Best Gin Cocktails for the Australian Grand Prix

Best Gin Cocktails for the Australian Grand Prix

F1 Cocktail Guide

BY KAT CHRISOULIS

Race day calls for fast cars, good company, and well-mixed drinks. Whether you’re hosting a Grand Prix viewing party or just looking for the perfect race-day refreshment, gin-based cocktails are the ultimate way to keep things sophisticated, refreshing, and effortlessly stylish. 

From bold, Negroni-inspired sips to zesty highballs and even a big-batch option perfect for a crowd, these gin-forward drinks will keep the energy high and the celebrations going long after the chequered flag drops. 

Race-Day Gin & Tonic

A great race starts with a great G&T, and this expertly crafted pairing—featuring All Day Dry Gin from Laneway Beverage Co.—is made for long afternoons watching the action unfold.



Ingredients

Method

  1. Fill a glass with ice. 
  2. Pour in the gin, top with tonic, and stir gently. 
  3. Garnish with a dehydrated blood orange slice for a touch of race-day drama. 

Why it works: The zesty citrus notes of the gin pair beautifully with the herbal complexity of the tonic, creating a balanced and refreshing sip that’s perfect for all-day drinking.

Read more about our March 2025 Gin Of The Month: Laneway Beverage Co.'s All Day Dry Gin

The "Pit Stop Paloma"

A gin-based twist on the classic Paloma, this is bright, zesty, and made for warm afternoons and high-speed excitement.

Ingredients 

  • 45ml Gin (We recommend Tropical Monsoon Gin) 
  • 15ml Simple syrup 
  • Midnight Mixers Grapefruit Soda 
  • Ice 

Garnish 

  • Himalayan pink salt rim 
  • Dehydrated grapefruit (Shop here) 
  • Sprig of rosemary 

Method 

  1. Rim your favourite gin glass with Himalayan pink salt. 
  2. Fill with ice, then add gin, simple syrup, and grapefruit soda. 
  3. Stir to combine, and garnish with dehydrated grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary. 

Why it works: The tropical, citrus-forward flavours of the gin balance perfectly with the tart grapefruit soda, making this a refreshing, easy-to-drink highball for race day.

The Fast Lane Negroni

A classic Negroni is all about precision, balance, and boldness—just like a championship-winning F1 team.

Ingredients 

  • 30ml Gin
  • 30ml Sweet vermouth 
  • 30ml Campari 
  • Ice & an orange twist to garnish 

Method 

  1. Stir gin, vermouth, and Campari over ice until well-chilled. 
  2. Strain into a short glass over fresh ice. 
  3. Garnish with an orange twist. 

Want to lighten it up? Top with soda for a Negroni Sbagliato (but with gin, obviously). 

Why it works: The bitter-sweet depth of the Negroni makes it a perfect slow-sipping cocktail, ideal for those who like their drinks as bold as their racing. 

The Pole Position Punch

A big batch cocktail is a host’s best friend—especially when race-day excitement is at its peak. This gin-based Aperol Spritz is easy to make, incredibly refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients 

Garnish 

Method 

  1. In a large punch bowl or pitcher, combine gin, Aperol, and prosecco. 
  2. Add soda water and plenty of ice. 
  3. Garnish with fresh and dehydrated orange slices. 

Hosting tip: Serve in a large jug or punch bowl with a ladle so guests can help themselves. 

Bonus Lap: Quick-Fire Gin Spritz Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these quick variations on a gin spritz, perfect for keeping things fresh between laps. 

"Monaco Spritz" – Swap Aperol for Lillet Blanc and top with prosecco and soda for a lighter, more floral twist. 

"Checkered Flag Spritz" – Use blood orange gin, Aperol, and grapefruit soda for a deeper citrus flavour. 

"Pit Lane Cooler" – Try gin, elderflower liqueur, soda water, and cucumber slices for a crisp, herbaceous take. 

Want more?🍸 Take our Gin Quiz to find the perfect pour for your Grand Prix party—because every race deserves a winning drink!

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