[imagesource: The Spruce / Claire Cohen]

There are few things out there that beat a refreshing G&T.

For a two-ingredient drink, the complex botanicals from gin along with tonic’s layered flavours make for a potent combination.

But there is a whole world of fuss-free tonic cocktails to sip from, and since there’s no alcohol ban to be heard of (for the time being) it’s a good time to step up our drinking game.

Lifestyle Asia recognises that the balanced sweetness and complexity of the tonic brand can make or break a good cocktail, so for these three quick and easy cocktails, you’ll want to ensure that you’re choosing quality.

Fitch & Leedes sells bespoke mixers and the company’s delicately carbonated and superbly balanced tonics always hit the spot.

The full range covers everything from Indian Tonic, Blue Tonic, Cheeky Cranberry, Grapefruit Tonic, Pink Tonic, and much more.

For now, the Indian Tonic will do, crafted and designed to enhance the flavours of any alcohol with a combination of bitter and sweet that has been derived from the essence of the ‘Cinchona’ tree.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, there’s also a sugar-free alternative to this Indian Tonic, which contains just five calories per serving.

All the tonics are available in 200ml glass or aluminium cans.

Now that the tonic part of things is out of the way, let’s move on to how to make the three tonic cocktails.

The Paloma

Image: Carey Jones

In its simplest form, a Paloma is just grapefruit soda and tequila, although it can be dressed up with fresh juice, garnish, and of course, a good tonic.

It’s ideal for brunch and can be made easy-breezy:

• In a tall glass with ice, mix two shots of grapefruit juice, two shots of tonic, and a shot of tequila.
• Stir briefly and garnish with a big rosemary sprig after tapping it firmly against your hand to release its aromatics. Finish off with a half-moon slice of grapefruit.

And voila, you’re good to go.

Fino Sherry Tonic

Image: Carey Jones

In this cocktail, a fino sherry is used as the base, which is the lightest, driest kind of sherry, fresh and crisp like a white wine.

Because it is only half as boozy as a glass of wine, it makes for ideal day drinking.

• In a small wine glass or a tall glass with ice, combine two and a half shots of fino sherry along with two and a half shots of tonic.
• Stir briefly and garnish with a few lime wheels and a big mint sprig.

Pro tip – tap this sprig lightly against your hand to release its aromatics, too.

G&T, but better

Image: Carey Jones

We’ve all made a G&T, and perhaps even a Spanish-style G&T, which is served in an enormous “balloon” glass with plenty of garnishes.

For this one, the classic mix is simply spruced up with lime and cucumber to add a new dimension of fresh, vibrant flavour.

• First, cut two reasonably thick lime peels and place them in a rocks glass skin-side up. Then press firmly with a muddler to release their citrus oils.
• Then you can cut two slices of cucumber into quarters, which you can add to the glass and muddle firmly.
• Add a shot of gin, and stir; then fill with tonic, about three or so shots, and stir again.

You can finish off by garnishing with more thin cucumber slices and a lime wedge if you’re feeling extra fancy.

There you go.

Cheers, cin-cin, kanpai, salud, and drink up.

[source:lifestyleasia]