Mixing Gin & the Best Gin Drinks: What to Mix Gin With

Gin has sat undisputed on the throne of favorite spirits for years now. It's mixed with just about everything these days, and the creations go far beyond gin and tonic or a gin sour. Here you'll find out what you can mix gin with.

What can you mix gin with?

As a rule, gin pairs well with herbs - fruity, berry-forward, sour, and bitter flavors. But gin also mixes very well with classics like tonic water or soda. Several fruit juices work great for mixing with gin too.

Which herbs and spices go well with gin?

• Rosemary: Gives the gin an aromatic, earthy note.
• Cinnamon: For a sweet-spicy touch, especially popular in wintery cocktails.
• Coriander: Adds a slightly lemony spice that pairs excellently with most gins.
• And many more - just experiment and find what works for you.

Which tonic water should I mix with gin?

The market for different tonics and mixers has exploded in recent years - from elderflower to sugar-free varieties, there's really something for everyone among tonics. If you want the gin to take center stage, I recommend mixing it with a dry tonic.

This accompanies the gin and shows it off well - especially if it's a London Dry Gin. Otherwise, feel free to experiment with which tonic pairs with which gin. There are entire books and reference works written on the topic of pairing gin and tonics.

Which juice pairs well with gin?

• Grape juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Hot apple juice
• Rhubarb juice with a splash of soda

Can you mix gin with cola?

You can, but you don't have to. Since cola has a fairly sweet-sour, but above all dark, caramel-like flavor profile, stronger malty spirits like whiskey, cognac, or rum pair better with cola than gin does. I'd recommend mixing gin with a lemon or rhubarb soda instead.

The most popular gin drinks

Among sours especially, there's a huge range of classics like Aviation, Tom Collins, Clover Club, Bramble, and of course the Gin Basil Smash.

Hardly any cocktail invention of the past 10 years has caused as much of a stir as the Gin Basil Smash. Even though the reference books disagree on whether it was invented by Jörg Meyer (Hamburg) or Hariolf Sproll (Ulm), it's considered certain that the Gin Basil Smash began its triumphant march in Germany and has continued it across every continent since. But other drinks, like the Martini or Negroni, can't do without gin either.

Tip: Gin works really well, for example, in an Espresso Martini instead of vodka, since it often brings tea and herbal notes that complement the coffee nicely.

Gin drinks - which gin pairs well with a gin sour?

For a classic sour with 60 ml gin, 30 ml acid, and 20 ml syrup, it can be worth simply trying out different gin styles, since the balance of sweet and sour lets the different aromas come through nicely. If the drink is already leaning in a certain aromatic direction, like nutty or bitter, there's the option to choose a gin that matches.

For something herbal, a bold, juniper-forward gin could work well. A fruitier gin with apple notes suits a nutty drink better.

At the end of the day, what matters is staying open, trying lots of things, and finding your own favorites among gins.

What can you mix with pink gin?

With pink gin, it's especially important to look for good quality - there's a lot of nonsense on the market. One good indicator is that the alcohol content should be at least 40 percent. Then pink gin pairs wonderfully with berry and floral notes. I like to mix a sour with pink gin using grapefruit or lemon as the acid, and hibiscus or rose syrup. This can also be topped off nicely with sparkling wine. In summer, a Pink Paloma with gin is also a very tasty option.

Which gin is the best?

There's no single best gin. There are roughly 10,000 gins worldwide, made using various different methods. That means you can find the right gin for any given drink and occasion. From floral, to juniper-forward, to fresh and citrusy, there's a bit of everything. There's hardly a combination of botanicals that doesn't already exist.

Especially interesting: the number of alcohol-free gin alternatives has also grown steadily, and there too you'll find exciting ways to create delicious gin drinks, completely hangover-free.

Mixing the perfect gin drink with studio 32

Our studio32 Berlin is the perfect address for unforgettable culinary events and experiences. Right in the heart of Schöneberg, we welcome you for any occasion with the right atmosphere and a relaxed vibe. Fitted out with professional kitchen equipment, our studio combines modern charm with a cozy ambiance. Our cooking classes cover a range of culinary directions and themes, weaving together our philosophy of using local, seasonal ingredients with wonderful recipes and bold flavors from around the globe. A special highlight: our vegan offerings and our cocktail and gin tastings.