5 Recipes To Spice Up Your Gin And Tonic
Gin and tonics are surprisingly more versatile than you think. The simple combination can absorb so much flavor, that it’s actually quite easy to spice up your G&T for whenever you’re feeling frisky. We’ve gathered up five different recipes for you to try the next time you want to jazz up this cocktail classic.
1. Mint, Cucumber, and Lime
This recipe is one of the easiest (and arguably most common) ways to spice up your gin and tonic. There is something about the combination of mint, lime and cucumber slices that elevates the refreshing quality of a classic G&T. It’s like the alcoholic version of an infused spa water. Before you get started, make sure you have a cocktail shaker. It’s easier to muddle the ingredients that infuse the flavors together. First, you’ll add some mint leaves, a lime wedge, one and a half ounces of gin into the shaker, and a few thin cucumber slices. You can add a tablespoon of sugar if you’re craving some sweetness to your gin and tonic. Shake, shake, shake. Pour the mixture over a glass with some ice and your preferred tonic water. Stir. Enjoy.
2. Grapefruit and Pink Peppercorn
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous – or if you are a lover of pretty and pink drinks – this gin and tonic recipe is for you. All you’ll need to recreate this G&T is a lot of ice, a sprinkle of pink peppercorns, a few slices of fresh grapefruit, an ounce and a half of your favorite gin, and tonic water to top your glass off!
3. Ginger and Star Anise
This gin and tonic recipe is not for the faint-hearted. To recreate this bold drink, you’re going to first need your potato peeler to create wide zesty strips from your orange. After you’ve peeled your orange, slice it into quarters and place them into your cocktail shaker. Cut your fresh ginger into four thick slices, but only putting in two into your shaker (the rest you’ll save for later.) Add in one-star anise, some ice, and three ounces of gin. Shake, shake, shake – and you’re ready to pour the mixture into two glasses. Top it off with your orange zest and your preferred tonic water.
4. Elderflower
For this gin and tonic recipe, you are going to need elderflower flavored tonic water. Schweppes and Fever Tree both create this kind of tonic, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find at your local grocery store. First, you’re going to squeeze one grapefruit slice into your glass and then add some ice. Slice up another grapefruit wedge and toss it into the cup, alongside a sprig of rosemary and a handful of juniper berries. Pour two ounces of your preferred gin, and top it off with your elderflower tonic. Stir. Enjoy.
5. Charred Lemon and Rosemary
This gin and tonic recipe is going to require a little more prep time since you will be charring lemon halves onto your cast iron (or stainless steel skillet.) I promise it’ll be worth the extra two minutes. Place your cast iron and set it to high heat. Slice your lemon in half and add them face side down, cooking for about two to three minutes. You want to make sure it’s well-charred. After the slices have cooled, place them into two separate glasses with rosemary sprigs and some sugar. Muddle them with a spoon. Pour in two ounces of your favorite gin into each glass, and top it off with some ice and your preferred tonic water. Cheers.
