17 Classic Gin Cocktails For Happy Hour

These easy gin cocktails are smooth, botanical, and utterly delicious!

And from the classic gin fizz to a crisp Tom Collins, they’re pretty darn impressive.

Gin Cocktails & Drink Recipes

Gin is super trendy right now (hello, Negroni!), which means there are plenty of unique and modern drinks to highlight this classic spirit.

Some are clean, crisp, and sophisticated, with plenty of aromatic goodness. Others, meanwhile, are smooth, complex, and refreshing.

But one thing’s for sure, these gin cocktails are impossible to resist.

1. Sloe Gin Fizz

The gin fizz is incredible. But the Sloe gin fizz? Now that’s a show-stopper!

Sloe gin is made with sloe drupes (berries closely related to plums). So, it has a stunning red color and fruity taste.

This is a beautiful introduction drink. And once you’ve fallen in love, check out the Sloe Gin cocktails!

Ingredients: gin, Sloe gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wedge (for garnish)

2. Orange and Thyme Gin and Tonic

We can’t talk about gin cocktail recipes and not mention the gin and tonic.

There’s a recipe for a classic G&T at the end of the post. But if you want something a bit fancier, try this version.

It’s not heavy on the citrus and herb. Instead, there’s just a hint of aroma to enhance the botanicals in the gin.

And it’s such a pleasant addition. (Plus, you can always add more if you like!)

Ingredients: gin, tonic water, ice cubes, orange zest, fresh thyme

3. Tom Collins

Sharp and summery, the classic Tom Collins is full of tangy citrus flavor and depth.

You’ll need gin (I like Hendrick’s), simple syrup, lemon juice, club soda (or soda water), and ice.

Watching your sugar intake? No problem. Just replace the simple syrup with honey. It’ll give the drink a nice golden color without losing any sweetness.

Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, ice cubes, lemon slice (for garnish

4. Watermelon Gin Punch

Serve this flavorful watermelon and gin punch at your next backyard bash, and all your friends will beg you for the recipe.

It’s wonderfully sweet and overflowing with watermelon flavor. But the lemon juice and fresh mints ensure every sip is bright and fresh.

As for the gin, I recommend something slightly less bitter with more fruity notes. And if you can find fruit-infused gin, that’ll make it all the sweeter.

I like Agnes Arber Pineapple Gin because it brings a wonderful tropical flavor to the punch.

Ingredients: fresh watermelon, mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, gin, club soda

5. Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail is one of those stunning gin drinks you’ll want to save for special occasions.

Its purple hue is gorgeous, and the floral aroma is hard to resist.

But it’s so delicious, I highly recommend making this at least once a week!

Serve in a martini glass with a twist of lemon, and you’re guaranteed a good night.

Ingredients: dry gin, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice, lemon slice and cherry (for garnish)

6. French 75

The French 75 is named for a French field gun used in World War I. So you better believe it packs a punch!

It’s just as much of a Champagne cocktail as a gin drink. And the kick of lemon brings plenty of tart notes.

Needless to say, it’s probably not for those who prefer fruity frozen drinks.

Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Champagne, lemon twist (for garnish)

7. Pineapple Passionfruit Tom Collins

I know we already had a Tom Collins but I just had to include this stunning fruity version.

I mean, does it get any more Instagram-worthy than this one?

You’ll need passionfruit and pineapple juices for that sweet, tropical taste.

Pour that over crushed ice until it reaches the bottom of a tall glass. Then top it off with Empress Gin, a beautiful purple spirit I know you’ll adore.

Ingredients: passionfruit nectar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, Empress Gin, crushed ice & highball glass

8. Earl Grey Royal Gin Fizz

Have you ever had a gin and tea cocktail? Because it’s something pretty special!

Earl Grey tea is incredibly fragrant and infused with oil of bergamot, making it nice and citrus-forward.

Blend that with gin, and you’ve got a pleasantly floral drink with black tea notes and plenty of herbal goodness.

Ingredients: Earl Grey tea simple syrup, gin, lemon juice, egg white, Champagne or Prosecco

9. Negroni

If you’ve been online in the last few years, you’ll know the Negroni is the new favorite of many cocktail drinkers.

It’s not modern, but it sure is trendy. And the classic recipe has seen a whole new generation of drinkers fall in love with it.

Made with equal parts gin, vermouth, and Campari, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But seasoned sippers will appreciate the depth and nuanced flavors.

Ingredients: gin, sweet Vermouth, Campari, orange twist (for garnish)

10. Cucumber Cooler

Late summer evenings were made for cucumber coolers.

They’re made with ingredients that’re probably already in your cupboards, and they come together in a snap.

The drink might not be complicated, but feel free to get creative with the presentation.

I like it in pretty glasses with a sprig of fresh mint, a wedge of lime, and long slices of fresh cucumber swirled up the inside. 

Ingredients: gin, cucumber slices, lime wedges, tonic water, mint leaves, sugar

11. Strawberry Gin Smash

This funky and fruity cocktail is just as much fun as it sounds.

And you’ll love the bright blend of smashed berries, lemon juice, fresh mint, and gin.

It’s finished off with a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and a frothy topping of ginger beer for just a touch of spice. Yum!

Ingredients: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, honey, mint leaves, gin, ginger beer, ice cubes

12. Bramble

Bramble cocktails are the ultimate summer sippers.

They’re made with gin (obviously) and plenty of plump, fresh blackberries and blackberry liquor.

And really, the blackberries are a must! Their deep berry flavor is unmatched and ensures this drink isn’t overly sweet.

But if you can’t find blackberry liquor (Crème de Mûre), use Chambord or Crème de Cassis instead.

Ingredients: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, Chambord, lemon slice & fresh blackberries (for garnish)

13. Last Word Martini

Developed during the Prohibition era, this roaring 1920s cocktail will bring out the rebel spirit in any drinker.

It’s a gin martini, made with green chartreuse and maraschino liqueur. So you’ll get notes of mint, pine, and cherries.

Sophisticated, sour, and very boozy, it’s another drink that sweet tooth may not enjoy. That said, give it a try, and it might surprise you!

Ingredients: gin, green chartreuse liqueur, maraschino liqueur, lime juice

14. The Best Gin Sour Recipe

Sorry, but if you don’t like overly sour, alcohol-heavy drinks, this might not be for you.

Because even with the simple syrup and lime juice (instead of lemon or a sour mix), it’s very intense.

But for anyone who genuinely enjoys the taste of gin and likes a drink with a smooth egg white foam, this is a must-make.

Ingredients: gin, egg white, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)

15. Grapefruit Basil Greyhound Cocktail

Easy but enticing, the Greyhound is my go-to cocktail on warm, lazy days.

The original recipe is a quick three-ingredient drink with lots of fresh grapefruit juice.

But this one also adds fresh basil leaves and sparkling water for a delightfully herbal aroma and bubbly finish.

Ingredients: gin, grapefruit juice, honey, basil, sparkling water

16. Pink Pear Gin Martini

How gorgeous is this pear and gin martini? That stunning pink hue is sure to make your Instagram feed pop!

It’s not overly boozy, like many martini cocktails. Instead, it’s balanced with orange liqueur, grapefruit juice, and pear nectar.

It’s a wonderful alternative for anyone who finds grapefruit too tart.

Ingredients: Hendricks gin, orange liqueur, ruby red grapefruit juice, pear nectar, simple syrup, pinch of salt

17. Gimlet

Rumor has it the Gimlet was invented in the 18th century to stop sailors from getting scurvy.

After all, what better way to convince grizzled seamen to get their vitamin C than mixing it up with alcohol?

And while you may not be at risk of scurvy, I still think this cocktail qualifies as deliciously mouth-watering medicine that makes everything better.

Ingredients: gin, lime juice, simple syrup, lime slice (for garnish)