Why does everyone remember James Bond ordering a Martini, but not his other favorite? In The Man with the Golden Gun, he asks for “some pink gin, plenty of bitters, Beefeater’s.” Turns out pink cocktails were every bit as cool as the sleek Martini, back then and now.
A Little Pink Gin History
Pink Gin began life in the 19th century in the officers’ wardrooms of the Royal Navy, as a simple combination of Plymouth Gin (Navy Strength) and Angostura bitters. A few dashes of the dark red bitters gave the whole thing a lovely blush, and since Angostura was known to settle a seasick stomach, the gin made the medicine considerably easier to take. By the 1870s it had made its way onto dry land and into London’s finer bars, where it never really left.
Now Pink Gin is having a proper moment again, with distilleries putting their own spin on turning gin pink, some with bitters, plenty more with fruit. And it’s not just gin. Vodka has jumped on the pink bandwagon too, and there are loads of other spirits that have always belonged in a pink cocktail, like Select, Aperol, Campari, and Pampelle, a gorgeous grapefruit based spirit.
What About Gordon’s Pink Gin?
If you have searched for pink gin cocktails lately, chances are Gordon’s Pink Gin came up. It’s the one most of us actually have in the drinks cabinet. Inspired by a Gordon’s recipe from the 1880s, it takes the brand’s classic juniper forward gin and folds in raspberry, strawberry, and redcurrant, so you get real fruit sweetness with a tangy edge, not a candy shop in a glass. Simplest way to enjoy it? Pour it over ice with a good tonic, or try my Gordon’s Pink Gin and Tonic for the full how-to.
What to Mix With Pink Gin
Pink gin is wonderfully easy to work with. A few of my favorites:
Tonic water, for the classic pink gin and tonic
Prosecco or another sparkling wine, for something a bit more glamorous
Soda water, when you want the gin itself to shine
Fresh lemonade, if tonic isn’t your thing
Cranberry or grapefruit juice, for extra color and a little tartness
I have collected some of my favorite pink cocktail recipes below. Try a few of these at home. Most of them come together in minutes.
1
Gordon’s Pink Gin Spritz
An easy cocktail recipe that turns the Gin Spritz a gorgeous pink color! Try Gordon's Pink Gin for the perfect summer cocktail.
Step back in time with the Pink Martini, a classic cocktail inspired by naval tradition. Blend gin and a dash of Angostura bitters for a timeless and aromatic sip.
The Watermelon Martini is a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of summer. Crafted with fresh watermelon juice, vodka, and a hint of citrus, it delivers a sweet and hydrating profile. Served chilled and garnished with a watermelon slice, it's a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy the season's favorite fruit.
This Bellini recipe comes straight from where it was invented – Harry’s Bar in Venice. Its gorgeous color makes it unmissable and it’s so easy to make, if you have the correct ingredients!
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Italy with an Aperol Spritz. Revel in the effervescence of Prosecco and the bittersweet allure of Aperol for a refreshing and classic sip.
The Spritz cocktail has evolved to mean anything with bubbles! So put Ciroc Summer Watermelon together with Lemonade and Soda Water and you get one delicious cocktail!
Experience the Rosé Negroni, a refreshing twist on the classic. Revel in the harmonious blend of floral notes, bittersweet vermouth, and botanicals for a sophisticated and pink-hued libation.
Indulge in the vibrant burst of flavor with the Red Berry Crush featuring Ciroc Red Berry Vodka. Craft this refreshing cocktail for a delightful fusion of berries in every sip.
The Rosie Cow cocktail is typically made with Black Cow vodka infused with English strawberries, soda or lemonade, and garnished with fresh strawberries and mint. It offers a refreshing and fruity beverage experience. Created by Black Cow ambassador, Dustin MacMillan.
Looking for more ways to use that bottle of pink gin? My Bosford Pink Gin and Tonic is another easy one to try, and if you want to branch out beyond gin entirely, my Easy Tonic Cocktails roundup has ten more to explore.
