Cranberry Gin and Tonic with Rosemary
Posted: 12/17/2020
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Try a cranberry gin and tonic for a winter twist on a classic cocktail, bringing together cranberry and lime for a tart dance with bitter tonic water and herbal gin.
A cranberry gin and tonic is a knock out combination. Not literally, of course one of these drinks won’t knock you out, but the addition of cranberry to a classic G &T is gilding the lily, in a good sense. With Christmas right around the corner, you’ll want to add this festive beverage to your cocktail menu.
I tend toward cocktails that aren’t cloyingly sweet which is one of the reasons I love a gin and tonic. The addition of tart cranberry juice doesn’t increase the sweetness a bit but it adds a whole new dimension of flavor to this holiday cocktail. It’s fairly low in calories, less than 250 calories for a good-sized drink.
And color! Isn’t this a beautiful cocktail? Brilliant red with dark crimson cranberries, bright green lime wedges, and silvery rosemary leaves — it’s a visual feast. The red and green are perfect for Christmas.
If you love G & Ts, you’re going to want to give this variation a try, and if you’ve never had a gin and tonic, let me introduce you! It may be the beginning of a happy relationship.
As always, drink responsibly!
About this cranberry gin and tonic:
A cranberry gin and tonic is a pretty simple cocktail so it’s important to use quality ingredients. For more basics about selecting the right kind of gin or the best tonic water, check out my classic gin and tonic recipe.
This recipe makes one drink. Gin and tonics taste best mixed individually, not poured into a pitcher or punch bowl. Use a tall highball glass, or large globe glass. If your glasses are smaller, halve the ingredients.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, if possible. The herbal aroma of rosemary on the rim of the glass really enhances the drink. With each sip, the scent of the rosemary mingles with the flavor of cranberry, lime, and gin. Crush the leaves slightly with your fingertips for the full effect.
About fizz: Use a freshly opened bottle of tonic water. Flat tonic water is sort of gross. Pour the tonic water slowly to retain the maximum amount of fizz. Coldness is key to retaining fizz, as well, so chill all the elements of the cocktail, including the glass if possible, and use plenty of fresh ice.
What’s in a cranberry G&T?
- Cranberry juice (100% cranberry juice for best flavor)
- Gin
- Tonic — use an Indian tonic water, if possible
- Lime slices
- Fresh cranberries
- A sprig of fresh rosemary to garnish
How to make this gin and tonic your own:
This is such a simple recipe, it’s hard to vary it much but here’s a few suggestions.
- If you like a sweeter drink, use a cranberry cocktail juice or add simple syrup.
- If you like a stronger cranberry flavor, increase the amount of cranberry juice added.
- For stronger drinks, use additional gin.
- If you prefer a mocktail, with no alcohol, maybe this isn’t the drink for you; try a Ginger-Cinnamon Apple Cider Mocktail.
- If orange juice is more your thing, try this citrusy orange gin and tonic.
Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry gin and tonics are best made individually and served immediately. Make sure all of the ingredients are cold, including the glasses, if possible. Make sure you have plenty of fresh ice on hand.
Raise a glass!
Looking for more holiday beverages? Try:
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
cocktail
Try a cranberry gin and tonic for a winter twist on a classic cocktail, bringing together cranberry and lime for a tart dance with bitter tonic water and herbal gin.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 3 lime slices, divided
- ½ cup cranberries, divided
- 1 ½ ounces gin, chilled
- 1 ½ ounce 100% cranberry juice, chilled
- 3 ounces Indian tonic water, chilled
- Rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass about ¾ of the way with ice; add 2 lime slices and half of the cranberries.
- Pour in gin and cranberry juice, and slowly top with tonic water.
- Garnish with an additional lime slice, cranberries, place rosemary sprig on rim of glass, and serve with a straw, if desired.
Notes
- Use 100% cranberry juice and not cranberry juice cocktail for best flavor.
- Cranberry juice may be increased to 1 ounce for more cranberry flavor, if desired.
- Crush the rosemary lightly with your fingertips and position it on the rim next to the straw so you can smell it while you sip.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1cocktail, Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Sodium: 20mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 18g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Sabrina says
yes, sickeningly sweet cocktails are not something I like either, so also appreciate the tartness or non-sweetness of tonic, in a gin and tonic beautiful colors in this cocktail too, thank you!
Rachel Gurk says
You’ll love this one!