How to make a Gin Cocktail

Feb 14, 2022
Gin Cocktails by Humdinger NZ Gin

Entertaining at home? Part of the experience is the drinks — and what better choice than gin?

Gin is enjoying what some call a "ginnaissance", and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. It appeals to so many people thanks to its variety, taste and versatility, and it's the juniper berry that gives a great gin its crispness and delicate freshness.

Here are three easy gin cocktails to make your evening or long lunch a success, each made with one of our gins.

Dry Gin Martini – Humdinger Dry Gin

The Martini is gin's most revered cocktail, and the perfect showcase for Humdinger Dry Gin — early notes of subtle citrus demand attention, while juniper cuts a daring middle. An exquisitely complex and lingering finish of liquorice root and nutmeg rounds out this composed and velvety gin. Crisp and clean is exactly what a martini gin should be.

  1. Chill a cocktail or martini glass.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin and vermouth.
  3. Add ice and stir for 60 seconds.
  4. Strain into the chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with an olive.

Want to go further? See our full Martini guide, with dry, wet and dirty versions.

The Bees Knees – Humdinger Citrus Gin

With a bee on our label, we couldn't resist a honey cocktail. The Bees Knees uses ingredients most people already have in the kitchen. Handy hint: loosen the honey with a splash of hot water first, and be sure to shake vigorously.

  • 60ml Humdinger Citrus Gin
  • 20ml fresh lemon juice
  • 40ml honey, loosened with a splash of hot water
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist to garnish
  1. Add the gin, lemon juice and honey to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well, until the shaker feels cold.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

More on this Prohibition classic in our Bees Knees recipe.

Negroni – Humdinger Barrel Aged Gin

If you prefer your drinks more bitter than sweet, the Negroni is a perfect fit. With equal parts gin, Campari and sweet vermouth, it's an easy recipe to remember — add a little more gin for a drier drink.

  1. Pour the gin, Campari and vermouth into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir well, until the glass feels cold.
  2. Strain into a tumbler over one large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with an orange twist.

Prefer it ready to mix? Our Negroni cocktail bundle (made with our Dry Gin) has everything but the ice, and there's more in our Negroni guide.

For more gin cocktail recipes, explore our full cocktail menu. We deliver NZ-wide — explore our range of gins.

Gifting a gin lover? Browse our NZ gin gift sets — handpacked in Geraldine and delivered nationwide.
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