Classic Tonic Water

At Top Note, Non-Alcoholic cocktails are a trend we have long been a part of. As cocktail makers seek to add novelty and newness to their menus, mixers are often looked upon as a key differentiator because when it comes to making NA cocktails, it is almost a given that a better quality mixer or spirit-free liquid will be involved. Gone are the Shirley Temple days. Now we have a new generation of cocktail enthusiasts striving for viscosity, flavor, and depth in the NA drink. 

Here are a few trends to try this January.

1. Incorporate coffee or tea

Top Note has been sold in multiple coffee houses since 2019, and we see the trend of cocktailing in coffee houses on the rise. The opposite is also true, where coffee is being used as an ingredient in higher end NA drinks. the mash-up is a marvel. Coffee brings acidity, and bitterness to a drink. Our favorite recipes are the classic E&T, a Matcha tea dream, and a Pineapple beauty,

2. Keeping the sugar low

Sugary drinks are on the rise with non-alcoholic imbibing. We noticed this in our NA tastings with multiple vendors. Better bartenders are lowering sugar but keeping flavor, by using tricks like Monkfruit. It can be incorporated as a means to add a flavor boost, sweetness, and no calories. Our mid-calorie soft drinks make perfect enhancements to drinks without all the sugar for this reason. Other tricks include lower sugar coconut water, or using a fruit juice that has been concentrated. Check out our Ginger Beer and Coconut Water recipe here.

3. Use a shrub or smash your own

Shrubs have a ton of flavor density and real viscosity that adds body. We love a shrub tonic, but sometimes a little goes a long way. Instead, a simple smash or crush of savory ingredients can do the trick with a well made tonic like Top Note.

The Spanish G&T is all about the garnish. The possibilities are endless, but the idea is to choose garnishes that complement both the gin and the tonic.

London Dry and other juniper-forward gin's pair well with Classic Tonic, fresh herbs, citrus, and juniper berries. American and other floral-forward gins take well to Indian Tonic and fresh seasonal fruits and edible flowers.

Spanish G&T Recipe:

2 oz gin

4 oz tonic*

2 dashes bitters

Squeeze lemon

Cucumber slice (3)

Juniper Berry  (3) and or Red Peppercorn (3)

Lemon peel

Add Gin, Bitters, Cucumber, Juniper, Lemon Juice, and Peppercorns to a balloon glass. Add ice and stir. Slowly pour in tonic on side of glass. Carefully lift and stir. Spritz with the lemon peel and drop peel in glass.

Serve with or without a straw.

Photo by @steph.achter

Enter: the Gin Sonic. Nope, not a typo. It’s what you get when you mix Japanese Roku Gin with equal parts tonic water and club soda. We love the simple elegance and balance of this cocktail and we’re betting you will, too.

Gin Sonic Recipe:

1.5 oz Suntory Roku Gin

2.25 oz Top Note Club Soda No. 1

2.25 oz Top Note Classic Tonic

Garnish: expressed lemon twist

Stir all ingredients together in an ice-filled highball glass and garnish.

"The classic Champagne Cocktail (bitters, sugar, sparkling wine) is one of my favorite drinks. It's delicious, celebratory, and so easy. Often it's finished with an expression of lemon over the top, and I like mine with just a drop of absinthe on top as well. This highball uses the tonic water to achieve the sparkle and the light bitter-sweet flavor of a Champagne Cocktail, along with tonic's best friend gin, a lemon cordial to amplify the lemon accent, and a touch of absinthe (optional), my preferred finish to the drink." - Rachel Miller

Rachel Miller's Gin & Tonic Recipe:

1 oz gin

.5 oz lemon cordial*

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

2-3 drops absinthe

Garnish: expressed lemon peel

Stir gin, cordial and tonic together in an ice-filled highball glass, finish with absinthe, and garnish.

*Lemon Cordial: Zest two lemons and set the zest aside. Juice the lemons and heat the juice in a pan with an equal amount, by volume, of white sugar. Bring the lemon juice and sugar to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and pour over the zest. Allow to cool and steep at least ten minutes, then strain well. Yields ~4oz cordial (multiply the recipe as needed for more cordial). Stored in the fridge, it will last for weeks.

Spiced Vodka Tonic Recipe:

2 oz spiced vodka*

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

Optional: simple syrup, to taste

Garnish: fresh orange peel

Stir ingredients together in a glass with ice and garnish.

*Spiced Vodka: add 2 crushed cardamom pods and 2 tsp whole cloves to a jar and top with 8 oz vodka. Let steep for 2 days, then strain out the spices and enjoy.

A simple way to enjoy tequila without the calories of margarita.

Tequila & Tonic Recipe:

2 oz tequila

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

Garnish: fresh grapefruit or lime wedge

Stir ingredients together in an ice-filled rocks or Collins glass and garnish.

Ahh, the perfect accompaniment to a lazy Sunday afternoon. Use whatever cold-pressed juice you have on hand or blend up your own.

The Cool, Collected One Recipe:

2 oz cold-pressed juice (store bought or homemade)

2 dashes bitters, optional

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

Garnish: fresh vegetables, fruits and/or herbs

Stir ingredients together in an ice-filled wine glass and garnish as desired.

Try this fall twist on the classic Vodka Tonic.

Pear-Infused Vodka & Tonic Recipe:

2 oz pear-infused vodka*

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

Garnish: chopped pears

*Pear-Infused Vodka: Chop 2 pears and place in a clean glass jar. Top with 16oz vodka, place in the refrigerator and let steep for 1 week. Strain well and keep refrigerated to prolong freshness.

Simple and delicious!

Vodka Tonic Recipe:

2 oz vodka

4 oz Top Note Classic Tonic Water

Garnish: wedge of fresh lime or lemon

Stir ingredients together in an ice-filled glass and garnish.

Rum & Tonic may not be as well-known as some other classic highballs, but this underdog is surprisingly delicious and can be enjoyed in a multitude of combinations. See below for our suggestions, but you do you!

Rum & Tonic Recipe:

2 oz rum*

4 oz tonic*

Garnish: fresh citrus

Stir ingredients together in an ice-filled glass and garnish.

*Rum and Tonic Pairings:

• Dark Rum + Classic Tonic Water
• White Rum + Bitter Lemon Tonic Water
• Rhum Agricole + Indian Tonic Water