HOUSTON – Gin, tonic water and ice get you one of the most famous drinks in the world: the gin and tonic. But such a simple drink doesn't’t have to be boring.
From carefully picking up the ice to garnishing the drink in a beautiful way, there are many ways to take your gin and tonic to the next level.
Michael Neff, bar director of The Cottonmouth Club in Downtown, is showing us how to make a Spanish gin and tonic to celebrate International Gin and Tonic Day.
In Spain, the drink is adorned with colorful garnishes such as herbs, flowers and fruit, and they place as much importance on the quality of the tonic as on the gin. Also, time is key.
“The really important thing about this, besides what goes in it, it’s the fact that I’m taking the time to make it for you,” said Neff. So, yes, folks, taking your time preparing your drink makes a great difference. Salud!
Spanish Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
• 2 ounces quality gin, such as Brooklyn Gin.
• 6-8 ounces quality tonic, such as Q Tonic.
• Bitters, such as Scrappy’s, Bittermen’s or The Bitter Truth, to taste.
• Various colorful garnishes. Use whatever’s in season – mint, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, citrus peels, etc.
• Ice
Instructions:
In a large wine glass, add ice and 2 ounces of gin. Add a couple of dashes of cocktail bitters to taste. Top with tonic. Garnish artfully as in the video. Toast to good friends, and enjoy.
Recipe provided by Michael Neff, from The Cottonmouth Club.