London Dry Gin and woodland berry tea come together in the Gin, Tea & Tonic to create a drink that is more than just a Gin Tonic with a splash of color. The tea adds a subtle astringency and fruity sweetness that doesn’t overpower but complements the gin. Perfect for warm evenings when you want complexity without the effort. No shaking, no stirring – just build and enjoy.
Here’s what you need for the Gin, Tea & Tonic
5 cl London Dry Gin
150 ml freshly brewed woodland berry tea (cooled)
120 ml Tonic Water
Garnish: 1 slice of lemon
What matters
The tea must be really cold, but not ice-cold – otherwise it will contract when it comes into contact with the gin and taste bitter. I brew it double the strength I would normally drink and dilute it with a little cold water before adding it to the glass. This keeps the color intense without the flavor becoming too dominant. If you like, you can acidify the tea with a pinch of citric acid, which emphasizes the berry notes of the tea and makes the drink more lively.
Variations
- Gin, Earl Grey & Tonic — Replace the woodland berry tea with strongly brewed Earl Grey. The bergamot complements the gin and gives the drink a citrusy freshness. Garnish: lemon zest instead of a slice.
- Gin, Hibiscus & Tonic — Chilled hibiscus tea instead of woodland berry tea for a more tart, floral variation. Pairs well with floral gins. Garnish: fresh mint or a dried hibiscus flower.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the tea with ready-made iced tea?
No. Ready-made iced teas often contain sugar or artificial flavors that overpower the gin. If you’re in a hurry, use a high-quality loose tea and brew it with hot water, then immediately shock it with ice – this stops the extraction and keeps it fresh.
Why does my Gin, Tea & Tonic taste watery?
Either the tea was brewed too weak or the ice was too small. Use large ice cubes that melt more slowly, and brew the tea for at least 5 minutes – it should taste almost too intense before you cool it down.
Which gin works best?
A classic London Dry Gin with distinct juniper and citrus notes. Gins with very strong aromas (e.g., cucumber or lavender) compete with the tea. Try a gin with a slight peppery note – it rounds off the berry flavors.
