Photo: MarianVejcik (Getty Images)
As they say, spring has sprung. It might still be chilly in parts of the country, but that can’t take away from the fact that the winter that seemed like it would never end has finally…ended. This is good news for fans of lighter spirits like vodka, rum, tequila, mezcal, and the king of spring cocktails: gin.
Since we’re all glad the gloom and doom of winter are finally over (fingers crossed), it’s the perfect time of year to get reacquainted with some of the best, freshest, most delicious, and downright classic gin-based cocktails. From the G&T to the macabre-sounding Corpse Reviver, spring is the perfect season for gin.
Bartender Approved: 8 Classic Cocktails Bartenders Live And Die By
Whiskey Business: The Best Bottles Under $50 To Bring The Party Home
Follow Mandatory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Spring Gin Cocktails
-
Corpse Reviver No. 2
One of the Corpse Reviver family members (the others begin with cognac, brandy, and bourbon), No. 2 is gin-based and is by far the most famous and beloved. This complicated cocktail also contains Cointreau, lemon juice, Cocchi Americano, and absinthe (depending on recipes).
Photo: Luiz Henrique Mendes (Getty Images)
-
French 75
If you're like us, you want another reason to sneak Champagne into your life, so the French 75 is for you. This drink (popular among the brunch crowd), is made with gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and Champagne.
Photo: bhofack2 (Getty Images)
-
Gin Gimlet
This cocktail is even simpler than the gin and tonic. If you’re not a fan of the juniper-forward flavor of gin, then this drink isn’t for you. That’s because the gin gimlet is made with gin, sweetened lime juice, and soda water.
Photo: ivanmateev (Getty Images)
-
Gin and Tonic
Cocktails don’t get much simpler than the classic gin and tonic. Made with gin, tonic, and a lime wedge, this cocktail is fresh and light and perfect for spring drinking. If you want to ramp it up (like they do in Spain), you can add cucumber slices, peppers, or any number of tasty ingredients.
Photo: pjohnson1 (Getty Images)
-
Martini
James Bond prefers his, “shaken, not stirred.” But, did he enjoy it with gin or vodka? If you’re a traditionalist, you have yours with gin, dry vermouth, and an olive. It’s a gentleman’s (and gentlewoman's) drink that fits well with the season.
Photo: Imstepf Studios Llc (Getty Images)
-
Negroni
The negroni is so popular it gets its own week. A favorite of bartenders (and anyone who enjoys a little bit of bitter with their sweet), the drink is made up of gin, sweet red vermouth, and Campari.
Photo: Christian Kargl (Getty Images)
