Today’s gins have come a long way from the juniper-heavy gins on the market more than a decade ago. Welcome to gin’s renaissance. Decidedly American infusions like cardamom, lavender, sarsaparilla, coriander, anise, orange peel, and even nutmeg make for a gin that’s floral, herbal, earthy. Gin enthusiasts will want to drink it straight, but we recommend enjoying these modern gins in one of these tasty cocktails.
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Moveable FeastCora Sue Collins
This spin on the classic Collins is named after child actress Cora Sue Collins, who appeared in films alongside the likes of Bette Davis and Greta Garbo in the 1930s and ’40s. -
RecipeMartini
The martini is the great-grandfather of all stirred cocktails. A 5:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio is most pleasing to the greatest number of martini drinkers. -
RecipeAviation
Aviation gin was inspired by a sky-blue cocktail of the same name that was invented in 1911 by New York City bartender Hugo Ennslin. -
RecipeClassic Negroni
This ruby-red classic Italian cocktail is pleasantly bitter with a hint of sweetness from the vermouth. Rubbing an orange twist around the rim gives the drink a lovely aromatic note. A dry gin with hints of citrus and not too much juniper is the perfect foil for all of these flavors. -
RecipeGarden & Tonic
Created by Wayne Collins and Naren Young, this drink is a minty, herbaceous version of a gin and tonic made with celery bitters. -
RecipeLimoncello-Gin Cocktail with Grilled Thyme
If you're firing up the grill already, throw some thyme sprigs over the fire to coax out the herb’s floral qualities in this cocktail. -
RecipeThe Improved Gimlet
Simple syrup and fresh limes spruce up this new version of a gimlet. -
RecipeThe Martinez, Stirred
The original Martinez (from which the dry martini likely evolved) called for Old Tom Gin and Boker’s Bitters, neither of which has been available in the United States for decades. In 2007, Jim Meehan created this adaptation. -
RecipeTom Collins
Order this cool classic at a bar and you’ll likely get a glassful of commercial sour mix, which will give the drink a chemical aftertaste; make it at home with fresh lemon juice and it’s hard to beat.
