This Spiced Cranberry Gin and Tonic is a fun twist on a classic drink! The tart cranberry juice mixed with gin and fizzy tonic water creates a refreshing sip that’s perfect for any occasion.
Add in some warm spices, and you’ve got a drink that’s not just tasty but also festive. I love serving this at gatherings; it never fails to brighten up the party! Cheers to easy, tasty drinks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gin: A good quality gin is essential for this drink. I prefer a classic London Dry gin for its crispness. If you like something milder, try a floral gin or even a vodka if you want a different base.
Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice packs a tart punch. If you’d like it sweeter, you can use lightly sweetened juice or even make a homemade cranberry juice from fresh cranberries. Fresh juice adds a nice touch!
Spiced Simple Syrup: This syrup is the star of the drink! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought flavored syrup. However, making your own is easy and allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels. If you prefer, you can also use agave syrup mixed with your spices.
Tonic Water: Opt for a classic tonic water or try a flavored one like elderflower or Mediterranean for a fun twist. It can change the drink’s profile completely!
How Do You Make Perfect Spiced Simple Syrup?
Making spiced simple syrup is simple and adds incredible flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add your spices: cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. They infuse a warm flavor.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar, then reduce to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool before straining the spices. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a month.
This syrup can also work great in other cocktails or even in coffee, so make a bit extra and enjoy it in different ways!
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Gin and Tonic
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Drink:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1/2 oz spiced simple syrup (recipe below)
- Tonic water, to top
- Fresh cranberries, for garnish
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, for garnish
- 1 lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
- Crushed ice
For the Spiced Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 whole cloves
- 2 star anise pods
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful drink can be ready in about 15 minutes! Preparing the spiced simple syrup will take about 10 minutes, plus some time to cool down. Once you have that ready, assembling the drink only takes a few minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Spiced Simple Syrup:
Start by combining water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This will allow all the warm spice flavors to infuse into the syrup. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool completely before straining out the spices. You can store any extra syrup in the fridge!
2. Prepare the Glass:
Grab a rocks glass and fill it generously with crushed ice. This will keep your drink nice and cold!
3. Mix the Drink:
Pour in the gin, cranberry juice, and your homemade spiced simple syrup over the crushed ice. This combination of flavors will be so refreshing!
4. Top it Off:
Now, gently top off the glass with tonic water to fill it up. The bubbles from the tonic are what make this drink so lively!
5. Stir and Garnish:
Using a spoon, stir gently to combine everything. Now, it’s time for the fun part! Garnish your drink with a handful of fresh cranberries, a sprig of rosemary, and a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. It’s looking festive and ready to be enjoyed!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve it up immediately and enjoy this refreshing, festive Spiced Cranberry Gin and Tonic with friends or family. Cheers!
Can I Use Different Spirits Instead of Gin?
Absolutely! While gin gives this drink a classic flavor, you can substitute it with vodka for a milder taste or even rum for a sweeter profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the drink’s overall flavor.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Drink?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add more of the spiced simple syrup to taste. Alternatively, you can use a sweeter cranberry juice or flavored tonic water to enhance the sweetness.
Can I Make the Spiced Simple Syrup in Advance?
Yes! The spiced simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Just give it a good shake before using it, as it might settle a bit.
What If I Can’t Find Star Anise?
No worries! If you can’t find star anise, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground anise seed. Adjust the amount to your taste, as ground spices can be stronger.
