For better or worse, many spirits are typecast for particular cocktail styles. Rum brings tropical drinking to mind, for example, while whiskey may conjure the strong and stirred. Gin, however, moves more freely in the collective imagination. Making an aperitivo classic? Gin’s probably the spirit for the job. Simply topping with tonic? Gin’s a tried-and-true bet. That’s why our favorite gin cocktails span a wide range, from a Midori-spiked take on the Last Word to a minimalist low-proof sherry drink. But what they all have in common is their easy construction, which is anchored by the botanical spirit. Here are 15 simple gin recipes that span seasons, genres and builds—any of which deserve a spot in your next round.
Gin Basil Smash
An herbaceous modern classic that hails from Hamburg, Germany.
The Saturn
An exemplary gin-based tiki drink.
Negroni Frappé
Frappéd, refreshing and lower-proof than the classic.
(Lou’s) Army Navy
A stiffer formula and a sunken cocktail cherry set this take on the classic gin sour apart.
Electric Circus
Midori accentuates the herbal notes of gin and génépy in this Last Word riff.
Bijou Blanc
A more floral take on the Bijou swaps sweet vermouth for bianco and extra dry.
Fizz Italiano
A fluffy aperitivo drink topped with the Italian bitter soda Sanbittèr.
Sling Bar’s Gin Pahit
A simplified version of the pared-back Malaysian classic.
Remember the Alimony
One of the few sherry-based modern classics.
Apple Garibaldi
Granny Smith apples star alongside sherry, vermouth and gin.
White Negroni Highball
The modern classic made tall.
Media Combinación
A 1920s Spanish cocktail updated for the modern palate.
Eponine Collins
A French-inflected Collins complemented by Suze and Amaro Montenegro.
Eeyore’s Requiem
A “deep, dark Negroni, turned on its head.”
Cane & Table’s Royal Hawaiian
Served over crushed ice, this updated take on the tropical classic is built for summer drinking.
