Honey Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

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Honey Gin and Tonic Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~20g

Alcohol:~14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Honey Gin and Tonic is a modern twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, which dates back to the 18th century when British officers in India began adding gin to their quinine tonic to make it more palatable. The addition of honey adds a smooth sweetness that complements the botanicals in the gin and the bitterness of the tonic.

  • Ideal for those who enjoy a classic G&T but are looking for something with a little extra sweetness.
  • The cocktail has gained popularity among craft cocktail enthusiasts.
  • It's a perfect choice for a summer evening or a sophisticated social gathering.

How Honey Gin and Tonic Tastes?

The Honey Gin and Tonic is a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, with the honey's rich floral notes balancing the sharpness of the tonic and the complex flavors of the gin. It's refreshing, slightly sweet, with a botanical complexity and a crisp finish.

Interesting facts about Honey Gin and Tonic

  • The Gin and Tonic was originally developed as a means to prevent malaria, with the quinine in tonic water acting as the medicinal component.
  • Honey has been used as a natural sweetener for thousands of years and adds not only sweetness but also depth to the cocktail.
  • The choice of gin can greatly affect the taste of the cocktail, with different botanicals in the gin interacting with the honey in unique ways.

Ingredients

A few good options for Honey Gin and Tonic are:

  • Tanqueray Gin
  • Roku Japanese Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the foundation of the cocktail, giving it a complex botanical profile. Too much, and it can overpower the drink; too little, and it's just tonic with a hint of flavor. If you don't use it, you're no longer making a Gin and Tonic!

Alex Green

Honey Syrup

Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon juice. If omitted, the cocktail would be sharper and less balanced. Maple syrup could be used for a deeper flavor.

Emma Rose

Tonic Water

Provides the effervescence and quinine bitterness that's iconic to a Gin and Tonic. Replace with club soda for a less bitter drink, but you'll miss the authentic tonic taste.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

Keeps the drink cold and dilutes it slightly as they melt, which can mellow the flavors. Without enough ice, your drink warms up quickly and becomes less refreshing.

Alex Green

Lemon Twist

The twist adds aromatic oils to the nose of the drink, enhancing the citrus experience. Without it, the drink loses a layer of complexity.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

It's all about balance! Lemon juice lends acidity to counteract the sweetness of the honey syrup. Skip it, and the cocktail becomes too sweet; too much, and it becomes sour.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Honey Gin and Tonic Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the gin over the ice.
  3. Add the honey syrup and lemon juice.
  4. Top with tonic water and stir gently to combine.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Pro Tips

  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it colder for longer.
  • Adjust the amount of honey syrup to your taste; some may prefer it sweeter or less sweet.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie board: The salty and savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses complement the crisp and slightly sweet notes of the Honey Gin and Tonic.
  • Seafood: Light seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or ceviche can pair well with the cocktail's citrus and botanical flavors.

Main Courses

  • Roast chicken: A classic dish like roast chicken pairs beautifully with the clean and refreshing taste of the cocktail.
  • Pasta salads: The bright acidity of the lemon in the drink will balance the oiliness of pasta salads.

Desserts

  • Lemon tart: To echo the cocktail's citrus notes, a lemon tart would be an ideal sweet pairing.
  • Fruit sorbets: A light, fruity sorbet would cleanse the palate between sips of this refreshing drink.

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What you could change in Honey Gin and Tonic

  • Gin: You can use a floral gin to complement the honey, such as Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire.
  • Honey syrup: If you don't have honey syrup, you can use agave syrup as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
  • Tonic water: For a different twist, try using a flavored tonic water like elderflower tonic.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Honey G&T

Add 3-4 slices of cucumber to the glass before adding ice. It gives a fresh twist and a hint of garden-like aroma, perfect for a summer day.

Spicy Honey G&T

Muddle a slice of jalapeño with the honey syrup before adding the other ingredients. The spiciness will give an invigorating kick contrasting the sweetness of the honey.

Berry Honey G&T

Muddle a few fresh berries (raspberries or blackberries work great) with the honey syrup. The berry flavor will give a fruity depth to the drink, making it a bit more complex and sweeter.

In case you forgot basics how to make Honey Gin and Tonic

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Honey Gin and Tonic

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

It's best to make the Honey Gin and Tonic fresh to ensure the best taste and effervescence from the tonic water. Pre-mixing might result in a flat cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version by substituting non-alcoholic gin alternatives or simply by using more tonic water in place of gin.

What type of honey works best for the honey syrup?

Using a high-quality, floral honey, such as orange blossom or clover, typically offers the best flavor profile for this cocktail.

What garnishes other than lemon twist can I use?

Fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary or thyme can complement the botanicals in gin. Edible flowers are also a lovely decorative touch.

Is there an ideal temperature to serve this cocktail?

Honey Gin and Tonic is best served chilled. Use plenty of ice in the glass and consider chilling the gin and tonic water beforehand.

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