Try These 6 New Recipes For National Gin And Tonic Day

It’s that time of year again–the days are longer, the weather warmer and National Gin and Tonic Day (April 9, 2022) is here to remind us that refreshing sippers are back for the season. And while the traditional highball cocktail gives us the reason to celebrate, there’s always room for a twist on the classic.

Below, six gin brands share their favorite spin on the Gin and Tonic, explaining how their unique botanicals reflect the additional likes of grapefruit juice, elderflower or even strawberry lemonade.

Whippet from Pomp & Whimsy

“Citrus is the fundamental third ingredient to a classic G&T. As much as we will all play around (and argue about) different types of garnish and tonic styles, if there is no citrus, the drink just doesn’t feel right to me. One day, I was looking to amp up the refreshment of my G&T and decided to try using grapefruit juice instead of a slice, and so the Whippet cocktail was born. This low ABV sipper is ridiculously crushable and my go to serve on any spring or summer afternoon. It’s really an instant crowd pleaser–I’ve found it will convert even the most stubborn G&T hater into loving this quintessential drink.” – Dr. Nicola Nice, Founder and CEO, Pomp & Whimsy

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur; 1.5 oz grapefruit juice; 1.5 oz Q tonic; lime wedge

Method: Build the first ingredients one by one in a tall glass over ice. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

The Jaisalmer Indian Gin & Tonic

“Jaisalmer’s take on the classic gin and tonic serve includes Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water, which enhances the coriander and cubeb pepper, giving it a more fragrant spice profile. The inclusion of the orange twist garnish adds a fragrant zestiness, complementing the floral and citrus tones of the gin.” – Sanjeev Banga, President of International Business, Radico Khaitan

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Jaisalmer Gin; 4 oz Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water; orange twist

Method: Build the gin and tonic water over ice, stir orange twist into the drink.

Malfy Limone Gin and Tonic with Pomegranate

“As a brand dedicated to encapsulating the spirit of Italy, it felt like a no-brainer to utilize pomegranate in our already delicious Malfy Limone Gin & Tonic. Malfy Limone is enriched with delectable Italian sun-ripened lemons and Amalfi lemon peel. While Pomegranate – with its bold, juicy, and slightly tangy tasting notes – is also an Italian flavor-favorite, and it pairs beautifully with citrus. Together, these flavors will transport you directly to the Amalfi Coast, so you too can live La Dolce Vita.” – Jane Danger, Mixologist for Pernod Ricard

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Malfy Gin Limone; 2 oz Fever tree mediterranean tonic water; pomegranate seeds

Method: Build ingredients in a glass over cubed ice; add the gin, tonic and pomegranate seeds (the juice will give it a slight rosy tint); garnish with a lemon wheel.

NOLET Gin and Tonic

“NOLET’S Silver is a fresh and surprising take on gin. It features real botanicals of fragrant rose, juicy succulent peach, and slightly tart raspberry. We take extra care to individually macerate and then distill each botanical used in NOLET’S Gin. The result is a smooth, balanced spirit with soft floral aromas, a fruit-forward palate, and a classic dry finish. When paired with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, the wonderful NOLET’S Silver botanicals are complemented by the nuanced flavors of rosemary and lemon.” – Carl Nolet Jr., CEO and President, Nolet Spirits USA

Ingredients: 2 oz NOLET’S Silver Gin; 4 oz Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic; muddled raspberries

Method: muddle raspberries in the bottom of a highball glass; add ice, gin and top with tonic. Garnish with lemon twist and fresh rosemary or thyme.

Ukiyo Yuzu Gin & Tonic

“Ukiyo Gins are delicately fragrant and aromatic, featuring a limited number of key botanicals. Combining the gins with the subtle, bittersweet notes of a classic tonic allows these fresh botanicals to sing. The tonic perfectly complements the piney juniper in addition to the citrus and floral profiles of Ukiyo gin, creating a drink that is refreshing but not too sweet.” – Richard Ryan, Co-founder & Head of Liquid Development, Drinksology Kirker Greer.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Ukiyo Yuzu Gin; tonic water

Method: Add ice to a highball glass, top with gin and finish with tonic water, adding a yuzu wheel or lime for garnish.

Beefeater Fizzy Flowers

“As the quintessential London dry gin, Beefeater brings big juniper flavor and strong citrus notes, making it the perfect base for a gin and tonic – a cocktail that requires a flavorful gin to keep it balanced. We love a classic cocktail, but we also love to innovate and play with flavors that will complement our original recipe.” – Jane Danger, Mixologist for Pernod Ricard

Ingredients: 2 oz Beefeater Gin; 2 oz strawberry lemonade; 3 oz Elderflower Tonic

Method: Build ingredients in wine glass and garnish with dried flower ice cubes (find fresh herbs at the farmer’s market or pick them from your garden and freeze them in your ice trays for a colorful cube). Go outside, sip your Beefeater cocktail, and indulge in the scents and sounds of spring.