Gin and Coke

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Take a break with the refreshing and full-bodied Gin and Coke cocktail.

Tonight’s recipe is the Gin and Coke. This is a drink that I stumbled upon one night, almost out of necessity. I by no means created or lay claim to coming up with this combo. A spirit mixed with a dark cola isn’t exactly revolutionary or new, and most of the time we cocktail enthusiasts think of Jack and Cokes whenever the subject comes up, along with a few others. I will say, the last thing I ever expected to mix with a cola was gin.

So one evening, a Friday, I was home alone. The cat and I were picking what movie we were going to watch, and the pizza had just been ordered for delivery. It was time to sit down with a tipple, some type of adult beverage that stoked my appetite and added a little extra relaxation to the evening, and I was craving something fizzy. I poked through my bottles to discover that I only had some gin on hand, and a London Dry at that. So I tried the combination of that with a Coke. It was robust and the juniper didn’t really play nicely with the soda, at least to my taste. Still, it did the job.

The next day I went liquor shopping, determined to find a gin that would meld well with the refreshing and complex flavors found in the soft drink. Gin is more than just London Dry. The next time you hit the liquor store, really delve into the options you’re gifted with.

What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Gin And Coke?

I’ve found that not every gin will work with a dark cola. Some spirits like whiskey and rum have a certain spiced profile that melds well with the dark and bubbly flavors found in something like Coke or Pepsi. In the case of gin though, something with a sweeter taste, like an Old Tom or Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, which features stone fruit infusions, will be a better choice than a herbaceous, juniper-forward London Dry.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice and mix your soda and spirit in. Garnish with either a lime or lemon wedge.

WHAT IS THE BEST COLA TO USE IN THIS DRINK?

That’s up to you. Coke, Pepsi and RC are all classic and delicious choices, but feel free to experiment with drinks like Dr Pepper and Coca-Cola Cherry. I’m a big fan of Fever-Tree’s Distillers Cola, which is specially blended to be used in cocktails.

Similar Drinks To The Gin and Coke

You’ve got an abundance of cola in your fridge, and it just so happens, a number of bottles of liquor on your home bar’s shelf. All you need now is some glasses, ice cubes… and a few ideas. If you don’t know what you want to put together, allow Twist & Toast to throw you a few suggestions.

• Whiskey and Coke – This is one pair that never gets tired of each other.
• Vodka and Coke – This refreshing recipe is smooth, crisp and bubbly.
• Rum and Coke – The legendary classic that everyone knows.
• Cubata – Not only is the cola dark, but the rum, as well.