This weekend we’ve been incredibly busy in the garden. The sun has finally decided to shine on us, and so we’re taking the opportunity to weed, sow, plant and dig (not to mention building retaining walls and pick-axing and excavating new flower beds!). As a result we’ve not really had the time (nor the energy) to experiment with complex recipes, and so have turned to an old favourite.
It’s no secret that we’re a gin-and-tonic sort of a house, and when it’s time to down tools after a long day’s work, it’s a drink that really comes into it’s own. For years we stuck with the trusted London dry gin, tonic and lemon/lime combo, but in recent months we’ve been experimenting – not only with different gins (there are so many amazing distilleries producing now, that it would be a shame not to) but with the fruits and herbs we add to the drink when serving. We’ve tried lavender, rose petals, sage, bay and chamomile (but to mention a few), and really think we’ve hit on a winner with our most recent creation.
The floral and slightly savoury notes (of the elderflower and rosemary respectively) enhance the botanicals that are already in the gin, while the acidity of the grapefruit ensures that the drink is as crisp and refreshing as all good G&Ts should be. It also couldn’t be easier to throw together, so stop whatever you’re doing to make this blush beauty – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients
30ml gin (I used Tanquerey)
10ml St. Germain elderflower liqueur
20ml fresh pink grapefruit juice
Ice
150ml tonic water
3 juniper berries
Quarter of a grapefruit wheel
A sprig of rosemary
Method
- Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice and 3 or 4 ice cubes to a glass. Top up with the tonic water, stir briefly to combine, and garnish with the grapefruit, juniper berries and rosemary.
