The drink that launched dozens of Something & Tonic’s that would make their way into Nick Kokonas’s first book. Be sure to check out our Q&A with Nick, keep up with him on Instagram, and order a copy of Something & Tonic!
Nick Kokonas’s Something & Tonic Recipe:
1.5 oz Letherbee Gin
1 oz Ancho Reyes (or 3 dashes mole bitters + 1/2 oz simple syrup)
.5 oz lime juice
.5 oz rosemary simple syrup*
Top Note Classic Tonic Water, to top
Garnish: rosemary sprig
Add all ingredients except Tonic Water to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with Tonic Water, lift ice with a bar spoon to incorporate, and garnish.
*Rosemary Simple Syrup
1 cup (250 grams) white sugar
1 cup (250 grams) water
3-4 (5 grams) fresh rosemary sprigs
Combine all of the ingredients into a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and let the rosemary steep for 15 minutes. Remove the rosemary and allow the syrup to come to room temperature before storing it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Syrup can be stored for 2-3 weeks.
Spirit-Free Recipe:
2 slices jalapeno or favorite fresh chili
1 oz lime juice
1 oz rosemary simple syrup*
Top Note Classic Tonic Water, to top
Garnish: rosemary sprig, lime wheel
Add lime, rosemary syrup, and two slices of chili to a shaker with ice. Shake hard and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with tonic water, lift ice with a bar spoon to incorporate, and garnish.