by Robert Giles

Vodka is the king of the bar for its ability to blend into just about any cocktail. And whiskey is the base ingredient for many famous cocktails that never seem to go out of style.

Gin, however, is a liquor that sometimes gets overlooked. Sure, you can find it in your long island iced tea or as a vodka replacement in a bloody mary; but does it get its chance to shine in your at-home mixology?

Here, I want to look at some of my favorite gin cocktails that are perfect additions to your mixing repertoire.

The classic martini – you know it, you love it – is one of the purest expressions of gin in cocktail form.

Two ingredients and some ice and you have a cocktail. Because of the simplicity of this drink you’ll want to make sure you have high quality ingredients. I like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry and Waymar Gin. If you want to make a dirty martini you can add a splash of olive juice.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry
• 2 oz. Waymar Gin

DIRECTIONS

Pour ingredients into a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir until well chilled and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel or three olives.

This is a personal favorite. It also helped me learn to love gin.

Lost for many years, as one of the key ingredients was no longer available, the resurgence of craft mixology and reintroduction of some lost liqueurs has made this fantastic drink available again.

My tip is to be careful with measurements as the ingredients all carry strong and distinct flavors.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Botanist Gin
• ¼ oz. Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette
• ½ oz. Lazzaroni Maraschino Liqueur
• ¾ oz. lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Aside from the martini, this is perhaps one of the most well-known gin cocktails.

If you love tart and bitter flavors with strong herbal undertones then this drink is for you. Campari and sweet vermouth give this drink its striking color while the juniper of the gin lifts the rich herbal flavors with a bracing and tart counterpoint.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz. Fid Street Gin
• 1 oz. Campari
• 1 oz. Dubonnet Rouge

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with ice and garnish with an orange peel.

As an avid drinker of both wine and gin, I love to see those two worlds combine into one drink. You can use champagne, prosecco, or your favorite sparkling wine for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz. Citadelle Gin
• ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 3 oz. Fleuraison

DIRECTIONS

Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a champagne flute and top with your favorite sparkling wine.

These are just a few of the cocktails that I’ve enjoyed over the years as my taste for gin has grown. There are many cocktails that accentuate the rich botanical side of many gins.

Adventurous drinkers can find new flavor combinations that let gin be the star of the evening. If you still aren’t sure where to start, feel free to ask any of our specialists in store to help you on a new journey in gin cocktails. Cheers!!