It’s funny how both gin and tonic were once natural remedies pre-1800s. Gin became the catch-all cure for many ailments thanks to the juniper berries that form the base of this wonderful spirit. And tonic was the best way to get your dose of quinine, a bitter substance that was used to treat malaria. In fact, quinine is still used today as an alternative treatment. And gin? Well, some studies do indicate health benefits, but don’t expect your doctor to recommend it as a catch-all cure.
That being said, today, gin and tonic are a match made in heaven. The bitterness of tonic mixed with the stark juniper flavour of gin makes for a beautifully dry concoction – even more so with botanical gin. But gin and tonic doesn’t have to be as plain as it sounds. We think you should get creative and add extra flavours that dance on your palate.
So, in celebration of World Gin and Tonic Day, we’ve partnered with Grant from Sydney’s best gin bar, Gin Lane, to share five creative and easy gin and tonic cocktail recipes with a twist!
Photographed by Milena Ugrinova. Image via Shutterstock
Springtime
The weather is warming up, and the flowers are stretching their petals. Welcome to spring! To make the most of the floral season, wrap your lips around this Springtime gin and tonic recipe.
Ingredients:
30mL Citadelle Original Gin
15mL Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur
Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water
Favourite edible flower, to garnish
Ice
Method:
In a stemmed balloon glass:
1. Fill with ice.
2. Add gin and Fiorente Elderflower Liqueur.
3. Top with tonic water and stir.
4. Garnish with your favourite edible flower.
Image: Supplied by Gin Lane
Refresher
Spring is also a time for refreshing your body and mind, and your palate. This particular gin and tonic mix is designed to do just that, pinching the cheeks with dry bitterness and washing it clean with cucumber. A must try recipe for those new to g&t’s!
Ingredients:
30mL Tanqueray Gin
20mL cucumber syrup
Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water
Watermelon and cucumber to garnish
Ice
Method:
In a tall glass:
1. Fill with ice.
2. Add gin and cucumber syrup.
3. Top with tonic water and stir.
4. Garnish with watermelon and cucumber.
Photographed by Brent Hofacker. Image via Shutterstock
Blossom
Taking inspiration from the famous Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, this gin and tonic recipe will rouge your cheeks. Teeming with rose and burgeoning with the unique botanicals of Hendrick’s Gin, this baby is called Blossom — and it really does!
Ingredients:
30mL Hendrick’s Dry Gin
20mL rose syrup
Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water
A fresh cherry
Ice
Method:
In a short glass:
1. Fill with ice.
2. Add gin and liqueur.
3. Top up with tonic water and stir.
4. Garnish with a cherry on top.
Image: Supplied by Gin Lane
Royale & Tonic
Champion the royalty inside with this simple and elegant gin and tonic cocktail recipe. It’s decidedly bittersweet as it is creative, swimming between the fruity flavours of Tanqueray Royale and dry tonic water. Topped with berries and it’s perfect for spring!
Ingredients:
30mL Tanqueray Blackcurrant Royale
Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water
Blueberries, blackberries and blackcurrants
Ice
Method:
In a stemmed balloon glass:
1. Fill with ice.
2. Add berries and the Tanqueray Gin.
3. Top with tonic water and stir.
4. Garnish with fresh mint.
Image: Supplied by Gin Lane
Dirty G&T
Even we have to admit that not everyone loves flowers, springtime and sweetness. It doesn’t mean you’re dark, just particularly sophisticated. If you have a discerning taste for stark flavours, why not try this Dirty G&T – a combination of a gin and tonic meets a martini, with a twist of course!
Ingredients:
30mL Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin
20mL olive brine
Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water
Olives, fresh rosemary, lemon, and samphire
Ice
Method:
In a tall glass:
1. Fill with ice.
2. Add gin and olive brine.
3. Top with tonic water.
4. Garnish with olives, rosemary, lemon, and samphire.
Gin Lane
16A Kensington St, Chippendale, NSW 2008
0415 122 113
Website
If you’re looking for new gins to add to your home bar, check out these 8 Best Australian Gin Brands to Try in 2023! Rather leave it to the professionals? Then be sure to order your favourite gin and tonic recipe at the 17 Best Gin Bars around Australia of 2023.
Needing to put a twist on your happy hour? Perk yourself up with a gin and tonic!