A REFRESHING SPRINGTIME TAKE ON THE CLASSIC G+T
The classic G+T is a classic for good reason. Easy to assemble and easy to sip - I decided to make a springtime version using saffron.
First of all, can we talk about the gorgeous color? Yellow happens to be my favorite color and serving up back-to-back bright yellow-hued cocktails makes me very happy, to say the least. But that's why we are not here alone, the saffron pairs so wonderfully with the sharper notes of ginger and once topped with tonic water - you have a delightful beverage!
The saffron stands up not only to the ginger but also to the gin and tonic water that we've added. Speaking of ginger, I highly recommend enjoying this with a piece of candied ginger on top. It ties everything together and I love sipping and taking bites of candied ginger whenever I make this!
I especially love this one because while the saffron and ginger are musts in my opinion, you can make this according to your taste preferences - adding a bit more gin if preferred, a little less ice if desired, or more tonic water. Inspired by gin and tonics I've tasted during my Spain travels, I love the addition of fresh citrus in gin and tonics. I think it is an absolute GAME CHANGER and takes a basic drink and elevates it. While I love my version, I always like to think of my recipes as a guide. I've used a 1:3 ratio for gin to soda water but you can also do 1:1! Truly this one can be remixed to fit your styles.
Gin and tonics are easily customizable and adjusted to taste - which is why I feel like this recipe will forever be a go-to for me when entertaining - especially in spring/summertime. All to say, I am so pleased to have made this recipe because while I typically don't find myself ordering gin and tonics at the bar, you can most definitely find me at home on the patio sipping on these all season. I hope you love it just as much as I do, xo!
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INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
2-3 lemon slices (1-2 for infusing the gin and extra for garnish)
Pinch of saffron (roughly 1/8 teaspoon) diluted in 1 tablespoon of warm water
2 oz gin (I used Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gin)
6 oz tonic water (I used Fever Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water)
Candied ginger, optional for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Begin by blooming your saffron. To do this, measure your saffron in a heat-safe container/small container and pour in 1 tablespoon of water on top. Mix to combine and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, add in your bloomed saffron, freshly grated ginger (you can directly grate this into the shaker), lemon slices, and gin.
Dry shake for 15-20 seconds to make sure everything is combined.
Then, add lots of ice to your glass. I've used a wide wine glass but you can also use a highball glass. I would recommend at least filling your glass 3/4th of the way with ice.
Pour in your saffron-ginger-infused gin into the glass.
Then, top with your desired amount of tonic water.
While optional, I recommend adding a few more thinly sliced lemon slices and a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick to your G+T. Enjoy!
~ Serves 1
Notes
If you are prepping to make these ahead of time, you can bloom your saffron overnight. I recommend 15-30 minutes for your saffron to bloom but overnight is also fine as long as you cover it appropriately.
You can also crush your saffron, I chose not to but this is a welcome step. I am always a can-you-get-to-the-end-result with the least amount of steps human and in this case you can - BUT crushing your saffron will make the drink brighter and of course easier to strain.
Speaking of hosting, you can most definitely batch this and make it in a big pitcher. Just wait to add ice AND the tonic water for this one. You can shake up the infused gin and then have your guests assemble their own by filling their glasses with ice followed by choosing how much tonic water they would like to add.
Since a gin and tonic requires fewer ingredients, I recommend focusing on quality ingredients. While that is the name of the game across the board, I think it is ESPECIALLY important in cocktail recipes like these. Make sure you are using a gin that you love the taste of since the flavor of gin is very prominent in this recipe! Similarly, I do think the taste of the tonic water makes a difference in this recipe. I love using Fever Tree's for its refreshing and citrus-notes, as it uses oils from Mexican bitter oranges to give it's tonic a unique flavor/aroma.
Ice is a very important ingredient in gin and tonics! I would fill the glass at least to 3/4 or to the top as a good G+T tastes best when it is as cold as possible.
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