A drink that tastes of wanderlust: London Dry Gin brings the spice, coffee liqueur the depth, pineapple juice the sweetness. Tonic water lifts everything to an airy level. Not a classic Sour, but a cocktail that surprises with its balance of tart, sweet and refreshing. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something more than just a Gin & Tonic but don’t want heavy sweetness.
And this is what you need for the Indien Summer
2 cl London Dry Gin
4 cl coffee liqueur
2 cl Vodka
4 cl pineapple juice (freshly squeezed, not from a can)
Tonic water (approx. 10 cl, to taste)
1 cocktail cherry (for garnish)
This is what matters
The trick is in the timing: The coffee liqueur is heavier than the gin and the pineapple juice. If you pour it into the glass first, it stays at the bottom and forms a dark layer that slowly mixes with the other ingredients. This not only looks good, but also ensures that every sip tastes different – first tart, then sweet, then refreshing. Important: Use fresh pineapple juice. Canned pineapple is often too sweet and has a metallic aftertaste that ruins the drink. If you don’t have fresh juice, use passion fruit juice instead – it surprisingly pairs well with the coffee liqueur.
Variations
- Indien Summer Light – For a lighter version, omit the Vodka and instead add 2 cl lemon juice. This makes the drink fresher and less alcoholic. Top up with soda water instead of tonic water if you prefer it less sweet.
- Indien Summer Spicy – Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or a thin slice of chili to the glass before adding the ingredients. This gives the drink a slight heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the coffee liqueur with something else?
Yes, but the taste changes significantly. If you don’t like coffee liqueur, try 2 cl Amaretto or 1 cl vanilla syrup instead. Both give the drink a different, but interesting direction – Amaretto makes it nuttier, vanilla syrup sweeter.
Why does my drink taste too sweet?
Probably because you used too much tonic water or the pineapple juice was too sweet. Use less tonic and taste the drink in between. If it’s still too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice – this balances the sweetness.
Can I make the drink without alcohol?
Yes, replace the Gin and Vodka with alcohol-free Gin and Vodka. You can replace the coffee liqueur with 2 cl cold espresso or 1 cl vanilla syrup. The taste will be milder, but still complex.
