Tomales Tonic
Thomas J. Story
If you aren’t normally a fan of gin & tonics, please try this one, and we promise you will be converted! By making your own tonic syrup, you will impress your friends and never be able to go back to those old gin & tonics that your grandpa loves. Cinchona bark is the natural source of quinine, and you can buy it and then grind it yourself, or simply buy the powder. We suggest purchasing it from Penn Herb Co., which is a great economical source.
How to Make It
1
Make the Tonic Syrup: Combine all tonic ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn down to low heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Allow mixture to cool and strain through a chinois. You may refrigerate for up to 5 days before using.
2
Make the Cocktails: Take two rocks glasses and pour 2 oz of gin into each. Fill with ice cubes (about 6 oz of ice) and add 1 1/2 oz tonic syrup, half the lime juice, and 1 1/2 oz soda water to each glass. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
Ingredients
For the Tonic Syrup
2 cups water
2 oz cinchona powder
1 ½ oz citric acid
zest of 2 limes
zest of 1 lemon
4 allspice berries
1 cardamom pod
1 ½ cups agave syrup
For the Cocktails
4 oz Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin
12 oz ice
juice of 4 limes
3 oz soda water
½ lime, cut in wedges
Directions
1
Make the Tonic Syrup: Combine all tonic ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn down to low heat and let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Allow mixture to cool and strain through a chinois. You may refrigerate for up to 5 days before using.
2
Make the Cocktails: Take two rocks glasses and pour 2 oz of gin into each. Fill with ice cubes (about 6 oz of ice) and add 1 1/2 oz tonic syrup, half the lime juice, and 1 1/2 oz soda water to each glass. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
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