My Cherry Gin and Tonic is a slightly sweeter take on a refreshingly classic cocktail. It’s perfect on a hot summer afternoon—whether you’re relaxing in a hammock, cooking dinner, or doing yard work. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Cherry Gin and Tonic
The gin and tonic is one of the quintessential summer cocktails. Classic gin and tonic blends the aromatic, herbal notes of gin with the slightly bitter brightness of quinine in tonic water. Together they create a crisp, refreshing drink that’s both clean and elegant.
Adding cherry juice brings a subtle sweet-tart dimension that complements the gin and tonic without overpowering it. The fruitiness rounds the edges of the drink while retaining its refreshing character—ideal for warm-weather sipping.
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Gin and tonic cocktails: a brief history
The gin and tonic dates back to the 18th century, when quinine—used to prevent malaria—was mixed with soda and spirits to make it more palatable. The bitterness of quinine pairs well with the botanical notes of gin, and a citrus wedge was traditionally added for a bright counterpoint.
Using cherry juice instead of (or in addition to) citrus introduces both sweetness and tartness. I often like both cherry and a squeeze of lime for a balanced profile that highlights gin’s botanicals while adding a lively fruit note.
Which gin is best for a cherry gin and tonic?
Gin styles vary widely. Some are more floral or herbal, others sweeter, and some very dry and juniper-forward. All types will work in a cherry gin and tonic, so use what you enjoy. If you’re choosing at the store, a drier, juniper-forward gin can help balance the cherry’s sweetness and preserve the classic gin character.
Ultimately it’s a matter of personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, choose a slightly sweeter gin; if you like a more botanical, crisp drink, opt for a dryer gin.
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Ratios: how much gin and tonic?
A classic gin and tonic is often mixed in ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:3 (gin to tonic). For the cherry version, the amount of cherry juice is adjustable: add more for sweetness and color, or less to keep the drink crisp and fizzy. Because many store-bought tonics are already sweetened, I tend to use just enough cherry juice to add tartness and a hint of sweetness rather than making the drink dessert-sweet.
The goal is a balanced cocktail that keeps the tonic’s sparkle and lets the gin’s botanicals come through, with cherry adding a pleasant fruity lift.
Choosing cherry juice
There are several good options for cherry flavor. A small amount of jarred maraschino cherry syrup works in a pinch. Fresh or frozen cherries can be blended, gently simmered with a touch of water, then strained to make a simple cherry syrup; adding a squeeze of lemon helps preserve it for a few weeks in the fridge. Pure tart cherry juice or cherry lemonade from the grocery store also works well. If convenience matters, use what’s easy to find; if possible, choose a tarter cherry concentrate for better balance.
How much cherry juice?
After combining the gin and tonic, add a splash of cherry juice. A good starting point is one part cherry juice to one part gin and two to three parts tonic. Adjust to taste—more cherry for a sweeter, fruitier drink; less for a dryer, more traditional gin and tonic experience.
Glassware and presentation
Serve over plenty of ice in a highball or tall glass to keep the drink cold and show off the cherry’s color. The tall glass accentuates the bubbles and layers the cherry color beautifully as it settles.
Garnish ideas
Garnish with a lime wedge or lemon slice as you would with a classic G&T. Fresh herbs like mint or basil also pair nicely with cherry and gin, adding aroma and balancing sweetness.
Appetizers to pair with your drinks
Cherry gin and tonics pair well with light, flavorful appetizers. Consider coconut shrimp, whipped cranberry goat cheese with crackers, chicken and chanterelle crostini, or small cured-meat bites. These options complement the cocktail’s herbal and fruity notes without overpowering them.
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Cherry Gin and Tonic
This sparkling twist on the gin and tonic adds cherry juice for a bright, slightly sweet-tart flavor. It’s quick to make and ideal for warm days.
Ingredients
- 4 shots gin (total)
- 4 ounces tonic water (total)
- 1 ounce cherry juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 lime wedge, squeezed
Instructions
- Fill two glasses with ice.
- Divide the gin and tonic evenly between the glasses.
- Add a splash of cherry juice to each glass and squeeze in a lime wedge.
- Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint or basil if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 2 | Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate): Calories: 233; Total Fat: 0g; Sodium: 18mg; Carbohydrates: 11g; Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 0g.
Nutrition data is an estimate. Consult a reliable source if you need precise values for dietary or medical reasons.