There are some pairings that are globally known and appreciated. Chandler and Joey from the FRIENDS universe, mac and cheese from the food world, and Gin and Tonic if we talk about alcohol.
The Gin and Tonic is one popular cocktail with a rich history to it, and adding a variation to this classic cocktail can definitely create some fun drinks. Here are some of the best Gin & Tonic recipe variations for International Gin & Tonic day.
8 Best Gin & Tonic Recipe Variations
- The Classic G&T
- Grapefruit & Pink Peppercorn G&T
- Pink Rose G&T
- Posh G&T
- Blueberry And Mint G&T
- Peppermint G&T
- Peach And Thyme G&T
- Roasted Pineapple G&T
A Brief History Of International Gin And Tonic Day
This interesting cocktail was discovered in the early 1800s as a medicinal drink. When the Britishers came to India, malaria was at its peak. A Scottish doctor recommended Quinine (a flavored component of tonic water) be used as medicine to treat it.
It was extremely bitter in nature so the Britishers started adding gin, sugar, water, and lime to it. Not only did it help with Malaria but it also became a popular British drink.
Over the years it took the world by storm, until International G&T day was declared in 2011 to celebrate the history of the drink. It’s celebrated every year on October 19 with a virtual party and people coming together to share their G&T stories and pictures.
The Classic G&T
It won’t be fair to start talking about Gin and Tonic recipe variations without mentioning the OG. The classic G&T is where it all began and it still remains one of the most loved cocktails across the globe.
Its popularity has a lot to do with its simple method and delicious taste. If you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely need to! Here are the ingredients you’ll need along with a simple recipe.
Ingredients
- Gin (3 ounces)
- Tonic water (4 ounces)
- Lime wedges (3)
- Lemon (for garnishing)
How To Make The Classic G&T
- Take a Highball glass and pour gin into it.
- Now, fill it with ice.
- Squeeze the lime wedges.
- Add some tonic water to the glass.
- Garnish it with sliced lemon and enjoy.
Also Read: Love A Good Gin & Tonic? Try These 6 Indian Tonic Water Brands
Grapefruit & Pink Peppercorn Gin & Tonic
This is a vibrant and fruity twist to your regular G&T and it’s as easy as the original one. This cocktail looks stunning and will definitely be perfect if you enjoy experimenting with different flavors.
The preparation will hardly take you minutes and requires no specific tools. So, read on and make yourself this fun variation of a Gin & Tonic.
Ingredients
- Gin (1 ounce)
- Grapefruit tonic (3 ounces)
- Pink peppercorns (for garnishing)
How To Make Grapefruit & Pink Peppercorn Gin & Tonic
- Take a cocktail glass and add the gin.
- Now, add the grapefruit tonic.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Garnish your cocktail with pink peppercorns.
- Voila! Your pretty pink cocktail is ready to be enjoyed.
Also Read: 5 Reasons To Try Gin And Tonic
Pink Rose Gin & Tonic
Another pink variation to the Gin and Tonic, this cocktail has subtle floral flavors. It’s a refreshingly sweet drink that’ll be ideal for the summer. If you enjoy the rose flavor, this will definitely become your favorite variation of a classic Gin & Tonic.
This is a gorgeous drink that’ll be ideal to click a picture of and share on International Gin & Tonic day. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this Gin and Tonic recipe variation.
Ingredients
- Gin (1 ounce)
- Tonic water (½ ounce)
- Rose water infused cool syrup (1 ounce)
How To Make The Pink Rose G&T
- Take a cocktail shaker and add the ingredients.
- Now, fill it with ice.
- Shake it gently until all the ingredients are mixed.
- Take a chilled glass and pour your cocktail into it.
- Stir your drink gently.
- Garnish your pretty drink with rose petals and enjoy!
Also Read: World’s First Naturally Black Gin
Posh Gin & Tonic
A fancy and rich cousin to your regular G&T, the Posh Gin & Tonic definitely lives up to its name. With rich flavors and aromas, this drink lines itself up to become an undoubtable party favorite.
Posh G&T will help you create a great impression even when the preparation is as easy as it gets. Here’s how you can make this rich cocktail.
Ingredients
- Citrus-based gin (1 ounce)
- Tonic (3 ounces)
- Vermouth (1 tablespoon)
- Peach bitters (2 dashes)
- Berries (for garnishing)
How To Make Posh G&T
- Pour gin into a highball glass and add vermouth.
- Now, add the peach bitters.
- Top it with tonic water.
- Add some ice to the mix.
- Garnish your drink with fresh berries and enjoy!
Also Read: Gin Cocktail Recipes To Try
Blueberry And Mint Gin & Tonic
This colorful variation to your G&T will be a great addition to a house party or drinking night. It’s a summer cocktail with the taste of blueberry and mint.
You can definitely rely on this drink during a hot day where you want a G&T but not the bitterness. Here’s how you can make this delightful cocktail.
Ingredients
- Gin (1½ ounce)
- Tonic water (4 ounces)
- Frozen blueberries
- Lime juice (a few drops)
- Mint leaves (for garnishing)
How To Make Blueberry And Mint G&T
- Gently muddle a few blueberries in a cocktail glass.
- Add gin, tonic water, and ice.
- Now, add a few drops of lemon and stir gently.
- Garnish it with mint leaves and enjoy!
Also Read: Bombay Sapphire Launches A Canned G&T
Peppermint Gin & Tonic
When it comes to Gin and Tonic recipe variations, this is the one that’ll help you forget the summer heat.
The Peppermint G&T bustles with freshness and flavors, and has an easy recipe that hardly takes 10 minutes to make. Here is how you can make it.
Ingredients
- Gin (1½ ounce)
- Tonic (2 ounces)
- Peppermint tea (1 ounce)
- Mint sprig (for garnishing)
- Star anise (for garnishing)
How To Make The Peppermint G&T
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Pour the gin and peppermint tea into it.
- Now, top it up with tonic water.
- Garnish your G&T with mint sprig and star anise.
- Enjoy it cold!
Also Read: Indian Craft Gins To Try In 2022
Peach And Thyme G&T
Fruit cocktails are great in any weather. Peach is one fruit that can fit into the spirit of any season. Be it summer or autumn, the peach flavor goes well with almost everything because of its layered taste.
Combined, peach and thyme create a delicious blend of fruity freshness that will elevate your regular G&T. Here are the things you need to gather and steps to follow.
Ingredients
- Gin (1 ounce)
- Tonic (2 ounces)
- Freshly sliced peaches (3 – 4 slices)
- Fresh thyme (2 sprigs)
How To Make Peach And Thyme G&T
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
- Pour gin and tonic over the ice.
- Now, add the peach slices.
- Garnish it with sprigs of thyme and enjoy!
(If you want a stronger flavor of peach, you can also blend the peaches into a blender and strain the mix into the glass.)
Also Read: Beefeater Launches Peach And Raspberry Gin
Roasted Pineapple G&T
Last, but not least, pineapple is one flavor that goes with almost every variation of an alcoholic drink.
This deliciously fruity and smoky version of a G&T will require some extra effort but trust us, the result will be so worth it.
This drink will require some preparation and cocktail tools. Here are the ingredients and steps that can help you make this Roasted Pineapple G&T.
Ingredients
- Gin (1 ounce)
- Pineapple juice (1 ounce)
- Tonic water (3 ounces)
- Pineapple wheels (freshly sliced)
- Mint leaf (for garnishing)
How To Make Roasted Pineapple G&T
- Grill your pineapple wheels or BBQ them for 5 minutes.
- When they’re nicely browned and caramelized, cut them into wedges.
- Now, muddle the smoky wedges into a cocktail shaker.
- Add some gin, pineapple juice, and ice to it.
- Shake well.
- Strain it into a cocktail glass and add more ice.
- Top up your drink with tonic water.
- Garnish it with a mint leaf and say cheers!
Also Read: Top Gin Brands In India
Summing Up
Summing up simply, International G&T day is a great time to look at your nearby bars for interesting offers. But, if going to a bar or pub feels too excruciating, these Gin & Tonic recipe variations will definitely help you celebrate it.
Whether you decide to throw a house party or simply stay in with your G&T, don’t forget to celebrate this day and appreciate your favorite cocktail.
FAQs
Is Gin And Tonic Healthier Than Wine?
G&T started as a medicinal drink so it definitely has health benefits rooted in its history. If we compare it to wine, it’s lower in calories and sugar, so definitely a healthier choice.
Does The Gin Matter In A Gin And Tonic?
Gin is the main ingredient in a Gin and Tonic so, it definitely does matter. A good-quality gin can elevate the entire taste of your G&T. So, don’t hesitate to invest in top-shelf gin if you enjoy G&Ts.
Do You Stir A Gin And Tonic?
You neither stir nor shake a classic G&T. You simply pour all the ingredients into a highball glass and let them mix. If you want you can stir them briefly but it’s not necessary.
How Do You Make Tonic Water Taste Better?
You can add lemon or sugar to make tonic water taste better. You can also find flavored tonic waters in the market wherein the bitterness is reduced by using floral or fruity elements such as rose and citrus. India has several great homegrown tonic water brands for you to try!
How Do You Get The Bitterness Out Of Gin And Tonic?
The bitterness in Gin & Tonic comes from the quinine which is present in the tonic water. The bitterness can be easily reduced with a pinch of salt, drops of lemon, or even sugar. You can also try different flavored versions of G&T cocktails where the other flavors balance out the bitterness.
What Was Gin Originally Called?
Gin has come a long way. The name is taken from the french word genièvre which was used for juniper berry. The Dutch called it genever and the English shortened it to ‘gin’.
Is Club Soda The Same As Tonic Water?
Club soda and tonic water aren’t the same. While both of them are carbonated drinks, club soda contains added minerals but tonic water contains quinine and sugar instead.
What Is The Oldest Gin In The World?
Gordon’s is one of the oldest gins in the world. It was first produced in 1769 in London and still remains pretty popular.
