There are many people who think that gin is nothing more than a classic serve of Gin & Tonic. The good news is that gin is far more versatile than the classic G&T. In fact, there is a long list of gin cocktails that don’t taste like gin.
From fruity sippers to refreshing highballs, these are some of the best gin cocktails for beginners and anyone looking for gin cocktails that don't taste like gin.
If you're looking for an easy introduction to gin, the Bramble is an excellent place to start. It combines gin with lemon juice, sugar syrup, and blackberry liqueur. Created in 1980s London, it is known for its bright, fruity, and citrusy flavors and a striking visual appeal.
To make one, shake gin with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice. Then, strain it over crushed ice in a rocks glass and slowly drizzle blackberry liqueur over the top. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice and watch the blackberry liqueur slowly trickle down into the glass. The result is a colorful, zesty, and refreshing gin cocktail that is less ‘gin-forward’ than a classic G&T.
Not all gin cocktails are made to taste earthy and botanical – some are more refreshing, fruity, and creamy. The Clover Club is a pink, frothy, and dessert cocktail that is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. It has a silky, smooth texture and aces the balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Shake gin with lemon juice and raspberry syrup in a cocktail shaker. Then add egg whites for that signature frothy foam and shake vigorously without ice before shaking again with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a raspberry and a few drops of bitters.
Not sure how to make the frothiest cocktails at home? Here are our top tips to make a creamy, frothy cocktail at home.
Gin Basil Smash is one of the best gin cocktails that don’t taste like gin. While it does have a fresh, herbaceous flavor, the Gin Basil Smash isn’t as ‘robust’ or ‘crisp’ as a standard G&T.
It is vibrant, aromatic, and packed with fresh basil, while lemon juice adds enough acidity to keep everything refreshing. Start by gently muddling a generous handful of fresh basil leaves with sugar syrup in a shaker. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and plenty of ice, then shake vigorously. Double strain the mixture into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with fresh basil.
The basil gives the cocktail a fresh, almost garden-like character, while the lemon and sugar create a sweet-tart balance. If you're searching for gin cocktails for people who don't like gin, this is a particularly good option because the fresh basil becomes almost as prominent as the spirit itself.
Champagne has a wonderful ability to elevate any cocktail and the French 75 is the perfect example. Gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup are topped with sparkling wine, creating a bubbly cocktail that is crisp, citrusy and elegant.
Simply combine gin with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Then shake well and strain into a chilled flute or coupe. Finally top with chilled Champagne or another dry sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
The bubbles in the Champagne help mellow the botanical character of gin while the sparkling wine gives the cocktail a clean, refreshing finish. The cocktail is excellent for birthday parties, celebrations, and any occasion that demands a lighter, bubblier cocktail.
Interested in gin cocktails that feel like spring in a glass instead of a classic G&T? Read our article on the best floral gin cocktails!
Now it's time to add some fizz to your boring gin cocktail. The Gin Fizz is ideal for people who find tonic water too bitter or the flavor of straight gin too intense. The cocktail combines gin with lemon, sugar, and soda water, resulting in a fizzy, citrus-forward drink that is the perfect summer cocktail.
Shake gin with fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup with ice. Strain the contents into a tall glass filled with ice and top with chilled soda water. Then give it a gentle stir and garnish with a lemon wedge or a twist and serve chilled. The refreshing citrus and the bubbly soda work well together, especially when it gets too hot to function. This cocktail is definitely one of the easiest cocktails to make, and also doesn’t have the robust gin taste many dislike.
Southside can be said to be the cousin of a classic Mojito. After all, it swaps the rum in a Mojito with gin yet is just as refreshing as a Mojito. The result is a cool, citrusy, and one of the best summer cocktails to try when the temperature soars.
To make it, muddle around eight to ten mint leaves gently with sugar syrup in a shaker. Add gin, fresh lime juice and ice, then shake well. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve over ice in a rocks glass. Finish with a fresh mint sprig.
The lime and mint create a flavor profile that feels much closer to a refreshing summer cooler than a traditional gin cocktail. If Mojitos are already your comfort zone, the Southside is one of the easiest ways to transition into gin.
Ginger’s sweet and spicy flavor profile makes it a great ingredient to add to a gin cocktail. For a simple highball, pour gin and fresh lime juice into a tall glass filled with ice. Top with chilled ginger ale or ginger beer, depending on how spicy you like your drink, and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge and a thin slice of fresh ginger.
Instead of ginger beer, you can add a ginger ale, but the former creates a punchier, spicier drink and the latter creates a milder cocktail. Either way, we’re sure you’ll love the cocktail that is equal parts sweet-spicy and refreshing. Definitely one of the easiest gin cocktails for non-gin drinkers.
Not all gin cocktails are crafted for dedicated gin lovers – some are made for you to enjoy simpler flavors and a familiar taste. If you don’t really like the taste of gin or are exploring gin cocktails as a beginner, these seven cocktails are just ideal. Which one of these cocktails are you trying out?
