A gin and tonic is already a classy, simple drink to order when you’re out with friends. You can even mix it up with a different kind of gin or a different brand of tonic. However, sometimes it’s good to upgrade this go-to cocktail with something a little more interesting, whether you are adding a little lime juice or even some egg whites (don’t knock it until you try it!).
The next time you’re out with friends, try one of these sophisticated takes on a classic gin and tonic.
Gin Fizz
Tuxedo No. 2
A gin fizz is a great change of pace with a unique ingredient: egg whites. The cocktail requires lemon juice, gin, simple syrup, and egg whites. Here’s the full recipe, in case you want to try it at home:
2 oz London dry gin
.75 oz fresh lemon juice
.75 oz simple syrup
.75 oz egg whites
Club soda (to top)
Lemon wedge (garnish)
Simply add all ingredients (minus the soda and lemon wedge) to a shaker tin and dry shake for a minute to emulsify the egg whites. Add ice and shake again. Finally, strain into a highball glass with fresh ice and top with soda and a lemon wedge.
Tom Collins
The Bar
2 oz gin
.75 oz simple syrup
.75 oz lemon juice
Extra fizzy club soda
Orange slice (garnish)
1 maraschino cherry (garnish)
To make this awesome grown-up lemonade, shake gin, syrup, and juice in a shaker tin with ice. Strain into a Collins glass, add ice and top with soda water. For a little extra fun, garnish with an orange slice (or lemon wheel), and drop in a maraschino cherry.
Florodora
The Huffington Post
If you love raspberries and gin, this recipe is for you! The Florodora is a raspberry-infused highball with spicy ginger syrup. Originally made with fresh, muddled raspberries, the Florodora is now made with raspberry liqueur. Check out this sweet twist with the recipe below:
2 oz gin
.5 oz raspberry liqueur
.5 oz ginger syrup
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
Soda water (to top)
Raspberry skewered on a toothpick for garnish
To make the ginger syrup, add 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup fresh ginger (sliced with a vegetable peeler), 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 Tbsp black pepper to a saucepan and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Cool and place in the fridge overnight, then strain through a fine sieve the next day. Once the syrup is ready, add it to the gin, raspberry liqueur, and lemon juice in a shaker tin and shake with ice. Strain with a Hawthorne strainer into a highball glass, then add fresh ice and top with soda water.
If you’re looking for a classy cocktail to order the next time you go out with friends, try one of these unique gin drinks!