Love G&T? Try these refreshing gin and tonic recipes with a twist

The G&T (gin and tonic) is an iconic cocktail loved by millions across the globe. There is an old adage that says if it's not broken why fix it, but thankfully it does not apply to the world of mixology. While there are some enthusiasts who stick to the original, bartenders and patrons have been experimenting with flavours, techniques, and ingredients to elevate this classic. On National Gin and Tonic Day, we've got mixologists to share some of their most refreshing, yet easy-to-make gin and tonic recipes with an exciting twist.

P&T
"As summer approaches, a craving for refreshing cocktails is not far off. At the Dome bar, we serve many variations for gin lovers. One of my favourite gin and tonic versions is the P&T. The cocktail has an Asian touch with pandan leaf infused with Roku Japanese gin, and rice wine sake. To balance it all, we add honey to this unique G&T," shares Vikrant Nagaonkar, assistant bar manager at Dome, Intercontinental Marine Drive.

Ingredients
Pandan leaf infused gin (Roku gin) 40 ml
Roku gin 750 ml
Pandan leaf (only green part) 70 gm
Sake 30 ml
Honey 15 ml
Aromatic bitters 2 dash
Low calorie tonic 60 ml
Method

For pandan infused gin
1. In a vacuum bag, add pandan leaf (crush it a little bit to release flavours) and add gin. Seal the bag with rubber or clips.
2. Let it rest at room temperature for six hours.
3. Remove and strain using a coffee filter to get a clear gin.
4. Add 2 ml citric solution to keep the flavour fresh (optional).
5. Bottle it and keep in the fridge for fresh pandan flavoured gin.

For cocktail
1. Take a pre chilled wine glass, add gin, sake and honey. Stir well.
2. Add plenty of ice then top it up with tonic and give it a good stir.
3. Drop 2 dashes of bitters to float on top.
4. Garnish with a pandan leaf.

Inizio
"Inizio embodies a harmonious fusion of flavours, where the delicate sweetness of blueberry meets the floral notes of lavender, enhanced by a hint of citrus. Refreshingly effervescent with tonic water, this cocktail is a symphony of taste and aroma. With its exquisite presentation adorned with Baby's Breath, Inizio invites you to savour every sip and embark on a journey of sensory delight," says Ratan Upadhay, bartender at Tikitii.

Ingredients
Blueberry syrup 20 ml
Lavender syrup 10 ml
Citric acid solution 10 ml
Tonic water 120 ml
Clear ice
Baby's Breath for garnish

Method
1. Fill a highball glass with clear ice.
2. Pour 20 ml of blueberry syrup into the glass.
3. Add 10 ml of lavender syrup.
4. Follow with 10 ml of citric acid solution.
5. Slowly pour in 120 ml of tonic water.
6. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
7. Garnish with a sprig of Baby's Breath.

Grapefruit and rosemary gin and tonic
"My Grapefruit Gin and tonic was inspired by one of my favourite mixologists, Diego. In the bustling streets of Barcelona, Diego had crafted a signature cocktail called ‘The Citrus Twist'. It featured a unique blend of grapefruit-infused gin, tonic water, and a splash of fresh citrus juices. This refreshing concoction quickly became a favourite among locals and tourists alike, drawing crowds to Diego's bar every evening. Its tangy flavour and vibrant presentation captured the essence of the Mediterranean summer. I've tried to do the same in India," explains Suraj Bhosale, bartender at Blah.

Ingredients
Grapefruit 2 nos
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Water 1 cup
Fresh lime juice 1 lime
Fresh Grapefruit wedges
Rosemary 2 sprigs
Tonic water 240 ml
Ice
Method

For the grapefruit syrup
1. Wash the grapefruits thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or wax.
2. Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully remove the outer peel from the grapefruits.
3. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Add the grapefruit zest to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cut the other grapefruits in half and squeeze out the juice.
6. Once the syrup has infused and thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Pour the grapefruit juice into the saucepan with the syrup and zest, stirring to combine.
8. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
9. You can use this for up to two weeks if frozen, and stored well.

For the cocktail
1. In a glass, add all ingredients, 60 ml of homemade grapefruit syrup, and build up the drink.
2. Give it a nice stir and ensure the ingredients are prediluted well.
3. Add 5-6 cubes of ice and top up the same with tonic water.
4. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and fresh grapefruit wedges.

Gin Elderflower

"Crafting the Gin Elderflower cocktail is like orchestrating a flavour symphony, each ingredient playing its part to perfection. The gentle elderflower dances elegantly with the crisp gin, while the zesty citrus and juicy pomegranate bring a burst of freshness. It's not just a drink; it's a delightful journey through a garden of flavours, where every sip is a new discovery of taste and pleasure," says Mayur Mallik, senior mixologist at Maai Goa.

Ingredients
Gin 60 ml
Elderflower syrup 15 ml
Fresh Basil leaves 3-4 no
Fresh Grapefruit 1 slice
Fresh orange 1 slice
Fresh pomegranate
Fresh cucumber
Fresh rose leaves
Tonic water for top up
Smoked star anise 1 no

Method
1. Pour gin and elderflower syrup into a shaker filled with ice.
2. Stir until well mixed, then strain into a gin goblet.
3. Top up with tonic and garnish with smoked star anise.
4. Finally, add fresh basil leaves, grapefruit and orange slices, pomegranate seeds, cucumber, and rose leaves for a vibrant burst of flavour.