National Gin and Tonic Day (April 9th) is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this refreshing cocktail. It’s a simple drink to make, but it packs a punch. While many people enjoy this drink during the summer months, it can also be enjoyed year round since there are so many different variations. Today we’ll focus on four recipes that can be made at home with just a few ingredients.
1. The Classic Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonic is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries. It’s the perfect drink to sip on if you are looking for something refreshing, light, and easy to enjoy. If you’ve ever ordered a gin and tonic at a bar, this is likely how it was prepared. Even with this simple recipe, a gin and tonic have a variety of different flavors depending on what type of gin you choose.
- Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz gin and 4-6 oz tonic water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
2. Cucumber Gin and Tonic
Cucumber goes wonderfully with gin, and is actually the recommended garnish by some gin brands (such as Hendrick’s). Adding a cucumber brings out the botanical notes in the gin while giving an extra freshness that will have you reaching for another drink before you know it! If you want more cucumber flavor, then try muddling the cucumbers into the drink.
- Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz gin and 4-6 oz tonic water.
- Add 3 thinly-slice cucumber rounds.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with lemon wedge.
3. Spicy Gin and Tonic
Everyone loves gin and tonics, but what happens when you want to make them spicier? This recipe gets a little hotter, and a little more complicated. Want it spicier? – keep the seeds in the jalapeno.
- De-seed 3 jalapeno slices.
- Combine 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 2 jalapeno slices into a mixing glass.
- Muddle the jalapeno in the mixing glass.
- Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice.
- Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the ice-filled rocks glass.
- Add 4-6 oz tonic water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with a jalapeno slice and cucumber round.
4. Elderflower Gin and Tonic
This drink is a variation of the classic that adds elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is a popular brand worth trying). Elderflower is a fragrant flower that blooms in the springtime, and the liqueur provides a nice sweetness and aroma that works well in many cocktails. If you still want it sweeter, then increase the amount of elderflower liqueur.
- Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice.
- Add 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 4-6 oz tonic water.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
And there it is! Go and celebrate National Gin & Tonic Day in style.
Looking for other garnish ideas? Rosemary, lavender, mint, and grapefruit also work well with lots of gins.
Looking for recommendations on gin or tonic water brands? Check out our buying guide here.
