The modern Gin & Tonic is “not this super high-octane beverage that we were drinking 10 years ago out of a soda gun,” says Matt Reysen, bar director at New York restaurant Mel’s. There, the house Gin Tonica takes a lighter aperitivo approach and changes seasonally. In its late-winter edition, blood orange gin combines with blood orange tonic water, complemented by bright citric acid solution and bittersweet Cappelletti aperitivo liqueur. Crucial to the drink is using the right amount of tonic water; a G&T should have 4 to 5 ounces, according to Reysen.
Blood Orange Gin Tonica
Matt Reysen | New York City
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 3/4 ounces blood orange gin, preferably Malfy Blood Orange Gin
- 1/4 ounce Cappelletti aperitivo liqueur
- 3 dashes citric acid solution (see Editor’s Note)
- London Essence Blood Orange and Elderflower Tonic, to top
Garnish: blood orange wheel, pomelo half moon, lemon wheel
Directions
- Add the first three ingredients to a goblet or stemless glass and stir to incorporate.
- Top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a blood orange wheel, pomelo half moon and lemon wheel.
Editor's Note
Citric Acid Solution
Combine 940 milliliters of water and 60 grams of citric acid powder. Mix until fully incorporated.