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The best gin cocktail recipes for beginners 

New to the gin world? No problem. Whether you’re yet to explore the cocktail bar or haven’t yet tried a drip of gin, there’s plenty of drinks you’re bound to love.

 

Gin is a super versatile spirit that’s light enough to please every taste bud. Its crisp botanical character means it works in almost any cocktail, from fruity classics to refreshing, spiced serves. So no matter your favourite flavours, there’s going to be a drink to suit.

 

When it comes to gin cocktails, there’s more than enough to choose from. You’ve probably heard of the Martini and Negroni. And whilst these timeless drinks can seem a little intimidating, they’re actually easy enough to make at home. 

 

There’s also plenty of lesser known drinks that are also great for beginners like the Berry Sour and Floradora. You don’t need any fancy equipment or lesser-known liqueurs to put these recipes together. 

 

Here’s the best gin drinks recipes for beginners, cocktail newbies and those looking for something quick and easy to shake up with Beefeater Gin.

ALL GIN COCKTAILS
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GIN SPRITZ

Start your gin journey off to a sophisticated start with a light, fizzy Gin Spritz. This beginner cocktail is perfect for a quick tipple at the weekend, refreshing summer moments and celebrating with friends.

 

The recipe calls for gin, soda water and Lillet Blanc, a white wine aperitif that adds a sweet, floral taste to the gin’s subtle natural flavours. If you can’t find it, don’t worry. Lillet Blanc can be replaced with vermouth or light white wine such as pinot grigio, or even a mix of white grape juice and lemon.

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PINK gin and tonic

It doesn’t get easier than the Pink Gin and Tonic. The strawberry flavoured mix of pink gin and quality tonic water is light, vibrant and incredibly delicious. Perfect for those who like a balance of sweet and bitter notes.

 

No shakers required – simply pour a 1:3 ratio of Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin and your favourite tonic into a highball or gin glass over ice. And garnish with halved strawberries for extra fruity flavour.

beefeater gin bramble cocktail recipe

BRAMBLE

The Gin Bramble is one of the best classic gin cocktails for beginners who want to step things up a notch. It’s not complicated, but you will need a cocktail shaker and a few fruity ingredients to get the drink’s signature silky, smooth freshness.

 

Beefeater London Dry Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup and blackberry liqueur combine with ice and are shaken until chilled. We also add a dash of pomegranate juice for extra flavour but that’s up to you. Strain over ice, garnish with blackberries and sip your first fancy gin cocktail with pride.

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NEGRONI

Most beginners think a Negroni is a complicated serve. But this classic drink is actually much easier to make than you might believe. The secret to getting it right is using quality ingredients and stirring with ice rather than shaking.

 

The original recipe calls for equal measures of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth. If you’ve got those three in the cabinet you’re in luck. If not, try a variation on the Negroni such as a White Negroni that uses a white wine aperitif, or a Blood Orange Negroni that calls for Italian bitters.

Grapefruit Martini cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

GRAPEFRUIT MARTINI

You’ve heard of the Martini, but have you heard of the Grapefruit Martini. This recipe is best for those who like things a little bitter and a lot stronger. Made with Beefeater Crown Jewel Gin and dry vermouth, it’s easy to make but higher in ABV, so make sure to sip slowly.

 

But don’t let the strength put you off. Chilled and shaken or stirred with ice (however you prefer to do it), the clear liquids are lighter than you might think. Especially when served with a squeeze of fresh grapefruit.

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BLOOD ORANGE METROPOLITAN

If you’ve ever tried a Cosmopolitan then you’ll love this fruity drink. And if you haven’t, you’ll love it anyway. The Blood Orange Metropolitan is our take on New York’s favourite city-loving cocktail, packed with fruity orange flavour.

 

Our orange flavoured gin mixes with lime juice, cranberry juice and orange liquor (the most commonly found being Triple Sec) into a shaker with ice. Once chill, strain into a cocktail glass and add a twist of orange rind.

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GIN BASIL SMASH

This cocktail’s great for when you want to impress a crowd. The Gin Basil Smash is the perfect mix of London flavour and Italian style, with a dash of extra virgin olive oil from your kitchen cupboard.

 

The oil adds a silky finish to the gin, lemon and sugar mix. Whilst fresh basil brings the fresh, garden inspired flavour. Muddle the basil leaves before adding the liquids by using a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon to crush them and release the flavour. Another cocktail making skill to add to your belt.

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strawberry cooler

Cool off this summer with the ultimate fruity, fresh drink. The Pink Strawberry Cooler is the ultimate sunshine gin recipe for beginners – easy to make and packed with crowd

pleasing flavours.

 

It’s a classic mix of gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. Topped with soda water and fresh strawberries. We use Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin for extra fruity goodness.

 

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RED SNAPPER

Like a Bloody Mary? In need of a brunch cocktail? Then you’ve got to try the Red Snapper. This twist on the classic breakfast drink adds extra botanical flavour thanks to Beefeater London Dry Gin.

 

We also add thyme to the standard celery and lemon garnish for a kick of savoury. When it comes to the tabasco and pepper, add as much punch as you like – this drink’s for customising.

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GINGER APPLE

Think gin can’t be hot? Think again. This winter warmer is comforting, fruity and slightly spiced, the ultimate way to cosy up in the cold. 

 

Inspired by the Hot Toddy, our apple ginger cocktail uses gin, apple juice, ginger beer and lemon. Plus a dollop of honey and cinnamon stick to garnish. The best way to mix things up this Christmas when mulled wine just won’t do.

looking for more cocktails?

Looking for more gin cocktails for beginners? Discover over 20 more easy gin cocktails as well as our favourite fruity gin cocktails and pink gin mixers. There’s endless ways to make a delicious serve with Beefeater Gin.

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