10 ultimate gin cocktails you should try

Author: The Bar Team & Pippa Guy

Craving a refreshing twist on your drink routine? Discover the ultimate lineup of gin-based cocktails with our hand-picked list of the 10 ultimate gin cocktails you should try, courtesy of Tanqueray Gin guru and mixologist extraordinaire Pippa Guy. From time-honoured classics like the Gin & Tonic and Martini to bold modern favourites such as the Gin Basil Smash and Ramos Gin Fizz, each sip delivers unforgettable flavour and style. Whether you’re hosting guests, celebrating a special moment, or simply elevating your home bar experience, these gin cocktails serve up variation and elegance in every glass. Ready your shaker, pick your favourite spirit, and prepare to mix your way into cocktail mastery.

01. The Classic G&T

It's the starting point of everyone's gin journey, and the most simple gin cocktail you can think of. Perfectly balanced with bitter quinine from the tonic, a Gin and Tonic is the most sophisticated spirit mixer in the world. By the way, did you know the first drink to be consumed in the White House to mark the end of prohibition in America is said to be a Tanqueray and Tonic? Isn't that iconic.

Two gin and tonic cocktails sit on a kitchen counter, in highball glasses with a wedge of pink grapefruit

02. The Tom Collins

Sharp, bright and herbaceous, a Tom Collins takes a Gin and Tonic and injects it with fresh lemon juice, sugar and soda water. Pippa comments, "I'm sure every bartender has once thought early in their career that they were first to create this. Ultimately, it's just gin and 'real' lemonade."

Discover the recipe

03. The Negroni

Although this drink is 100 years old, the Negroni has had a recent renaissance, making its way to the top of the list of everyone’s favourite cocktail. Perfect as an aperitif, it's what we call a "spirit-forward" cocktail packed full of flavour.

A negroni cocktail on a marbled kitchen counter, seen from above

04. The Martini

Ah, the Martini. A favourite drink for everyone from Frank Sinatra to James Bond (shaken, not stirred). Although various twists on the Martini are popping up everywhere, nothing beats the classic gin cocktail recipe.

05. The French 75

Gin's most famous fizzy cocktail. A Parisian creation from 1915 brought back to modern luxury, a French 75 is a cocktail that's easy to make and easy to sip. It's a true crowd pleaser for more occasions, but we love it best for a truly celebratory moment - think New Year's Eve, a special toast, or a moment you simply wish to mark.

06. The Gin Basil Smash

One of gin's more modern mixes, this cocktail was born in 2008 followed by the Green Park cocktail in 2011. Pippa notes, "there is a lovely little micro-category of delicious gin and basil drinks. What a pairing!".

07. The Gimlet

According to Pippa, "A drink that used to be a mix of gin and Rose's lime cordial has turned into a category of its own now, with bartenders using fresh fruits to create any flavoured cordial to either shake or stir up with gin. Simple yet oh-so-delicious, this classic cocktail is a great drink if you want to ease yourself into Martinis."

08. The Clover Club 

The fruitiest of gin cocktails, the Clover Club is an impeccable drink. Dry yet zesty with beautiful foam, thanks to the egg white topping, this cocktail is the perfect combination of pretty visual appeal and delightful texture.

Discover the recipe

Non-alcoholic clover club cocktail with raspberries

09. The Corpse Reviver

This drink was invented back in the 1930s by Harry Craddock for The Savoy Cocktail Book. This cocktail is a hit thanks to the combination of four different types of spirits.

10. The Ramos Gin Fizz 

And we've saved the best to last because it's an absolute showstopper of a cocktail. Essentially a creamy version of the Tom Collins, the Ramos Gin Fizz does take a while to make as the key is in a long hard shake! For that reason, this is probably more suited for more intimate celebrations where time isn't so precious.