This strawberry St Germain gin and tonic is a simple twist on the classic, adding a dash of floral flavor and brightness to the glass. It's the perfect light cocktail for spring or summer sipping.
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Not so long ago, I was looking at food holidays (something I never did before having a blog, but which I now find oddly amusing) and came to a strange realization. I didn't have a gin and tonic cocktail on the blog.
Now, you may think why would you, it's just two things mixed together, and you'd have a fair point. But while it's such a classic, it's also fun to add slight twists to, as in this strawberry and elderflower gin and tonic.
Plus, for me, gin and tonics have a bit of a special place in my memories.
When I lived with my parents, my grandpa would come over for dinner every Sunday evening. Actually I don't think they necessarily did every week when my granny was still around, but it became a tradition once he was on his own.
Each Sunday, before the meal, the grown ups would have a gin and tonic. Once I was old enough, I got to join in (bear in mind the laws are different in the UK, before you think I stayed at home a long time!), but even when I was younger, I would help serve drinks and snacks.
These days, I don't have them quite as much, mainly because I don't think to buy tonic. Instead, I may make other drinks like a caipirinha, or more recent favorite mezcal sour. Or if I make a longer drink, it might be the other gin cocktail family of gin collins, like a strawberry collins or raspberry collins cocktail.
But seeing the G&T holiday made me realize I had to rectify the gap. I've been meaning to make a St Germain cocktail for a while, and this is such a great, simple way to incorporate some.
What is St Germain?
St Germain, if you are not familiar, is an elderflower liqueur. You can get other brands, but they do vary slightly in strength, sweetness and flavor.
All have that amazingly floral elderflower scent, another childhood flashback for me. Being so floral, you only want a little in this cocktail. It adds just that hint of additional aromatic flavor and a gentle sweetness.
What gin is best for a St Germain gin and tonic?
Just like wine, beer and really any drinks, gin is a bit of a personal taste. Some prefer aromatic, others don't. For this take on a gin and tonic, I definitely think more aromatic is better to pair with the St Germain. I'd suggest Hendricks or Bombay Sapphire for this. Maybe it's the Scot in me, but I went for Hendricks.
In this version, I've more included strawberries for decoration rather than flavor, but you can definitely muddle the strawberries to bring out some of their flavor as well. They would certainly pair well flavor-wise.
Either way, these lovely glasses from JoyJolt really show off this pretty drink and are perfect to sip from.
This strawberry St Germain gin and tonic is an easy, gently fragrant twist on a classic cocktail. Perfect for brunch, before dinner, or whenever you choose!
Looking for more light cocktails? Try these!
- Strawberry bellini
- Pineapple mimosa
- Pimm's cup cocktail
- Sloe gin fizz
- Plus get many more ideas in the cocktail recipes archives.
Strawberry St Germain gin and tonic
Ingredients
- 2 strawberries (or 1 if larger)
- 1 ½ oz gin 45ml, suggest aromatic like Hendricks, Bombay Sapphire
- ½ oz St Germain 15ml, or other elderflower liqueur
- 4 oz tonic 120ml, or more/less to taste
- 1 slice lime + ice to serve
Instructions
- Cut the strawberries in to thick slices. If you like, add most of the slices to the bottom of a glass and muddle (alternatively add all as slices more for decoration).
- Add the gin and St Germain to the glass then add a few cubes of ice and the (remaining) strawberry slices.
- Top up the glass with tonic, top with a slice of lime and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. In many locations, you can have wine, spirits and more delivered to your door with Drizly.
Try these other brunch ideas:
Beverages:
Maple Bacon Old Fashioned from The Spiffy Cookie
Pimm's Iced Tea from Books n' Cooks
Sparkling Strawberry Peach Punch from For the Love of Food
Triple Orange Julius from The Crumby Kitchen
Something savory:
Amish Breakfast Casserole from Platter Talk
Cheesy Poblano Frittata from Shockingly Delicious
Waffle Casserole with Maple Sausage from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Something sweet:
Brunch Cake from April Golightly
Cream Cheese Coffee Cake from PasstheSushi
Raspberry Lemon Cake from The Redhead Baker
Vegan Mango Peach Toaster Pastries from The Baking Fairy
Remember to pin for later!
Disclaimer: This recipe is intended for individuals ages 21 & up. Please drink responsibly. Thank you to #BrunchWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Cabot Cheese, Joyjolt, Sweets & Treats, Torani, Sarcastic Cooking, Dessert for Two, Sweet Phi, and The Little Ferraro Kitchen for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #BrunchWeek recipes. All opinions are my own.
Adrianne says
Yes please, I love a good Gin and Tonic and the germain sounds like it would give a refreshing flavour on a classic. Can't wait to try it!! Cheers
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it does indeed give it that extra floral note. Enjoy!
Beth Pierce says
What a cool and refreshing cocktail with a kick! I will have to make this for Mother's Day brunch!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it would be perfect for a brunch!
Colleen says
G&Ts are one of my favourite spring & summer cocktails, and I really love your strawberry & elder flower twist.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thank you! It is indeed perfect for spring and summer.