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Contrary to popular opinion, gin is a versatile spirit. It’s most known for its botanical juniper flavors, but those earth-driven, herby aromas offer a world of possibilities for cocktails. They also allow for lots of variation, making it easy to get creative. A London dry gin, for example, rich in bright juniper and citrus aromas with a clean finish, is ideal for classic cocktails like martinis and tonic concoctions. Floral gins, infused with garden blooms and wild herbs, blend well with liqueurs and crisp sparkling wines. Then there are the outlier blends, created with an eclectic mix of botanicals and spices to deliver a rare and unique taste. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, a gin cocktail can be a delicious way to enjoy the spirit. Below are five recipes that prove gin was made for cocktail lovers.

Negroni

When it comes to gin, Negronis are as classic as a martini. The combination of botanicals and bitter amaro creates a distinctly herbal sip perfect for the start or end of an evening out.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce gin
• 2 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• Orange peel for garnish

Instructions  

1. Add the ingredients to a glass and stir until mixed.
2. Finish with an orange peel.

Bee’s Knees

The Bee’s Knees showcases the subtly sweet characteristics gin can exhibit, thanks to the homemade honey syrup. Naturally sweetened, it balances the tartness of the lemon juice for a refreshing cocktail.

• 2 ounces gin
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce honey syrup

Instructions  

1. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Aviation

Though lesser known, the Aviation is currently one of the buzziest gin cocktails. It features Crème de Violette, a floral liqueur that gives the cocktail its violet hue, and maraschino liqueur. Together, they create a cocktail that showcases the beauty of gin’s botanicals.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 ounce Crème de Violette
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions  

1. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Finish with a cherry for garnish.

Gibson

If you enjoy classic dirty martinis, the Gibson is an interesting take that will make your taste buds sing. Instead of olive juice, it uses the brine from cocktail onions. To get the best flavor, be sure to use a fresh jar that’s made with simple ingredients and fewer preservatives.

• 1 3/4 ounces gin
• 1 1/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/2 ounce cocktail onion juice
• Cocktail onions for garnish

Instructions  

1. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Finish with a cocktail onion for garnish.

Last Word

The Last Word is the epitome of speakeasy cocktails—it’s intriguing and tangy, and it features elevated flavors. The key component is the green chartreuse that mixes with lime juice to create complex aromas and a glowing neon hue.

• 1 ounce gin
• 2/3 ounce green chartreuse
• 2/3 ounce maraschino liqueur
• 2/3 ounce lime juice
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Instructions  

1. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
2. Strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Finish with a cherry for garnish.