Masala Gin Tonic
Masala Gin Tonic is bright, floral, and gently spiced, with fragrant cardamom lifting the botanicals of the gin and rose adding a soft perfume. Lime keeps the drink crisp and refreshing, while tonic brings the signature bittersweet sparkle.
Ingredients
Masala infusion
- 120 mlgin
- 4 podsgreen cardamom pods
- 2 tspdried edible rose petals
To serve
- 300 mltonic water, well chilled
- 1 wholelime
- 300 gice cubes
- 1 tspdried edible rose petals
- 1 podgreen cardamom pod
Instructions
- 1
Lightly crush 4 green cardamom pods with the flat side of a knife to expose the seeds, then cut the lime into 4 wedges. Gently bruise 1 tsp of the dried edible rose petals between your fingers to help release their aroma.
- 2
In a small jug or cocktail shaker, combine the gin, the crushed cardamom pods, and 2 tsp dried edible rose petals. Stir or shake briefly, then let infuse for 3 minutes; this is enough time to perfume the gin without making the cardamom taste harsh.
- 3
Lightly crush 1 green cardamom pod for garnish. Fill 2 highball glasses with the ice cubes. Squeeze 1 lime wedge into each glass, then drop the wedges in for extra citrus oils.
- 4
Strain the infused gin evenly between the glasses. Pour the tonic water slowly over the back of a spoon or down the inside of each glass to keep as much fizz as possible, then stir once very gently.
- 5
Scatter the remaining 1 tsp dried edible rose petals over the drinks and add a pinch of the crushed garnish cardamom if you like a stronger aroma. Serve immediately while the tonic is brisk and effervescent.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Use only edible, food-grade dried rose petals.
- •Chill the tonic and glasses beforehand for the crispest drink and longest-lasting bubbles.
- •If you prefer a softer floral note, reduce the rose petals in the infusion to 1 tsp.
- •For a less bitter version, use a lightly sweetened tonic or add an extra lime wedge.
Background
Masala-inspired cocktails reflect the broader Indian tradition of layering spices and botanicals for aroma and balance. This gin and tonic variation borrows familiar flavors like cardamom and rose, ingredients long used in Indian drinks and desserts, to give the classic G&T a distinctly subcontinental character.
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