How To Drink Gin For Beginners Best Gin Cocktails Types Of Gin

Leo Migdal

-Dec 3, 2025, 1:26 PM

how to drink gin for beginners best gin cocktails types of gin

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. For many newcomers, the spirit’s unique character can make a bad first impression. Maybe the alcohol-forward aroma is too harsh, the herbaceous flavor is too “pine-y,” or it’s just too intense overall (even some seasoned drinkers stay away from gin after a failed first encounter). And that’s a shame. As any liquor enthusiast will tell you, gin is one of the most exciting and unique spirits on the market. If you’re a gin skeptic, don’t give up on the old spirit; you probably just need to try a different bottle or a new cocktail.

One of the most attractive things about gin is its diversity, between different brands, expressions, and cocktail pairings. In other words, there are plenty of gins to try — and lots of ways to approach them. Below is a complete guide on how to drink gin — whether you’re a newcomer or you’re looking to deepen your knowledge — including insights from one of gin’s most influential figures (and a... So what makes gin so great? Why do people dedicate whole bar shelves to the spirit? For Gracie, it’s the freedom behind gin’s creation: “It’s a great liquid because you don’t have the really tight rules that you’ve got with something like Scotch whisky.

You can basically use anything [in gin], as long as it’s not poisonous of course,” she explains. “You can go down the citrus route, or you can go down the herbal or the spice or green… you can go in so many different directions with it.” Gin cocktails have always been part of the staple of classic cocktails, but for some reason, the spirit on its own garners a lot of commentary and controversy. Like whiskey or whisky, there are rules and regulations for gin production. It must be distilled from something natural, such as barley or wheat; one of the botanicals used must be juniper, and it must be at least 40% alcohol by volume. Flavor-wise, gin is somewhat of a blank canvas with which the distiller can paint with a broad brush, using a variety of herbs, spices, and botanicals to give their gin flavor and character, and...

But how can someone just getting into gin know where to start? Get in the boozer; we're going shopping. We spoke with Alessandro Pisi, Bar Director of The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, and The Wells in Washington DC, and Valentino Longo, bartender and owner of ViceVersa in Miami, to get their... From modern gins inspired by Mediterranean flavors or aged in oak barrels to the most traditional of London Dry varietals, there really is a gin for everyone, and that includes the newbies. Whether you've got a taste for sweet or savory, herbaceous or floral, gin and tonic, or gin martini, leave it to the experts to lead the gin novice to the promised land. The London Dry Gin category is seen somewhat as the backbone of the gin category.

London Dry Gin is an elevated spirit and makes for a more than worthwhile martini or simple gin and tonic compared to other gins while also being balanced and easy to enjoy. For Alessandro Pisi, Sipsmith is an excellent place for the entry level gin drinker. Produced in the London neighborhood of Chiswick, Sipsmith as a brand has only been around since 2007. Pisi describes Sipsmith as a classic London Dry with a little extra spice, making this an ideal choice for the gin beginner looking to add something classic to their collection that has a little... Bold and aromatic with notes of green olive and juniper, this is undoubtedly a gin for all. In the spirit of modernizing the classic London Dry Gin, No.

3 Gin is another example of a classic London Dry that has been designed for the modern day gin drinker who wants to pay homage to a classic in every sip. For Valentino Longo, it is the balance and flavor of No. 3 that makes this a gin designed to be enjoyed in a martini with nothing more than a splash of vermouth and a twist of lemon. Last Updated: January 23, 2025 Fact Checked This article was co-authored by Tom Blake and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Tom Blake is a Bartending Expert and the creator of the Crafty Bartending website.

He has over 10 years of experience in the industry as a professional bartender, bar manager, and traveling bartender. Throughout his career, he’s worked in all sorts of venues & positions, and notably traveled his way through Europe, the UK, South-East Asia and Australia, all while bartending. He is the author of “The Bartender’s Field Manual”, which covers a myriad of topics, including bartending as a profession, the composition of alcohol and spirits, and craft cocktail recipes. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 344,163 times.

Gin’s bold, botanical flavors like juniper and citrus give it a foresty, herbal taste that works well both on its own and in a cocktail. There are tons of ways to enjoy its flavor—including drinking it on its own, with ice, or with a well-paired mixer or garnish. Whether you’re new to the world of gin or you’re looking to enhance your drinking experience, we’ll teach you all of the basics: how to enjoy gin by itself, what flavors it pairs well... Fill a glass with ice and pour gin over the top. The ice dilutes the gin as it melts, cools down the temperature of the spirit, and helps the flavors develop in the glass. Sip the gin slowly to enjoy its flavors and aromas and gradually swallow more and more each time as you get comfortable with the taste.

To drink gin, have it on the rocks with some ice or try it neat with no ice. If you'd prefer a gin cocktail, try a gin and tonic, which is just gin, tonic water, and fresh lime juice. You can also drink gin with a splash of soda water or ginger ale. If you enjoy martinis, mix gin and vermouth make a gin martini. For a savory and spicy cocktail, combine gin, clamato juice, Worcestershire and hot sauce, olive brine, lime juice, and salt and pepper to make a gin Caesar. To learn how to make other delicious gin drinks, read on!

Gin is one of the most versatile spirits out there. It can be bracing and juniper-heavy, light and floral, or even rich and malty. But not all gin is created equal, and if you’ve ever wondered why one gin makes a great martini while another works better in a Tom Collins, it all comes down to style. To make sense of the gin world—and to help you avoid putting the wrong gin in the wrong cocktail—here’s a practical guide to the different types of gin and where they shine. London Dry isn’t necessarily made in London (though it can be). The term refers to a production style that results in a crisp, juniper-forward gin with no added sweeteners.

This is the most common style of gin and the one you’ll find in classics like Tanqueray, Beefeater, and Bombay Sapphire. London Dry is a workhorse. If you’re building a home bar and can only have one gin, this is the one to start with. Plymouth Gin is actually a protected designation, meaning it can only be made in Plymouth, England. It’s similar to London Dry but has a softer, earthier profile with less of a juniper punch. That makes it a great option for people who like gin but don’t necessarily want it to dominate their drink.

by <img src="https://mybartender.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/thumbnail_Facetune_15-03-2023-00-36-24-110x110.jpg" width="40" height="40" srcset="https://mybartender.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/thumbnail_Facetune_15-03-2023-00-36-24-110x110.jpg 2x" alt="Paul Kushner" class="avatar avatar-40 wp-user-avatar wp-user-avatar-40 alignnone photo" /> Paul Kushner updated August 13, 2025, 10:55 pm 0 Comments I always tell my customers that gin cocktails are the way to go for a simple yet impressive drink. They mix well with just a few ingredients, and you don’t need to be a pro to get them right. My favorites include a mix of citrus for that refreshing kick, a hint of herbs for depth, and sometimes a bubbly top to make things exciting. They’re perfect for impressing guests or kicking back after a long day. You’ll find a gin cocktail for any taste in this roundup.

This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy One of the finest go-to gin drinks is the traditional Gin & Tonic because of its light, refreshing flavor. It is a drink that requires just two main ingredients, which are gin and tonic water, and it can be easily prepared at home. Its simplicity also makes it a flexible drink that can be tailored to any taste by adding different garnishes or flavored tonic waters. The Gimlet is a great choice for those who want a cocktail that is easy to make but still packs a flavorful punch. A wonderfully balanced cocktail that is guaranteed to impress is produced when the sweetness of the simple syrup counterbalances the acidity of the lime juice.

A timeless and revitalizing gin drink, the Gimlet is simple to create and ideal for any occasion. As one of the oldest and perhaps most underrated liquors in existence, gin presents an interesting challenge to first-time drinkers. This botanical booze doesn't often become someone's drink of choice until long after their experimental teen and young adult years. With so few popular college cocktails sweeping campuses with gin as their base, many people don't learn how to drink gin when they're first taste testing everything that they can get their hands on. So, if you've been straying away from trying gin because you're not quite sure where to even start, let this helpful guide break the junipery ingredient down for you. You can drink most liquors on their own, and they are usually served in three separate styles: straight, on the rocks, and neat.

Take a look at how these ways of drinking gin by itself differ and see which one of them is the way that you've been unknowingly ordering it for years. To drinking gin straight up, chill it first as gin is best ice cold. Pour the gin in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir it. Then, and strain it into a rocks glass. This is perfect if you forgot to keep your gin chilled or prefer your drinks on the cooler side. People who love cold drinks should try their liquor on the rocks.

To serve gin on the rocks means, fill a rocks glass with ice and pour gin over the top. The ice will dilute the gin as it melts, which makes this method not quite as strong as serving it straight. Gin's flavors develop differently at different temperature. So one way to give yourself a different gin experience is to serve it neat. Many seasoned gin lovers enjoy it this way. To serve gin neat, pour room temperature gin into a glass and sipping it slow or down it in one go.

For the past five years, we’ve been diving deep into the world of cocktails, with bartender Jason O’Bryan—now the lead mixologist at Michelin three-star Addison—building an incredible library of the best drinks around. Over that time we’ve explored the history, people, and places that have created endless variations on the core cocktail templates. We’ve written cocktails based on most every spirit you can imagine, but when it reaches spring and summertime we especially love a drink mixed with gin. You’ll find many cocktails below that are perfect for the season right now, but never fear, we’ve got you covered with gin drinks that you can enjoy all year long. The Tom Collins is one of our foundational drinks, invented sometime in the 19th century (it’s hard to say exactly when) and taking modern form around the time when sparkling water started being widely... And while it’s a foundational drink in the cocktail canon (enough to have it’s own glass!), it feels like one that’s oft overlooked.

How To Drink Gin For Beginners Best Gin Cocktails Types Of Gin

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