I’ve been too busy sipping on whisky highballs that I have neglected gin and tonic serves. The change of season is a good time to jazz up your classic G&T and give it an autumn twist. Fall brings lovely flavours and aromas to play with, many that pair nicely with the botanicals of the gins. And with any leftover syrups, you can make autumn sours, flavoured Old Fashioneds or other seasonal cocktails.
Seasonal Gin & Tonic Recipes
For a G&T you want a tonic water that is not overpowering with bitterness and other flavours – you should be looking for something that complements the gin. Choose a tonic made with natural ingredients and without artificial sweeteners. Most tonic waters have a slight lemony taste, but they should be well balanced and easy enough to drink on their own.
One of my favourite tonic water brands is Doctor Polidori, although it can be harder to find in some countries. They have an excellent Dry Tonic and a Cucumber Tonic. Also, Fever-Tree is always a safe choice, especially if you are looking for flavoured options such as Mediterranean Tonic or Elderflower. Double Dutch has interesting flavours in soda waters and tonics, worth exploring.
Fig & Thyme G&T
20ml Fig & Thyme Syrup
35ml Gin (I used Amarula African Gin)
Tonic Water
Lemon & Thyme
Measure the syrup and gin into an ice-filled glass and give it a stir. Add more ice if needed and top up with tonic water. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh thyme.
Fig & Thyme Syrup
Ideally this syrup is made with fresh figs, but you can substitute with fig jam or dried figs if necessary. Note that figs don’t ripen once picked, so make sure you choose nice and soft, purple ones.
Simply add sugar, water, a little squeeze of lemon and figs to a saucepan. Muddle the figs gently to release all the flavour. Stir on low heat until the sugar has dissolved. If you have any vanilla essence, a little drop of that can also be added for a little extra flavour. Take off the heat, add thyme sprigs, stir, and cover with a lid. Leave to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Strain and store.
Apple & Cinnamon G&T
35ml Gin (I used Caorunn Gin)
20ml Cloudy Apple Juice
Cinnamon Stick
Apple Slices
Tonic Water (also Mediterranean Tonic would work here)
Simply build over ice, give it a stir and garnish. You can also replace the tonic with soda water for a lighter version.
Spiced Pear Gin & Tonic
40ml Gin (I used Kirkjuvagr Orkney Gin)
20ml Spiced Pear Juice*
Elderflower Tonic Water
Pear Slice
Infuse the pear juice with winter spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Once you’re happy with the flavours, strain and store in the fridge.
Measure gin and juice into an ice-filled glass and give it a stir. Add more ice and top up with tonic water. Garnish with a pear slice.
Spiced Pumpkin G&T
50ml Spiced Gin (I used Opihr Far East Edition)
7.5-10ml Spiced Pumpkin Syrup (I used Monin)
Orange slice
Cloves
Tonic Water
Simply measure all into a glass filled with ice, stir and top up with tonic water. Garnish with orange slice with cloves. You can also replace the tonic with soda water for lighter version.
Do you have a favourite autumnal gin and tonic serve?
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