Le Petit G&t Recipe

Optional rim

If you want a lightly salted or sugared rim, rub the glass lip with a thin grapefruit peel or a little water. Place salt or sugar on a small plate and gently press the rim into it so it adheres. Set glass aside to dry briefly.

Chill glass

Place the serving glass (lowball or large wine glass) in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, then discard ice water before building the drink.

Prepare cucumber components

Cut 6 thin cucumber slices for muddling or light infusion. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, shave a long cucumber ribbon for garnish. Reserve 1 slice for finishing if desired.

Bruise herbs

Gently clap the mint sprigs between your palms once to release aroma. Lightly slap the thyme and rosemary between fingers to release oils without shredding the herbs.

Add ice to the chilled glass until about two-thirds full (large cubes preferred).

Place the 6 cucumber slices in the glass on top of the ice. Lightly muddle them 2–3 times with a muddler or the back of a spoon just to release a hint of cucumber juice and aroma — avoid over-muddling to prevent vegetal bitterness.

Pour 2 oz Lyre’s London Dry (or gin) over the ice and muddled cucumber.

Add a 0.25 oz dash of fresh grapefruit juice into the glass. This is a small brighting dash — adjust up to 0.5 oz if you prefer a more pronounced grapefruit note.

Gently pour 4 oz chilled tonic water down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently with a bar spoon (1–2 slow turns) to integrate ingredients.

Nestle the cucumber ribbon inside the glass against the inner wall or drape it over the rim for an elegant look.

Tuck the mint sprigs and thyme sprig into the drink so their stems are partly submerged and leaves are aromatic above the surface. If using rosemary, add just one short sprig for a piney aroma (optional).

Express the oils from the grapefruit twist over the surface by holding it skin-side down over the drink and giving it a quick squeeze, then drop it into the glass or discard per preference.

Optionally, finish with a very light pinch of fine sea salt on top — it brightens flavors. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.