Cucumber Rose Gin and Tonic
I grew up with my father drinking gin and tonics, and as I grew older I too have found they are my favorite "well drink". My sister also has acquired the same taste in the botanical drink, and finding the best of the best for gin and tonics has been a "task" that we are always willing to accomplish.
This gin and tonic is nice for when you need to mix and easy drink, and need to add a bit of a twist to your classic cocktail. The addition of rosewater and fresh cucumber make this the best gin and tonic to celebrate the last of the warm weather before fall kicks in. The refreshing cucumber and bright and floral gin with the rose elevates any cocktail hour to something special.
On our trip to Vegas this past June, we had Spanish G+Ts at Jaleo, and that was it, I was hooked, I love trying new combos. You might remember earlier this summer I did a lemon-bitter and rosemary gin drink below. This one, I wanted to try before the end of the summer and while cucumbers are at the height of the season. I mean, every time I see my mother she gives me one to take home and then adds a few more in my bag while I am not looking.
BITTER LEMON AND ROSEMARY GIN AND TONIC
JALEO DRINKS IN VEGAS
Here's the basis of a good variation on a gin and tonic...
1. Decide your flavors, are you going with a citrus and herb or more of a botanical floral?
2. Once you have your general flavor profile you can chose your gin. Traditional Gins go best with herbs and citrus. They tend to have a more potent flavor and need the strength of the rosemary or thyme and citrus. If you choose to go with floral and light then choose a modern botanical craft gin, like Sage by AITA or The Botanist Gin, Uncle Val's or Hendrick's with it's distinct cucumber flavor.
3. Choose your mixer and add your flavors. Sweeter citrus go with grapefruit, like sweet get some bitter-lemon soda (aka lemon tonic soda) get some rosemary syrup ready or rose water for this one here today. I am sure we will come back to these ideas in the future as I am always experimenting (and by that you know I am in the works of developing some more recipes at this minute).
