Is there any more perfect summer cocktail than a Gin & Tonic? It was 95 degrees here in Connecticut yesterday. Who says Summer is over? I’ve been experimenting with different tonics and I think I’ve found a recipe that transitions nicely into Autumn. Anything to extend the season, right?

While most folks have a favorite brand of gin, the tonic is often an afterthought. I’ve tasted a few brands and my favorite grocery store brand is Adirondack, which is one of the cheapest. It’s a summery, citrusy type of tonic but I wanted to find one that was spicier, more interesting. Then I happened upon this recipe from Jeffrey Morganthaler and I thought I’d try making my own tonic syrup.

It took a bit of research to assemble the ingredients, but after that the tonic syrup goes together pretty easily. That is, if you don’t mind spending some time zesting the fruit. Watch your fingers! I made a slight variation to the recipe because I underestimated how much agave I would need. I’m very happy with how it came out, although next time I would use a little less citric acid. I’d recommend reading the extensive comments on the original post as well. There are tons of tips from readers about different substitutions they have tried as well their favorite gin pairings.

Tonic Syrup

4 cups water
1 cup chopped lemongrass
¼ cup powdered cinchona bark
zest and juice of 1 orange
zest and juice of 1 lemon
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tsp whole allspice berries
¼ cup citric acid
¼ tsp Kosher salt

I threw all the ingredients in a pot and brought it to a boil. Then covered it and simmered for about 20 mins. After that I strained it through a fine mesh seive and then through a coffee filter. I had a little over 4 cups of liquid at that stage. I heated it back up on the stove and then I added 1½ cups of agave nectar and 1 cup of sugar. Once that disolved, I poured the syrup in a jar and put it in the fridge.

Once I had my syrup, it was time to make a Gin & Tonic.

Gin & Tonic

1.5 oz Gin
1.5 oz tonic syrup
Soda

Fill the glass with ice. Then add the gin and the tonic syrup. Top with soda and garnish with a lime. You may need to adjust the proportions a bit to make it perfect for your taste. I love the subtle spiciness of both the tonic and the gin in this drink. It makes the cocktail less “summery” which can only help to extend the G&T season into fall.

This was my first time trying a Navy Strength gin. According to the New York Distilling Company, “Navy Strength Gin – at 57% ABV – is the historical proof at which gunpowder might still be fired should it unfortunately be soaked by spilled spirit.” Perry’s Tot is a delightful, spicy gin. It makes a great cocktail and comes with an interesting story to share with your guests. What could be better?

Carry on, Sailor!