We love being adventurous with our gin and we are always trying lots of different garnishes to enhance the flavours in each individual gin!
Way back when, a slice of lemon in your G&T would do. We have come so far since then. Although, to be fair, we do like a lemon slice on the odd occasion.
We have put together a list of 20 unusual and exciting gin garnishes to enrich your favourite tipple. Trust us – these are game-changing!
Ready to try something new?
Lavender
In moderation, lavender is warm and wildly aromatic, a scent memory of Provençal summers.
Edible Flowers
As well as looking gorgeous, edible flowers will add new dimensions of flavour and texture to your G&T. Nasturtiums will add a kick of spice to your gin, while rose petals and violas will add sweet, perfumed notes.
Want to add a bit of drama to your cocktail? The hibiscus flower adds a dramatic flourish to your cocktail with scarlet spikes as it unfurls! The crimson blooms are more than mere decoration – they will add floral, slightly spicy, citrus overtones to your gin cocktail.
Basil
Dreaming of the Mediterranean? Bring the flavours of the Med to your Copa with this flavourful garnish. Muddle some strawberries, some mint and cucumber; or add a few chunky slices of fresh grapefruit to your gin and tonic, then garnish with a few basil leaves for a fresh fragrant cocktail.
Rosemary
Rosemary adds a deliciously savoury note to any G&T. Thanks to the herb’s powerful, robust pine forest flavour profile, it also plays very well alongside the juniper.
Juniper Berries
If you love juniper as we do, then why not add even more to your G&T? A small handful of juniper berries is your secret weapon.
Cinnamon Sticks
The fastest way to give your G&T a personality of its own is by adding cinnamon. This sweet potent flavour injection will wake up any boring G&T. The flavour can be strong so be sure you’re using a gin that can hold its own.
Just don’t be tempted to use your cinnamon as a swizzle stick – you don’t want your G&T becoming under-carbonated after a few idle stirs.
Vanilla Pods
Vanilla Pods adds both sweetness and sophistication to a G&T. Save this one for a special occasion. Vanilla works well with gins that have luscious, buttery mouthfeels.
Peppercorns
You can opt for black peppercorns for a bit of a savoury kick (paired with strawberries for a summery twist), or go for the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns for a truly unusual gin and tonic garnish.
Star Anise
One of the prettiest garnishes of all! With a bit of a menthol kick, the star anise is incredibly versatile – it works well in both sweet and savoury contexts, – Throw a few in your glass for a G&T that’s “Insta” worthy.
Lemon Thyme
If you love adding the slice of lemon to your drink, then consider pushing the boat out and adding a few sprigs of lemon thyme to your G&T. The end result should be equal parts of lemony and herbaceous.
Lemongrass
For a more exotic cocktail, add a few lemongrass stalks (strip away the tough exterior layers to reveal the tender and fragrant core). Complement with a handful of coriander for an extra dose of freshness.
Coriander
For a crisp gin and tonic, add coriander. Commonly associated with curry, the citrus flavour of coriander is a remarkably complementary garnish. Pair it with a few slices of lime and/or fresh chilli for a zingy G&T, or squeeze some lime juice over your drink and add some slices of cucumber alongside a few sprays of coriander.
Fresh Chilli
Want to turn up the heat? Add an instant kick to your gin and tonic by adding a slice or two of fresh chilli! Just make sure that you de-seed the chilli and cut off any pith first – you only want a touch of warmth and flavour, not to set your mouth on fire! Pairs well with another unusual – but equally delicious and attractive garnish.
Tomatoes
Don’t be afraid to try this one. The tomato is a gorgeous addition to your G&T. They go wonderfully with herb-infused gins. Try them paired with a couple of basil leaves – slapped against the back of your hand to release the aroma.
Pomegranate
The shiny red “jewels” or arils inside, the Pomegranate, contain sweet, juicy nectar that doesn’t just add a pretty rosy hue to your gin but, if you muddle these fleshy gems before adding them to your drink, you will get a very berry nice G&T! Pair with a squeeze of lime to add a sharpness to the sweetness and you are good to go.
Apple
For a G&T that’s lightly sweet, delicate, and floral, apple should be your garnish of choice. Arranged in a delicate fan and be sure to spritz with a bit of lemon juice to prevent it from browning.
Pink Grapefruit
Grapefruit may be the most delicious citrus fruit of all in a G&T. Here you have sweetness, acidity, and a hint of bitterness that perfectly plays off your tonic.
Strawberry
Strawberry’s make a beautiful garnish. It works well on its own but it pairs well with a number of other garnishes too, like basil and pepper corns to elderflower and mint. Choose your own combination – there are no wrong answers.
Rhubarb
Fruity, with a touch of tartness, it’s a natural in a G&T. Take a vegetable peeler to your rhubarb stalk for beautiful crimson ribbons that you can swirl along the inside of your glass.
Mango & Peach
Mango and peach can really bring out the juniper notes in your gin. Pair with a sprig of thyme for a simple twist on a gin and tonic that tastes amazing!
Try muddling nice ripe ones so they break up easily until they turn into a smooth purée. Strain into your glass over ice, add a shot or two of gin, a few mint leaves and a slice of peach or mango to garnish.
Top tip: You can also freeze your mango or peach slices and use them in place of ice cubes, for a little less dilution.
The sky really is the limit when matching garnishes to your gin cocktail and there are many more than we’ve listed above. Tag us on Instagram showing your experimental and creative match-maker skills!
You can pre-order the April Gin Box now to ensure that you don’t miss out on this being delivered to your doorstep as soon as the lockdown lifts.