How long it takes: 5 minutes Equipment you’ll need: just a glass! Servings: one, but it’s easy to make more If you love G & Ts, you’re going to want to give this variation a try, and if you’ve never had a gin and tonic, let me introduce you. It may be the beginning of a happy relationship. As always, drink responsibly!
Refreshing Cranberry Gin and Tonic
Not too sweet. I tend toward cocktails that aren’t cloyingly sweet which is one of the reasons I love a gin and tonic. The addition of tart cranberry juice doesn’t increase the sweetness a bit but adds a whole new dimension of flavor to this holiday cocktail. Use quality ingredients. A cranberry gin and tonic is a pretty simple cocktail so it’s important to be choosy when you’re buying the ingredients. For more basics about selecting the right kind of gin or the best tonic water, check out my classic gin and tonic recipe. This recipe makes one drink. Gin and tonics taste best mixed individually, not poured into a pitcher or punch bowl. Use a tall highball glass, or large globe glass. If your glasses are smaller, halve the ingredients. Don’t skip the garnish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, if possible. The herbal aroma of rosemary on the rim of the glass really enhances the drink. With each sip, the scent of the rosemary mingles with the flavor of cranberry, lime, and gin. Crush the leaves slightly with your fingertips for the full effect.
Ingredient Notes
Cranberry Juice: Look for 100% cranberry juice. Many products labeled cranberry juice are really a blend of juices, with lots of added sugar. They are okay but for the best cranberry flavor, one hundred percent juice is what you need. Gin: Use a good quality gin, such as Tanqueray, a London dry gin. Tonic: An Indian tonic is preferable, such as Fever Tree. Tonic is a carbonated mixer with quinine which adds a hint of bitterness. Garnishes: Gin and tonics are usually served with a slice of lime. I like to add fresh cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary as additional garnishes. Any garnish is optional but the cranberries and rosemary look especially festive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re serving this cocktail in the summer, a lime wedge and rosemary will suffice.
Possible Recipe Variations
Make it sweeter. If you like a sweeter drink, use a cranberry cocktail juice or add simple syrup. Adjust the ratios. If you like a stronger cranberry flavor, increase the amount of cranberry juice added. For stronger drinks, use additional gin. If you love tonic, add an extra splash. Make it orange. If orange juice is more your thing than cranberry juice, try this citrusy orange gin and tonic.
Serving Suggestions
This really delightful baked Brie with cranberries and bourbon pecans goes exceptionally well with a cranberry gin and tonic, and it’s an easy appetizer to make. Another good match is butternut squash crostini with ricotta or tortilla chips and crackers with homemade cranberry salsa (made with only two ingredients!).
Make-Ahead Ideas
Cranberry gin and tonics are best made individually and served immediately. Make sure all of the ingredients are cold, including the glasses, if possible, and have plenty of fresh ice on hand. Quick-Start Guide!
