Gin & It

The Gin & It is a timeless two-ingredient cocktail that showcases the beautiful interplay between botanical gin and herbaceous sweet vermouth. It's a predecessor to the Dry Martini and offers a slightly sweeter, richer profile. Served straight up, it is an aromatic and sophisticated drink perfect for those who appreciate spirit-forward cocktails. The balance of juniper-forward gin and the complex sweetness of the vermouth makes it a delightfully simple yet satisfying sip.
Gin & It

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gin & It is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and historical significance. It falls into the aperitif category, often enjoyed before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Its straightforward two-ingredient formula places it among the foundational drinks in cocktail history.

Serving

The Gin & It is a spirit-forward drink served cold and neat in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is significant but balanced by the sweet vermouth.
Serving size
Approximately 75 ml / 2.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The Gin & It emerged in the late 19th century, a popular serve in British bars and a favorite of the upper class. Its name is a simple contraction of "Gin and Italian" vermouth. It's considered a direct ancestor of the modern Dry Martini, which evolved as drinkers' palates shifted towards drier styles and French (dry) vermouth gained popularity. The drink represents a simpler time in cocktail history, where two quality ingredients could create a perfectly balanced libation.
Origin
United Kingdom, late 19th century.

Gin & It

The name "Gin & It" is a colloquial abbreviation for "Gin and Italian," referring to the sweet vermouth which historically came from Italy. It is also sometimes referred to as a Sweet Martini, highlighting its relationship to the more famous Dry Martini but using sweet instead of dry vermouth. This simple name perfectly describes its core components.
Original name
Gin & It
Alternative names
  • Gin and Italian
  • Sweet Martini

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a rich, herbaceous aroma and a flavor profile dominated by gin's botanicals and the sweet, wine-like notes of vermouth. It is smooth and silky, with a clean, lingering aftertaste.
Flavor
Herbaceous, botanical, slightly sweet, juniper, wine-like
Aroma
Aromatic, juniper, citrus peel, sweet herbs
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering, clean, herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
All-season, classic

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Gin & It offers a moderately intense, spirit-forward flavor profile where botanical and herbaceous notes shine, balanced by a gentle sweetness and a touch of bitterness. It is a smooth, non-carbonated drink with a noticeable alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This classic cocktail requires just two primary ingredients: a good quality gin and an Italian sweet vermouth. A dash of orange bitters is an optional but highly recommended addition to enhance the flavor.
  • Gin50 ml / 1.75 oz
    A classic London Dry style is recommended.
  • Sweet Vermouth25 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a quality Italian (rosso) sweet vermouth.
  • Orange Bitters1-2 dashes(optional)
    Adds a layer of aromatic complexity.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to properly stir and chill the ingredients. A jigger is essential for accurate measurement, and a strainer is needed to pour the chilled liquid into the glass without ice.
  • Mixing glass - for combining and chilling ingredients
  • Jigger - for accurate measurement
  • Bar spoon - for stirring
  • Strainer - to separate the ice from the liquid when pouring

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, measure and combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir until cold, and strain into the chilled serving glass. Finish with a citrus twist for aroma.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
3. Pour 50 ml (1.75 oz) of gin and 25 ml (0.75 oz) of sweet vermouth into the mixing glass.
4. If using, add 1-2 dashes of orange bitters.
5. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
7. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
8. Take a lemon or orange peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it, and then drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple twist of lemon or orange peel is the classic garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the drink's surface before dropping it in adds a wonderful citrus aroma.
  • Lemon or Orange Twist - Express oils over the drink surface and drop in.

Dietary Information

This is a simple, alcoholic beverage that is typically free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. Most ingredients are vegan-friendly, but it's wise to verify the vermouth's production process if this is a strict requirement.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The cocktail's calories come primarily from the alcohol and the sugar in the sweet vermouth. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to more fruit-juice-heavy drinks.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 4-6 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 4-6 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is an excellent aperitif, perfect for sipping before dinner to awaken the palate. It's also a sophisticated choice for cocktail parties or any gathering where classic, spirit-forward drinks are appreciated.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail party
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Classic cocktail night

Pairing suggestions

The Gin & It pairs well with classic savory bar snacks. Its herbaceous and slightly sweet profile complements the saltiness of olives, nuts, cured meats, and firm, aged cheeses. It's an ideal companion for a simple appetizer platter.
  • Olives
  • Salted nuts
  • Charcuterie
  • Hard cheeses

The Gin & It: A Taste of Classic Simplicity

The Gin & It is a historically significant and elegantly simple cocktail. As a direct ancestor of the Martini, it offers a glimpse into the drinking preferences of the late 19th century with its balanced blend of botanical gin and rich, sweet Italian vermouth. It's a spirit-forward, aromatic aperitif that is incredibly easy to make yet delivers a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Perfect for any lover of classic cocktails, it's a testament to the idea that sometimes, two ingredients are all you need for perfection.

Similar Cocktails

Dry Martini

Uses dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, often with a different ratio (more gin-heavy) and typically garnished with an olive or lemon twist.

Perfect Martini

Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth along with the gin, striking a balance between the Gin & It and the Dry Martini.

Martinez

A close relative that typically uses Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, making it slightly sweeter and more complex.

Gibson

A Dry Martini that is specifically garnished with a cocktail onion instead of an olive or twist.

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