Garden Gin & Tonic

Ingredients

• ●2 oz (60 ml) quality London Dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Plymouth)
• ●¾ oz (22 ml) Herb Simple Syrup (see Infusions & Syrups section, or substitute plain simple syrup with muddled herbs)
• ●½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
• ●4 oz (120 ml) premium tonic water (Fever-Tree, Q Tonic, or similar)
• ●Ice (large cubes preferred)
• ●Sprig of fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil
• ●Thin cucumber ribbon or wheel
• ●Juniper berries (optional — 2-3 for garnish)

Method

1. **Prepare the glass.** Fill a large balloon glass (copa) or tall highball with ice. If using a rosemary sprig, gently slap it between your palms first — this bruises the leaves and releases the aromatic oils.
2. **Build the drink.** Pour the gin over the ice. Add the herb syrup and lime juice. Stir gently to combine.
3. **Top with tonic.** Pour the tonic water slowly down the side of the glass (not directly onto the ice — this preserves the carbonation). Stir once, gently.
4. **Garnish.** Tuck the herb sprig and cucumber ribbon into the glass. Drop in the juniper berries if using.
5. **Serve immediately.** A G&T waits for no one.
6. *Variations:**
7. **Elderflower G&T:** Replace herb syrup with ¾ oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain). Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
8. **Cucumber G&T:** Muddle 3 cucumber slices with the syrup before building. Use Hendrick's gin.
9. **Spicy G&T:** Add 2 thin slices of jalapeño to the glass before building. Remove after 2-3 minutes unless you like serious heat.
10. *Storage:** The herb simple syrup is the only make-ahead component — it keeps 2 weeks refrigerated.