10 Best Gin Cocktails: Classic Recipes for 2025
Gin never goes out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just discovering botanicals, these 10 classic gin cocktails are your golden ticket to better home pours, flawless party serves, and bar-worthy mixes. From crisp and elegant to bold 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.
Jump to a Cocktail
- Martini
- Gin & Tonic
- Negroni
- French 75
- Aviation
- Tom Collins
- Bramble
- Gimlet
- Sloe Gin Fizz
- Singapore Sling
1. Martini – The Epitome of Elegance
A well-made Martini doesn’t whisper sophistication — it shouts it. Smooth, icy, and wonderfully crisp, it’s the benchmark for minimalist perfection.
- 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 for that silky texture.
Try next: For celebratory vibes, the French 75 delivers sparkle with botanical lift.
2. Gin & Tonic – The Quintessential Refreshment
When it’s hot, busy, or you just want something effortlessly good, a perfectly balanced G&T is unbeatable — crisp, aromatic, and endlessly refreshing.
- You’ll need: 50ml Muckross Irish Gin, premium tonic water, lime wedge
- Serve in: Highball glass over ice
- Occasion: Literally anytime
Our Tip: Big, clear ice and a drier pour let the floral and citrus notes of Muckross Irish Gin shine.
3. Negroni – A Bold Balance
The Negroni is a power move in a glass — equal parts bitter, sweet, and smooth. Stirred to a glossy sheen, it rewards patience with impeccable balance.
- 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 drinks or deep conversations
Our Tip: Stir longer than you think. Proper dilution is the key to taming bitterness and unlocking citrus complexity.
4. French 75 – Celebratory Elegance
A Champagne cocktail with poise. Bright, fizzy, and unforgettable, the French 75 marries citrus, sugar, and gin with a sparkling lift.
- You’ll need: 30ml Muckross Irish Gin, 15ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar syrup, top with Champagne
- Serve in: Flute
- Occasion: Toasting anything (or nothing at all)
Our Tip: Chill everything — shaker, flute, and fizz. Warm bubbles are a crime.
5. Aviation – A Flight of Fancy
Floral, tart, and delightfully old-school, the Aviation is a showstopper. A whisper of crème de violette gives its signature pale hue.
- You’ll need: 45ml Muckross Irish Gin, 15ml maraschino liqueur, 10ml lemon juice, 5ml crème de violette
- Serve in: Coupe glass
- Occasion: Cocktail hour glamour
Our Tip: Use a light hand with the violet — it should accent, not dominate.
6. Tom Collins – Fizz and Sophistication
Crisp and sparkling, the Tom Collins is lemonade’s grown-up cousin — bright citrus, gentle sweetness, and a long refreshing finish.
- 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, garden parties
Our Tip: Fresh lemon only — bottled juice mutes the sparkle.
7. Bramble – Fruity Delight
A modern classic bursting with blackberry depth and citrus lift. Built over crushed ice, it’s as pretty as it is 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: Pour the crème de mûre last and let it bleed through the ice for a gorgeous marbled effect.
8. Gimlet – Tart and Tangy
Two (or three) ingredients, maximum satisfaction. Clean, cool, and endlessly drinkable — the Gimlet proves simplicity can be sensational.
- You’ll need: 50ml Muckross Irish Gin, 25ml fresh lime juice, optional: 10ml sugar syrup
- Serve in: Coupe or small martini glass
- Occasion: Date night, palate reset, late-night simplicity
Our Tip: Shake until your hands are freezing. A deep chill keeps the finish razor-clean.
9. Sloe Gin Fizz – Sweetly Unique
Fruit-forward, softly tart, and dangerously sippable. This fizz leans into berry richness while staying bright and bubbly.
- 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 a thyme sprig for an aromatic lift.
10. Singapore Sling – A Tropical Adventure
Complex, nostalgic, and unmistakably tropical. Layers of cherry, spice, pineapple, and bitters deliver a holiday in a glass.
- 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, summer nights
Our Tip: Don’t skip the bitters — it ties the sweetness together and sharpens the finish.
Final Word
From the crisp minimalism of a Gimlet to the tropical depth of a Singapore Sling, these classic serves are essential for any gin lover. Whether you’re mixing a single drink or batching for friends, Muckross Irish Gin brings botanical brilliance — floral, herbaceous, and citrus — to every glass.
Order Muckross Irish Gin and taste why flavour, finesse, and a long floral finish matter.
Planning a Trip to Killarney?
Why not sip a G&T where it tastes best — close to home. Explore our Best Pubs & Bars in Killarney guide and discover where to enjoy Muckross Irish Gin in its natural setting.
Sláinte is táinte!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest gin cocktail to make?
The Gin & Tonic is the easiest. Mix Muckross Irish Gin with premium tonic and garnish with a lime wedge.
Which gin cocktail is best for celebrations?
The French 75. Champagne and lemon give a bright, sparkling lift that’s perfect for toasts.
Can I use Muckross Irish Gin in any cocktail?
Absolutely. Its floral, herbaceous, and citrus notes complement both classic and modern recipes.
What glass should I use for a Tom Collins?
A tall Collins glass filled with ice, topped with soda water for that crisp, fizzy finish.
What’s the difference between a Martini and a Gimlet?
A Martini blends gin with vermouth for a smooth, aromatic serve; a Gimlet pairs gin with lime for a cleaner, tarter profile.