5 Martinis That Will Have You Rethinking Gin

Aura In Me

Ingredients: Genever, elderflower syrup, pine honey, pink pepper, cardamom, lemon juice, and egg white.

Why You Should Try It

While it can be easy to shy away from adding more botanical notes to gin, it can actually work out very well. The Aura in Me shows us exactly how that can happen.

This modern cocktail has classic style written all over it. Its base is the sweeter genever and the egg white gives it that richness we love so much in drinks like the Pisco Sour.

With that traditional base, we then bring in a modern flair. Honey with pine and nut notes and pink pepper and cardamom are used to contrast those sweetened botanicals. It is a fantastic drink, one that can impress any palate.

Recommended Gin: Bols Genever

Genever is not a modern gin, it is actually one of the first styles of gin created and Bols has been creating it since 1820. However, in recent years, genever has made a comeback and it is in drinks like this that the sweeter gin really shines.

Cucumber Wasabi Martini

Ingredients: Gin, cucumber, wasabi, simple syrup, and lemon juice.

Why You Should Try It

It is time to spice things up then cool it down, all in the same glass. This Cucumber Wasabi Martini is a true flavor experience, an adventure you will not want to miss.

This is not the only cocktail to feature the hot paste that is essential for sushi. Wasabi is actually used more often than you think, it just rarely makes an appearance with gin.

The refreshing coolness of cucumber offsets the wasabi's spiciness and simple syrup adds a sweet balance that finishes the drink perfectly. Pair that with an impressive gin and you have an impressive cocktail.

Recommended Gin: Hendrick's Gin

Cucumber! Hendrick's should be your gin of choice in any gin cocktail that includes cucumber. Though it is the most noted flavor of this modern gin, you will also find elderflower, rose, yarrow, chamomile, caraway, and other botanicals as well. It is truly unique in the world of gin and it is a lot of fun to mix with.

Lavender Martini

Ingredients: Gin, dry vermouth, lavender syrup, and orange bitters.

Why You Should Try It

It's easy! Seriously, that is the best reason we can give you to try the Lavender Martini.

All that's been added is a dollop of homemade lavender syrup to the classic martini recipe. It is really that simple and the syrup will take just 15 minutes of your time.

The result is a hint of the soft floral herb in a slightly sweetened Gin Martini. For fans of both elements, it is the best of both worlds and it is one of the best cocktails for spring.

Recommended Gin: Nolet's Silver Dry Gin

This is not going to be the cheapest gin, but it is one of the best for creating premium cocktails with a lighter profile. Nolet's has more fruit and floral notes that piney juniper flavors. It is one of those great modern gins that will appeal to vodka drinkers.

Daphne Martini

Ingredients: Gin, pear vodka, blue curacao, dry vermouth, and orange bitters.

Why You Should Try It

It is very easy to create a fruity martini that is sweet and even easier to make it too sweet. If you are tired of those cocktails but still want to drink your fruits, then the Daphne Martini is the drink for you.

This drink was designed to show off the pear vodkas on the market without going the average Pear Martini route.

This is an adaptation of the Gin Martini into a cocktail with a hint of fruit, much like the classic Emerson, only with modern ingredients. The pear and orange were the perfect pairings for the dry gin and vermouth base.

Plus, blue drinks are fun! The choice of blue curacao was a natural for finishing off the recipe.

Recommended Gin: Bombay Sapphire

The crisp taste and perfect balance of botanicals in Bombay Sapphire make it a perfect candidate for any gin cocktail. This London dry gin can take on fruity profiles like the Daphne Martini and hold up in drier drinks like the Gibson. It is a perfect all-around gin and at right around $20, it's a great bargain.

Blackberry Sidecar

Ingredients: Gin, triple sec, blackberries, lemon juice, and plum bitters.

Why You Should Try It

Gin and berries are a fantastic combination and the Blackberry Sidecar is a stunning example.

This recipe plays off the timeless Sidecar cocktail, bringing in a fresh sweetness that only a handful of berries can add. It is simple, easy and ideal for spring brunch or summer afternoons in the garden.

You will also find this cocktail a perfect excuse for trying out plum bitters. Sometimes the smallest additions make the biggest impact and this one is fun.

This gin is special because it adds berries (blueberry and blackberry) to the recipe. It is not your traditional gin and that is perfectly fine!

Recommended Gin: Brockmans Gin

When you are ready to experience gin in an entirely new way and mix up fun drinks like this Blackberry Sidecar, ​Brockmans is a perfect choice.