Are you tired of serving the same old gin and tonic? Gin liqueurs—with their sweet, fruity profiles and lower alcohol content—open up a world of mixology possibilities that even novice home bartenders can master. These versatile spirits blend the botanical complexity of gin with natural fruit flavors, creating the perfect foundation for creative cocktails.
As Estonia’s first dedicated gin distillery, we at Junimperium have experimented with countless combinations to bring you these 12 standout gin liqueur cocktails that will transform your next gathering.
1. The Ruby Fizz
This effervescent delight pairs cherry gin liqueur with prosecco for a sophisticated aperitif that balances sweetness with celebratory bubbles.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Cherry Edition Gin, prosecco, lemon juice
Serve tip: Pour gin liqueur and a splash of lemon juice over ice, top with chilled prosecco, and garnish with a lemon twist and fresh cherry.
Variation: Replace prosecco with soda water for a lighter option, or add a dash of elderflower cordial for floral notes.
Pairs with: Light appetizers, particularly charcuterie boards with mild cheeses.
2. Rhubarb Mule
A tangy twist on the Moscow Mule that substitutes vodka with rhubarb gin liqueur for a more complex flavor profile, maintaining the signature ginger kick while adding fruity depth.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Rhubarb Edition, ginger beer, fresh lime
Serve tip: Build in a copper mug filled with crushed ice, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprig.
Variation: Add a dash of angostura bitters for depth or a splash of cranberry juice for extra tartness.
Pairs with: Spicy Asian cuisine or barbecued meats.
3. Winter Warmer
Perfect for cold evenings, this hot cocktail showcases the festive spices in winter gin liqueur, creating a comforting drink that captures the essence of holiday markets.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Winter Edition Gin, apple cider, cinnamon, star anise
Serve tip: Warm all ingredients together (don’t boil to preserve alcohol), serve in a heat-resistant mug with a cinnamon stick stirrer and orange slice.
Variation: Add a splash of caramel syrup or substitute half the cider with cranberry juice.
Pairs with: Holiday desserts like gingerbread or Christmas pudding.
4. Summer Orchard Spritz
A refreshing, low-alcohol option for warm weather gatherings that highlights the botanicals in summer gin with crisp apple notes and floral undertones.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Summer Edition, apple juice, elderflower tonic
Serve tip: Build over ice in a wine glass, stir gently, and garnish with thin apple slices and a sprig of thyme.
Variation: Add white vermouth for complexity or substitute apple juice with pear nectar.
Pairs with: Fresh salads and light fish dishes.
5. Sloe Royale
An elegant upgrade to the classic Kir Royale using the rich, berry notes of sloe gin to create a sophisticated aperitif with beautiful color and depth.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Sloe Gin, champagne or prosecco
Serve tip: Add a splash of sloe gin to a flute glass and top with chilled champagne; garnish with a single blackberry.
Variation: Add a dash of blackberry liqueur for extra fruitiness or substitute sparkling water for a non-alcoholic version.
Pairs with: Dark chocolate desserts or fresh berries.
6. Rhubarb Collins
A refreshing twist on the Tom Collins that substitutes traditional gin with tart rhubarb gin liqueur, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-sour highball.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Rhubarb Edition, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water
Serve tip: Shake first three ingredients with ice, strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, top with soda, and garnish with a rhubarb ribbon.
Variation: Add muddled strawberries for a strawberry-rhubarb version.
Pairs with: Lemon desserts or afternoon tea sandwiches.
7. Cherry Old Fashioned
A fruity reimagining of the classic cocktail that adds depth and subtle sweetness while maintaining the sophisticated character of the original.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Cherry Edition, angostura bitters, sugar cube, orange peel
Serve tip: Muddle sugar cube with bitters, add cherry gin and ice, stir well, and garnish with orange peel and luxardo cherry.
Variation: Add a dash of chocolate bitters or substitute half the gin with bourbon for a split-base variation.
Pairs with: Rich chocolate desserts or blue cheese.
8. Winter Negroni
A seasonal adaptation of the Italian classic that brings holiday spices to the forefront, creating a warming yet still pleasantly bitter aperitif.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Winter Edition, Campari, sweet vermouth
Serve tip: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube, and garnish with an orange peel and star anise.
Variation: Add a bar spoon of cinnamon syrup or use white vermouth for a lighter version.
Pairs with: Roasted nuts or aged cheese.
9. Sloe Gin Sour
A perfectly balanced cocktail showcasing the complex berry notes of sloe gin against bright citrus, with a silky texture that delivers a luxurious mouthfeel.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Sloe Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white (optional)
Serve tip: Dry shake ingredients without ice if using egg white, then shake again with ice and strain into a coupe glass; garnish with lemon zest.
Variation: Add a float of red wine for a “New York Sour” variation or use aquafaba for a vegan version.
Pairs with: Light pastries or shortbread cookies.
10. Summer Berry Smash
A muddled fruit cocktail that enhances the botanical notes in summer gin with fresh seasonal berries, creating a garden-fresh drink with layers of flavor.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Summer Edition, mixed berries, lemon juice, honey syrup
Serve tip: Muddle berries with honey syrup, add other ingredients, shake with ice, and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice; garnish with a mint sprig and fresh berries.
Variation: Use different seasonal fruits or add a splash of raspberry liqueur.
Pairs with: Fresh fruit tarts or lemon sorbet.
11. Cherry Espresso Martini
A fruit-forward twist on the caffeine-fueled classic that adds cherry warmth to coffee’s bitterness, creating a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Cherry Edition, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, simple syrup
Serve tip: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice, fine strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with three coffee beans.
Variation: Add a dash of chocolate bitters or substitute simple syrup with amaretto for an almond accent.
Pairs with: Tiramisu or dark chocolate truffles.
12. Rhubarb Mojito
A British-Cuban fusion that pairs the tropical freshness of mint with the English garden flavor of rhubarb, creating a refreshing summer sipper with complex layers.
Key ingredients: Junimperium Rhubarb Edition, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, soda water
Serve tip: Muddle mint with sugar and lime, add rhubarb gin, fill with crushed ice, top with soda, and garnish with a mint bouquet and lime wheel.
Variation: Add muddled strawberries or a splash of elderflower liqueur.
Pairs with: Light seafood dishes or strawberry desserts.
Elevate Your Home Bar Experience
These 12 gin liqueur cocktails showcase the versatility of this often-overlooked spirit category. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party or simply unwinding after work, these recipes offer something for every occasion and palate.
For a truly authentic experience, visit Junimperium Distillery in Tallinn’s vibrant Telliskivi quarter, where you can learn about gin production firsthand and taste our award-winning range of craft gins and gin liqueurs. Our distillery tours provide the perfect opportunity to deepen your appreciation of the botanicals and processes that make each of our expressions unique.
Which gin liqueur cocktail will you try first? Experiment with these recipes, adjust to your taste preferences, and discover your new signature drink.