Probably the first dry gin cocktails invented was a simple mix of gin and Angostura Bitters, which is credited to the captain and surgeon of the HMS Hercules in the early 1800s, followed by its use in the still-popular Pimms in the middle of the 19th century.
This time period also saw it first mixed with lime, as a way to help combat the threat of scurvy in sailors.
In 1874, the first Tom Collins was served in London, still a popular item in any London cocktail bar – soon followed by the dry martini. Early in the 1900s saw the first Singapore Sling and the Negroni – those old-fashioned dry gin cocktails have truly stood the test of time.
