Recipe: Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic

When it comes to gin and tonics, I love the assertive taste of Hendrick's (and judging by our gin survey, I'm not alone). Adding a slice of cucumber is classic, but throw in a sprig of rosemary to take the gin's herbal flavors to a whole new level.

I'll admit, I drink enough g&ts in the summer to grow slightly bored with them. How could I take my go-to cocktail up a notch?

First step, change up the tonic. Most of the sweet, standard tonics trample all over the gin's floral flair. Subtler tonic waters, like Q or Fever-Tree, keep the quinine bite without the cloying sweetness, letting the gin shine through.

Next, add some herbs. I was afraid rosemary would overpower the drink. But it's barely there, playing off the Hendrick's botanicals. The combo - as Hendrick's says - is not for everyone, but fans of bold gin should enjoy this twist on a summer cocktail staple.

Cucumber-Rosemary Gin and Tonic

1 cucumber
1 lime
3 sprigs rosemary
2 oz. Hendrick's Gin
4 oz. tonic water (preferably Q or Fever-Tree)
ice

Peel one half of a cucumber, and slice a lime into eight wedges. In a highball glass, add three slices of peeled cucumber, 1 sprig rosemary, juice from a lime wedge and 1 ounce gin. Muddle with the back of a spoon.

Strain through a mesh strainer into a second highball glass. Add several cubes of ice, and three slices of unpeeled cucumber. Top with remaining gin and tonic, and serve garnished with rosemary sprigs.

(Images: Liz Vidyarthi)

Comments (11)

mmmmmmm...

So I'm supposed to go for a long run and finish out my work day this afternoon. But do we think I can make this drink an acceptable lunch?

Becca

I actually enjoy adding basil to my gin, specifically with Hendrick's. Add a splash of grapefruit juice and you have a cocktail that rivals a mojito in terms of complexity and refreshment.

I had a rosemary-infused Collins last week and the flavours worked beautifully. I'm going to try this with my g&t next!

@bsolomont

It's 5 o'clock somewhere.

Wow, that looks insanely refreshing!

This sounds fabulous, but using that amount of rosemary to garnish one drink is obscene! Unless you drink these before making some risotto or roasty potatoes, that is. : )

@ Saysong3 --

I was just thinking the same thing! :)

Sounds like a snazzy departure from my usual gin gimlet:
http://careyonlovely.blogspot.com/2012/06/cocktail-hour-gin-gimlet.html

@saysong3:

I completely agree, but it looks so pretty I'd take the risk of rosemary overload. Maybe followed by some lamb :D

I'm not much of a gin drinker, but it seems to me that with all the other flavors going on with that cocktail, tonic seems to be unnecessary, and that perhaps plain soda water would be better.

@lasombragh; that sounds good - I'll try that this week!