If you are new to drinking gin cocktails, I think you should keep things simple. Try it with club soda or tonic water. Use about 1 ounce (as it's much more flavorful than vodka) and add a little squeeze of lemon or lime. Mix it in a glass and give it a sip. You should be able to get the notes of the gin but the water will make it less aggressive. Tonic water will give it a little bit more sweetness than club soda. If you like the flavor, you can try it in a cocktail.