Custom Gin Drinks: How to Create New Cocktails for Summer

Once you have found the best gin for gin and tonic, don’t rest assured that your beverage menu is ready for summer. There are plenty of trendy summer cocktails you can make, sure. However, if you want your bar or restaurant to stand out from the crowd, you need to have your own custom drinks.

There are many great prosecco cocktails, vodka cocktails, gin cocktails, and other unique summer concoctions. You may already read our articles about unique cocktails and unpopular cocktails and have gathered some ideas. But even if that is the case, we believe there are lots of custom gin drinks you can make this summer to impress your clientele! 

If you want to dive deep into the topic of how to create custom gin drinks that will stand out from the rest and ensure customer satisfaction, keep reading. We have prepared lots of tips and valuable information that will help you stay ahead of the curve! 

The Basics of Creating Custom Gin Drinks

The isn’t one secret to creating the best custom gin drinks. There are several things to keep in mind and steps to follow in order to create truly unique but also delicious gin cocktails. Below, we have listed some of the most important guidelines to adhere to when making custom gin drinks. 

1. Understand the Gin - Different gins have unique flavor profiles. London Dry gins are juniper-forward, while New Western gins may emphasize other botanicals like citrus or herbs. Taste your gin to understand its dominant flavors before you start using it in different cocktails. If you are not a mixologist or a cocktail expert, consult with such professionals before making adjustments to your restaurant or bar’s menu. 
2. Balance Flavors - A well-balanced cocktail has a mix of sweet, sour, bitter, and sometimes salty elements. Play with these components to create harmony in your drink.You can use different cocktail ingredients to achieve this, including gin spices. 
3. Use Fresh Ingredients - Fresh fruits, herbs, and botanicals can enhance the natural flavors of gin and add a vibrant, summery touch. You can experiment with exotic fruits to create even more unique custom gin drinks. 
4. Experiment with Mixers - When choosing drink mixers, think beyond tonic water. Explore sodas, juices, teas, and even kombucha as mixers for your gin drinks. Sparkling water and herbal liqueurs can be used, too.
5. Garnish Thoughtfully - A cocktail garnish should complement and enhance the drink’s flavors. Consider using herbs, fruit slices, or edible flowers.

Key Takeaway: Creating custom gin drinks can make your summer cocktail menu even better. Learning how to build a delicious and unique gin cocktail will help you surpass the competition in the area and earn new customers. Just follow the simple tips and experiment with different ingredients!

Steps to Turn Basic Drinks into Custom Ones

The easiest way to create custom gin drinks is to use well-known cocktails as a base. This way, you will only be adding ingredients to elevate the taste and look of the drink. However, you can always start with just gin and add onto it. If you want to get more tips on how to do that, read the following paragraphs!

1. Start with a Good Base

Most people love classic Gin and Tonic, which is why this is a great base to use when creating custom gin drinks. Mix up a G&T and start experimenting by adding different ingredients. You can even infuse some color to make this cocktail not only more delicious, but pretty too. 

Another great base to use is Gin Sour. Mix up this simple drink and then keep additing on top of it to achieve different flavors. 

2. Add Fresh Flavors to the Base

Once you choose a base to start with, it’s time to add some fresh flavors. You can muddle or juice fruits like strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and watermelon. All of these will add freshness to your drink and make it more summer-appropriate. 

If you want to use herbs in your drink, choose mint, basil, rosemary, and thyme. They can add aromatic complexity. 

As for citruses, you can always use lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange juice or zest. These will add brightness to your custom gin drinks. 

3. Play with Syrups and Liqueurs

We already talked about using different drink mixers like syrups and liqueurs. However, you should use just any syrup or liqueur. You have to select ones that will complement the flavors of the gin. We suggest you experiment with syrups infused with herbs, spices, and fruits. For example, you can try rosemary syrup, ginger syrup, or berry syrup.

As for the liqueurs, you can try adding a splash of elderflower liqueur, Cointreau, or Aperol for depth in your custom gin drinks. 

4. Experiment with Bitters and Spices

Just a few drops of bitters can transform any drink! That’s why you should definitely experiment with them. Try range, lavender, or cardamom bitters for unique twists of your gin cocktails. If you also add spices, you will achieve even better results. You can use ginger, pepper, cinnamon or other types of gin spices. 

How to Further Experiment with Custom Gin Drinks

If you want to add custom gin drinks in your seasonal menu even after the summer is gone, there are some other things you can do. They include: 

• Using Seasonal Ingredients - If you want to do custom gin drinks for other times of the year, you should look into seasonal ingredients you can use. What’s fresh for a certain season will help you bring new and exciting flavors. 
• Using Infused Gins - Another great way to create different flavors is by experimenting with infused gins. You can infuse the drink with fruits, herbs, and spices to customize the base of the cocktail. 
• Texture and Mouthfeel - Consider adding egg white for frothiness or experimenting with different ice types (crushed, cubes, or spheres).

When you are creating custom gin drinks, you can always come up with a few recipes and then test with customers. Keep track of what is been ordered more and keep the cocktails that are enjoyed by a larger audience. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Gin Drinks

Do you have more questions about creating custom gin drinks? If you do, you may find some of the answers you are looking for here. We have answered some common questions in the paragraph below, so be sure to check them out!

What Makes Gin a Good Base for Cocktails?

Gin is a versatile spirit with a complex flavor profile, often featuring notes of juniper, citrus, and various botanicals. This makes it an excellent base for a wide range of cocktails, from simple to complex.

How Do I Properly Muddle Ingredients in a Gin Cocktail?

Place the fresh ingredients (such as herbs or fruits) in the bottom of a shaker or glass. Use a muddler to gently press and twist the ingredients to release their flavors, being careful not to pulverize them.

How Should I Garnish a Gin Cocktail?

Garnishes should complement the drink's flavors. Use fresh herbs, citrus twists, fruit slices, or edible flowers. For example, a sprig of rosemary for a herbal gin cocktail or a lemon twist for a classic Martini.