beefeater pink strawberry gin spritz cocktail

The best aperitif gin cocktails for before dinner drinks

A cocktail before dinner is the best way to start an evening. But make it with gin, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Aperitifs, as they’re known, are traditionally drunk to prepare the palette for the delicious meal that’s to come. But they’re also a great way to welcome guests and kick off the night.

 

Aperitifs are usually light and dry, so naturally many of the best are made with gin. Favourites include gin-based classics such as the Martini and Negroni, which stimulate the appetite with a slightly bitter taste. But there’s also plenty of modern gin cocktails to consider.

 

Here we share the best aperitif gin cocktails to serve next time you’re cooking. 

 

ALL GIN COCKTAILS
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gin and tonic

It doesn’t get more classic, and simple, than the Gin and Tonic. This unbeatable mixer is the best way to drink Beefeater London Dry Gin. If you want a cocktail that you definitely can’t get wrong, start here. All you need is some quality tonic water, plenty of ice and citrus wheels to garnish.

RECIPE HERE
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PINK FRENCH 75

Upgrade a classic glass of fizz to a Pink French 75. This sweet twist on the original recipe creates a light, fruity drink that’s sure to impress. Served in a flute with a raspberry garnish, it looks as good as it tastes.

RECIPE HERE
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negroni

The Negroni is the original aperitif. The bitter sweet mix of Campari, sweet vermouth and dry gin was created to stimulate the senses and has since become a must-try cocktail for all gin lovers. The equal parts ratio means it’s easy to make and you don’t even need a cocktail shaker. Just stir in the glass and garnish with an orange twist. Voila!

RECIPE HERE
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white negroni

If you like to put your own spin on a cocktail, try the White Negroni. This light and refreshing take on the classic recipe is a little less bitter and a lot more zesty. Made with our lemon flavoured gin, Lillet Blanc, Suze and Italicus, it’s a citrus inspired serve that will go down a storm.

RECIPE HERE
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lemon cosmopolitan

Keep things light with the Lemon Cosmo. This fresh, citrus twist on the Cosmopolitan is perfect for alfresco cocktail hours and summer garden parties. Mixing the fresh fruity flavours of lemon and grape, it’s guaranteed to please a crowd.

RECIPE HERE
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BLOOD ORANGE NEGRONI

Make a Negroni but make it extra rich with this fruity twist. The Blood Orange Negroni adds a hit of fresh, bittersweet citrus using our blood orange flavoured gin and Italian bitters. It’s unexpected, delicious and sure to whet the appetite.

RECIPE HERE
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MARTINI

The Martini is an iconic aperitif. Light, simple and elegant, it’s the perfect drink to serve guests and a good one to fall back on if you forget to stock the bar. Make it dry or ask guests how they like their Martini made. There’s plenty of Martini variations to choose from whether it be perfect, sweet or dirty. And being able to make them will win you serious hosting points.

RECIPE HERE
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GIN SPRITZ

Put gin in the spotlight with a classic Gin Spritz. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for any moment, including pre-dinner drinks. Beefeater 24 blends beautifully with Lillet Blanc and a top of champagne or soda water to highlight the gin’s botanical notes.

RECIPE HERE
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RHUBARB CRANBERRY GIN MOJITO

Wake up your tastebuds with our Cranberry Mojito, made with Rhubarb & Cranberry Gin. It’s a perfect aperitif cocktail for both gin lovers and fans of the classic minty drink. The addition of elderflower liqueur and fresh apple juice keeps things sweet for summer sipping. Try it before your next BBQ!

RECIPE HERE
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POMEGRANATE GIN FIZZ

Make your aperitif a fun and fruity serve with this pomegranate gin cocktail. The Collins style base is reinvented with pomegranate juice and a sprinkling of seeds to create a pink drink your guests will love.

RECIPE HERE
beefeater zesty lemon gin tonic cocktail

ZESTY GIN & TONIC

A simple way to mix up a classic G&T aperitif is by using different flavoured gins and tonic. Try our Gin and Tonic with lemon. It’s sharp, refreshing and sweet, with a surprising burst of citrus that will stimulate your appetite!

RECIPE HERE
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GIN BASIL SMASH

If you like your drinks a little different, try the Gin Basil Smash. This fresh, icy drink mixes the best of London’s ingredients with Italian flair, best served before dinner.  Lemon, olive oil and fresh basil create a silky finish that’s easy to achieve.

RECIPE HERE
beefeater pink strawberry gin spritz cocktail

PINK GIN SPRITZ

Welcome guests with a pretty, pink drink they’ll love. The Pink Gin Spritz is a delicious strawberry twist on a gin spritzer that complements any meal. Tonic and Prosecco are mixed with Pink Gin, plus a splash of elderflower cordial for a hit of floral sweetness.

RECIPE HERE
Grapefruit Martini cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

GRAPEFRUIT MARTINI

Add an extra kick of bittersweet fruitiness to your Martini aperitif with this Grapefruit Martini recipe. Beefeater Crown Jewel Gin adds a stronger, bold flavour with notes of grapefruit that are elevated by the oils of fresh grapefruit zest.

RECIPE HERE

looking for more cocktails?

Looking for more cocktails to serve next time you’re hosting? Check our out favourite gin mixers or discover the easiest gin cocktail recipes to make at home in minutes.

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Gin Cocktails

Beefeater Gin Martini

Beginner Cocktails

Bitter Cocktails

Pinklet pink strawberry gin cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gin Cocktails

Pinklet

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

blood orange metropolitan cocktail

Gin Cocktails

Blood Orange Metropolitan

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

beefeater crown jewel red white gibson cocktail aspect ratio 735 735

Gin Cocktails

Red & White Gibson

Advanced Cocktails

Sour Cocktails

Blood Orange Martini cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gin Cocktails

Blood Orange Martini

Beginner Cocktails

Bitter Cocktails

beefeater bramble scaled aspect ratio 735 735

Gin Cocktails

Beefeater Gin Bramble

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

Pink French 75 cocktail recipe - Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin

Gin Cocktails

Pink French 75

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

beefeater gin fizz cocktail 16.9 aspect ratio 735 735

Gin Cocktails

Beefeater Gin Fizz

Intermediate Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

Pink Strawberry Gin Spritz cocktail recipe - Beefeater Gin

Gin Cocktails

Pink Gin Spritz

Beginner Cocktails

Sweet Cocktails

Classic Cocktails

RECIPES HERE

Signature Serves

RECIPES HERE