Quick and Easy

Spanish Gin Tonic (Gin Tonic Español)

June  3, 2024
5
5 Ratings
Photo by Elvin Abril
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Serves 1
Author Notes

The Spanish gin and tonic, known simply as gin tonic in Spain, is a maximalist drink that originated in the Basque region during the early 2000s. Served in a large balloon glass filled with ice and an abundance of herbs and citrus, these aromatics echo and amplify the botanicals of the gin, while also creating a visually striking presentation. One of my favorite combinations includes juniper berries, pink peppercorns, and fresh chamomile flowers, which surprisingly enhance the piney notes of juniper. For other variations, experiment with thyme, tarragon, rosemary, or basil—each lends a unique dimension to the drink.

César Pérez

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 5 pink peppercorns
  • 5 juniper berries
  • Ice
  • 2 to 3 slices of preferred citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, or a combination)
  • 6 to 8 ounces tonic water, or enough to fill your glass
  • Small handful of fresh chamomile flowers (or substitute with your choice of thyme, rosemary, tarragon, basil, or any other herb of your choice)
Directions
  1. Thoroughly chill your balloon glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Add the juniper berries and pink peppercorns followed by the gin, ice, and citrus. Gently pour over tonic water and top with chamomile flowers or your herbs of choice. Gently stir and serve immediately.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • W J Freeman
    W J Freeman
  • Rebekah Freeman
    Rebekah Freeman
  • Ileana
    Ileana
  • Laurence Chase
    Laurence Chase

5 Reviews

W J. June 6, 2024
Delightful. Gin and tonic is one of my favorite drinks. In fact, I keep a small bottle of gin in the freezer. I also have a ready supply of lime juice, which I squeeze (Breville Juicer) and freeze myself in quantity, when I can purchase a few hundred limes (case quantity) inexpensively.

For this recipe, I used what I had ready at hand. I had no pink peppercorns, or chamomile flowers, and the juniper berries, which I do have, are old. No matter, I placed a balloon glass in the freezer a few hours before, and made the drink.

I make my tonic on the go as I have a ready supply of carbonated water and SodaStream tonic syrup. Though I do have basil and thyme growing in pots, I forgot to add any of them. All the more reason, to lay in a fresh supply of juniper berries and pink peppercorns and have another go, eh?
 
Laurence C. June 16, 2024
I’m curious as to how you freeze the lime juice-ice cube tray? larger quantity? Thanks!
 
Rebekah F. June 5, 2024
This is how I make my G & T! I add a sprig of rosemary, some star anise, juniper berries. lemon and lime. I have not tried the red peppercorn! I will tell you that everyone says my G & Ts taste phenomenal and are soooooo pretty in the glass...and yes, I serve it in a large Copa glass....perfect summer libation.
 
Rebekah F. June 7, 2024
OK. I currently am having Absurdly Addictive Asparagus (found on this website and seriously the BEST asparagus recipe ever!) and this G & T. Truly a delightful match. The citrus notes of both recipes compliment each other and the asparagus does not clash with the G & T. A bowl and a glass of bliss!
 
Ileana June 5, 2024
So floral. It is delish.