5 Modern Gin And Tonic Twists For Your Next Cocktail Party
Of the different gin based cocktails, one of the classics which retains its enduring popularity is the gin and tonic. This is a gin cocktail known for its crisp flavours, light aromas and subtle complexity and has even earned a whole day in its honour. International Gin and Tonic Day which falls on 19 September 2025 offers a chance to explore the possibilities of this cocktail in more depth.
Modern day gin cocktail recipes complete with a touch of ginger, floral elements like roses and savoury touches of cucumbers can turn the classic gin and tonic cocktail into a trend-setting drink at the next cocktail party you host. Here’s more on crafting modern gin and tonic variations, complete with flavours that add crisp touches and spiced, herbal flavour accents into the straightforward cocktail:
Grapefruit And Rosemary Gin And Tonic
A zesty, aromatic cocktail complete with bright and bittersweet flavours, this is a drink with a sophisticated touch that comes from the tanginess of grapefruit peels and the piney hints of rosemary.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml London Dry gin
- 90 ml tonic water
- A pink grapefruit peel
- Small rosemary sprig
- Ice as required
Method:
– In a tall highball glass filled with ice, add 30 ml London Dry gin and stir in 90 ml tonic water. Finish the drink off with a pink grapefruit peel and a small rosemary sprig garnish.
Lavender And Blueberry Pink Gin And Tonic
Bring together a subtly flavoured, blush pink gin with aromatic, floral hints of lavender and fruity, tangy tones of blueberries to make an elegant, fragrant and slightly sweet version of the classic gin and tonic.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml pink gin
- 90 ml tonic water
- 3-4 blueberries
- Dried lavender sprigs for garnish
- Ice as required
Method:
– In a cocktail mixer, muddle 3-4 blueberries with 30 ml pink gin. Strain this mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice and top it off with 90 ml tonic water. Garnish with dried lavender sprigs for a floral touch.
Also Read: Gin And Tonic & British Pub Classics: A Pairing Guide For Beginners
Ginger And Lime Leaf Gin and Tonic
A trendy cocktail carrying a zesty, spicy and fresh edge, this drink can be prepared by infusing a crisp gin with fresh ginger and an aromatic kaffir lime leaf. The cocktail acquires quite a spiced and punch-like layered flavour that lends it a slightly savoury twist.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml gin
- 90 ml tonic water
- 2-3 slices of fresh ginger
- 1 kaffir lime leaf
- Ice as required
Method:
– In a cocktail mixer, blend 30 ml gin and 2-3 slices of fresh ginger to release the spiced oils. Strain the mix into a highball glass filled with ice and garnish the drink with an aromatic kaffir lime.
Peppercorn And Orange Gin And Tonic
Zesty, spiced and citrusy, peppercorn and orange is an interesting combination to bring together in a gin and tonic cocktail. The botanical-led flavours of the spirit would complement the spiced touch of peppercorns, which would in turn be brightened by the citrusy, acidic touch of orange peels.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml London Dry Gin
- 90 ml tonic water
- 4-5 crushed peppercorns
- An orange peel twist
- Ice as required
Method:
– In a cocktail shaker, bring together 30 ml London Dry Gin and 4-5 crushed peppercorns. Stir well and transfer into a highball glass filled with ice. Top this off with 90 ml tonic water and garnish with an orange peel twist.
Cucumber And Basil Gin And Tonic
Fresh, green and scented with the mild aroma of savoury basil, a cucumber and basil gin and tonic can be prepared as a crisp, modern-day, herbal variation of the cocktail. This drink, with its layered, cucumbery flavours brings a lightly vegetal flavour into the cocktail glass, lending it a slight herbal and savoury depth.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Gordon’s London Dry Gin (or any other high quality gin)
- 90 ml tonic water
- A cucumber ribbon
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- Ice as required
Method:
– In a cocktail mixer, muddle 2 fresh basil leaves with 30 ml gin. Line a cocktail glass with a cucumber ribbon. Fill it with ice before straining in the basil and gin mix. Finish the drink off with 90 ml tonic water.
Key Takeaways:
– Craft modern day gin and tonic cocktails as trend-setting numbers at the next cocktail party you host at home.
– Include flavours such as citrusy notes coming from orange peels, herbal notes of basil and thyme and spiced, gingery elements to layer flavours into the cocktails.
– Grapefruit and rosemary gin and tonic, lavender and blueberry pink gin and tonic and cucumber and basil gin and tonic are among some of these modern variations.
FAQs:
– Which are some of the ways of introducing a modern twist into the classic gin and tonic?
Adding flavour accents such as fruity or herbal flourishes and some spiced notes of ginger or peppercorn are some ways of introducing a modern twist into the classic gin and tonic.
– Why has gin and tonic been a popular cocktail through time?
One of the reasons for the popularity of gin and tonic is its flavour. Crisp, fresh and aromatic, these bright flavours of the cocktail are what make it an enduring favourite.
– Which are some of the gin and tonic variations that put a modern twist on the classic?
Cocktails like ginger and lime leaf gin and tonic, cucumber and basil gin and tonic and peppercorn and orange gin and tonic are among some variations which put a modern twist on the classic.
All cocktails listed use 30 ml liquor measurements for single serves. Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
