Gin and Sin A Simple Layered Cocktail

A classic gin and sin cocktail that combines fragment gin, and tart citrus and adds a sweet layer to the bottom. Learn how to make this simple drink and a few tips for layering and presenting a cocktail.

This post may contain affiliate links, view my full disclosure policy here.

Gin dates back hundreds of years and even had some medicinal purposes in the beginning. It’s been enjoyed in most countries over time and different regions have developed their own type of gin.

The most popular, and readily available gin is a London dry gin which is what I am using in this cocktail. It has a smooth dry taste with notes of juniper, the essential flavor of any gin. Bombay Sapphire is my go-to for more gin cocktails. It has a distinct botanical flavor and comes in a beautiful blue bottle.

Unlike vodka, its clear liquor counterpart, gin is meant to have a taste. The cocktails made with gin will have a distinct juniper flavor and offer more of a tart and dry finish.

The gin martini is the classic cocktail, but if you want something sweeter, try this juniper royale a champagne and gin cocktail. I like making these in the winter and at holiday parties. It’s a fun and flavorful drink that your guests probably haven’t tried before.

gin and sin with lemon twist

What to mix with gin

With its classic juniper flavor, gin should stand out in a drink and not be covered up. Many simple mixed drinks that call for gin use citrus juice or soda to complement the flavor. These are tart and refreshing, not too sweet. Here are a couple to try.

  • Gin and Tonic – The iconic cocktail that combines 2 ounces of gin with 4 ounces of tonic water served with a wedge of lime over ice.
  • Gin Ricky – Make this drink by combining 2 ounces of gin, 1-ounce lime juice in a glass, and top with club soda.
  • Gin Spritz – a refreshing citrus drink made with prosecco and grapefruit juice.

How to layer a drink

So what makes the gin and sin different from those classic drinks listed above? The addition of a sweet layer of grenadine. When added correctly the look and taste of this drink are divine.

Learn how to layer a classic sweet drink, the tequila sunrise using this same technique.

Layering a cocktail is all about density, the heavier liquids will sink to the bottom and the lighter ones will float on top. For this cocktail, the gin, orange juice and lemon juice and shaken together and poured into a glass over ice. That is the first layer.

Grab a good starter cocktail shaker and add it to your bar. I like this set, it comes with everything you need to get started making cocktails at home. There are a lot more tools you can add to your collection, but a shaker and jigger are a good place to start.

The second layer is meant to sit in the bottom and look like it’s fading into the first. To create this effect, pour a small amount of grenadine down the side of the glass and let it pool under the ice.

gin and sin how to layer a cocktail

Sipping this drink will give you the tart flavor on top and finish with the sweetness on the bottom. However, you can give it a stir before drinking to combine all the ingredients to create a light pink gin and sin cocktail.

Once you’ve mastered this 2 layer drink, try your hand at a 3 layer red white and blue cocktail.

gin and sin layered cocktail square

Gin and Sin Layered Cocktail

Yield: 1
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A classic tart cocktail with a layer of sweet grenadine.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz gin
  • 1/4 oz orange juice
  • 1/4 lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz grenadine

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine gin, orange juice and lemon juice. Shake well.
  2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
  3. Pour the grenadine slowly down the side so it pools at the bottom.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

This is a tart cocktail with a sweet layer on the bottom. Before serving, stir it together to combine the flavors.

Opt for a London dry gin for the most flavorful drink.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 151Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo on Instagram and tag us @simplesips_athome

Serve this gin and sin cocktail in a rocks glass filled with ice. Add a lemon twist on top, this is just a small peel of fresh lemon that is twisted a bit and set on top. The yellow and red of this drink create a beautiful look.

If you like this drink, pin and share it.

Gin and Sin cocktail

Also, check out these cocktails

Square Juniper Royale
Juniper Royale
Tequila sunrise layered cocktail recipe
Tequila Sunrise

2 thoughts on “Gin and Sin A Simple Layered Cocktail”

    1. I’m not sure I understand your question. The ingredients include lemon juice but the color your seeing is a mix of orange and lemon.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to Recipe