We know that gin & tonics are a simple and easy to prepare cocktail for many people, and the gin craze has been heating up over the last year all across Europe. For a while, most gins were predominantly coming from Holland, the UK and the US, but we now see gins from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland and beyond. After a recent trip to Europe we fell back in love with the gin & tonic. We were exploring and tasting through countless menus that were loaded with sometimes 15+ G & T options. This inspiration has influenced our selections, featuring various types of gins, tonic waters, botanicals, and garnishes chosen specifically to enhance each other. Now that we are back, we can't wait to share a few of our favorite combinations.

Enjoy!

Suntory Roku Gin

In Japanese, Roku translates as the number six. Inside every bottle of Roku Gin, you will find six very special botanicals that are sourced in Japan. These represent Suntory’s commitment to only use the best ingredients harvested from the best growing areas in Japan. Every aspect of Roku Gin is crafted by Japanese artisans with a centuries-old tradition of meticulous attention to detail. Not only are Roku Gin’s ingredients of the highest quality, many are also uniquely Japanese and, therefore, best understood by Japanese artisans. Suntory’s mastery of this process is the result of extensive experience gained over decades making gin. Suntory developed its own multiple distillation process as a result of the special features each botanical brings to Roku Gin’s perfectly balanced mix.

Sakura flower, Sakura leaf, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea (green tea), Gyokuro tea (refined green tea) and Sanshō pepper. Six Japanese botanicals cultivated over four seasons, the six Japanese botanicals have been carefully selected to create ROKU, Japan’s authentic craft gin. Each botanical has been harvested at the peak of its season to extract the best flavour, and distilled to fully embody the blessings of nature. The harvest of the four seasons has been blended to create ROKU’s balanced flavor.

A bottle design that reflects the aesthetics of Japan. The six natural Japanese botanicals are embossed on the hexagonal bottle that symbolizes ROKU (which means ‘six’ in Japanese). The bottle label is printed on washi paper, further highlighting Japanese craftsmanship and sentiment. The bold calligraphy running across the label emphasizes this feeling.

 

Japanese Gin & Tonic

2.5 oz Roku Gin

East Imperial Yuzu Tonic

Star anise pod

Ginger wheel slice

Wakame seaweed

Grapefruit slice garnish

 

Pour the Roku gin into a Burgundy or similar wine glass, and add the botanicals. Let stand for a few minutes to bring out their aromas. Add 5 ounces of East Imperial Yuzu tonic and top with ice. Garnish with a slice of lime.

 

Scottish Gin & Tonic

1.5 oz Botanist Gin

Fentimans Botanical Tonic

Rose Bud

Juniper Berry

lime leaf

 

Pour the Botanist gin into a Burgundy or similar wine glass, and add the botanicals. Let stand for a few minutes to bring out their aromas. Add 4 ounces of Fentimans Botanical tonic and top with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit. 

 

 

Standard Gin & Tonic

1.5 oz No. 3 Gin

Fever Tree Tonic

Pink peppercorn

Cinnamon stick

Lime leaf

 

Pour the No. 3 gin into a Burgundy or similar wine glass, and add the botanicals. Let stand for a few minutes to bring out their aromas. Add 4 ounces of Fever Tree Indian tonic and top with ice. Garnish with a slice of orange.

More stories

Scotch Club: Q3

Glenfarclas has long been one of my favorite distilleries. Family owned since the beginning, this sixth generation sesquicentennial company produce...

Wine of the Month: September

Even as subtle as the change of seasons can be in Northern California, there are definite signals that indicate Summer is ending. The shorter hours...