5 essential gin cocktail recipes to practice and perfect

Gin is one of the most popular spirits, rivalling the likes of vodka, rum and whiskey for its versatility as a cocktail ingredient. There are hundreds of gin cocktails to choose from – so many in fact, that it can be difficult to know where to start – but when in doubt, keep things simple with a classic gin cocktail that your guests will already know and love. Below, the fail-safe gin cocktail recipes, perfected with the addition of No.3 London Dry Gin, that we return to time and again.

The G&T is a fuss-free classic that’s easy to make and universally adored. Balancing the bitterness of tonic water with the aromatics of gin, it’s clean, crisp and refreshing. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge for a classic serve, or impress your guests with pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.

• 50 ml No.3 London Dry Gin
• 150ml tonic water
• Ice
• Pink grapefruit wedge
• Sprig of rosemary

1. Pour gin into a highball glass filled with ice
2. Pour tonic water into the same glass
3. Gently stir to combine the gin and tonic
4. Garnish with pink grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary

The Martini is one of the most popular cocktails in the history of mixology and fully warrants its icon status. While 007 may have preferred his with vodka, the original Martini was created with gin and combined with vermouth (stirred, not shaken) for a sharp and indulgent sipping experience.

• 60ml No.3 London Dry Gin
• 10ml dry vermouth
• Twist of lemon peel

1. Measure out gin and dry vermouth
2. Stir over ice in a mixing glass and strain into a chilled Martini glass
3. Garnish with a lemon twist

The Negroni was invented in Florence over 100 years ago, but it remains a beloved staple of cocktail bars the world over. The key to its enduring popularity lies in its complex flavour profile, which is the result of a combination of sweet vermouth, bitter Campari and juniper-forward gin. But the punchy concoction is surprisingly easy to make, relying on equal measures of each ingredient, stirred and served with a zesty orange garnish.

• 30ml No.3 London Dry Gin
• 30ml Campari
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• Orange peel or wedge
• Ice

1. Combine gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass and stir over ice
2. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass
3. Garnish with an orange twist or wedge

Combining fresh lemon juice, soda water and gin with a dash of sugar, the classic Tom Collins is like a lemonade for grown-ups. It’s refreshing and subtly sweet, the ultimate thirst-quencher. Increase the measures of each ingredient and prepare a pitcher if you’re hosting a party or summer barbecue.

• 50ml No.3 London Dry Gin
• 25ml fresh lemon juice
• 20ml sugar syrup
• 100ml soda water
• Lemon slices
• Ice

1. Shake all ingredients except for the soda water and strain over fresh ice in a highball glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Elegant and uplifting, the French 75 is the ultimate special occasion serve, guaranteed to get a party started. The combination of zesty lemon, bubbly champagne and clean, botanical gin makes it a timeless classic that your guests won’t be able to get enough of.

• 30ml No.3 London Dry Gin
• 15ml lemon juice
• 10ml sugar syrup
• 75ml champagne
• 1 lemon
• Ice

1. Pour gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker
2. Shake over ice, strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne
3. Garnish with a lemon twist

Discover another timeless cocktail in the form of the Old Fashioned...

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more