Yes, the Gin and Tonic is as British as Wimbledon, but with this Lemongrass Cocktail made with lemongrass, lime, and mint, the classic Gin And Tonic gets a South Asian twist that’s totally delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve always favored a refreshing gin and tonic, one that’s cool and crisp, so, in that spirit, I stirred up this Lemongrass Gin and Tonic, which is respectful of the classic G+T but with a twist that works for everything from sunsets to samosas.
Lemongrass Cocktail Recipe Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this lemongrass cocktail recipe:
- Gin
- Lime
- Lemongrass
- Ice
- Tonic Water
- Mint Leaves
How To Make This Recipe
These are the instructions on how to make this lemongrass cocktail recipe:
- Make The Lemongrass Gin: Combine the gin with the whole lime peel and the lemongrass stalks in a jar or resealable airtight container. Close, shake well and place in a warm dark place until well flavored with lemongrass, about 24 hours.
- Make the Lemongrass Gin and Tonic: Take a balloon gin glass or a tall Tom Collins glass and squeeze in the juice of half the lime. Add ice cubes to fill the cup and add in some of the Lemongrass Gin and tonic water. Garnish with an additional stalk of lemongrass a slice of lime or a few mint leaves, as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Lemongrass Gin and Tonic is a refreshing twist on the classic Gin and Tonic cocktail, incorporating the aromatic flavor of lemongrass. This variation adds a fragrant, slightly citrusy and floral note to the traditional mix of gin and tonic water. The lemongrass is typically infused into the gin or used as a stirrer or garnish, offering a unique flavor profile that distinguishes it from the classic version.
To infuse gin with lemongrass, begin by bruising one or two stalks of lemongrass to release their essential oils. Cut the stalks into pieces and place them in a bottle or jar with the gin. Seal the container and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 1-3 days, depending on how strong you want the lemongrass flavor to be. Strain out the lemongrass pieces before using the infused gin in your cocktail.
In addition to the lemongrass stalk itself, which can be used as a stirrer or garnish, lime wedges, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs such as mint or basil complement the flavors of a Lemongrass Gin and Tonic beautifully. These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the cocktail's refreshing and aromatic qualities.
More Gin Cocktails To Try
If you’re a fan of this lemongrass cocktail, be sure to also try these gin cocktails:
Go stock up on all your cooking essentials then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
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Lemongrass Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
For The Lemongrass Gin:
- 1 cup Hendricks Gin
- 1 medium Lime peel (removed with a peeler - with as little white pith as possible)
- 2 medium lemongrass stalks trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
For The Lemongrass Gin & Tonic:
- 1/2 medium Lime
- ice cubes
- 1 1/2 ounces Lemongrass Gin
- 3 ounces chilled tonic water
- Lemongrass stalk, end of lime, and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make The Lemongrass Gin: Combine 1 cup of the gin with the whole lime peel and the 2 cut-up lemongrass stalks in a jar or resealable airtight container. Close, shake well and place in a warm dark place until well flavored with lemongrass, about 24 hours.TIP: Lemongrass-infused gin can be made up to one month ahead. Remove the lemongrass aftere24 hours and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make the Lemongrass Gin and Tonic: Take a balloon gin glass or a tall Tom Collins glass and squeeze in the juice of half the lime. Add ice cubes to fill the add in 1 1/2 ounces of the Lemongrass Gin and 3 ounces of the tonic water. Garnish with an additional stalk of lemongrass a slice of lime or a few mint leaves, as desired.
