These 10 Effortless Gin Cocktails Will Impress Anyone in 5 Minutes


Craving a fun gin drink but short on time? Here’s how to craft simple gin cocktails with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Sometimes you’ve got time to mix up some fun cocktails, but other times you want something that’s quick and easy. If you’ve got a bottle of gin on hand, here are our top simple gin cocktails that are easy to throw together.

What’s a simple gin cocktail?

How do we define simple here? We’ve got a whole list of our best gin cocktails that includes all the classics. This collection is a sub-set of gin cocktails that take 5 minutes and are made with only a few ingredients and no fancy techniques. Many of them you can build right in the glass, so you don’t even need to dirty a cocktail shaker!

There’s everything from two-ingredient gin cocktails to simple bubbly highballs. Here’s what to mix with gin (tonic water and beyond!) to make an easy, breezy drink to enjoy. Alex and I have made these recipes multiple times, and we love every one of them! Some top favorites are the Gin Rickey, Gin Gin Mule, and Salty Dog.

The recipes: our top 10 simple gin cocktails

Best types of gin

The general rule around gin cocktails: the better the gin, the better the drink. Don’t buy the cheapest gin you can find. Try to invest in a mid-price range gin: the drink will only taste as good as the gin you invest in! Here are a few notes:

  • malfee, aviation, Beefeater London Dry have a developed, botanical flavor that blends well in cocktails.
  • Locally distilled gin is a great option! In Indianapolis, we like 8th Day Distillery, Hotel Tango, and Big Heart Gin.
  • Steer clear of strong flavored sipping gins in cocktails. For us this includes brands like Tanqueray gin (very floral) and Opihr gin (spice-forward). These types of gin can overpower the subtlety in many mixed drinks.

More gin cocktails

Looking for more gin cocktail ideas? We’ve got recipes for every season! Here are a few of our top ideas:

01

30 Best Gin Cocktails to Try

Here are all the best gin cocktails and drinks that are flavorful and easy to make! Try the gimlet, gin…

gin fizz

02

10 Summer Gin Cocktails to Try

Here are all the best summer gin cocktails to enjoy the season! Pair gin with fruit, herbs, and bubbles for…

Gin Gin Mule

03

Top 10 Winter Gin Cocktails

Here are all the top winter gin cocktails for when the weather is chilly! Winter citrus, honey, and warm liqueurs…

Pomegranate Gin Cocktail

Frequently asked questions

What kind of gin should I use for these cocktails?

Malfy, Aviation, and Beefeater London Dry is a versatile choice for most simple cocktails. However, you can explore other styles like juniper-forward gins or citrusy gins depending on your taste preference.

Do I need fancy ingredients for these cocktails?

Not at all! Most recipes use readily available ingredients like citrus juice, tonic water, and simple syrup.

Can I make these cocktails without a shaker?

Absolutely! Many of the recipes, like the Gin and Tonic, Gin Rickey, and Gin and Lemonade can be built directly in the glass. For drinks requiring mixing, a mason jar or even a tightly sealed mug can work in a pinch.

How can I add a personal touch to these simple cocktails?

Experiment with different garnishes! Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme can add a touch of elegance. You can also use slices of cucumber, orange, or lemon for a pop of color and flavor.

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Description

Gin and lemonade are the best combination! Make this quick and easy 2 ingredient cocktail that’s perfectly sweet tart.


  • 6 ounces ,¾ cup) homemade lemonade or purchased lemonade*
  • 2 ounces ,¼ cup) gin
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
  • Fresh mint and lemon slices, for garnish


  1. By the glass: In a glass, pour in the lemonade and gin. Add ice and garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices.
  2. By the pitcher: Mix 6 cups lemonade with 2 cups gin. Add ice and serve.

  • Category: drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: vegan

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