Gin Tings: History’s 4 Most Taste-Tantalising Gin Cocktails
Gin has been a favoured spirit for almost 500 years and has been producing delectable taste combinations ever since. What makes gin so wonderful is its complex flavour profile, adding to a wealth of summer beverages that are best enjoyed in the sun with a few light snacks on the side.
Whether you’re mixing up the legendary Tom Collins or zesting it up with a gin sour, the myriad of delightful cocktails you can make with gin are what makes gin such a palatable spirit.
So grab some top quality Australian gin and mix up some of these classic and contemporary cocktails for ultimate refreshment.
1. Classic Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a fizzy gin classic that dates back to the 19th Century. This legendary English cocktail has been a favourite at mixers since the days of the dandies, and is a great cocktail to pass around at parties.
Ingredients:
- 45ml of dry gin (preferably Plymouth)
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple sugar syrup
- Soda water
- Maraschino cherry
Method:
- Put gin, sugar syrup and lemon juice into a chilled, ice-topped highball glass and give it a little stir.
- Add soda water.
- Top with lemon peel and maraschino cherries.
2. Zesty gin sour
This tangy twist on the classic gin sour is sweet, smooth and tart all at once, making a complex flavour profile that is a joy for the senses.
Ingredients:
- 30ml orange gin
- 30ml dry gin
- 30ml grapefruit juice
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15ml simple sugar syrup
- 1 egg white
- Angostura Bitters for garnish
Method:
- Place each ingredient into a cocktail shaker before shaking vigorously for 15 seconds, ensuring the egg white has broken up.
- Add ice and give it a 30 second shake.
- Strain the cocktail into a lowball glass as the egg froth forms on the top.
- Garnish with bitters.
3. Sloe gin negroni
This is a cheeky twist on the famous negroni, with a slightly sweeter taste and gorgeous colour attributed to the sloe gin. This is the ultimate afternoon gathering cocktail, a refreshing delight perfect for enjoying in the sun. Plus it’s pretty easy to make, too.
Ingredients:
- 15ml dry gin
- 15ml sloe gin
- 15ml Campari
- 15ml sweet vermouth
- Srig of thyme & blood orange
Method:
- Place ice in a glass – about three quarters full.
- Pour in all the spirits.
- Stir the glass gently before garnishing with a sprig of thyme and orange peel.
4. Gin & tonic
How could the famous G&T not be included on this list? After all, it’s a list about gin cocktails! The G&T is enjoyed all over the world for its wonderfully light and refreshing flavour, making it another summer afternoon specialty.
Ingredients:
- 45ml gin of your choosing (a good Australian gin to compliment a sunny afternoon)
- Tonic water
Optional:
- Lime wedges
- Cucumber slice
- Juniper berries
- Basil sprig
- Rosemary sprig
Method:
- With a highball or stemmed balloon glass, pour in your gin over ice before adding tonic water.
- Add garnishes of your choice!
Final Words
There you have it – four of the world’s best and most refreshing gin cocktails. Of course, you have your classics in the Tom Collins and G&T, but that’s not to discredit the sloe gin negroni or zesty gin sour – both beverages provide a real fruity tartness that have to be tasted to be believed.
You can make these awesome cocktails with a classic European gin or one of the numerous incredible Australian gins that have made their way onto the international stage , similar to Australian wines.
The choice is yours, but you’re always going to be in for a pretty refreshing cocktail.
