10 Best Gin Cocktails: Classic Recipes for 2025
Gin is always en vogue. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just getting into the world of botanicals, these 10 classic gin cocktails (or some of the best gin cocktails in our opinion) are your golden ticket to better home pours, party pleasers, and bar-worthy mixes. From sharp and sophisticated to sweet and celebratory, each drink is a masterclass in balance and flavour.
And yes, every recipe on this list tastes even better with Muckross Irish Gin.
1. Martini – The Epitome of Elegance
A cocktail that doesn’t just whisper sophistication—it shouts it.
- You’ll need: 60ml Muckross Irish Gin, 10ml dry vermouth, olive or lemon twist
- Serve in: Martini glass
- Occasion: Date night, after-work unwind
Our Tip: Go easy on the vermouth and stir, don’t shake. Always chill your glass.
2. Gin & Tonic – The Quintessential Refreshment
When it’s hot, busy, or you just want something effortlessly good.
- You’ll need: 50ml Muckross Irish Gin, premium tonic water, lime wedge
- Serve in: Highball glass over ice
- Occasion: Literally anytime
Our Tip: Big ice cubes. Keep it dry and let the botanicals shine.
3. Negroni – A Bold Balance
The power move of gin cocktails. Equal parts bitter, sweet, and smooth.
- You’ll need: 25ml Muckross Irish Gin, 25ml Campari, 25ml sweet vermouth, orange peel
- Serve in: Rocks glass with a large ice cube
- Occasion: Pre-dinner or deep convos
Our Tip: Stir longer than you think. Bitterness deserves balance.
4. French 75 – Celebratory Elegance
A Champagne cocktail with a botanical kick. Bright, fizzy, unforgettable.
- You’ll need: 30ml Muckross Irish Gin, 15ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, top with Champagne
- Serve in: Flute
- Occasion: Toasting anything (or nothing)
Our Tip: Chill every element. Warm fizz is a crime.
5. Aviation – A Flight of Fancy
A dreamy mix of floral, tart, and old-school glamour.
- You’ll need: 45ml Muckross Irish Gin, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 10ml lemon juice, 5ml crème de violette
- Serve in: Coupe glass
- Occasion: Cocktail hours that need a showstopper
Our Tip: Don’t overdo the violet. It’s perfume, not potpourri.
6. Tom Collins – Fizz and Sophistication
Crisp and sparkling. Like lemonade’s grown-up, more interesting cousin.
- You’ll need: 50ml Muckross Irish Gin, 25ml lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, soda water to top
- Serve in: Collins glass over ice
- Occasion: BBQs, sunny weekends
Our Tip: Fresh lemon only. Bottled juice kills it.
7. Bramble – Fruity Delight
A burst of blackberry with citrusy gin depth. Modern, fun, and wildly refreshing.
- You’ll need: 40ml Muckross Irish Gin, 20ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, 10ml crème de mûre
- Serve in: Rocks glass with crushed ice
- Occasion: Early evening or late brunch
Our Tip: Swirl in the crème last for that gorgeous bleed.
8. Gimlet – Tart and Tangy
Two ingredients. That’s all it takes to taste clean, cool, and endlessly drinkable.
- You’ll need: 50ml Muckross Irish Gin, 25ml lime juice (fresh!), optional: 10ml sugar syrup
- Serve in: Coupe or small martini glass
- Occasion: Date night or palate reset
Our Tip: Shake until your hands are freezing.
9. Sloe Gin Fizz – Sweetly Unique
More fruit-forward than your average fizz. Tart, sweet, and dangerously sippable.
- You’ll need: 40ml sloe gin, 20ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, soda water to top
- Serve in: Highball glass
- Occasion: Spring and autumn evenings
Our Tip: Garnish with a blackberry or thyme sprig.
10. Singapore Sling – A Tropical Adventure
A drink with history and a punch. Complex, sweet, and exotic.
- You’ll need: 30ml Muckross Irish Gin, 15ml cherry liqueur, 10ml Bénédictine, 10ml lime juice, 5ml sugar syrup, 80ml pineapple juice, dash of bitters
- Serve in: Tall glass over ice
- Occasion: Holidays, rooftop evenings
Our Tip: Don’t skip the bitters. It ties everything together.
Final Word
From the crisp minimalism of a Gimlet to the rich complexity of a Singapore Sling, these 10 cocktails are essential for anyone who loves gin. Whether you’re mixing up a single serve or batch-prepping for guests, Muckross Irish Gin brings botanical brilliance to every glass.
Order Muckross Irish Gin and discover why flavour, finesse, and floral finish matter.
Planning a Trip to Killarney?
Explore our Best Pubs & Bars in Killarney guide and sip a Muckross Irish Gin & Tonic where it tastes best—close to home.
Sláinte is táinte!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest gin cocktail to make?
The Gin & Tonic is the easiest gin cocktail to make. Just mix Muckross Irish Gin with premium tonic water and garnish with a lime wedge.
Which gin cocktail is best for celebrations?
The French 75 is a top celebratory cocktail. With Champagne and lemon, it’s perfect for toasting special occasions.
Can I use Muckross Irish Gin in any cocktail?
Absolutely. Muckross Irish Gin’s floral, herbaceous and citrus notes complement a wide range of classic and modern cocktails.
What glass should I use for a Tom Collins?
A tall Collins glass is best, filled with ice and topped with soda water for that fizzy, refreshing finish.
What’s the difference between a Martini and a Gimlet?
A Martini is a mix of gin and vermouth, while a Gimlet combines gin with lime juice for a sharper, tarter profile.