Spanish-style Gin Tonic: copa glass, spices, and elaborate garnishes
In Spain, Gin Tonic is an art: a large balloon glass, plenty of ice, toasted spices, and carefully crafted garnishes that enhance the gin’s botanicals. A complete sensory experience, far from a simple highball. Also explore the craft drinks on Maltese for your next aperitif.
Spanish Gin Tonic recipe (copa glass)
- 50 ml premium gin
- 150 ml well-chilled premium tonic
- Balloon (copa) glass filled with plenty of ice
- 1–2 spices of your choice (see below)
- Elaborate garnish: citrus peel, aromatic herb, edible flower
Chill the glass before use. Pour the gin over the ice, add the spices, then slowly pour the tonic over the back of a spoon. Stir once from bottom to top. Garnish and serve immediately.
Spices to use in Gin Tonic
- Cardamom: lightly crush a pod — fresh and citrusy notes, great with floral gins
- Pink pepper: a few berries — fruity aroma and mild spiciness, opens up the gin’s aromas
- Cinnamon: small stick — for winter versions or spiced gins, use sparingly
- Star anise: a whole star — visually elegant, intense aroma
- Coriander and fennel seeds: echo the gin’s botanicals, complementary and subtle
Golden rule: one dominant spice + one supporting spice. Toast the spices dry in a pan for a few seconds before using — intensifies the aroma without adding bitterness.
Pairing gin, tonic, and spices
- Resinous/juniper-forward gin (London Dry) — neutral tonic + pink pepper or juniper berries
- Floral/contemporary gin (Hendrick’s, Monkey 47) — aromatic tonic + cardamom or rose petals
- Citrus gin — slightly bitter tonic + grapefruit peel + coriander
- Spiced gin — classic tonic + cinnamon or star anise
Elaborate garnishes
- Citrus peels (lime, pink grapefruit, bergamot) — express the essential oil on the surface
- Aromatic herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil) — lightly crush before adding
- Edible flowers (rose, lavender, violets) — for floral gins
- Fruit slices (cucumber, strawberry, grapefruit) — add aroma and color
Food pairings
- Raw fish, sushi, and seafood carpaccios
- Fresh cheeses and canapés
- Olives, peanuts, and salty snacks
- Craft snacks on Maltese for a characterful aperitif
Looking for an alternative craft aperitif?
Try the Sidro Spritz Baladin: orange-honey color, notes of mandarin, gentian, and green apple — perfect as a base for a craft spritz or to drink neat as a summer aperitif.
