Gin is the botanical spirit par excellence: fragrant, versatile and able to transform into completely different cocktails. From classic aperitifs to elegant bubbles, all the way to the most refreshing long drinks, gin is the undisputed star of some of the world's most famous cocktails. Here's an essential list of seven cocktails that tell the best of gin-based mixology:
- Gin Tonic
- Negroni
- Martini
- Tom Collins
- French 75
- Gimlet
- Gin Fizz
Let's discover them one by one. If you'd like to get your bearings among the types of spirit first, our gin wiki lines up the definitions and categories.
Gin Tonic: the forever-modern cocktail
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 100 ml tonic water
- Ice
- Lime slice or lemon peel
Fresh, thirst-quenching and beloved: the Gin Tonic is the versatile cocktail par excellence. Easy to make and perfect for bringing out the gin's botanicals. Today there are hundreds of variations with spices, citrus or aromatic herbs to customise it as you like, also depending on the type of gin used.
The Gin Tonic has origins rooted in the British colonial period, particularly the 18th century, when the English Empire was expanding into India. In that period, 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 palatable they began adding sparkling water, sugar, lime and a measure of gin, a spirit already widespread among the British troops — for reasons we cover in the history of gin.
The result was a thirst-quenching, therapeutic drink that over time lost its medical function and turned into a true cocktail. Today it's synonymous with the modern aperitif, with endless possibilities for customisation between artisanal gins, premium tonics and aromatic garnishes. Try our Mediterranean version, the Niro Tonic — and if you're wondering how much the glass matters, the answer is in our guide to gin and tonic glassware. To build it properly — ratio, ice, tonic and garnish — follow our step-by-step guide to the perfect gin and tonic.
Negroni: the aperitif that speaks fluent Italian
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml red vermouth
- 30 ml bitter
- Ice
- Orange slice
Iconic, bold and balanced: the Negroni is an Italian classic born for those who love intense flavours. Perfect for the aperitif, it's also ideal after dinner for anyone seeking a cocktail with a strong character.
The Negroni was born in Florence in 1919, in one of the era's iconic social spots: the Caffè Casoni (today Caffè Giacosa). The protagonist of this invention is Count Camillo Negroni, a man of decisive 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, garnished the glass with an orange slice instead of the classic lemon peel. Thus was born what is today considered one of the world's most iconic cocktails. You'll find the official measures, method and full story in our Negroni guide. Discover our Sicilian rendition, the Nironi.
Martini: the favourite of Bond, James Bond
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Ice
- Olive or lemon peel
Dry, elegant and sophisticated. The Martini is the purists' cocktail, the perfect companion for a chic aperitif or a refined after-dinner drink. To be savoured slowly, ideally in good company.
Its birth seems to date back to the late 19th century in the United States. The cocktail is thought to have originated as an evolution of a drink called Martinez, served in California, in San Francisco or in Martinez (hence the name), and originally made of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitter.
Over time the recipe simplified and dried out, following a taste increasingly oriented towards dry, clean cocktails. In the early 1900s the sweet vermouth was replaced with dry, giving rise to the version we know today as the Dry Martini. The ratio of gin to vermouth has become ever more unbalanced in favour of the gin, so much so that today people even speak of a dry Martini with a single drop of vermouth, or of inhaled vermouth, with the glass merely grazed by the aroma.
The Martini's fame exploded with cinema and literature. It's James Bond's favourite cocktail, strictly "shaken, not stirred" (although purists prefer to stir it, not shake it). But figures like Hemingway, Churchill and Hitchcock also celebrated it in their writings and films. Try our interpretation, the Nironi Martini.
Tom Collins: the cocktail born as a joke
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 25 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Ice
- Cherry and lemon slice
A refreshing, slightly citrusy long drink. The Tom Collins is perfect for hot afternoons, summer aperitifs or outdoor brunches. Sparkling and easy-drinking, it's among the most accessible cocktails even for newcomers.
It originated in the 19th century and is closely tied to the famous American prank of 1874, known as the Tom Collins Hoax. At the time, people would joke that a certain Tom Collins was badmouthing someone at a nearby bar, prompting the victim to search for him in vain. The prank became so popular that a New York bartender, probably Jerry Thomas, named the cocktail after it to ride the wave of the phenomenon. The drink, made of gin, lemon, sugar and soda, became a summer classic, appreciated for its freshness and simplicity.
If you're after a Mediterranean version built on the same idea of freshness and muddled citrus, take a look at the Niro Smash.
French 75: the elegance of Paris
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Champagne or brut sparkling wine
- Lemon peel
Born during the First World War, it takes its name from a French cannon. The French 75 is elegant, with a bubble that wins you over. Great for a refined toast or a classy aperitif.
The original recipe mixed gin, lemon juice, sugar and champagne, creating a refined yet explosive blend. It's 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, citrusy character. Taste our version, the Niro 75.
Gimlet: from the ship's deck to the cocktail bar counter
Ingredients:
- 60 ml gin
- 30 ml lime cordial (or fresh lime juice plus sugar syrup)
- Ice
- Lime peel
The Gimlet is an old-school cocktail, born among British sailors as a remedy against scurvy. Today it's a dry, fresh, direct drink, perfect for those who love the bold taste of lime. Great as an aperitif or an end-of-day cocktail.
It was born in the context of the British navy in the 19th century. Sailors had to take lime juice to prevent scurvy, and to make the flavour more pleasant they mixed it with gin, already common on ships. The drink takes its name, according to some, from naval surgeon Sir Thomas Gimlette, who is said to have introduced the blend. Originally prepared with lime cordial, today it's often made with fresh lime juice and sugar syrup. Dry, simple and aromatic, the Gimlet has become a refined drink, perfect both as an aperitif and as a light after-dinner option.
If the citrus profile is what you're after, we've written a piece on what makes a gin citrusy.
Gin Fizz: the refreshing classic
Ingredients:
- 50 ml gin
- 30 ml lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Ice
- Optional: egg white, for the Silver Fizz version
The Gin Fizz is an effervescent, citrusy and very refreshing classic. Ideal as an aperitif or to cool off on a hot summer day. If you want a softer, creamier touch, try the version with egg white.
It has roots in the late 19th century and became popular thanks to the celebrated bartender Jerry Thomas. It belongs to the fizz family, characterised by the presence of soda that gives the drink its effervescence. The best-known version combines gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda, turning out fresh and thirst-quenching. It was born in the United States and quickly became famous for its simplicity and versatility. Over the years, variations have emerged, such as the Silver Fizz with egg white. It's ideal as an aperitif or afternoon drink, appreciated for its lively, citrusy balance. For the official IBA recipe with exact measures, method and variations, see our complete Gin Fizz guide.
Which gin to make them with
Want to make these cocktails with an artisanal gin of Mediterranean character? Discover GIN NIRO, the Sicilian Zibibbo gin — 70 cl, with free shipping within Italy — and browse our signature recipes, from the Nironi Bianco to the Nerone, for detailed guides and bartender secrets.
