The Best Gin for Cocktails: Top Picks for Every Style

Behind the bar, gin is one of the most versatile spirits – perfect when drunk neat and mixed in creative cocktail concoctions. From a classic London Dry gin to more experimental flavours and styles, there are endless possibilities for your next cocktail night.

In this guide, we’ll explore why gin stands out in cocktails, the best gin styles for classic cocktails and our top picks at the Cotswolds Distillery for the best gin for cocktails.

What Makes a Gin Good for Cocktails?

Known for its incredible versatility and juniper-forward taste, gin has an immense ability to enhance other ingredients in a harmonious blend, rather than overpowering the flavour profile.

Here are some of the reasons why gin is good for cocktails:

●      Balance of Complex Botanicals – blend of juniper berries as well as unique flavours like citrus peel, angelica root, cardamom, and coriander.

●      Versatility – pairs well with a variety of mixers, including premium tonics, herbal liqueurs, and citrus juices.

●      Texture & Mouthfeel - provides a silky, aromatic mouthfeel and a balanced flavour profile

The best gin for cocktails typically offers a good balance of flavours, smoothness, and versatility.

Best Gin Types for Cocktails

With so many different styles of gin, it’s important to choose the right one that complements your cocktail choice, as not all gin styles behave the same in mixed drinks. Consider the botanical balance, sweetness and intensity – all of which may impact the overall flavour profile and cocktail’s structure.

Here are some of the most popular gin types to choose from for your next cocktail night:

London Dry

Characterised by its crisp and aromatic profile, this style of gin is renowned for its sharp juniper flavour, complemented by a medley of botanicals, including citrusy notes. Often regarded as the backbone of classic cocktails, London Dry gin's versatility allows it to shine in a dry martini or served with a refreshing tonic.

The nuances of citrus and spice are evident, making it a favourite among bartenders, and delivering a clean finish and smooth texture elevate any gin cocktail experience.

Cocktails that suit London Dry style gin:

●      Gin & tonic

●      Negroni

●      Gimlet

●      Classic martini

Old Tom

Historic with sweeter notes, Old Tom gin dates back to the 18th century, and bridges the gap between the malty Dutch Genever and piquant London Dry styles. An intriguing choice for cocktails, Old Tom adds body and smoothness whilst balancing bitter or citrus-heavy mixers.

Bartenders appreciate its versatility, especially when crafting vintage cocktails. With floral notes and a smooth finish, Old Tom gin has become a favourite among those who seek a touch of nostalgia in their cocktails.

Cocktails that suit Old Tom gin:

●      Tom Collins

●      Martinez

●      Gin Old Fashioned

Flavoured Gins

Richly aromatic and especially designed for mixing, flavoured gin has surged in popularity in the 21st century, inviting a new wave of creativity in cocktails. Infused or distilled with fruits, florals, or spices, there are many different flavours to choose from, allowing for new discoveries to mix up your next cocktail night.

Fruit-flavoured gins are often the most popular, particularly when mixed into a cocktail. These include pink gins, sloe gins, citrus flavours (e.g. Sicilian lemon, orange), and seasonal blends – inspired by summer berries or autumnal hedgerow flavours.

Cocktails that suit flavoured gins:

●      Gin Spritz

●      Bramble

Read more about the best flavoured gins, including how they are crafted and recommended styles, here.

Popular Cocktails Every Gin Lover Must Try

The Cloudy Martini

The Cloudy Martini is a timeless cocktail. Elegant and precise, the martini is the ultimate expression of gin’s botanical and sharp character.

Tom Collins

Sipping on a Tom Collins is an experience steeped in refreshing simplicity, harmonising the smoothness of your favourite dry gin with zesty lemon juice and a touch of sugar syrup.

Negroni

Bold, bittersweet and beautifully balanced, the Negroni blends gin, vermouth and Campari into a rich aperitif with depth and complexity.

For a sparkling twist, add prosecco or a sparkling wine and swap to Cotswolds No.1 Wildflower Gin, making a Negroni Sbagliato.

Bramble

Fresh and fruit-forward, the Bramble cocktail showcases the delightful contrast of smooth gin and vibrant flavours, making it a favourite among enthusiasts and those new to gin. Traditionally crafted with London dry gin, consider combining with a sloe gin for a fruity finish, delivering dark berry sweetness for a refined cocktail.

Not found the right cocktail? Browse our extensive catalogue of whisky and gin cocktails, and choose which of our Cotswolds bottles to use, here.

Best Gin for Cocktails at Cotswolds Distillery

 Cotswolds Dry Gin

For those seeking an all-rounder, our award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin promises delightful results in your favourite gin cocktail recipes. A harmonious balance of nine carefully selected botanicals, including local lavender from the Cotswolds, it’s a juniper-led London Dry gin with fresh citrus and spice notes.

Adding ice or a tonic of your choice creates a beautiful pearlescent cloud, due to the high number of botanicals – perfect for crafting a cloudy G&T or even a cloudy martini.

●      Flavour Profile: Citrus, spice and floral

●      Key Botanicals: Juniper berries, Cotswolds lavender, bay leaves, lime peel, grapefruit zest, cardamom seed and black peppercorn

●      Cocktails to use Cotswolds Dry Gin with: Martini, French 75, Negroni and the classic G&T

2)      Cotswolds Old Tom Gin

Cotswolds Old Tom Gin is an exceptional choice for those who appreciate the nostalgic charm of vintage cocktails, balancing sweetness with classic botanicals.

Perfect for creating the classic Tom Collins cocktail or simply drinking neat, its smooth profile integrates seamlessly with citrus elements like lime juice. We recommend serving with a fresh orange peel garnish to bring out notes of candied orange and faint ginger spices.

●      Flavour Profile: Slightly sweet with herbal and citrus notes

●      Key Botanicals: Juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, fresh orange peel, liquorice root, ground ginger, caraway and cardamom seed

●      Cocktails to use Cotswolds Old Tom Gin with: Tom Collins, Martinez and other vintage cocktails to imitate a prohibition feel (e.g. Bee's Knees or the Southside)

3)      Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin

Combining our award-winning Dry Gin with local fruit and berries, the Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin is perfect for creating unique, fruity and sweet cocktails.

Beautifully fragrant with notes of sweet blackberry and baked plums, add to a sparkling wine or prosecco for the perfect summer spritz.

●      Flavour Profile: Dark berries, plum and almond-like stone fruit

●      Key Botanicals: Sloe berries, bullace, damsons, and blackberries

●      Cocktails to use Cotswolds Hedgerow Gin with: Sloe royale, Hedgerow fizz, gin & elderflower tonic

How to Serve a Gin Cocktail

Creating a classic gin cocktail involves selecting the right balance of ingredients and serving style.

●      Choose the Right Glass: Martini glass or coupe (martini), rocks glass (Negroni), highball glass (Tom Collins or Gin Fizz), hurricane or tall glass.

●      Plenty of Ice: Fill the glass up to the brim with ice for a refreshing taste, as dilution is part of the cocktail balance. Large cubes also melt more slowly.

●      Garnish: Match the garnish to the botanical profile, such as fresh berries, citrus slices, or a twist of lemon peel for a classic martini.

●      Shake vs Stir: Spirit-forward cocktails should be stirred (e.g. Martini, Negroni), while citrus-forward cocktails should be shaken (e.g. Tom Collins, Bramble)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Easiest Gin Cocktail to Make as a Beginner?

A classic Gin & Tonic is perfect for those new to gin, as it only requires gin, premium tonic water and a simple garnish, making it ideal for beginners.

How Do Botanicals Influence Cocktail Pairings?

Botanicals determine a gin’s dominant flavours. Citrus-forward gins suit lighter cocktails, while spice-led or juniper-heavy gins stand up better in spirit-forward drinks.

What Mixers Does Gin Pair Well With?

Gin pairs well with various mixers, enhancing its botanicals and flavour. Classic options include tonic water for a refreshing drink, soda water or lemonade for lighter cocktails, and vermouth in martinis.

Citrus juices like lemon or lime add brightness, while fruit purees can create delightful, flavourful combinations.

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