Honey Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe

The Honey Gin and Tonic is a modern twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, which dates back to the 18th century when British officers in India began adding gin to their quinine tonic to make it more palatable. The addition of honey adds a smooth sweetness that complements the botanicals in the gin and the bitterness of the tonic.

• Ideal for those who enjoy a classic G&T but are looking for something with a little extra sweetness.
• The cocktail has gained popularity among craft cocktail enthusiasts.
• It's a perfect choice for a summer evening or a sophisticated social gathering.

The Honey Gin and Tonic is a harmonious blend of sweet and bitter, with the honey's rich floral notes balancing the sharpness of the tonic and the complex flavors of the gin. It's refreshing, slightly sweet, with a botanical complexity and a crisp finish.

• The Gin and Tonic was originally developed as a means to prevent malaria, with the quinine in tonic water acting as the medicinal component.
• Honey has been used as a natural sweetener for thousands of years and adds not only sweetness but also depth to the cocktail.
• The choice of gin can greatly affect the taste of the cocktail, with different botanicals in the gin interacting with the honey in unique ways.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Add the honey syrup and lemon juice.
4. Top with tonic water and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it colder for longer.
• Adjust the amount of honey syrup to your taste; some may prefer it sweeter or less sweet.

Appetizers

• Charcuterie board: The salty and savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses complement the crisp and slightly sweet notes of the Honey Gin and Tonic.
• Seafood: Light seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or ceviche can pair well with the cocktail's citrus and botanical flavors.

Main Courses

• Roast chicken: A classic dish like roast chicken pairs beautifully with the clean and refreshing taste of the cocktail.
• Pasta salads: The bright acidity of the lemon in the drink will balance the oiliness of pasta salads.

Desserts

• Lemon tart: To echo the cocktail's citrus notes, a lemon tart would be an ideal sweet pairing.
• Fruit sorbets: A light, fruity sorbet would cleanse the palate between sips of this refreshing drink.

• Gin: You can use a floral gin to complement the honey, such as Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire.
• Honey syrup: If you don't have honey syrup, you can use agave syrup as a substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
• Tonic water: For a different twist, try using a flavored tonic water like elderflower tonic.

Cucumber Honey G&T

Add 3-4 slices of cucumber to the glass before adding ice. It gives a fresh twist and a hint of garden-like aroma, perfect for a summer day.

Spicy Honey G&T

Muddle a slice of jalapeño with the honey syrup before adding the other ingredients. The spiciness will give an invigorating kick contrasting the sweetness of the honey.

Berry Honey G&T

Muddle a few fresh berries (raspberries or blackberries work great) with the honey syrup. The berry flavor will give a fruity depth to the drink, making it a bit more complex and sweeter.