Pink gin is a type of gin that is flavored with angostura bitters, which gives it a pink or reddish color. The recipe for pink gin dates back to the 19th century when British sailors added the bitters to their gin rations in order to make the gin more palatable and to help with sea sickness. Today, pink gin has become popular as a trendy cocktail ingredient and is often mixed with tonic water or other mixers. Some brands also offer ready-made pink gin that can be enjoyed on its own or as a cocktail ingredient.
What Can Pink Gin be Mixed With?
Pink gin can be mixed with a variety of mixers and garnishes, depending on personal preference. Here are some common mixers that pair well with pink gin:
- Tonic water – this is a classic mixer for gin, and the bitterness of the tonic water complements the sweetness of the angostura bitters in the pink gin.
- Soda water – for a lighter, more refreshing drink, pink gin can be mixed with soda water and a slice of citrus fruit for a burst of flavor.
- Lemonade – if you prefer a sweeter drink, pink gin can be mixed with lemonade and a dash of grenadine for a fruity, refreshing cocktail.
- Ginger ale – the spicy flavor of ginger ale pairs well with the aromatic flavors of pink gin, and a slice of lime can be added for extra zing.
- Grapefruit juice – for a citrusy twist on a classic gin and tonic, pink gin can be mixed with grapefruit juice and a splash of soda water.
Overall, the possibilities are endless and experimentation is encouraged to find your own perfect combination of mixers and garnishes!
19 Pink Gin Cocktails Recipes
- Pink Gin & Tonic – Fill a glass with ice, add a shot of pink gin, and top with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lime.
- Pink Lady – Combine a shot of pink gin with apple juice and a dash of grenadine. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
- Pink Fizz – Pour a shot of pink gin into a glass, add a splash of lemon juice, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a strawberry or raspberry.
- Pink Gimlet – Combine a shot of pink gin with lime juice and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
- Pink Martini – Combine a shot of pink gin with dry vermouth. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Rose Spritz – Combine a shot of pink gin with rose syrup, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
- Pink Negroni – Combine a shot of pink gin with Campari and sweet vermouth. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
- Peppercorn Blush – Muddle pink peppercorns and strawberries in a shaker. Add a shot of pink gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
- Pamplemousse Spritz – Combine a shot of pink gin with grapefruit juice, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, and sparkling wine. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
- Pink Daisy – Combine a shot of pink gin with Cointreau, lime juice, and raspberry syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
- Pink Lady Royale – Pour a shot of pink gin and a splash of grenadine into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry.
- Strawberry & Rhubarb Collins – Muddle strawberries and rhubarb in a shaker. Add a shot of pink gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of rhubarb.
- Pink Grapefruit Margarita – Combine a shot of pink gin, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
- French 75 – Combine a shot of pink gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
- Pink Paloma – Combine a shot of pink gin, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of rosemary.
- Pink Gin Old Fashioned – Muddle a sugar cube and a dash of angostura bitters in a glass. Add a shot of pink gin and stir with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange peel and a cherry.
- Pink Martini Sour – Combine a shot of pink gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of pink peppercorns.
- Pink Gin & Hibiscus Tea – Brew hibiscus tea and let it cool. Combine a shot of pink gin, hibiscus tea, and honey syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of thyme.
- Pink Gin & Ginger – Muddle fresh ginger in a glass. Add a shot of pink gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir with ice and strain into a glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.
About Pink Gin
Pink gin is a type of gin that is infused with a red or pink coloring, which is usually derived from the addition of bitters or fruit flavors. Here is some information about the origin, ingredients, flavor, proof, usage, serving, production, manufacturer, and variations of pink gin:
Origin: Pink gin was first invented by British sailors in the 19th century as a way to make their gin taste better. They added a few drops of Angostura bitters to their gin to help with seasickness. The bitters gave the gin a pink hue, hence the name pink gin.
Ingredients: Pink gin is typically made with traditional gin ingredients, such as juniper berries, coriander, angelica root, and citrus peel. The pink color is achieved by adding bitters, fruit flavors, or other botanicals.
Flavor: The flavor of pink gin can vary depending on the brand and the additional ingredients used. However, it typically has a sweet and fruity taste with a slightly bitter finish.
Proof: The proof of pink gin can also vary depending on the brand, but it is typically around 40% ABV (80 proof).
Usage: Pink gin can be used in a variety of cocktails, including gin and tonics, martinis, and spritzes. It can also be enjoyed on its own over ice or with a splash of soda water.
Serving: Pink gin is typically served in a rocks or highball glass over ice. It can be garnished with a slice of fruit or a sprig of herbs to enhance the flavor.
Production: Pink gin is made in a similar way to traditional gin. The botanicals are steeped in neutral spirits, and then the mixture is distilled to create a high-proof gin. The pink color is added after the distillation process.
Manufacturer: There are several manufacturers of pink gin, including Beefeater, Gibson’s, and Gordon’s.
Variations: There are many variations of pink gin, including those that are flavored with fruit, floral notes, or spices. Some popular variations include raspberry gin, rose gin, and spiced gin.