Gin is the botanical spirit par excellence: fragrant, versatile and capable of transforming into completely different cocktails. From classic aperitifs to elegant bubbles, to the most refreshing long drinks, gin is the undisputed protagonist of some of the most famous cocktails in the world. Here is an essential list of 7 cocktails that tell the best of gin-based mixology:
• Gin & Tonic
• Negroni
• Martinis
• Tom Collins
• French 75
• Gimlet
• Gin Fizz
Let's discover them one by one.
Gin Tonic: The Ever-Modern Cocktail
Ingredients:
• 50 ml of gin
• 100 ml of tonic water
• Ice
• Lime slice or lemon zest
Fresh, thirst-quenching and much-loved: Gin Tonic is the versatile cocktail par excellence. Easy to prepare and perfect for enhancing the botanicals of gin. Today there are hundreds of variations with spices, citrus fruits or aromatic herbs to customize it as desired, also by virtue of the type of Gin used. Gin Tonic has origins that sink into the British colonial period, in particular in the 18th century, when the English Empire expanded into India. At that time, soldiers and officials of the British East India Company took quinine as a prophylaxis against malaria. Quinine, however, had an extremely bitter taste, unpleasant to consume on its own. To make the drink more pleasant, they began to add sparkling water, sugar, lime and a dose of gin, a spirit that was already widely used among British troops. The result was a thirst-quenching and therapeutic drink, which over time lost its medical function and transformed into a real cocktail. Today it is synonymous with a modern aperitif, with endless customization possibilities between artisanal gins, premium tonics and aromatic garnishes.
Negroni: the italian aperitif
Ingredients:
• 30 ml of gin
• 30 ml of red vermouth
• 30 ml of bitters
• Ice
• Orange slice
Iconic, bold and balanced: the Negroni is an Italian classic created for those who love intense flavours. Perfect for an aperitif, it is also ideal after dinner for those looking for a cocktail with a strong character.
The Negroni was born in Florence in 1919, in one of the symbolic places of social life of the time: the Caffè Casoni (now Caffè Giacosa). The protagonist of this invention was Count Camillo Negroni , a man with a strong taste and impeccable style, who after several trips to London had developed a certain appreciation for Anglo-Saxon cocktails.
Tired of the usual Americano (bitter, red vermouth and soda), the count asked barman Fosco Scarselli to make it "stronger" by replacing the soda with a splash of gin. The bartender accepted the challenge and to distinguish the new drink he garnished the glass with a slice of orange instead of the classic lemon peel. Thus was born what is now considered one of the most iconic cocktails in the world.
Martini: Bond's favorite, James Bond.
Ingredients:
• 60ml of gin
• 10 ml of dry vermouth
• Ice
• Olive or lemon zest
Dry, elegant and sophisticated. The Martini is the cocktail of purists , the perfect companion for a chic aperitif or a refined after dinner. To be enjoyed slowly, possibly in good company.
Its birth seems to date back to the late nineteenth century in the United States. It is thought that the cocktail was born as an evolution of a drink called the Martinez , served in California , in San Francisco or in Martinez (hence the name), and originally composed of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitters.
Over time, the recipe has been simplified and dried out, following the taste increasingly oriented towards dry and clean cocktails. In the early twentieth century, sweet vermouth was replaced with dry vermouth, giving life to the version that we know today as Dry Martini . The ratio between gin and vermouth has become increasingly unbalanced in favor of gin, so much so that today we also speak of a “dry Martini” with just a drop of vermouth or even “inhaled vermouth” (the glass only touched by the aroma).
The Martini’s fame exploded with cinema and literature. It is James Bond’s favorite cocktail, strictly “shaken, not stirred” (even if purists prefer to mix it, not shake it). But even characters like Hemingway, Churchill and Hitchcock have celebrated it in their writings and films.
Tom Collins: the cocktail born as a joke
Ingredients:
• 50 ml of gin
• 25 ml of lemon juice
• 15 ml sugar syrup
• Soda water
• Ice
• Cherry and lemon slice
A refreshing and slightly citrusy long drink. Tom Collins is perfect for hot afternoons, summer aperitifs or outdoor brunches. Sparkling and drinkable, it is one of the most accessible cocktails even for beginners .
The Tom Collins originated in the 19th century and is closely linked to the famous American hoax of 1874, known as the "Tom Collins Hoax" . At the time, the joke was that a certain Tom Collins was gossiping about someone in a nearby bar, prompting the victim to search for him in vain. The hoax became so popular that a New York bartender, probably Jerry Thomas, gave the cocktail its name to ride the wave of the phenomenon. The drink, made with gin, lemon, sugar and soda, has become a summer classic, appreciated for its freshness and simplicity.
French 75: The Elegance of Paris
Ingredients:
• 30 ml of gin
• 15 ml of lemon juice
• 15 ml sugar syrup
• Champagne or brut sparkling wine
• Lemon zest
Born during the First World War, it takes its name from a French cannon . The French 75 is elegant, with a captivating bubble. Excellent for a refined toast or a classy aperitif.
The original recipe mixed gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne, creating a refined but explosive mix. It is thought to have been served for the first time at Harry's New York Bar in Paris . Over time it has become a symbol of style and lightness, perfect for toasts and special occasions thanks to its sparkling and citrusy character.
Gimlet: from the ship's deck to the cocktail bar counter.
Ingredients:
• 60ml of gin
• 30 ml lime cordial (or fresh lime juice + sugar syrup)
• Ice
• Lime zest
The Gimlet is an old school cocktail, born among British sailors as a remedy against scurvy. Today it is a dry, fresh and direct drink, perfect for those who love the strong taste of lime. Excellent as an aperitif or cocktail at the end of the day.
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that originated in the British Navy in the 19th century. Sailors were required to drink lime juice to prevent scurvy, and to make it more palatable they mixed it with gin, which was already common on ships. The drink is said to be named after the naval surgeon Sir Thomas Gimlette , who introduced the concoction. Originally made with lime cordial, today it is often made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Dry, simple and aromatic, the Gimlet has become a refined drink, perfect both as an aperitif and as a light after-dinner drink.
Gin Fizz: the classic thirst quencher.
Ingredients:
• 50 ml of gin
• 30 ml of lemon juice
• 15 ml sugar syrup
• Soda water
• Ice
• (Optional: egg white for a "Silver Fizz" version)
Gin Fizz is a classic fizzy, citrusy and very thirst-quenching drink. Ideal as an aperitif or to cool off on a hot summer day. If you want a softer and creamier touch, try the version with egg white .
The Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that has its roots in the late 19th century, becoming popular thanks to the famous barman Jerry Thomas. It belongs to the "fizz" family, characterized by the presence of soda that gives effervescence to the drink. The best-known version combines gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda, resulting in a fresh and thirst-quenching drink. It was born in the United States and quickly became famous for its simplicity and versatility. Over the years, variations have been created, such as the Silver Fizz with egg white. The Gin Fizz is ideal as an aperitif or afternoon drink, appreciated for its citrus and lively balance.
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