Gin And Tonic Granita: A Chill Way To Enjoy The Classic Cocktail
If you’re a G&T fan, you will definitely enjoy a classic G&T Granita. A frozen delight, this little twist elevates the drink’s experience and hits all the right spots. Another bonus? You could freeze a batch and help yourself all summer long! So, here’s everything you need to know about it.
First, our mandatory history lesson! How did this cocktail come about? Let’s clear one thing up: Granita is simply a method of cooling beverages. This technique was first developed in Sicily, Italy, where locals used the abundance of snow and ice available to cool and freeze beverages. That method then evolved into what is known as Granita today, signifying a semi-frozen, sorbet-like dessert that is flavoured with natural botanicals and ingredients and served on a snow cone. Over the years, mixologists, bartenders, and culinary experts have experimented with a plethora of combinations and spirits. Unsurprisingly the G&T Granita is the one that’s stuck around. Now, it’s a little unclear as to who is responsible for this creation, but they were certainly what inspired Spanish chef Ferran Adrià to use liquid nitrogen-cooled tonic in one of his recipes.
Now, if we were to describe what it tastes like, our answers would vary. It completely depends on how you like it! That’s always been the beauty of G&Ts, it’s a white canvas for you to paint on with your palette. So, if you’re in the mood for citrusy, go for a gin that’s a little neutral or can go with a variety of ingredients and flavours – Gordon's The Original London Dry Gin. You can mix it with fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapefruit, or even infuse it with lemon or orange zest.
You could also infuse your gin with basil, thyme, or rosemary for a more herbal flavour. You could also create a cocktail with blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, or even strawberries. If you prefer a more floral palette, you can also opt for lavender, hibiscus, and elderflower. Finally, feel free to experiment with spices – cinnamon, cardamom, or even chilli (chilli and cracked lime go well with gin, rum, and even vodka, but especially white rum), or even use some teas like Earl Grey and you’ll have yourself a lovely G&T Granita!
This recipe serves four! You’ll need 750 ml of tonic water, 120 ml of gin, 150 gms of granulated sugar, 125 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, and the zest of one lime. First, prepare the simple syrup by combining the sugar with 125 ml of water in a saucepan over a medium flame. Keep stirring until it’s combined into a golden syrup. Then allow it to cool. Following that, combine the simple syrup, tonic water, gin, lime juice, and zest in a mixing bowl until everything is perfectly incorporated. Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish (do not use glass unless it’s specially made for freezing). Place it in the freezer for about an hour. Then, using a fork, scrape at the partially frozen mixture. Be sure to not mix. Then freeze again for about 30 minutes. Repeat this process about four to five times every half hour and you’ll have your delicious G&T Granita! You can serve this in chilled glasses or bowls and feel free to garnish it with a little zest. You should experiment with infused-gin and check out these recipes and combinations to try out.
Last but not least, it is easy to down a few of these in one go. But it is always advisable to enjoy in moderation!
