Here at Brilliant Gin, we love a classic gin and tonic. But we always get asked, “What mixers go well with gin when you don’t like tonic?” Luckily, we also love being creative with gin mixers and inventing new and delicious ways to enjoy our favourite spirit. When it comes to gin mixers, the combinations can certainly go far beyond your classic gin and orange juice. The possibilities are endless but this guide to gin-and-mixer combos is a fantastic place to start your journey. We can’t wait for you to get stuck into these new, exciting and easy-to-find gin mixers.

Our Brilliant Gin Mixers

So, if you run out of tonic, would like to try a twist on your usual G&T, or have never been a huge fan of tonic in the first place, here’s our list of 22 of the best mixers for gin.

22 of the best gin mixers:

Bitter lemon is a great alternative to tonic with gin

• GIN & BITTER LEMON: Bitter lemon is a great alternative to tonic with gin. It goes well with most gins, particularly citrus-led ones.
• GIN & GINGER: Ginger beer is a warming, spicy alternative mixer for gin. It works well with spiced or winter gin, enhancing botanicals like cinnamon, cardamom, and orange.

Vermouth is the original ‘mixer’ for gin – in a Martini!

• GIN & VERMOUTH: Vermouth, in a Martini, is the original ‘mixer’ for gin. Mix 50ml gin and 15ml of dry vermouth, stir, strain, and garnish with lemon.
• GIN & LIME: Gin, mint cordial, and lime make a refreshing combination. Try a gin Gimlet or simply mix gin with lime cordial.
• GIN & GRAPEFRUIT: Grapefruit juice is a refreshing mixer for gin, especially with a sprig of rosemary to garnish.
• GIN & PINK LEMONADE: Pink lemonade makes a sweet, summery mixer. Garnish with strawberries or raspberries for an ultimate summer drink.
• GIN & COKE: Coca-Cola as a mixer for gin might seem unconventional but it makes for a refreshing alternative.

Gin, lime and soda – a Gin Rickey – was the drink of choice for the in-crowd of the 1920s

• GIN & SODA: A Gin Rickey (gin, lime, and soda) was the in-crowd drink of the 1920s, making for a savoury, zesty beverage.
• GIN & CRANBERRY JUICE: For a tart, dry mixer, try cranberry juice with gin. Add a twist of lemon or lime for extra zing.
• GIN & TOMATO JUICE: Tomato juice is a classic mixer for gin, leading to the creation of the Red Snapper, a gin-based twist on the Bloody Mary.
• GIN & PROSECCO: Gin and Prosecco make a bubbly, boozy treat. Try mixing with a squeeze of lemon and some honey for sweetness.

Add a little coffee liqueur to gin and espresso for an alternative espresso martini

• GIN & COFFEE: For an alternative espresso martini, combine your gin with quality coffee and a dash of coffee liqueur.
• GIN & IRN BRU: Mixing Scotland’s other national drink with gin creates unique and popular gin cocktails.

Gin and elderflower makes for a delicately floral tipple

• GIN & ELDERFLOWER: This delicately floral mixer is gaining popularity for its refreshing qualities, especially in cocktails.
• GIN & ORANGE: Freshly squeezed orange juice and gin make for a classic, refreshing cocktail.
• GIN & APPLE JUICE: Apple juice is a versatile mixer for gin, working well both hot and cold.
• GIN & PINEAPPLE: Pineapple juice offers a sweet, tropical profile that complements the juniper of craft gin.
• GIN & EARL GREY TEA: The floral notes in Earl Grey tea bring out the botanicals in many gins, making for a sophisticated mixer.

A strawberry puree, lemonade and a sprig of mint make for a deliciously summery gin cocktail

• GIN & STRAWBERRY: Fresh strawberries or strawberry puree mixed with gin and soda water makes a deliciously summery cocktail.

• GIN & HARD SELTZER: Hard seltzer is a light, bubbly, and modern mixer that pairs well with craft gin.

• GIN & LEMONADE: Lemonade is a versatile and refreshing mixer, especially when combined with craft gin.

There is no hard rule about pairing a particular mixer to a particular gin; it really is down to personal taste. This guide is a fantastic place to start your journey of gin and mixer pairings. From citrusy and spicy to sweet and sour, there’s a world of flavours waiting to be explored. So, what are you waiting for? Get experimenting and find your perfect gin companion. Cheers to your adventurous spirit and bottoms up!

Pairing Your Gin & Mixers:

Finding the perfect mixer for your gin can be as nuanced as pairing wine with food. It’s a delightful journey of taste and exploration. Personal preference reigns supreme, but here are some guidelines to help you navigate the vast sea of possibilities.

1. Understand Your Gin: Start by understanding the profile of your gin. Is it our classic London dry with rich, earthy notes, or is the contemporary Raspberry  gin bursting with floral or fruity essences? Your gin’s character will guide your mixer choice. For instance, London dry gins are wonderfully complemented by softer mixers like lemonade or soda water, which allow their complex botanicals to shine without overpowering sweetness or bitterness. On the other hand, navy strength gins, known for their higher alcohol content and robust flavours, can beautifully cut through sweeter, more flavourful mixers like cola, spiced apple juice, or even tropical fruit nectars.

2. Consider the Occasion: Are you relaxing on a warm summer day or looking for a cosy winter evening drink? Seasonality and setting can influence your choice. Light, refreshing mixers like cucumber tonic or floral elderflower pressé might suit a sunny garden party, whereas a hot spiced apple juice could be the perfect partner for your gin on a chilly night.

3. Complement or Contrast: Decide if you want to complement or contrast the flavours. For a harmonious pairing, match the notes of the gin with similar mixer profiles. A citrus-led gin goes well with a zesty lemon tonic, enhancing the bright flavours. Alternatively, create a delightful contrast by pairing a sweet, fruity gin with a bitter mixer like classic tonic or bitter lemon, providing a balanced taste experience.

4. Experiment with Garnishes: The right garnish can transform your drink, adding an extra layer of flavour or aroma. A sprig of rosemary, a twist of grapefruit, or a few juniper berries can elevate your gin and mixer pairing to new heights.

The world of gin mixers is as rich and diverse as the botanicals used in gin itself. Moving beyond tonic opens up a spectrum of taste experiences that can transform your perception of this versatile spirit. Whether you prefer the classic purity of a gin & tonic or the boldness of a gin & cola, the key is to keep exploring. Experiment with different mixers, adjust ratios to your taste, and don’t be afraid to try unconventional pairings. Every sip is an opportunity to discover a new facet of gin’s personality.

So, raise your glass to the spirit of adventure and exploration. Here’s to finding not just a gin companion, but perhaps a new favourite. Bottoms up to your journey through the delightful, surprising, and always enjoyable world of gin mixers! Cheers!