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Gin Cocktails

Easy Classic Gin Cocktail (Perfect for Beginners)

Learn how to make a refreshing classic gin cocktail with simple ingredients and easy steps. This beginner-friendly recipe is crisp, balanced, and perfect for happy hour, parties, or relaxing at home.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Beverage, Cocktail,, Drinks
Cuisine: British, International
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Notes

Ingredients
  

Classic Gin & Tonic
  • 2 oz gin
  • 4 –5 oz tonic water
  • 1 lime wedge
  • Ice
Classic Gimlet
  • 2 oz gin
  • ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish
French 75
  • 1 oz gin
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3 oz chilled champagne or dry sparkling wine
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger (measuring tool)
  • Bar spoon
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)
  • Citrus juicer
  • Paring knife
  • Cutting board
  • Coupe glass or rocks glass
  • Ice cube tray or ice bucket

Notes

Quick takeaways :
  • Gin’s herbal, juniper-forward flavor makes it one of the most versatile spirits behind the bar
  • The best beginner cocktails use 2–3 ingredients, not 10
  • A good mixer does half the work — tonic, soda, and citrus are your best friends
  • You don’t need a shaker to make a great gin drink (though it helps)
  • Once you master one recipe, the others become simpler variations.