Pink Gin is one of those timeless cocktails that proves simple really can be special. It’s clean, crisp, and just a little bit spicy—thanks to those few dashes of bitters. With only two ingredients, it’s easy to make but offers a depth of flavor that surprises you with every sip. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a little tip I picked up: the fewer the ingredients, the more they matter—so choose a good gin!
Pink Gin
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail • Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 2 oz (60 ml) London dry gin
– A few dashes of Angostura bitters
– Ice (optional, for serving on the rocks)
– Lemon peel or twist (optional, for garnish)
What You’ll Need
– Mixing glass or cocktail glass
– Stirring spoon
– Jigger or measuring tool
– Peeler or paring knife (for garnish)
Method
- Chill your glass ahead of time—pop it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you prep.
- Pour a few dashes of Angostura bitters into your cocktail glass. You don’t need much—just enough to lightly coat the inside.
- Swirl the bitters around the glass to evenly coat it. Then, pour out the excess. This step gives the drink its signature rosy hue and bitter kick without overwhelming it.
- Add 2 oz (60 ml) of gin to the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Optional: Add a twist of lemon peel. Hold it over the glass and give it a little squeeze to release the oils before dropping it in. This adds a fresh, citrusy note that balances the botanicals beautifully.
- Serve neat in a chilled cocktail glass—or over ice in a rocks glass if you prefer it a little more mellow.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Pink Gin is best made fresh, but you can pre-chill the gin and bitters mix for up to a day in the fridge if you’re making several. Just stir before serving.
Once mixed, don’t store leftovers—this one’s meant to be sipped fresh.
Tips for Success
– Chill the glass: A cold glass keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
– Use quality gin: With only two ingredients, the gin really shines—so go for something smooth and juniper-forward.
– Don’t overdo the bitters: Start with 2–3 dashes and adjust to taste. Too much can overpower the gin.
– Optional twist: A lemon peel adds a nice brightness, but feel free to skip it for the more traditional Navy-style version.
Ingredient Swaps
– Gin: Try Old Tom gin for a slightly sweeter, rounder version.
– Bitters: Swap in orange bitters or grapefruit bitters for a unique flavor twist.
– Garnish: A sprig of rosemary or a slice of fresh ginger can bring a fun, aromatic layer.
Serving Suggestions
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work rituals: a Pink Gin and a small plate of salted almonds or prosciutto. The drink’s botanical edge pairs beautifully with salty, savory snacks.
Here are a few pairing ideas:
Great with…
– Salted nuts: Almonds, cashews, or marcona almonds add crunch and balance the bitters.
– Cured meats: Thin slices of prosciutto or salami complement the herbal notes.
– Cheese platter: Try aged cheddar, creamy brie, or blue cheese for a bold pairing.
Want to Switch Things Up?
Here are a few ways to riff on the classic:
Rosy Martini
A slightly sweeter, fruitier take.
– Gin
– Dry vermouth
– Raspberry syrup
– Lemon juice
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry or lemon twist.
Spiced Pink Gin
Warm spices meet classic gin.
– Gin
– Cinnamon stick
– Cardamom pod
– Angostura bitters
Stir with ice, then strain into an old-fashioned glass. Add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Citrus Pink Fizz
A lighter, bubbly version.
– Gin
– Angostura bitters
– Pink grapefruit juice
– Soda water
Build in a tall glass over ice. Top with soda and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Alcohol-Free Option
– Non-alcoholic gin
– Dash of Angostura bitters
– Lemon twist
Or try tonic water with bitters and a lemon wedge for a refreshing mocktail with a similar bite.
FAQ
Can I serve Pink Gin over ice?
Definitely. Serving it on the rocks softens the flavor and makes it more sippable for warm days.
Is Pink Gin strong?
Yes, it’s mostly gin, so it packs a punch. But the bitters round it out with a warm spice that keeps it from tasting too sharp.
What are Angostura bitters made from?
They’re a concentrated mix of herbs, spices, and roots—kind of like a spice cabinet in a bottle. The exact recipe’s a secret!
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Sure can. Use a non-alcoholic gin or just mix tonic water with a few dashes of bitters and lemon. It’s refreshing and still complex.
What gin works best?
A classic London dry gin is a great go-to. It’s clean, balanced, and lets the bitters shine.
Why did sailors drink Pink Gin?
The bitters were originally used to help with seasickness, and gin was already a common remedy. It became a standard onboard drink—and eventually a classic cocktail.
Wrap-Up
Whether you like your cocktails on the strong side or just love a good story behind your drink, Pink Gin is a classic worth knowing. It’s quick to make, easy to tweak, and pairs beautifully with snacks. And when you’ve got good gin and a bottle of bitters on hand, you’re never far from something special in your glass.
