Cinnamon Clove Gin and Tonic

This cozy Cinnamon Stick and Clove Gin and Tonic is the perfect cocktail to elevate any evening. The warmth of cinnamon and cloves beautifully complements the crispness of gin and tonic, creating a delightful balance of flavors. I first experimented with this recipe on a cold autumn night, and it has since become a favorite for gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.

I love how this recipe showcases the warm cinnamon and earthy clove, making every sip feel like a comforting embrace during cooler months.

Ingredients

• London Dry Gin: Its clean flavor profile is ideal for letting the spices shine
• Indian tonic water: Enhances the botanicals of the gin while keeping it bubbly and refreshing
• Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm aromatic depth to the drink
• Whole cloves: Offers an earthy and mildly sweet spice
• Orange slice or peel for garnish: Provides a bright citrus contrast to the warmth of the spices
• Ice cubes large or standard: Cools the drink without overly diluting the flavors
• Optional Star anise, rosemary sprig, or dash of orange bitters: Adds layers of complexity and your own creative touch to the cocktail

How To Make Cinnamon Stick and Clove Gin and Tonic

Drop in ice:

Begin by adding a large or standard ice cube into a highball glass. The larger ice cube keeps your drink colder for longer without diluting it quickly.

Add spices:

Place the cinnamon stick and whole cloves directly into the glass to infuse the drink with their warm and earthy flavors.

Measure and pour gin:

Pour exactly 2 ounces of London Dry Gin over the ice and spices to serve as the base.

Optional additions:

Add optional bitters syrup or a splash of citrus juice if you want to tweak the cocktail’s flavor.

Top with tonic:

Slowly pour between 4 and 5 ounces of tonic water into the glass to maintain the perfect balance of bubbles.

Stir:

Gently stir the drink with a bar spoon to ensure the ingredients are mixed without compromising the carbonation.

Garnish:

Finish by garnishing with an orange slice, rosemary sprig, or star anise. For an extra smoky aromatic touch, lightly torch the cinnamon stick.

One of my favorite moments with this recipe was a festive dinner party where I added star anise as a garnish and everyone loved the enhanced complexity it brought to the drink.

Storage Tips

If you plan on making this for a group, consider pre-infusing the gin with cinnamon and cloves a day ahead. Simply combine the gin and spices in a jar and let it sit covered overnight in a cool, dark place. This will deepen the flavors and simplify preparation when making multiple servings.

Ingredient Substitutions

No London Dry Gin on hand? You can substitute it with another gin that has a subtle botanicals-forward flavor profile. For non-alcoholic alternatives, use a botanical-infused tonic water and skip the gin altogether, keeping all the spices and garnish for a refreshing mocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cocktail with savory appetizers like rosemary crackers and soft cheese or lightly spiced almonds. The drink also complements desserts with warm spices such as cinnamon cake or ginger cookies.

Enjoy this sophisticated yet comforting Cinnamon Stick and Clove Gin and Tonic to brighten any gathering or unwind after a long day. Its aromatic warmth and refreshing sparkle are sure to create a lasting impression.

This cocktail not only showcases impeccable balance but also offers the room for personal creativity through customized garnishes and cinnamon torches. Whether for a quiet night or festivities, this drink fits all occasions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of gin?

Yes! While London Dry Gin is recommended for its crisp and clean flavor, you can experiment with other gin varieties like botanical or citrus-forward gins to complement the spices.

→ What type of tonic water works best?

Indian tonic water is ideal for this cocktail due to its balanced bitterness and carbonation, but feel free to explore flavored tonic waters like elderflower or Mediterranean for a unique twist.

→ How can I enhance the smoky flavor?

To enhance the smoky flavor, lightly torch the cinnamon stick before adding it to the cocktail. This releases aromatic oils and adds a smokier profile.

→ Is there a substitute for cloves?

If cloves aren't available, you can substitute them with a small pinch of allspice or star anise for a similarly warm, spiced flavor.

→ Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Replace the gin with a non-alcoholic botanical spirit or use sparkling water flavored with orange or spice for a refreshing mocktail version.