Love a fancy cocktail? Savory rosemary and sweet blood orange come together to make one sophisticated gin and tonic. At the same time, this blood orange-rosemary gin and tonic is approachable and simple to make for even novice mixologists.
Something about fresh herb cocktails makes me feel extra fancy. Maybe it's the pretty garnish. Or perhaps it's the modern twist fresh herbs give to classic cocktail recipes. Whatever it is, I'm on board.
I also love how the blood orange gives this drink such a dainty shade of pink. I'm a sucker for all things blush pink, and my cocktails are no exception. Plus, that pretty pink adds to that sophisticated vibe as far as I'm concerned.
And who doesn't love serving company the prettiest of pretty cocktails? To me, a good-looking cocktail always adds to the evening.
Ingredients
Before we start, let's make sure we have all ingredients on hand. Here's what you need to make this blood orange gin and tonic.
- Sugar
- Water
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Gin
- Lime
- Freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- Tonic water
Step-by-Step Instructions
This fresh herb cocktail starts with a rosemary simple syrup. New to making simple syrup? No problem. They call it simple for a reason. Simmer equal parts water and sugar, throw in a few rosemary sprigs and keep stirring to dissolve the sugar. Within minutes, you're on your way to a tasty drink.
If you have time to make the syrup ahead, I definitely recommend it. I like to give my flavored simple syrups time to steep for an extra boost of flavor, but sometimes you need a cocktail ASAP. Believe me --- I've been there.
I took a sip of the rosemary simple syrup within a few minutes of steeping, and it's plenty delicious. You can always take what you need for this round of drinks and allow the syrup to continue to steep if you're in a time crunch.
Once the rosemary simple syrup is ready, the rest of our mixing couldn't be easier. We simply add the rosemary simple syrup to a glass with the freshly squeezed blood orange juice, gin, lime juice and ice. Now we give it a stir and then top with our sparkling tonic water.
Just like that, our blood orange gin and tonic is ready for our sipping pleasure.
Perfect Pairing
This blood orange gin and tonic is made for a salmon dish. Halibut is great if you're feeling high class. Oh, and imagine how the citrus and would liven up some roast chicken. If you have a sweet tooth, it pairs well with vanilla pudding or panna cotta. The carbonation from the tonic cuts through the heavy cream, and the blood orange and lime meld nicely with the vanilla.
When you need an extra fancy cocktail, I hope you try this blood orange gin and tonic. With one sip, I'm sure you'll instantly fall in love.
Cheers!
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Blood Orange-Rosemary Gin and Tonic
Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- A few fresh rosemary sprigs
Blood Orange-Rosemary Gin and Tonic
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice about ½ lime
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- 4 ounces tonic water
Instructions
- Prepare the rosemary simple syrup by simmering the sugar, water and rosemary in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat.
- If you have some time, let the syrup steep for an hour for an extra punch of rosemary. But if you don't have time, it's tasty right off the stove. Just give the syrup a few minutes to cool.
- Fill highball glass with desired amount of ice. Pour in the gin, tonic water, lime juice, blood orange juice and simple syrup. Give it a stir. Serving with a sprig of rosemary never hurt anyone.
Notes
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Nutrition
Milena says
I simply love the marriage between rosemary and gin and I drink tonic instead of soda water... Not to mention that I just got blood oranges yesterday. I'm off to make the simple syrup and mix this cocktail later tonight. What's meant to be is meant to be:) Cheers, Amanda!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Well, that worked out nicely! Hope you enjoy, Milena!
Jacquelyn Hastert says
What a great summer sipping cocktail. I have never had rosemary in my drinks before, but it sounds like a great combination.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It's definitely worth a try. The sweet and savory go so well together. Hope you enjoy!
Deseree says
These will be going down this summer and I can’t wait!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yes! I'm so ready. Hope you enjoy!
Leslie Kiszka says
Okay, first of all - this is a GORGEOUS drink. Secondly, I'm already thinking of different meals we make in the summer that would go with this perfectly!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Awww, thank you!
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
My husband LOVES gin. I cannot wait to make this for him next weekend!! Blood oranges are my fave 🙂
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Same! I can't get enough of them. Hope you both love it!
Nicole says
Gorgeous looking cocktail. Rosemary and Blood Orange seems like such a great combination!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! It really is!
Sharon says
This gin and tonic looks like it got a serious upgrade! The addition of the Rosemary Simple Syrup really sounds good.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I know I'm biased, but it really is tasty!
Analida Braeger says
rosemary and gin and tonics are a couple of my favorite things, combining them ? a beautiful idea that I never ever heard of before ! this is a wonderfully simple recipe that I look forward to trying !!.. responsibly 🙂
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you so much! If you love this combo, I have no doubt this is the cocktail for you.
Denise says
Flavored syrups are so good! They take whatever recipe they are in to another level! This gin and tonic looks so refreshing and good!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Totally agree -- love flavored syrups!
Danielle Wolter says
so many fresh delicious flavors in this. blood orange season is just the best!! i don't drink, but I'd love that simple syrup for a non-alcoholic drink!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I'm sure it'd be delicious with just blood orange juice, the syrup and sparkling water!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
This might be the most fancy gin and tonic I have ever seen!
I love that you include what to pair it with. I never know what to pair drinks with!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Oh, thank you so much! Glad that's helpful.
Elaine Benoit says
This sounds and looks so delicious! I love making flavored simple syrups, but haven't tried rosemary yet. I love all the ingredients, especially the gin and blood orange juice. Great recipe!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! Aren't flavored syrups so fun? I hope you try rosemary -- super delicious!
Aleta says
Yum! I love the sound of the rosemary simple syrup, and that cocktail looks absolutely delicious! Anything with gin and lime juice calls my name 🙂 I'll be making these next weekend for sure!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Yes! Hope you love it. ?