Gin & Lemonade Cocktail
When I was young, every so often, I was allowed a single sip of my dad’s Gin & Tonic with lime and thought it was tasty. So I learned early on to enjoy the juniper infused flavor of gin. Could have been that he did not make them very strong but honestly I think it was because he used smooth gin. Regardless, that combination of flavors worked for me. So, when I got to college, my first trip to the liquor store was to purchase gin (settle down, the drinking age was 18 back in the dark ages) and I ended up introducing my friends to gin as well. Some were not as wild about the traditional juniper (some called it a pine tree) flavor.) but some did.
One Saturday pregame meet up I mixed gin with lemonade, they changed their tune and G&L’s were born! Why lemonade? Well, it didn’t go flat before we went through a bottle, it was cheap (I preferred to spend on good alcohol that would not make me feel bad later), and the juniper flavor became a lot less prominent for the friends who did not care for it.
Fast forward a few years okay a lot of years, Hendricks Gin comes on the scene and they completely rethink gin with a different kind of juniper flavor profile and mix in a bit of rose and cucumber. Delicious!! I still want to mix lemonade with it but with the lighter flavor in there, lemon with a hint of sweet is perfect. Add in a bit of bubbles, and a great, easy cocktail comes together! So, here is my new favorite G&L for you to try; light, flavorful and effervescent! Cheers!
Please let me know if you liked this recipe in the comments section below.
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Ingredients
Gin (Hendrick’s is my choice)
Lemons
Honey or Agave Nectar
Sparkling water or Italian Soda
Recipe
1 Part Gin (I prefer Hendrick’s)
1 Part Fresh Lemon Juice plus a squeeze more to finish
2 ½ tsp of Honey* or Agave Nectar
3 Parts Club Soda or sparkling water
Lemon Twist
Mix Lemon Juice and Honey or Agave Nectar together in a separate mixing cup or glass until well combined.
Starting with the gin, pour all ingredients over cubed ice in a Collins Glass. Stir gently to mix and garnish with lemon twist and an extra squeeze of lemon on top and serve.
*I prefer to use Greek honey if you can find it. The flavor profile is softer. If your honey is too thick, place the container in hot water for a few minutes to loosen it up.
Bar Tools
Juicer
Bar spoon
Lemon zester or sharp paring knife
Collins Glass
