Mixed with tonic, topped up with fizz or even neat, there are endless ways to enjoy sipping your favourite Gin. If you're looking to branch out and try a few new ways to mix-up this juniper-y delight, here are a few of the best Gin cocktails.
First up, the mighty Negroni. A cocktail that has come into true favour over the past few years, with an abundance of twists and new ways to enjoy it. From barrel-aged to cherry Negronis, it's a simply made drink with huge creative potential.
One part Gin, one part Vermouth and one part Campari, with an orange twist for garnish, the classic Negroni was invented in the early 20th Century. Count Negroni asked his bartending friend to switch-up his favourite drink, the Americano. Forsco Scarselli, the bartender in question, obliged and swapped soda water for Gin. Fast forward to now, its popularity remains unchallenged. There are even entire bars dedicated to the tipple and a whole week in September celebrating the cocktail.
It's an easy serve to conquer at home, and can be made in batches. For a classic take, head to Difford's Guide for this Negroni cocktail. Make sure you freeze your oranges or eat the rest to minimise waste from the garnish.
Second is the classic, and the one and only, Martini cocktail. The origin of this wildly popular tipple is more debated than the Negroni. But one thing's clear, if you want to try a real Martini, the only place for such a venture is Duke's Bar in London. It’s an experience in itself being made a Martini off a classic drinks trolley. Duke's make Martinis with only the finest ingredients and the bartenders are world class.
And of course with simple drinks, come many varieties. Here's a quick vocabulary guide below to some of the main Martinis:
Vesper Martini: Features Vodka and Gin
Dry Martini: A splash of Vermouth
Dirty Martini: Includes olive juice
Wet Martini: A higher ratio of Vermouth
If you want to try your hand at mixing-up one at home, then you can't go wrong with BBC Good Food's easy to follow recipe here.
Lastly, the Bramble. A modern classic, this Gin powerhouse was invented in the 1980s in London by a legendary British bartender, Dick Bradsell. He’s also the chap we can thank for Espresso Martinis. More on that another time.
The Bramble brings together Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, crème de mure (or crème de cassis) and crushed ice. Garnishes typically feature British berries, such as blackberries. It’s a springtime drink best enjoyed on a picnic, near a classic British hedgerow. Whilst on said picnic, you might want to try your hand at foraging for your garnish. Lots of signature Brambles you’ll find now on bar menus often incorporate foraging-inspired twists on the recipe. For a gloriously colourful, insta-worthy recipe, take a look at Delish’s classic take here.
The Bramble requires a little more practice than the Martini or Negroni, but all of these are classic Gin cocktails worth learning for when you fancy something a little different to a G&T.
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