Gin is a versatile spirit that pairs well with a variety of mixers. It is well loved for a reason and the perfect spirit for experimenting with new flavors. If you are wondering what to mix with gin, the answer can be many different things depending on the type of gin and how you are looking to enhance it. Gin is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of mixers including citrus juices, fruit juices, herbal syrups, liqueurs, and sodas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to create unique cocktails.

The type of gin you choose will affect the flavor profile of your drink, so consider the botanicals and style of gin when selecting mixers. Some gins emphasize classic botanicals like juniper, coriander and citrus, while others may feature more unique or exotic botanicals like lavender, rose petals, or cucumber. Consider how the botanicals interact with other ingredients in your cocktails. Additionally, Gin comes in various styles, such as London Dry, Old Tom, Plymouth and New Western or Contemporary. Each style has its own flavor profile, so try experimenting with different types to see which ones you prefer for different cocktails.

Sometimes, the best cocktails are the simplest ones. Don’t overlook classic gin cocktails like the Gin and Tonic, Martini or Negroni. These drinks have stood the test of time for a reason and can be enjoyed in their traditional form or with slight variations.

Ideas for What To Mix With Gin

Classic Gin and Tonic: Use a London Dry Gin for a traditional taste, and mix with tonic water over ice. Garnish with a wedge of lime or a slice of cucumber.

Gin Martini: Opt for a dry gin such as Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire and mix with dry vermouth. Garnish with a twist of lemon or an olive.

Gin Fizz: Use a London Dry Gin or a floral gin like Hendrick’s, mix with lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Shake with ice and strain into a glass.

Gin and Elderflower Collins: Combine gin with elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice.

Gin and Cranberry: Mix gin with cranberry juice and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Gin and Grapefruit: Pair gin with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and a splash of club soda. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of grapefruit.

Gin and Cucumber Cooler: Mix gin with muddled cucumber, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with a cucumber slice.

Negroni: Combine equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Serve over ice with an orange twist.

French 75: Mix gin with lemon juice and simple syrup, then top with champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Gin and Mint Mojito: Combine gin with muddled mint leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Recipes for What To Mix With Gin

Gin Basil Smash

2 oz London Dry Gin (like Tanqueray or Beefeater)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3-4 fresh basil leaves
3/4 oz simple syrup
Ice
Basil sprig for garnish

Instructions:

In a shaker, muddle the basil leaves with the lemon juice and simple syrup.
Add the gin and ice to the shaker and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a basil sprig.

Gin Ginger Highball

1 1/2 oz London Dry Gin
4 oz ginger beer
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Lime wedge for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice.
Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
Garnish with a lime wedge.

Gin and Blackberry Bramble

2 oz London Dry Gin
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz blackberry liqueur (like Crème de Mûre)
Fresh blackberries for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice and shake well.
Strain the mixture over the crushed ice.
Gently pour the blackberry liqueur over the top.
Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Gin and Rosemary Grapefruit Cocktail

2 oz floral gin (such as Hendrick’s)
4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
Rosemary sprig for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice.
Pour the gin, grapefruit juice, and rosemary simple syrup into the glass and stir gently.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig.

Gin Elderflower Martini

2 oz floral gin (such as Hendrick’s or The Botanist)
1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
1/4 oz dry vermouth
Lemon twist for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, and dry vermouth.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Gin and Cucumber Mint Cooler

2 oz gin (a cucumber-infused gin works well, or use a London Dry Gin)
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
4 slices cucumber
4-6 fresh mint leaves
Club soda
Mint sprig for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

In a shaker, muddle the cucumber slices and mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
Add the gin and ice to the shaker and shake well.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a mint sprig.

Gin Blood Orange Negroni

1 oz gin (a robust gin like Tanqueray or Plymouth works well)
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Blood orange slice for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Gin Lavender Lemonade

2 oz gin (a citrus-forward gin like Bombay Sapphire or Citadelle)
3/4 oz lavender syrup
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Lavender sprig for garnish
Ice

Instructions:

Fill a glass with ice.
Add the gin, lavender syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
Stir well.
Garnish with a lavender sprig.