Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic

The summer days are long and hot here on our homestead, filled with chores that never quite seem to finish. But occasionally in the late afternoon, when the sun has already drifted down into the trees and the footsteps of the children are starting to tire, Danny and I cool down with a cocktail.

We sit on the edge the garden and absentmindedly tug at the weeds while conversing about our respective days. Time seems to speed up all of a sudden and the moments slip away as quickly as our gin and tonics are depleted.

Lately I’ve been mixing our drinks right in the garden, with a handful of herbs and a warm, sun-ripened tomato. Today’s Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic is undoubtedly our new summer cocktail of choice, thanks to its fragrant herbaceousness and cucumber sweetness.

Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic | Simple Bites #recipe #cocktail

Gin and tonic has long been our go-to Friday-at-five cocktail, with a generous squeeze of lime and a sprig of rosemary. But limes aren’t local, and in July, we like to use up what we’re producing in the backyard as much as possible. Inspired by a recipe in Greg Henry’s Savory Cocktails and our overflowing garden, the Herbal Homestead G&T was created.

Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic | Simple Bites #recipe #cocktail

This delicious homestead-inspired drink is packed with an array of fresh herbs – parsley, thyme, coriander and tarragon, all picked from my raised beds. You could also use basil or oregano, though I’d recommend stopping at 3 or 4 herbs.

A very-ripe, full-of-flavour tomato is essential, as it provides the necessary acidity to the drink. And you’ll definitely want a cucumber that is more sweet than bitter, so taste it as you slice it.

Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic | Simple Bites #recipe #cocktail

A proper muddling releases the juices in the vegetables and the fragrant oils in the herbs, then everything is topped up with gin, tonic and loads of ice. Cheers to eating – and drinking – local.

Herbal Homestead Gin & Tonic | Simple Bites #recipe #cocktail

Herbal Homestead Gin and Tonic

Light and refreshing, with bold herbal flavours, this twist on a classic G&T is summer in a glass. 
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Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Essential Ingredient: tomatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Aimee

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup loosely packed mixed fresh herb leaves basil, parsley, tarragon, coriander or thyme
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped ripe summer tomato
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped English cucumber
  • ice cubes
  • 2-4 shots dry gin 2-4 fl oz (depending on your preferred strength)
  • 1 bottle or can tonic water well chilled
  • 4 sprigs fresh herbs to garnish

Instructions

  • Choose two sturdy, 16-ounce glasses, such as a highball, or use two pint mason jars.
  • Divide the herbs between the two glasses. Tip equal parts chopped tomato and cucumber on top.
  • Use a long-handles bar muddler (or wooden spoon) to crush both herbs and vegetables into a fragrant pulp.
  • Fill the glasses three-quarters full with ice and stir. Add one or two shots of gin to each glass, depending on how boozy you like it! Stir with a long handled bar spoon.
  • Top up drink with tonic water and garnish with a few fresh herb sprigs. Enjoy immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal

Do you like your cocktails savoury or sweet?

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11 Comments

  1. Lately I’ve been making a twist on a mojito with cucumber added and of course fresh mint from my garden. This looks like summertime in a glass! What a wonderful evening cocktail for hot nights. I am going to have to give this a try. Thank you for sharing.

  2. So nice to be able to get all these things from your backyard! I look forward to gardening again in the future. I think I miss the tomatoes the most.

  3. While a G and T is not in my future, I admit I grinned at the Fentiman’s. Brings back memories of traveling in England, and luckily my local bulk/health food store carries it.

  4. G&T is always my cocktail of choice, so I’m excited to give it a try with garden herbs.
    Though I did just have a lavender/honey concoction on our date night last week that has me searching for the recipe.

  5. “when the sun has already drifted down into the trees and the footsteps of the children are starting to tire, Danny and I cool down with a cocktail”. What beautiful writing! Love your recipes and love your blog!