Looking for a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail recipe? This Earl Grey Gin and Tonic is the perfect cocktail! This cocktail recipe infuses the classic gin and tonic with the aromatic and citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea, resulting in a perfectly balanced and unique flavor. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make and elegant drink, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients
- Gin: you can certainly try this with another type of alcohol, like vodka, but it won't be considered a gin and tonic.
- Tonic: any plain tonic water will work.
- Earl grey simple syrup made with earl grey tea: feel free to use caffeinated or decaf tea. Personally, if I'm enjoying these in the evening, I opt for the decaf. Tazo is my favorite brand of tea (although I don't believe they have a decaf version).
- Lemon wedges: I typically use lime wedges for a gin and tonic but I find that lemon pairs really well with the tea.
How to prep this gin and tonic in advance
The simple syrup can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I definitely recommend making it in advance!
Because this cocktail is only a few ingredients, it comes together quickly! I wouldn't recommend making a pitcher of these because the tonic water will become flat as it sits in the pitcher. Instead, I recommend making these drinks "to order."
Fun cocktail serving suggestions
To keep you from playing bartender all night, set up a "gin and tonic cocktail station." Print or write up a quick sign with the recipe and allow guests to help themselves. You can even offer lime or orange slices so that guests can customize the drink to their liking. For guests that don't drink alcohol, leave lemonade out for a tonic water lemonade or earl grey and lemonade mocktail.
More cocktail ideas
If you make this Earl Grey Gin and Tonic cocktail recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Earl Grey Gin and Tonic
Ingredients
Earl Grey Simple Syrup (makes 1 cup)
- 1 cup white cane sugar
- 1 cup cold water
- 3 earl grey tea bags
Earl Grey Gin and Tonic
- 1 oz earl grey simple syrup
- 2 oz gin
- 3 oz tonic water
- 2 lemon wedges
Instructions
Earl Grey Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the pot on medium high heat and bring to a boil. Add the tea bags and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the tea bags from the pot and discard. Cool the syrup before using.
Earl Grey Gin and Tonic
- Fill a glass with ice. Add the syrup, gin, and tonic water and stir to combine. Squeeze in a lemon wedge and garnish with a second lemon wedge. Taste and top with additional tonic water if desired.
Video
Notes
- The simple syrup can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- I recommend decaffeinated tea when serving crowds or serving in the evening, but either works.
- When steeping the tea bags, I let the paper tag on the end of the string hang over the side of the pot (be careful that it doesn't catch on fire though if you have a gas stove!)
Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!
This sounds like a fantastic cocktail!