There is nothing better than a refreshing gin and tonic, and Cafe Genevieve has discovered the perfect ingredient. After looking into Jeffery Morgenthaler, a well known craft cocktails specialist, Cafe Genevieve decided to start making their own tonic water. By using homemade artisanal tonic syrups, a new trend has developed in the bar industry, and Cafe Genevieve’s Hipster Gin and Tonic is the perfect example.
The tonic water is made in house with all fresh ingredients. The key ingredients are cinchona bark, fresh citrus and lemongrass, which bring a level of sophistication to the syrup. Add in soda water, and you have the most refreshing tonic water yet. I compared it to the soda gun tonic water, and there is an extreme difference. (The soda gun tonic water tastes very chemically in comparison to the fresh citrus flavor of the homemade tonic water.)
Stop into Cafe Genevieve for a happy hour HGT (Hipster Gin and Tonic) on the patio during this beautiful weather we have been having. I know I’ll be stopping by to indulge in the refreshing tonic this summer!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup chopped lemongrass (roughly one large stalk)
- 1/4 cup powdered cinchona bark
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1/4 cup citric acid
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once mixture starts to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and strain out solids using a strainer or chinois. You’ll need to fine-strain the mixture, as it still contains quite a bit of the cinchona bark. You can use a coffee filter and wait for an hour or more. Once you’re satisfied with the clarity of your mix, heat it back up on the stovetop or microwave, and then add ¾ cup of agave syrup to each cup of your hot mix. Stir until combined, and store in the attractive bottle of your choice.
