I know, I know, the Gin and Tonic is as British as Wimbledon, but on my last trip to Spain, there was no denying that the Spanish have become outright obsessed with the cocktail.
I couldn’t really tell you why or how it all came to be, but they’ve made mixing a Gin and Tonic an art, with careful attention to the pairing of specific tonics to specific gins and even the glassware.
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.
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!
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.
