Spanish Gin Tonic
gin
What is a Spanish Gin Tonic?
A classic gin and tonic or more appropriately called Spanish Gin Tonic is always a favourite of mine and always comes garnished with lime or lemon wedge always refreshing and oh so good. A Spanish gin and tonic has basically the same components of a classic (part gin, part high quality tonic - standard has 2 ounces of gin per drink and 5-8 ounces of tonic water) except they are garnished with some extra botanicals and or aromatics. It can be served in highball, or rocks glass but typically made in a balloon glass or Copa de bacon. The wide mouth wine glass allow you to pack in loads of garnishes and highlights the drink’s aromatics with each sip. If you are a fan a good G & T you will love Spanish gin tonics too! The cocktail as you can tell from the name originated in Spain. Apparently (according to alcoholprofessor.com) chefs in Spain would take their gin and tonics into the kitchen and as they would cook and chop up ingredients, they would toss them into their drinks, whether that is a true story or not can’t be confirmed but if it is, it totally makes sense.
Spanish Gin Tonic components
There are so many way you can make a Spanish gin and tonic. The combination of flavours is endless. The things you must consider when building your Spanish gin and tonic is the type of gin you are using and the flavour background of it. for example I used Empress Gin in this one and its very citrus and juniper forward so played up those flavours when choosing my aromatics. Once you have your gin picked out then you can pick out then you can determine its botanical profile, and decide what dried add-in might perfect it. Then add one or two at most. Once you have your gin picked make sure to choose a good tonic - one that you enjoy drinking and if you use an infused tonic water like a lavender or elderflower one make sure to consider this when choosing your aromatics. Then comes the fun part choosing the Citrus/Fruit, the Fresh Herbs and the Spices plus a savoury component too if you wish.
How to Make a Spanish Gin Tonic
- Fill a glass with ice and add the gin and tonic water. The ratio of gin and tonic is up to your taste and can be adjusted. Stir gently to combine. Garnish.
How to Garnish a Classic Gin and Tonic
I like to serve my gin tonics in the style of a Spanish Gin tonic. In a large wine glass or balloon glass with the following garnishes for flavor. Sometimes I will have a gin tonic station set up for guests with all the different add ins so that they can build their own cocktail.
- Fresh Fruit/Citus add ins: lemon, lime, grapefruit, yuzu, tangerine, kumquat, etc in slices wedges, or wheels. Orange or lemon twist is also welcome. Peaches and berries are also some fun add ins too. Dehydrated and candied fruit or citrus peel can also be added.
- Fresh herbs & Botanicals - rosemary, mint, basil, thyme, lavender, lemon verbena, sage, hibiscus flower and any other edible flowers
- Spices - star anise, cloves, pink peppercorns, white peppercorns, juniper, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, whole star anise
- Other - some choose to add more savoury components like sliced cucumber or Chile peppers and even olives
Here are some more fun cocktails:
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 5 oz good quality Tonic Water ( I used Fever-tree tonic)
- 2 dashes of bitters (I use angostura bitters)
- 2 slices of citrus (I used lemon and orange)
- 1 stem of aromatic herbs (I used rosemary)
- ½ teaspoon dried juniper berries
- Ice cubes
Directions
- Fill a ballon glass or highball glass halfway with ice (chilled glass if possible)
- Squeeze one slice of citrus into glass and discard, add the other slice to glass, the juniper berries, and fresh herbs to the glass.
- Pour gin into the glass.
- Add the tonic and stir before drinking.
Recipe Notes
- For more infused flavour: Place your aromatic in the palm of one hand and slap it firmly with the other hand, then add it to the glass.
- Please use as little or a much as you prefer of the gin and tonic and add ins.
