Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic19.3% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 5 ingredients, stirred drink, requires rimmed glass, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 2 ozGinBase
- to tasteCarbonated WaterMixer
- to tastePowdered SugarSweetener
- to tasteOrange SpiralCitrus
- 1 garnishLemon PeelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Stir powdered sugar and 2 oz. carbonated water in a collins glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Fill glass with ice and add gin.
- Fill with carbonated water and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add the lemon peel and the orange spiral so that the end of the orange spiral dangles over rim of glass.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Gin Cooler?
- The Gin Cooler is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 19.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 168 calories.
- What does a Gin Cooler taste like?
- Gin Cooler has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sugar, Sparkling, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Gin Cooler?
- Gin Cooler pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Gin Cooler?
- The Gin Cooler has an ABV of approximately 19.3%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 168 calories, 8.4g sugar, 8.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Gin Cooler typically served?
- Gin Cooler is a popular choice for Summer, Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Gin Cooler?
- If you enjoy Gin Cooler, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Gin Cooler at home?
- Yes. The Gin Cooler uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Gin Cooler with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.