Gin is synonymous with one word: tonic, but gin and ginger ale is one worthy challenger. If we’re honest tonic will probably never be usurped but it’s nice to have ginger ale as a different gin mixer option.
Traditionally ginger ale has been mixed with dark spirits such as rum or bourbon but more and more gin drinkers are turning to the sweet ginger-flavoured carbonated drink as they get more adventurous with gin.
Of course some people just don’t like tonic and don’t want to miss out on the goodness that is gin. So whether you’re not a tonic fan or are just looking for a different taste, check out these easy gin and ginger ale cocktails.
Gin and Ginger Ale Cocktails
Gin Buck
The Gin Buck is one of the most simple gin and ginger ale cocktails and sometimes simplicity is just as tasty as something more complex.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 10ml lemon juice
- Ginger ale
- Lemon slice to garnish
Method:
- Pour the gin, lemon juice into a glass with ice.
- Top up with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Foghorn
The Foghorn is a classic cocktail made famous by the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. It’s traditionally made with an Old Tom gin but a London Dry will also work if that’s what you have.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Old Tom gin
- 15ml lime juice
- Ginger ale
- Mint sprig to garnish
Method:
- Pour the gin and lime juice into a glass with ice and stir well.
- Top up with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Ginger Rogers
This is an exceedingly refreshing cocktail that involves the creation of a simple ginger syrup that will last for over two weeks in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 15ml lemon juice
- 15ml Ginger syrup
- Ginger ale
- Mint
- Lemon slice and mint sprig to garnish
Ginger syrup recipe:
- Add 450g ginger (peeled and thinly sliced), one cup water and one cup sugar to a pan.
- Gently simmer on a medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a sieve and cool to room temperature.
Method:
- Place the mint leaves and ginger syrup into a glass and using a muddler (or back of a spoon), gently press on the mint leaves.
- Pour in the gin and lemon juice and stir.
- Top up with ginger ale and ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice.
Ginger Gin Fizz
This elegant cocktail is one for the sweet-toothed among you. It has bubbles galore and is perfect for celebrating.
Ingredients:
- 25ml gin
- 25ml Prosecco or fizzy wine
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar
- Ginger ale
- Slice of lime to garnish
Method:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, Prosecco and agave nectar.
- Shake well for ten seconds.
- Pour into glasses half full and top up with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a slice of lime.
Hendrick’s Gin Mule
This recipe is a Hendrick’s inspired twist on the classic Gin Mule cocktail, accompanied of course by a cucumber garnish – one of their key botanicals.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Hendrick’s Gin
- 20ml lime juice
- Ginger ale
- Cucumber to garnish
Method:
- Add the gin, lime and ginger ale to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well then strain into cocktail glasses.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Blackberry Ginger Gin
This is one for summertime sipping as fresh blackberries are required to be muddled into the cocktail and provide a delicious garnish.
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin
- 20ml ginger syrup (see Ginger Rogers for recipe)
- Handful of blackberries
- Mint and lime slice for garnish
Method:
- Place 3/4 of the blackberries and some mint sprigs into a glass.
- Use a muddler (or back of a spoon) to gently press the blackberries and mint.
- Add ice, gin and ginger syrup.
- Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
- Garnish with mint and lime slices.
Ginger Giant
So called because there is just so much ginger in this cocktail and it packs a punch! If you’re a big ginger fan you’re going to love this.
Ingredients:
- 40ml gin
- 20ml ginger liqueur
- 15ml lime juice
- Ginger ale
- Lime wedge and candied ginger (optional) to garnish
Method:
- Pour the gin, ginger liqueur and lime juice into a glass filled with ice and stir well.
- Top up with ginger ale.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and candied ginger (optional).
If you love gin and you love ginger be sure to check out our guide to the best ginger gins.
Images from Shutterstock.
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