Classic Gin Cocktails to try in 2024

The almost timeless attraction of gin cocktails continues to attract fans, especially with the new range of artisan products on the market nowadays. Gin serves as the foundation for some of the most iconic cocktails in the world.

Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or looking to add to your cocktail repertoire, exploring a few classic concoctions is well worth the effort. Here are some of our favourite cocktails to server up in our cafe and bar in Bowness on Windermere.

Negroni

The perfect apéritif, Negroni is a bold, bitter but balanced cocktail that makes any party go with a swing.

You make it with equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. The drink is then garnished with orange peel to enhance its citrusy smell.

The Negroni has quite a complex flavour and it’s not to everyone’s taste, with the gin providing a crisp base that complements the herbal sweetness of vermouth and the deep, bitter tang of Campari. Its ruby-red hue and intricate layers of flavour make the Negroni the perfect party cocktail.

French 75

The French 75 is a celebratory cocktail that combines gin with lemon juice and the bubbles of a good Champagne.

To create this sophisticated drink, mix gin, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sugar syrup, topped with the Champagne. The result is a refreshing, fizzy cocktail with a delicate balance of tartness, sweetness, and a floral gin undertone.

The French 75 is all about simplicity and the addition of the bubbly has an amazing effect on the palate. A great one to start the evening off.

Gin Fizz

This is certainly a classic and very easy to make, even if you’re an absolute beginner. The traditional recipe calls for gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water. The cocktail needs to be shaken first before it is topped up with the soda water. 

Gin Fizz tastes crisp and refreshing, with the lemon juice providing a sharp contrast and a bit of bite. This is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the carbonation of the soda water. It's a great choice for those seeking a light, effervescent drink. Perfect for summer soirees.

Gimlet

The Gimlet requires just two key ingredients: gin and lime cordial. It’s an acquired taste and you may prefer to use fresh lime juice and simple syrup in place of the cordial so that you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to taste.

The Gimlet has a clean, sharp flavour profile where the gin is front and centre but accented by the bright, acidic punch of lime.

Gin Martini

No list of classic gin cocktails would be complete without the Gin Martini. Made with gin and dry vermouth, then garnished with an olive or a lemon twist, it can be customised to suit your palate. Whether served dry, wet, shaken, or stirred, the Gin Martini has a crisp, clean taste with a botanical kick from the gin, complemented by the subtle, herb aftertaste of the vermouth.

These classic cocktails are a testament to the enduring legacy and versatility of gin in the world of mixology. Each cocktail offers a unique experience, from the bitterness of a Negroni to the effervescence of a French 75. They cater for a wide range of tastes and occasions so it’s worth experimenting.

So pop by our cocktail bar in Bowness on Windermere and try some of these gin-based classics are a delightful exploration of flavour, tradition, and innovation.