Why does everyone remember James Bond ordering a Martini, not his other preferred cocktail? Unbeknownst to most, he was also fond of a “pink gin with Beefeater and plenty of bitters.” Pink cocktails were just as cool as the sleek martini then and now!
Pink Gin began life in the 19th C as the cocktail combo of Plymouth Gin (Navy Strength) and Angostura bitters. A few dashes of the dark red cocktail condiment gave the whole concoction a blush hue, thus pink cocktails were born. A known antidote to seasickness, the addition of gin made the bitters a bit more palatable to naval officers.
Now Pink Gin is experiencing a renaissance with gin distilleries creating their own methods of turning their gin pink, with and without bitters. Most have infused them with berries, which can only be a good thing especially in summer!
It’s not only gin that goes into making pink cocktails – vodka has jumped on the pink bandwagon as well. Also don’t forget, there are loads of other spirits that were always ingredients for pink cocktails, such as Select, Aperol, Campari, and Pampelle, a grapefruit based spirit.
I’ve collected some of my favorite pink cocktail recipes below and hope you try to make a few of these at home as most as pretty easy!
Pink Cocktails
It wouldn't feel right not to begin with an Angostura Bitters Pink Gin cocktail, as they were the ones who began the craze!
One of the most gorgeous Pink Gins on the market. Add Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic, made with Angostura Bitters, to the Professor's Club Pink Gin and it's almost a double Pink Gin cocktail!
The classic! As easy as Aperol, Prosecco and soda, plus an olive to make it truly Venetian!
For those of us who love grapefruit cocktails, Pampelle is our dream come true and their spritz recipe is so easy.
A pink negroni?? Yes, made with Sassy Cider. A french twist on this Italian classic!
More a hint of blush than out right pink, Black Cow Vodka may be clear, but it's made pink with a touch of strawberries.
It might not be gin, but it is a gorgeous pink cocktail! An easy cocktail recipe using Cîroc Watermelon Vodka. Simple and summery, fresh and light - perfect for those picnics!
Another wonderful Pink Gin and Tonic hailing from Ireland, Bosford is made with strawberry and a hint of raspberry.
As one of the oldest gins in the world, I am sure Gordon's was the base for many of the pink gin cocktails since the time it was invented! Now they have their own Pink Gin made with raspberries, strawberries, and a hint of red currant!
Another pink Ciroc vodka cocktail , but this one is made with Cîroc Red Berry Vodka and it is just so pretty, I couldn't leave it off the list!
You don't need alcohol to make a great pink cocktail. This is the Mr Howard from Seedlip. It's gorgeous and delicious!