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Cranberry Gin and Tonic with Rosemary
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 25o 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:
