Our Best Gin Cocktail Recipes
Produced by Sun Ngo, Photo by Christie Vuong, Food styling by Ashley Denton, Prop styling by Christine Hanlon.
Canada is awash in craft gins made in distilleries from coast to coast that feature their local flavours and flora. What better time to start using them in your own cocktails? Here are some of our favourite ways to use this herbaceous spirit, from classic martinis and negronis to a few fruity twists—and even a hot cocktail.
Big-Batch Pink Gin Martini
Grapefruit bitters aside, this is a classic gin martini—zesty, fresh and light. Since your friends may want more than one, be kind to your future self by making this freezable batch version, which is ready to pour whenever you need it. Get this big-batch gin martini recipe.
Strawberry Grapefruit Smash
This sweet-and-tart gin cocktail is the perfect toast to fresh, peak-season strawberries. Get this strawberry gin smash cocktail recipe.
Gin Con Tomate Cocktail
Wish you could distill late summer into a glass? Although basil, pink peppercorns and balsamic vinegar are slightly unusual-sounding cocktail ingredients, when mixed with gin and tomato water, everything comes together. Get this gin tomato cocktail recipe.
Gin Chaud
This warming cocktail is an unexpected twist on the classic French mulled wine, traditionally known as vin chaud. You can use any citrus gin you like and scale it up—punch-style—or down to suit a gathering of any size. Get this gin chaud recipe.
Mango-Ginger Gin Sling
A refreshing cocktail that can easily be made boozy or not is perfect for gatherings with kids and those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Get this gin sling cocktail.
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Sakura Gimlet
The delicate, subtle flavours of this gorgeous Sakura Gimlet by Botanist Bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver are inspired by B.C.’s cherry blossom season. Get this sakura gimlet recipe.
Classic Negroni, Three Ways
In her book, Three Cheers, Vancouver-based bartender Kaitlyn Stewart offers three versions on the Negroni: the classic version, an elderflower-flavoured riff and a non-alcoholic version with aperitif soda. Get these Negroni recipes.
Maple Collins
This summer-ready twist on the classic sweet-tart Tom Collins adds maple flavour and a ripe red hue from the berries—perfect for patio parties! Get this maple collins recipe.
Strawberry Gin Fizz
Here's a delicious idea: Fill a Mason jar with June’s best bounty (luscious local strawberries), mix in a couple spoonfuls of sugar and some gin, and then (the hardest part) wait a few days. Add a splash to sparkling wine or tonic, and you'll have the perfect elixir for warm nights on the back deck. Get this gin fizz recipe.
Gin Sour
Brad Stanton is the former bar and lounge manager at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver. This old-school sipper is inspired by his take on the 1940s original. Get this gin sour recipe.
The French 75, Three Ways
In her book, Three Cheers, Vancouver-based bartender Kaitlyn Stewart offers three versions on the French 75: the classic, a blue nod to Y2K pop and a non-alcoholic version. Get these French 75 recipes.
Want to learn more about making the perfect gin and tonic? We've got a guide for that!
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