Gin has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a historical medicinal spirit into the cornerstone of modern mixology.1
At The Henley Distillery, we celebrate this heritage by using traditional copper alembic stills to craft small batches that highlight natural botanicals.
Whether you prefer a crisp London Dry or a more adventurous spiced profile, the following cocktails represent the pinnacle of gin-based serves.
The Iconic Dry Martini
Often regarded as the most sophisticated of gin cocktails, the Martini is a study in simplicity and elegance.3 Its roots are found in the late 19th-century Martinez, which originally used sweeter Old Tom gin.5
A standard dry Martini typically follows a 5:1 ratio of gin to dry vermouth.6 This proportion is designed to showcase the botanical clarity of the spirit without it being masked by modifiers.3
While preferences vary between “dry” (less vermouth) and “wet” (more vermouth), the hallmark of a great Martini is its smooth, silky texture.7
The Bittersweet Negroni
The Negroni is a classic Italian aperitif that has seen a global resurgence.8
Its history dates back to 1919 in Florence, when Count Camillo Negroni requested a “stiffened” version of his Americano by replacing soda water with gin.5
Constructed with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the Negroni is celebrated for its stubborn popularity and complex, bittersweet palate.8
The herbal depth of the vermouth and the citrus bitterness of the Campari require a robust gin base to maintain balance.3
The Classic Gin and Tonic
The Gin and Tonic remains the world’s most popular long drink.2
Originally used by British soldiers in India to make bitter quinine more palatable, it has evolved into a sophisticated serve that highlights a gin’s specific botanical profile.12
To achieve the perfect serve, we recommend a ratio of approximately 1:3 gin to premium tonic water.6 For our Henley Classic Dry, which features notes of lemongrass, tonka bean, and peppercorns, a simple garnish of orange or lime peel is ideal to lift the zesty top notes.
The Refreshing Tom Collins
The Tom Collins is a timeless thirst quencher first documented in the late 1800s.3 It is essentially a gin sour lengthened with soda water, creating a drink as refreshing as lemonade.9
Historically, this drink used Old Tom gin (a sweeter style), though modern versions often utilise a crisp London Dry.3
The addition of fresh lemon juice and sugar syrup provides a sharp, bright profile that is perfect for summer socialising.9
Modern Icons: French 75 and Gin Basil Smash
Gin mixology continues to innovate through modern classics that have earned a permanent place on global menus:
- The French 75: Named after a 75mm Howitzer field gun for its powerful “kick,” this celebratory drink combines gin, lemon, and sugar with a topping of Champagne.5 It is a sophisticated hybrid of a gin sour and a sparkling wine cocktail.5
- The Gin Basil Smash: Created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer, this drink is defined by its vibrant green colour and peppery, herbaceous flavour.16 It requires vigorous muddling of fresh basil leaves with lemon and gin to release the essential oils that provide its signature garden freshness.16
The Science of the Serve: Shake or Stir?
The choice between shaking and stirring is functional rather than aesthetic.7
- Stirring: This gentler method is reserved for spirit-forward cocktails like the Martini or Negroni.7 It achieves a temperature drop of 6 to 9 degrees Celsius while preserving a crystal-clear appearance and a smooth mouthfeel.19
- Shaking: Essential for drinks containing citrus, dairy, or egg whites, shaking rapidly lowers the temperature by 12 to 18 degrees Celsius.19 It aerates the liquid, creating a frothy texture and a cloudier, more integrated blend.7
The Henley Signature: A Rosemary Gin Rickey
For a contemporary twist on a 19th-century saloon staple, we recommend the Henley Gin Rickey.
Unlike the Tom Collins, a Rickey traditionally relies on the simple marriage of gin, lime, and soda without added sugar.
By gently muddling a sprig of fresh rosemary in the shaker, you can add a beautiful herbal layer to the drink.
The piney aromatics of the rosemary complement the botanical depth of our craft gin, creating a sophisticated and refreshing serve.
Conclusion
The best gin cocktails are those that respect the balance between the spirit’s botanicals and its modifiers.3 Whether you are exploring the bittersweet complexity of a Negroni or the zesty refreshment of a G&T, the quality of the base spirit is paramount.
At The Henley Distillery, we remain committed to the artisanal techniques that ensure every sip is as refined as the classics that inspired it.
Works cited
- History of Gin Cocktails from 1767 to 2008 – Difford’s Guide, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1108/gin/history-of-gin-cocktails
- The 20 best gin cocktails – Difford’s Guide, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1108/gin/the-20-best-gin-cocktails
- The Best Gin for Cocktails Your Ultimate 2026 Guide – McLaren …, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://mclarenvalecellars.com/blogs/articles/best-gin-for-cocktails
- The 12 essential Gin cocktails every bartender should know – Everglow Spirits, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://everglowspirits.com/the-12-essential-gin-cocktails-every-bartender-should-know/
- A History of Classic Gin Cocktails – Empress 1908 Gin, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://empressgin.com/2025/06/a-history-of-classic-gin-cocktails/
- The Best Gins of 2026: Expert Reviews, Tastings & Top Brands – Santos Gourmet, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.santos-gourmet.com/blogs/guide/the-best-gins-2026-expert-reviews-tastings-2611-57
- Shaken vs. Stirred: What Makes a Better Cocktail? | Demitri’s …, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://demitris.com/blogs/news/shaken-vs-stirred-what-makes-a-better-cocktail
- Classic Cocktails in History: The Negroni | Alcohol Professor, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/classic-cocktails-in-history-the-negroni
- The 10 best easy gin cocktail recipes to mix at home | The Bar, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.thebar.com/en/articles/10-ultimate-gin-cocktails-you-should-try
- 15 Gin-Based Cocktails and Their Recipes – La Maison du Whisky, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.whisky.fr/en/menu/blog/articles-on-gin/gin-based-cocktail
- 8 Gin Cocktails to Try in 2026 for Unique Evenings – Mezzanotte …, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://mezzanotte.shop/en/blogs/news/gin-cocktail
- G&T Garnish Guide: How to Match your Gin & Tonics – Bass & Flinders Distillery, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.bassandflindersdistillery.com/blogs/news/our-g-t-garnish-guide-how-to-garnish-your-favourite-gin-and-tonic
- 15 Best Gin Cocktails You Must Try | Total Wine & More, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.totalwine.com/discover/food-and-drink/best-gin-cocktails
- The Ad Gefrin Guide To Gin Garnish, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://adgefrin.co.uk/journal/the-ad-gefrin-guide-to-gin-garnish
- Liverpool & Merseyside Gin & Distilleries – The Guide – The Gin Guide, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.theginguide.com/merseyside-gins.html
- Gin Basil Smash – Moody Mixologist, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.moodymixologist.com/blog/gin-basil-smash
- Gin Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.beefeatergin.com/en/gin-cocktails/gin-basil-smash/
- Shaking vs stirring a cocktail: which technique should you use?, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.barschool.net/us/blog/shaking-vs-stirring
- accessed on April 8, 2026, https://lifetips.alibaba.com/kitchen-hacks/the-differences-between-shaking-and-stirring-a-cocktail#:~:text=The%20differences%20between%20shaking%20and%20stirring%20a%20cocktail%20are%20neither,cooling%20(%E2%88%926%20to%20%E2%88%929
- Stirring vs. shaking a cocktail – Difford’s Guide, accessed on April 8, 2026, https://www.diffordsguide.com/encyclopedia/315/cocktails/stirring-vs-shaking-a-cocktail