Best Gin Cocktails to Make at Home (Easy Recipes + NZ Twists)
Caci ErasmusIf you’ve got a bottle of good gin and a few simple ingredients, you can make bar-quality cocktails at home in minutes. W
We’re SIP Distilling Co (Auckland, NZ), and these are our go-to recipes we actually drink ourselves.
Want cocktails without the effort?
Check out our ready-to-drink premixed cocktails and award-winning NZ gin delivered NZ-wide.
1) Gin & Tonic (The Classic Done Properly)
The gin and tonic is the king of easy gin cocktails, but the difference between “average” and “wow” is all in the details
Ingredients:
- 50ml SIP Gin
- Premium tonic water (cold)
- Lots of ice
- Lime or lemon wheel
Method:
1. Fill a glass completely with ice (more ice = less dilution).
2. Add gin.
3. Top with tonic.
4. Stir gently once or twice.
5. Garnish with lime or lemon.
Pro Tip: Use fresh citrus , not the sad old lemon wedge from the fridge door.
Perfect with: SIP Gin
2) Tom Collins (Fresh, Easy, Dangerous)
If you want a refreshing gin cocktail that tastes like summer, the Tom Collins is your best friend.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 25ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup (or 1–2 tsp sugar dissolved)
- Soda water
- Ice
Method:
1. Add gin, lemon, and syrup to a glass.
2. Fill with ice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel.
NZ twist: Add a few mint leaves or a splash of lime for extra freshness.
3) Gin Sour (Smooth, Zesty, Crowd-Pleaser)
A Gin Sour is one of the best gin cocktail recipes for people who like something smooth and balanced.
Ingredients:
50ml gin
25ml fresh lemon juice
15ml simple syrup
(Optional) egg white or aquafaba (for that silky foam)
Ice
Method:
1. Add everything into a shaker.
2. Shake hard without ice first (10 seconds) if using egg white (this builds foam).
3. Add ice and shake again.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want the egg white, skip it — it’s still amazing.
Want a cocktail night starter kit?
4) Negroni (Bold, Bitter, Iconic)
The Negroni is a classic for a reason. It’s strong, stylish, and perfect for anyone who likes a more grown-up drink.
Ingredients:
- 30ml gin
- 30ml Campari
- 30ml sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel
Method:
1. Add everything into a glass with ice.
2. Stir until cold.
3. Garnish with orange peel.
Pro Tip: Orange peel makes a huge difference, squeeze it over the drink first to release the oils.
5) French 75 (Gin + Bubbles = Celebration)
This one is a vibe. Great for birthdays, weddings, brunches, or when you want to feel slightly fancy.
Ingredients:
30ml gin
15ml lemon juice
10ml simple syrup
Sparkling wine
Lemon twist
Method:
1. Shake gin, lemon, and syrup with ice.
2. Strain into a flute or coupe.
3. Top with sparkling wine.
4. Garnish with lemon twist.
Best moment for this drink: “Just one” that turns into “okay… another one.”
6) Bramble (Berry + Gin = Magic)
If you want something fruity but not too sweet, the Bramble is a winner.
Ingredients:
50ml gin
25ml lemon juice
15ml simple syrup
10–15ml blackberry liqueur (or berry syrup)
Crushed ice
Method:
1. Shake gin, lemon, and syrup with ice.
2. Pour into a glass over crushed ice.
3. Drizzle blackberry liqueur over the top.
4. Garnish with berries or lemon.
Easy hack: Frozen berries work perfectly and keep the drink cold.
7) Gin Espresso Martini (Yes, It Works)
This is a fun twist for coffee lovers. Gin gives it a slightly lighter, botanical edge compared to vodka.
Ingredients:
- 45ml gin
- 30ml fresh espresso (or strong coffee)
- 15ml coffee liqueur (optional)
- 10ml simple syrup (optional)
- Ice
Method:
1. Add everything to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake hard until frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with coffee beans.
Pro Tip: The harder you shake, the better the foam.
8) Easy Batch Gin Cocktails for Parties (Make a Jug)
If you’re hosting, you don’t want to be shaking cocktails all night. Batch cocktails make you look like a pro with minimal e
Easy Gin Spritz Jug (Serves 6–8)
Ingredients:
- 300ml gin
- 1 litre soda water
- 500ml tonic or lemonade
- 1 sliced lemon + 1 sliced orange
- A handful of mint
- Lots of ice
Method: Add everything to a big jug, stir gently, serve.
Hosting tip: Keep extra ice ready. Ice disappears fast.
Perfect for parties + gifting:
Garnishes That Make Any Gin Cocktail Taste Expensive
If you want your drinks to look (and taste) next level, try these:
- Citrus peel (lemon or orange)
- Fresh rosemary
- Cucumber slices
- Frozen berries
- Pink peppercorns (fancy, spicy, unreal)
- Even a basic G&T feels premium with a good garnish.
What’s the Best Gin for Cocktails?
The best gin for cocktails is one that’s:
Smooth (no harsh burn)
Balanced botanically
Clean enough to mix, but interesting enough to shine
A quality craft gin will lift everything, from a simple gin and tonic to a full Negroni.
Want to upgrade your home cocktail game?
FAQs: Gin Cocktails at Home
What is the easiest gin cocktail to make at home?
A gin and tonic is the easiest, followed closely by a Tom Collins.
What mixes best with gin?
Tonic water, soda water, ginger beer, lemon, lime, berries, and fresh herbs like mint or rosemary.
How much gin should I use in a cocktail?
Most gin cocktails use 30–60ml, depending on the drink and how strong you like it.
What’s the best gin cocktail for beginners?
Start with a Tom Collins or a Gin Sour, easy, refreshing, and hard to mess up.
Ready for Cocktail Night?
Whether you’re mixing at home or stocking up for your next get-together, we’ve got you covered.
Shop SIP Gin → [SHOP NOW]
Shop Ready-to-Drink Cocktails → [SHOP RTDs]