An extra dose of sweetness added to a traditional Gin & Tonic makes this a festive warm weather cocktail. When your kindergartener gets home from school and squeals in delight at the sight of fresh blueberries and you stop her from eating them because you need them for your cocktail.Not a shining mom moment.
But it’s a Friday, the kiddies had a half day of school, this was the busiest week ever and mama wants to start the weekend right.
So, The Bean will just have to nibble on another snack. Just keeping it real.Gin & Tonics are the tastiest warm weather cocktail. But since I like to throw a curveball at an adult beverage, I thought it would be fun to add some homemade blueberry simple syrup to the traditional concoction.I combine water, sugar and fresh blueberries in a pan and heat at a medium-high temperature until the berries are soft.
After letting it cool, I strain the mix, making sure to reserve the soft berries for later. I owe them to The Bean.To make this colorful cocktail, I fill a glass with ice, add 1 ounce of the blueberry simple syrup and 3 ounces of gin. Tanqueray is our gin of choice.
Top this with some bubbly tonic, a squeeze of lime, and a garnish of blueberries.
The blueberry simple syrup adds a depth of fruity sweetness to the traditional Gin & Tonic, plus it’s festive and pretty to look at, perfect for a Memorial Day picnic!
Oh, and if you are wondering…The Bean got to eat all the leftover berries and both my girls are devouring the leftover jam I reserved. Win, win.
Have you ever added anything to a classic Gin & Tonic?
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 ounce Blueberry simple syrup
- 3 ounces of gin
- Tonic to top it off
- Lime wedge squeezed into drink
- Blueberries for garnish
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Combine sugar, water, and blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
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Cook until sugar has dissolved and the blueberries are soft and beginning to break down.
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Remove saucepan from heat and let cool.
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Strain syrup into a mason jar or bowl to remove the chunks of blueberries.
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Add the blueberry simple syrup.
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Add the gin.
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Top with tonic.
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Gently stir to combine.
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Squeeze a lime wedge in.
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Garnish with blueberries.
This makes about a cup of syrup.
Reserve the soft cooked berries for jam.
Brittany says
As if I needed another reason to drink gin and tonic 😂😂
Olive Jude says
Ha! I hear ya!
Jaclyn Quinones says
This looks so refreshing! Perfect summer beverage
Tara Siudy (Little Miss Dexterous) says
This looks amazing!
Olive Jude says
Why, thank you!
Amanda says
Gin and tonic is so incredibly refreshing. I love that you are taking advantage of the beautiful blueberries. Great drink for 4th of July!
Olive Jude says
Thanks! It is refreshing and love it for a warm weather celebration!
Katie says
These look so good. I love blueberries and I am always looking for a signature drink for my parties-This is going to have to be one!
Olive Jude says
Awesome! Hope you love it! Cheers!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries says
I don’t drink very much at all, but when I do, my go-to is a gin and tonic. This looks SO good!
Olive Jude says
A refreshing classic! Maybe you’ll try it with the blueberry simple syrup sometime!?
Summer @ Coffee With Summer says
I wish I saw this sooner, because I’d be making it today for Memorial Day! So delicious and truly, easy to make.
Olive Jude says
It is tasty and I love all the leftover blueberry jam we have! Cheers!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
Not a gin fan but This looks great!
Olive Jude says
The blueberry simple syrup would be delicious in a vodka tonic too!
Dawn says
Bonus jam in a cocktail recipe? Awesome! This looks delicious and really pretty too.