Juniper & Tonic Recipe

Cocktail

1. 1

   Prepare juniper and glass

   Lightly crush the juniper berries with the back of a spoon or a muddler just enough to release their aroma (do not grind to a powder). If using tonic ice, place tonic ice cubes or large regular ice cubes into a highball or copa glass to chill it while you prepare the drink (about 1–2 minutes). Discard any melted water before building.

2. 2

   Build the cocktail

   In a mixing glass (or directly in the chilled serving glass), add the crushed juniper berries, fresh lime juice (0.5 oz) and simple syrup (0.25 oz). Add the gin (2 oz) and fill the mixing glass with ice. If you prefer a slightly stronger juniper aroma, briefly stir the gin with the crushed berries for 10–15 seconds to marry the flavors.

3. 3

   Top with tonic

   Strain the mixture into the chilled serving glass over fresh large ice cubes (or tonic ice). Top slowly with chilled tonic water (4 oz) poured over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation and layering.

4. 4

   Finish and garnish

   Give the drink a gentle single stir (3–4 rotations) to integrate the tonic without flattening it. Express a grapefruit peel over the drink if using: hold peel over the glass and give it a quick twist to release oils, then discard or rub on the rim. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim and a rosemary sprig tucked into the drink near the glass edge; the rosemary will lightly perfume the cocktail as you sip.

5. 5

   Serve

   Serve immediately while cold and effervescent. Optionally provide a small wooden spoon or stirrer so the guest can re-mix as the crushed juniper releases more aroma during the drink.