Pink Gin

The Pink Gin is a historically significant and remarkably simple cocktail, consisting of just gin and Angostura bitters. Originally consumed by the British Royal Navy, its charm lies in its minimalist construction, which allows the botanicals of the gin to shine through, balanced by the aromatic spice of the bitters. It can be served "up" (chilled, without ice) or on the rocks, sometimes with a splash of water or a lemon twist. Its simplicity makes it a timeless aperitif.
Pink Gin

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Pink Gin is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its simplicity and historical significance. It is considered a quintessential gin drink and an aperitif. Its minimal ingredient list places it in the category of simple, spirit-forward cocktails.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is high, similar to a Martini.
Serving size
approx. 60-90 ml / 2-3 oz
Alcohol content
approx. 35-40% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The Pink Gin is believed to have been created by members of the British Royal Navy in the 19th century. Angostura bitters were first used by sailors as a remedy for seasickness. To make the bitter medicine more palatable, they mixed it with their daily ration of Plymouth gin, and thus, the Pink Gin was born.
Origin
British Royal Navy, circa 19th century. Its exact origin date is unknown, but it became popular in the mid-1800s.

Pink Gin

The Pink Gin is most commonly known by its straightforward name, which describes its color and primary spirit. It is also sometimes referred to simply as Gin and Bitters, highlighting its two core components. There are no other widely recognized names for this classic naval drink.
Original name
Pink Gin
Alternative name
Gin and Bitters

Characteristics overview

The Pink Gin offers a bold, spirit-forward flavor profile dominated by gin's botanicals and the complex spice of Angostura bitters. It has a warming, herbal aftertaste and a smooth, crisp texture, making it a classic choice for any season.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, botanical, aromatic, spicy, herbal, slightly bitter
Aroma
Juniper, citrus, warm spices (clove, cinnamon), herbal notes
Taste balance
Bitter, dry
Aftertaste
Long, warming, clean, herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Clear with a light pink or amber hue
Texture
Smooth, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Year-round, classic

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely spirit-forward and botanical, with a notable bitterness and spice from the Angostura bitters. It is not sweet, sour, or fruity at all.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The classic Pink Gin requires only two ingredients: gin (traditionally Plymouth) and Angostura bitters. A splash of iced water is an optional addition for dilution.
  • Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    Plymouth Gin is the historic choice, but a good London Dry Gin also works well.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2-4 dashes
    The amount can be adjusted to taste.
  • Iced water1 splash (approx. 15 ml / 0.5 oz)(optional)
    Added to slightly dilute the drink, a common practice in the past.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for stirring or serving on the rocks), or None (for serving straight up)

Mixing equipments

You'll need a mixing glass and a bar spoon to properly chill and combine the ingredients. A strainer is required to pour the drink into the serving glass without ice.
  • Mixing glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Strainer

Instructions

The Pink Gin is made by stirring gin and Angostura bitters with ice until well-chilled, then straining into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It's finished with a lemon twist garnish.
1. First, chill your serving glass (Coupe or Cocktail glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to the chilled glass and swirl it around to coat the inside. Discard any excess. (This is the "in-and-out" method).
3. Alternatively, for a more integrated flavor, add the gin and bitters to a mixing glass.
4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well for about 20-30 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
6. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink and use it as a garnish.
7. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the most common garnish, its citrus oils complementing the botanicals of the gin and bitters.
  • Lemon twist (express oils over the drink and drop in)

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic but free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also vegan, vegetarian, and typically considered gluten-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a low-calorie cocktail with virtually no carbohydrates or sugar, as its ingredients are primarily distilled spirits.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 0-1 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 0-1 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Pink Gin is an excellent aperitif, perfect for stimulating the appetite before a meal. It's also well-suited for a sophisticated cocktail party or for casual sipping when you desire a simple, spirit-forward drink.
  • Aperitif
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Casual sipping
  • Classic cocktail party

Pairing suggestions

The Pink Gin's dry and aromatic character pairs wonderfully with salty and savory appetizers. It's an excellent companion for seafood like oysters or smoked salmon, as well as charcuterie and salted nuts.
  • Oysters
  • Salted nuts
  • Cured meats
  • Smoked salmon

The Pink Gin: A Classic Naval Concoction

The Pink Gin is a testament to the idea that simplicity often equals elegance. Originating in the British Royal Navy as a medicinal tonic, this two-ingredient cocktail combines gin and Angostura bitters to create a bracing, aromatic, and spirit-forward experience. Served ice-cold in a chilled glass, it's a superb aperitif whose botanical and spicy notes are beautifully complemented by a simple lemon twist. A true classic, the Pink Gin is a must-try for any gin enthusiast.

Similar cocktails

Gin & It

Another two-ingredient classic, but uses sweet vermouth instead of bitters for a sweeter, more herbaceous profile.

Dry Martini

Combines gin with dry vermouth and often orange bitters, resulting in a different kind of dry, aromatic profile.

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