Gin has been a fascinating spirit for centuries. Originating in the Netherlands as “jenever” in the 17th century, gin quickly spread across Europe and eventually the world. Its botanical flavors — often infused with juniper, herbs, and spices — make it a versatile base for cocktails. From medicinal origins to Prohibition-era ingenuity and modern craft bar creativity, gin cocktails carry rich history and unforgettable taste.

Here are 10 classic gin cocktails, with history first, then recipe. Measurements are in US fl oz with ml equivalents, for 1 serving.

1. 

Gin & Tonic

History:

Originating in 19th century India, British soldiers mixed gin with tonic (quinine-rich to prevent malaria).

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1.7 oz (50 ml) gin
• 5 oz (150 ml) tonic water
• Lime wedge

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice, pour in gin, top with tonic water, and garnish with lime.

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2. 

Negroni

History:

Invented in Florence, Italy, around 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni, who asked to make his Americano stronger with gin.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• Orange peel

Instructions:

Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with orange peel.

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3. 

Tom Collins

History:

Popular in 1870s New York, named after a humorous “Tom Collins” joke.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1.7 oz (50 ml) gin
• 0.85 oz (25 ml) lemon juice
• 0.7 oz (20 ml) sugar syrup
• Top with soda water
• Lemon slice

Instructions:

Shake gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup with ice. Strain into tall glass, top with soda, garnish.

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4. 

Martini

History:

Likely evolved from 19th-century “Martinez,” a symbol of sophistication.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 2 oz (60 ml) gin
• 0.35 oz (10 ml) dry vermouth
• Lemon twist or olive

Instructions:

Stir with ice, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish.

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5. 

French 75

History:

Named after the French 75mm field gun in WWI, made at Harry’s New York Bar, Paris, 1915.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• Top with Champagne

Instructions:

Shake gin, lemon juice, syrup with ice. Strain into flute, top with Champagne.

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6. 

Aviation

History:

Created in early 1900s by Hugo Ensslin in New York, pale blue color evokes the sky.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) maraschino liqueur
• 0.35 oz (10 ml) crème de violette
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into cocktail glass.

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7. 

Bee’s Knees

History:

Prohibition-era cocktail; honey and lemon masked harsh gin. “Bee’s knees” = “the best.”

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1.7 oz (50 ml) gin
• 0.7 oz (20 ml) honey syrup
• 0.7 oz (20 ml) lemon juice

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into coupe glass.

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8. 

Clover Club

History:

Named after a Philadelphia gentlemen’s club pre-Prohibition, symbol of vintage elegance.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) raspberry syrup
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) lemon juice
• Egg white (optional)

Instructions:

Dry shake ingredients first, then shake with ice. Strain into coupe glass.

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9. 

Last Word

History:

Originated Detroit Athletic Club, 1915; disappeared during Prohibition, resurfaced early 2000s.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 0.85 oz (25 ml) gin
• 0.85 oz (25 ml) green Chartreuse
• 0.85 oz (25 ml) maraschino liqueur
• 0.85 oz (25 ml) lime juice

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into chilled coupe glass.

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10. 

Singapore Sling

History:

Invented 1915, Raffles Hotel, Singapore by Ngiam Tong Boon. Fruity cocktail for women.

Ingredients (1 serving):

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) cherry brandy
• 0.35 oz (10 ml) Cointreau
• 0.35 oz (10 ml) Benedictine
• 4 oz (120 ml) pineapple juice
• Dash of grenadine
• Cherry and pineapple slice

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into tall glass, garnish.

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✨ Conclusion:

Gin cocktails are a journey through history, culture, and flavor. From Gin & Tonic to Clover Club, these classics bring sophistication and fun to every sip.