A classic gin and tonic is always a safe bet when you’re having a night out, but sometimes you need more than basic; fortunately a gin and tonic is a perfect blank slate for any number of flavour combinations. There’s a world of options at your fingertips, and exploring what works for you is half the fun.
But for those that need a bit of a kickstart, we’ve got five creative options that showcase how different a gin and tonic can become with just a few extra ingredients.
Elderflower Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 4 oz tonic
- 0.75 oz elderflower liqueur
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Method: Add all ingredients in a glass over lots of ice and stir gently until chilled and combined. Garnish with a sprig of elderflowers or a slice of lemon.
Lemon and Coriander Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 0.5 tsp coriander seeds
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 3.5 oz Tonic Water
- Pinch of mixed peppercorns
Method: Put a cast iron frying pan or heavy non-stick pan over a high heat and allow it to get hot. Cut the lemon into quarters and place them cut side down in the hot pan. Once the lemon is charred, turn to char the other cut edge. Remove from the pan and cool.
Put the rosemary, coriander seeds and gin into a cocktail shaker or measuring jug. Use a wooden spoon to lightly bash the aromatics. Add some ice into your glass and strain the gin in. Top up with tonic water, stir briefly and add in your charred lemon quarters. Serve immediately with a small pinch of whole peppercorns.
Pineapple Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
- 2 pineapple wheels
- 1.5 oz gin
- 2.25 oz pineapple juice
- Tonic water
- 1 lime
Method: Grill the pineapple wheels for 5 minutes before turning them over. Continue grilling until they are lightly browned, smoky and caramelized. Cut one wheel of pineapple into wedges and muddle in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, gin and juice. Shake for two minutes. Strain into a glass with ice. Top up with tonic water and add a squeeze of lime. Garnish with the remaining grilled pineapple wheel and/or a mint leaf.
Cucumber Mint Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
- 3 sprigs of mint
- 2 inch piece of cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
- 2 oz gin
- Tonic water
- Wedge of cucumber
Method: Strip leaves from two sprigs of mint and place in the bottom of a highball glass along with cucumber. Muddle with a muddling stick or the handle of a wooden spoon. Fill a glass with ice. Pour gin over ice, top off glass with tonic, stirring once, and garnish with remaining mint sprig and thin cucumber wedge.
Rosemary and Thyme Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 40 oz tonic
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 sprigs of thyme and rosemary
- 1 lemon
Method: Add the simple syrup to a glass filled with ice along with the gin, tonic, and a squeeze of lemon, then stir for at least 30 seconds. Add a twist of lemon peel and a sprig of the herbs, to garnish.
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