The gin classics seem to always be in season, whether it’s the Martini, which has taken over the world, or the Negroni, in its infinite moods. The canon of gin cocktails is vast: fizzes topped with crowns of foam, highballs topped with tonic and tropical drinks topped with elaborate garnishes. To help you filter through the countless recipes, we’ve compiled our very best, those that have undergone years of tinkering and been put to the test in our blind tastings—and have come out on top. Here are the 15 best recipes for classic gin cocktails.
Meaghan Dorman’s Gibson
Housemade pickled onions are key to this fine-tuned recipe.
John deBary’s Singapore Sling
A modern update dials down the sweetness and opts for navy-strength gin.
Harrison Ginsberg’s Martinez
A modern take splits the base between Old Tom and London dry gins.
Dante’s Negroni
A more gin-forward take on the classic.
Javelle Taft’s 50/50 Martini
A structured 50/50 Martini thanks to overproof gin.
Maison Premiere’s Ramos Gin Fizz
A winning recipe for the New Orleans classic.
Alicia Perry’s Corpse Reviver No. 2
A pastis rinse completes this perfected take on the classic.
Trick Dog’s White Negroni
"It’s a White Negroni—not a Yellow Negroni," says this drink's creator, who skips the Suze in the modern classic.
Gage & Tollner’s Dirty Gin Martini
House-made brine—without actual olives—stars in this winning recipe.
Bijou Blanc
A more floral take on the Bijou swaps sweet vermouth for bianco and extra dry.
Toby Cecchini’s Gin and Tonic
A winning G&T recipe, made with a slightly unorthodox method.
Paddy O’Brien’s Last Word
A New York craft gin stars in this take on the classic.
AJ Johnson’s Gin Rickey
A bright, floral, earthy take on the Washington, D.C. staple.
Tom Macy’s Gimlet
The winning formula in our Gimlet blind tasting.
Dale DeGroff’s Martini
A simple and strong 7:1 Martini with a straightforward, purist style.
