Choosing the right gin can completely transform a cocktail. With the spirit's explosion in popularity in recent years, hundreds of brands have emerged, each with unique aromatic profiles that can elevate or detract from your favorite drinks. Let's explore the 11 most popular gin drinks and how to select the ideal gin for each recipe.

Gin Tonic: The Timeless Classic

Gin and Tonic is probably the most consumed gin drink in the world. Its simplicity belies a complexity of flavors that directly depend on the quality of the ingredients.

How to choose a gin: For the perfect Gin & Tonic, look for gins with pronounced citrus notes or fresh botanicals. Traditional London Dry Gins like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire are excellent starter options. If you prefer something more contemporary, try premium gins like Hendrick's (with notes of cucumber and rose) or Monkey 47 (with its 47 distinct botanicals).

The tonic water you choose is equally important—opt for premium tonics with less sugar to allow the gin's flavors to shine through.

Negroni: The Sophisticated Bitter

The Italian Negroni, with its balanced blend of gin, vermouth rosso and Campari, has won over bartenders and cocktail lovers around the world.

How to choose a gin: For a Negroni, you need a robust gin that won't be overwhelmed by the strong flavors of Campari and vermouth. Gins with a higher alcohol content (over 43%) and more intense botanicals work best. Try options like Tanqueray Ten, Sipsmith VJOP (Very Junipery Over Proof), or Roku Gin, which pair perfectly with the other ingredients.

Martini: Elegance in Liquid Form

Few cocktails are as iconic as the Martini, with its deceptive simplicity and endless variations.

How to choose a gin: A Martini demands an exceptional gin, as it's the star of the show. Look for gins with a balanced profile and a clean finish. Plymouth Gin is a traditional choice for Martinis, as is Sipsmith London Dry. For a more modern, citrusy Martini, try Nordés or The Botanist gin. If you prefer a drier Martini (with less vermouth), choose a smoother gin; for a wetter Martini, a more robust gin can create an interesting balance.

Gimlet: Refreshing and Citrusy

The Gimlet, with its combination of gin and sweetened lime juice (traditionally lime cordial), is perfect for hot days.

How to choose a gin: For a balanced Gimlet, look for gins with natural citrus notes that complement the lemon. Martin Miller's, with its infusion of lemon peel and other citrus fruits, is excellent for Gimlets. Other good options include Malfy Gin con Limone (infused with Italian lemon peels) or the Brazilian Amázzoni (with notes of lime). Avoid overly floral or herbal gins, which can clash with the intense citrus flavor.

Tom Collins: The Timeless Refresher

This tall, refreshing classic combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling water, making it perfect for hot days.

How to choose a gin: For a refreshing Tom Collins, opt for lighter, citrusy gins. Slightly sweet, Old Tom-style gins have historically been the preferred choice (hence the name "Tom" Collins). Try Hayman's Old Tom or Jensen's Old Tom. Among the more modern options, Aviation Gin or Boodles London Dry work well for their smooth profile that complements the lemon without overpowering the drink.

Aviation: The Elegant Floral

With its characteristic blue color from violet liqueur, Aviation combines gin, lemon juice, Maraschino liqueur and crème de violette.

How to choose a gin: To complement the delicate floral flavors of this cocktail, look for gins with floral or fruity notes. Aviation Gin itself works exceptionally well (as the name suggests), as does Hendrick's or the Brazilian gin Vitória Régia. Avoid gins that are too heavy on juniper or aggressive botanicals, which can overshadow the subtle violet notes.

Singapore Sling: The Tropical Exotic

This tropical cocktail combines gin, lime juice, pineapple juice, Grenadine, Benedictine liqueur, Cointreau, and Angostura bitters.

How to choose a gin: Because it's a complex drink with many ingredients, you need a gin that's not too delicate to get lost, but also not so aggressive that it overpowers. Classic London Dry Gins like Gordon's or Beefeater work well. For a more contemporary approach, try Bombay Sapphire East, with notes of pepper and lemongrass that complement the cocktail's tropical flavors.

Bramble: The Temptation of Red Fruits

Created in the 1980s, this cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and blackberry liqueur.

How to choose a gin: To pair with berries, choose gins with fruity or floral notes. Brockmans Gin, with its blackberry and blueberry notes, is a natural choice for Bramble. Alternatives include Gordon's Pink Gin or Silent Pool, with its delicate notes of honey and flowers. Gins with a strong botanical presence like cardamom also work surprisingly well with berries.

Basil Smash: The Aromatic Herbal

This latest cocktail has taken the world by storm with its vibrant green color and burst of herbaceous flavor, combining gin, fresh basil, lemon juice and sugar syrup.

How to choose a gin: Since basil is the star, look for gins with a complementary herbaceous profile. Italian gin Malfy con Limone works very well, as does St. George Terroir, with its wild herb notes. In Brazil, Amázzoni Maniuara Gin, with herbal Amazonian touches, creates an exceptional Basil Smash. Avoid overly floral gins that might compete with the basil aroma.

Gin Fizz: The Creamy Foam

The classic Gin Fizz, with its characteristic creamy foam, combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, egg white and sparkling water.

How to choose a gin: Texture is key in this cocktail, so you need a gin that works well when shaken with protein. Medium-bodied gins like Plymouth, Ford's, or Broker's are excellent choices. The most popular variant, Ramos Gin Fizz, which includes cream and orange blossom water, works exceptionally well with gins with citrus and floral notes, like Citadelle or Bobby's Gin.

Quetzalli: Gin, Strawberry and Soursop

This innovative ready-to-drink drink combines floral gin with strawberry and soursop, creating a unique and refreshing experience for ready-to-drink drink lovers.

How to choose: Quetzalli comes ready to drink with its 15% ABV, making it ideal for those looking for a convenient option without sacrificing quality. This drink is perfect for those looking for something different and light, offering a perfect balance between the floral base of gin and the fruity notes of strawberry and exotic soursop.

It's an excellent entry point for those just beginning to explore the world of gin, as it offers a smoother, more accessible profile. The unusual combination of soursop, a tropical fruit with citrus and sweet notes, with the freshness of strawberry and the floral botanicals of the gin creates a unique sensory experience. Serve well chilled, ideally between 4°C and 6°C, to bring out all the aromas and flavors.

How to Choose the Perfect Gin: Factors to Consider

1. Botanist Profile

• Juniper Dominant: Traditional gins like Tanqueray and Beefeater - ideal for classic cocktails
• Citruses: Martin Miller's, Malfy - perfect for refreshing drinks
• Florals: Hendrick's, Bloom - excellent in delicate cocktails
• Herbals: The Botanist, Gin Mare - ideal for more complex drinks
• Spices: Ophir, Elephant Gin - pair well with tropical ingredients

2. Alcohol Content

• Gins with a higher alcohol content (47-50%) hold up better in complex drinks
• Standard gins (40-43%) are versatile for most cocktails
• Ready-to-drink drinks like Quetzalli (15%) offer a lighter, more accessible experience
• Consider the balance of the drink when choosing the strength of the gin.

3. Distillation Process

• Gins distilled in traditional copper stills tend to have a smoother profile.
• Vacuum distillation produces more delicate and floral gins.
• London Dry Gins follow precise methods that ensure clarity of flavor.

4. Region of Origin

• British gins tend to be more traditional, with a pronounced juniper
• Mediterranean gins often incorporate regional herbs and citrus fruits.
• Asian gins explore unique botanicals like yuzu or Sichuan pepper
• Brazilian gins use native ingredients such as jambu, priprioca or Amazonian fruits

5. Harmonization with Other Ingredients

• Consider whether the gin should contrast or complement the other components of the drink.
• Take into account the proportion of gin in the recipe - the higher the proportion, the more important the choice.
• For ready-made drinks like the Quetzalli, notice how the fruit flavors harmonize with the gin's profile.
• Try different combinations to discover your personal preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal gin for each cocktail can completely transform the experience. There's no single right answer—experimentation is key, and your personal tastes should always prevail. Start with the suggestions above and let your gin journey evolve as you discover new products and combinations.

As the gin market continues to grow, new options are constantly emerging, such as the Quetzalli ready-to-drink, offering innovative flavor profiles that can inspire creative twists on classics or completely new experiences. The ready-to-drink segment represents a growing trend for consumers who value convenience without sacrificing quality and experience.

The most important thing is to enjoy the journey of discovery, savoring each cocktail as a unique expression of liquid art. Cheers!