- 1/4 oz Honey
- 1 Lemon Twist
Instructions
- Shake well over ice until froth forms. Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with the lemon twist.
French 75
I love gin, as you can probably tell from this post. But it really isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so if it’s all I have on hand this is my go-to. It’s classy, sweet, and I never pass up an opportunity to drink bubbly.
Traditional
French 75
Equipment
- Cocktail Spoon
- Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Lemon Juice
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup (or light honey)
- 3 oz Champagne (or regional bubbly)
Instructions
- Mix gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in the bottom of a champagne flute
- Top with Champagne, or any other bubbly.
Mix It Up
You can’t get much easier than that. The chilled wine is how the drink stays cold. You can also try keeping some wine glasses in the fridge if you’re picky or it’s hot out.
It is easy to alter the flavour by changing the simple syrup, yes. But have you thought about… changing the colour of bubbly?
I know that may sound odd, but a dry rose and Ugava would go great. Or a Merlot sparkling would pair fabulously with Hendricks and some Black Currant Syrup. There are so. Many. Options.
Gin Gimlet
Drinks you have to muddle aren’t party friendly, you are always washing your muddle. If you don’t clean it well, any leftover garnish can brown and look unappealing.
But the Gin Gimlet is such a refreshing drink. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a little more refreshment from your beverage. A good welcome cocktail, or for impressing.
The No-Fuss Method
To take the fuss out, make it more like a gin and tonic by infusing your gin or sparkling waters with flavours beforehand. And wake up your herbs by spanking it before adding it to your glass.
Mix It Up
Other recommended flavours include:
Lemon blackberry
Blood orange and lime
Peaches and thyme
Kiwi and lime
Orange and pink peppercorn
Traditional
Gin Gimlet
Equipment
- Cocktail Jigger
- Cocktail Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 sprigs Fresh Mint
- 3 slices Cucumber
- 1/4 Lime
- 4 oz Sparkling Water
Instructions
- Muddle mint, cucumber, and lime in the bottom of a tall glass
- Add gin, simple syrup, and lime
- Fill the glass with ice
- Top with sparkling water and stir
Gin Buck
The easiest cocktail on the entire list. When I first discovered ginger ale and lemon juice it was just so life-changing. It’s so simple and improves the sweet soda so much. This is a great, summery and easy gin cocktail to whip up your next day lakeside.
Traditional
Gin Buck
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin i like Ungava
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- 4 oz Ginger ale
Instructions
- Stir ingredients together in a glass
- Add ice and enjoy
Mix It Up
Top with fruit like pineapple, orange slices, and strawberries for a fun brunch alternative to sangria or mimosas.