Gin and Ginger Cocktail

Spice up the classic gin and tonic with ginger beer! This gin and ginger cocktail is fresh, bright, and refreshing. 

If you love gin and tonic but crave something with more depth and spice, this gin and ginger cocktail is about to become your new favorite drink.

Think of it as a sophisticated gin mule with layers of flavor that go far beyond the basics—bright citrus, aromatic mint, warming ginger, and that signature botanical punch from quality gin.

What Makes This Gin Cocktail Special

Unlike a standard gin and tonic, this cocktail builds complexity through homemade ginger syrup and the robust kick of ginger beer. The result? A drink that’s simultaneously refreshing and warming, bright yet deeply flavored.

The secret is in the double ginger approach—both fresh ginger syrup and quality ginger beer work together to create a spicy backbone that complements gin’s botanical notes perfectly. Fresh mint adds an aromatic lift, while lime juice keeps everything balanced and bright.

Ingredients

For the Cocktail:

• Fresh mint leaves – Use spearmint or peppermint, whichever is freshest at your market. Mint adds aromatic complexity that makes this cocktail unforgettable.
• Homemade ginger simple syrup – Fresh ginger root steeped in simple syrup creates a sweet-spicy base. Never use ground ginger or ginger powder here.
• Quality gin – Look for London dry gin with clear botanical notes. My top picks: Hendrick’s (cucumber-forward), Bombay Sapphire (balanced), or The Botanist (herbaceous).
• Fresh lime juice – Always fresh-squeezed. Bottled lime juice will make this taste flat and artificial.
• Ginger beer – This is not ginger ale! Ginger beer is much more potent and flavorful. Best brands: Bundaberg, Fever Tree, or Rachel’s Ginger Beer.
• Bitters (optional) – A few dashes add extra complexity. Try lime bitters or classic angostura.

For the Ginger Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced

Homemade Ginger Syrup

The ginger syrup is what sets this cocktail apart. Making it is incredibly simple!

Peel the skin of the ginger. Slice into disks and place in a small sauce pot with water and granulated sugar. Bring mixture to boil. Cover with a lid and allow ginger to steep for about 20 minutes. Strain out ginger and cool.

Pro Tip: Store your ginger syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it to sweeten cocktails, tea, coffee or lemonade.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cocktail:

1. Muddle the mint – In a tall glass, gently muddle 8 fresh mint leaves with ½ oz ginger syrup. Don’t over-muddle; you want to release the oils without shredding the leaves.
2. Build the drink – Add 2 oz gin, ½ oz fresh lime juice, 2 oz chilled ginger beer, and 3 dashes of bitters (if using).
3. Mix and serve – Stir gently to combine. Add ice and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Gins to Try:

• Hendrick’s for cucumber notes
• The Botanist for herbal complexity
• Bombay Sapphire for classic balance
• Aviation for floral sweetness

Flavor Variations:

• Spicier: Add a thin slice of jalapeño when muddling
• Fruitier: Muddle in fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Smokier: Use a mezcal-gin blend (1 oz each)
• Herbier: Swap mint for fresh basil or thyme

More Ginger Drink Recipes

• Sparkling Ginger Citrusade (non-alcoholic)
• Apple Ginger Punch (bourbon based)
• Ginger Peach Limeade (non-alcoholic)