The G & T (gin and tonic) has long been a standing favorite at happy hour. Believe it or not some people just don't like gin and we've even heard of juniper allergies, so we replaced the G with V, added a little kiwi for vitamin C, and voilá we've got an equally refreshing sip that may just become a serious summer cocktail contender.
This kiwi vodka and tonic is simple to whip up and makes for a gorgeous pitcherfull too. Whether you're making one or ten it's the ideal cocktail to kick off a warm- weathered weekend.
Vodka is typically more neutral in flavor (unless it's a flavored vodka), than gin, which allows for the kiwi and lime flavor to shine through in this cocktail. If you like your drinks on the drier side substitute club soda for the tonic.
Serve alongside some pita with a spicy raita or tzatziki and you've got yourself a brilliant happy hour in 10 minutes time.
Kiwi Vodka Tonic
Makes two drinks1 kiwi, peeled
2 teaspoons simple syrup (mint infused simple syrup is delicious here too)
Ice
3 ounces vodka
Tonic
2 lime wedges
Slice two wheels (or rounds) of kiwi and roughly chop the rest. Divide the chopped kiwi and simple syrup between two tumblers. Lightly muddle together the simple syrup and kiwi.
Fill the glasses three-quarters full with ice. Divide the vodka evenly between the two glasses. Top each with tonic. Add a squeeze of lime to each glass. Stir. Garnish each glass with a kiwi wheel.
Enjoy.
Maureen C. Petrosky writes what she knows, food, booze and parties. Author of The Wine Club, she appears regularly on The TODAY show to share her vices (and advice) with the world. For more info check out www.maureenpetrosky.com or follow her on Twitter @maureenpetrosky
Related: Perfectly Simple Cinco de Mayo Recipe: The Rangpur Lime Margarita
(Images: Maureen Petrosky)
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Comments (4)
Just received a bag of kiwi from a co-worker. This just might be a good use of kiwi and a way to kick off the weekend!
This sounds delicious—and looks beautiful in the shot. You might also consider basil-infused simple syrup for a nice summery taste. (And honestly, the original gin would be wonderful as well.)
I'm so intrigued by this! Does the kiwi flavor come through enough just by chopping and submerging it in the drink? I'm wondering if muddling it might amp up the kiwi factor.
My hubby is one of those poor folks allergic to juniper berries - and drinking gin makes his lips numb. :-)