Feel Like Royalty with these 15 Classic British Cocktails

Friends, cocktail drinkers, and countrymen! Lend us your taste buds because we’re about to embark on a boozy journey of discovery around the United Kingdom. That’s right, we’re talking British cocktails today, and by Jove, are you in for a tasty treat! We’ve got whiskey, vodka, bourbon, and, as you’d expect from the British, a boatload of delicious gin. So, sit back, relax and let’s get this British cocktail party started.   

1. Martini

Kicking off our list of British cocktails is the iconic Martini. Although this cocktail was first shaken up in America, the first iterations of the drink mainly consisted of vermouth. It was only when the British brought us dry gin and added it to the Martini that it started to shine.

Today, the modern-day Martini is known as a classic British cocktail that can be tailored to the liking of each drinker in turn. Keep it classic with a base of London Dry gin like Bulldog Gin, or mix it up with vodka. Have it wet, dry, extra dry, or dirty, or add a fruity twist to suit any occasion. The Martini is up for anything, anytime.

2. Sloe Gin Fizz

The English summer may be short-lived, but for a brief moment, it’s warm and glorious. The gardens burst into life, flowers bloom, and sloe berries are abundant in the countryside hedgerows. The sloe berry looks kind of like a blueberry, but that’s where the similarity ends.

They are intensely sour and astringent on their own, but great in jams, preserves, and, most importantly, gin. Sloe gin has a rich reddish-purple color and a tart flavor that’s perfect for a summer or winter drink. The Sloe Gin Fizz is balanced with lemon juice and simple syrup, then topped with club soda. It’s tart and refreshing, and it’ll inject a little fizz into any occasion.   

Also see: Classic Gin Cocktails (Essential Recipes for Every Home Bartender)

3. Gimlet

The Gimlet is a classic British cocktail with roots in the 19th-century Royal Navy. Scurvy was a big problem back in those days. After much trial and painful error, some clever sausage figured out that vitamin C was the cure. Citrus juice was prescribed to sailors, and they spiked it with a touch of gin.

The drink took off, and the Gimlet was born. These days, a touch of simple syrup is added for balance, but the soul of the cocktail remains the same as it was on the high seas. As for the strange name, the story goes that it was named after the surgeon who prescribed the juice—Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette.  

4. Whiskey Ginger

Whether it’s English, Scottish or Irish whiskey, the ‘water of life’ has always been big business in the UK. Ever since the first barrel was tapped and tasted, the English have loved this golden nectar. For years it was enjoyed neat, but in the early 1900s, the Highball cocktail was invented.

This opened the floodgates for more Highball cocktails, and the Whiskey Ginger is one of the most famous. Sure, it’s just a simple blend of whiskey and ginger ale, but it’s super refreshing and more popular than ever. Pair it with traditional British cocktail party food, and you’ve struck gold.  

You also might like: 10 Ginger Beer Cocktails.   

5. Red Dragon Cocktail

Inspired by the iconic dragon on the Welsh flag, the Red Dragon cocktail is a roaring mix of sweet and tart flavors. The base spirit is a vibrant and herbaceous gin, which is topped with Grand Marnier, blood orange juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. It was crafted in honor of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, who lived during the 6th century. It’s bright and fruity but don’t be fooled by its sweet nature—the Red Dragon has a zesty bite.   

Learn more: Around the World in a Cocktail Shaker

6. Bramble

As far as British cocktails go, gin reigns supreme. Call it a hangover from the gin craze of the 17th and 18th centuries, but the English cannot get enough of sweet, sweet Geneva. The Bramble is yet another gin cocktail on our UK list, but one that gets its name from a French liquor.

Crème de Mûre is made from plump blackberries, and it gives the Bramble its signature purple hue and taste. It has lemon juice and simple syrup for sweet and sour notes, and it’s garnished with a blackberry and lemon slice. The British Bramble cocktail is a 1980s classic, but it always feels modern—whatever the era.  

7. Espresso Martini

Coffee and booze are best friends, and there’s no greater example of this than the Espresso Martini recipe. It was invented in the 1980s at Fred’s Club in London. Legend has it bartender Dick Bradsell mixed it up for a top model. She wanted something with a kick that would wake her up, and this classic British cocktail was born.

It’s a gorgeous blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, and a touch of simple syrup. It’s sexy and seductive, and you can start your night with a few or end it with one. This coffee bomb is a modern classic, and everyone should try the Espresso Martini at least once in their lifetime.  

Go pro: 9 Creative Espresso Martini Variations

8. John Collins

If you’re ever in the mood to go down the hazy rabbit hole of cocktail history, read up on the family of Collins cocktails. We’ll spare you the details, but here’s the TL; DR version. John and Tom are the two most popular varieties of the drink, but there’s still confusion between them. The John Collins originally featured gin, but when the recipe was written down, Old Tom gin was used, and the name changed to Tom Collins.

So, John became Tom and they both featured gin, but Tom’s gin was sweetened, and John’s gin was dry. And then at some point, the gin-based John Collins was modernized, and it became a bourbon John Collins. Now there’s a divide between gin John fans and bourbon John fans. Simple, right? We think both versions are awesome, and if anything, it shows the versatility of a great cocktail recipe—spirit, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.   

9. Buck’s Fizz

They say that great minds often drink alike, and Buck’s Fizz is a classic example of this. It was invented in 1921 at Buck’s Club in London. And then invented again four years later in Paris and called a Mimosa. For whatever reason, the rebranding took off and today no brunch is complete without them. But never forget that if it wasn’t for good old grandpappy Buck, brunch would not be as appealing as it is today!   

10. Vesper Martini

We started this list with a James Bond Martini reference, so it’s fitting that we end with his own creation— the Vesper Martini. In true over-the-top style, 007’s Martini features both gin and vodka with a splash of vermouth. As always, he prefers it shaken to stirred, even though stirring is the preferred method for mixing a Martini. Shaking produces too many ice crystals, dilutes the drink, and it changes the overall texture of the cocktail—sorry, James. As always, don’t forget a thin slice of lemon and serve the Vesper Martini as cold as possible.

11. Gin & Tonic

The classic Gin & Tonic is always a treat, especially on a sunny day over a lingering lunch. Build this simple sipper by pouring 2 oz Bulldog Gin over ice in a highball glass and topping it off with 6 – 8 oz of your tonic water of choice. Add some lemon slices or lemon peel for a zesty finish.

Modern twists on classic British cocktails

12. Earl Grey MarTEAni Cocktail

If you like your iced tea cocktails quite sophisticated, the Earl Grey MarTEAni should be at the top of your list. This unique variation on the classic Gin Sour Cocktail combines 1.5 oz Earl Grey tea-infused gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and one egg white. The gin is infused with a quarter cup of Earl Grey tea leaves for two hours to impart its flavor, strained, and used in the cocktail afterward.

13. London Fog

The London Fog is one of celeb bartender Tris Fini’s favorite mezcal cocktails that they serve at Campari House in the UK. This riff on the classic Negroni features a unique blend of flavors that show off the amazing earthiness of Montelobos Mezcal in a rare and captivating way.

14. Yuzu Gin & Tonic

A simple yet striking riff on everyone’s favorite summertime sipper, the Yuzu Gin & Tonic delivers crisp citrus with every sip. Fill a Collins glass with ice, then pour in 1.5 oz gin and 0.5 oz yuzu juice.  Stir gently as you slowly top with tonic water, letting the bubbles settle to prevent overflow. Stir one last time to fully blend the flavors. Serve and enjoy. 

Learn more: What Is Yuzu? Everything You Need to Know

15. Elderflower & Herb Cooler

Elderflower cocktails are perfect for spring, and the Elderflower & Herb cooler takes this drink format into an exciting flavor space. Ideal for batching, it’s easy to turn into a jug for simple serving. Add rosemary and thyme leaves to an empty ice cube tray along with edible flowers. Fill the tray with water, and put it in the freezer. Combine 2 oz elderflower cordial, 5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 5 oz Bulldog Gin in a serving jug with your floral ice. Stir until well-combined, then pour into serving glasses and top it off with club soda before serving. 

British spirits & ingredients that define these cocktails

You’ll notice a few common threads running through these iconic British cocktails. From juniper-led gins to quirky homegrown flavors, these ingredients have serious street cred behind the bar. Here’s a closer look at the true stars of the show:

Gin

It’s impossible to talk about British cocktails without giving gin the spotlight it deserves. From the classic London Dry style to more modern botanical-forward blends, gin is the backbone of many of the UK’s most beloved cocktails. Bulldog Gin, in particular, is a stand-out. With its bold profile and hints of dragon eye, poppy, and lavender, it’s got the punch and poise to carry a Martini, Bramble, or G&T with swagger. It’s British to the core and endlessly versatile.

Sloe Berries

These tart little gems are a staple of the British countryside and a game-changer in cocktails. Sloe gin, made by steeping sloe berries in gin with sugar, is rich, deep, and slightly wild, perfect for a Sloe Gin Fizz. It’s got that unmistakable hedgerow charm that brings seasonal flair to any glass.

Blackberries

Blackberries crop up in a few cocktails for good reason — they’re juicy, tart, and loaded with flavour. In the Bramble, they come into their own thanks to Crème de Mûre, a blackberry liqueur that adds that beautiful berry depth. It’s a nod to British foraging culture and gives the drink its signature look.

Tea

No British list would be complete without a cuppa making an appearance. Infused into gin, Earl Grey brings delicate floral and citrus notes that elevate the Earl Grey MarTEAni into something classy with a touch of mischief. It’s proof that tea doesn’t just belong in teapots.

Citrus

Lemon plays a supporting role in plenty of British cocktails, from Gimlets to John Collins, and for good reason. It adds brightness, balance, and just the right amount of zing. The British might not grow it, but they sure know how to use it.

Elderflower

Floral, fragrant, and effortlessly elegant, elderflower has found its place in modern British cocktail culture. Whether in cordial or liqueur form, it lends an almost ethereal quality to drinks like the Elderflower & Herb Cooler. It’s soft and floral without being fussy.

How to pair British cocktails with food

British food doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but when done right, it’s comforting, flavorful, and an ideal match for the cocktails on this list. Whether you’re setting up a garden party or digging into a proper pub lunch, here’s how to pair some classic British bites with standout sips:

Fish and chips

The salt, vinegar, and flaky richness of fish and chips call for something zippy to cut through the fat. A classic Gin & Tonic is a crisp counterpoint, while a John Collins brings just enough citrus and bubbles to keep things lively without overpowering the meal.

Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding

Hearty and full of umami, a roast beef Sunday lunch needs a cocktail that can stand its ground. The Red Dragon adds a punch of citrus and botanicals to cleanse the palate between bites, while a Whiskey Ginger brings smooth spice and a warming kick that pairs well with roasted meat.

Afternoon tea spread

Finger sandwiches, buttery scones, and clotted cream are made for a delicate yet flavorful cocktail pairing. The Sloe Gin Fizz adds fruitiness without being too sweet, while the Earl Grey MarTEAni echoes the tea-time vibe with its floral aroma and silky texture.

Toad in the hole

This savory dish of sausages baked in batter needs something with depth and zing. The Bramble adds just enough berry brightness to lift the richness, while the smoky-sweet London Fog plays nicely with the sausage without getting lost in the mix.

Sticky toffee pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is bold, sticky, and rich, basically a dream come true. The Espresso Martini gives it an after-dinner coffee twist, while Buck’s Fizz brings effervescence and citrus that offers a bit of balance and keeps things from getting too heavy.

Cheese and pickle sandwich

This classic British sandwich is savory, tangy, and oddly satisfying. A well-made Martini adds sharpness and elegance to the pairing, while the Vesper Martini leans into that complexity, holding its own against the bold cheddar and chutney combo.

Full English breakfast

Hear us out, the cocktail brunch is totally a thing. The Yuzu Gin & Tonic adds brightness and a modern edge that cuts through bacon and eggs like a dream. Meanwhile, the Gimlet’s lime-forward punch balances the saltiness and richness of the full English with style.

In short, British cocktails are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. It’s a nod to the past with one foot firmly planted in the here and now. From the seafaring roots of the Gimlet to the stylish boldness of the Espresso Martini, each drink tells a story worth sipping. Whether you’re shaking up something classic or giving it your own twist, these cocktails are built to be played with. Try them with your favorite pub grub, or serve them at your next garden gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment, that’s half the fun!

If you’re looking to kick things off with the right gin, the Bulldog Gin website is a brilliant place to start. It’s bold, botanical, and made to mix. Head over to the Bulldog Gin website and sign up for the newsletter to stay in the mix with fresh recipes, barside tips, and exclusive updates.