This Raspberry and Juniper Tonic is a fruity variation on an alcohol-free G&T. The botanical notes present in camomile tea and juniper berries are evocative of the flavor profile found in gin, and perfect for G&T lovers abstaining for the night.
The sweetness of the raspberries plays a crucial role in the final character of the drink. If you are using under ripe or off-season raspberries, you may want to add a sweetener to accentuate the berry flavor and bring the mocktail into balance. The best results will be achieved by using sweet, fresh raspberries.
Ingredients
- 8 raspberries
- 4 dried juniper berries
- ½ oz. (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. ⅓ lemon)
- 1 oz. (30 ml) camomile tea, cooled
- 5 oz. (150 ml) tonic water
- ¼ oz. (7.5 ml) agave syrup (optional)
For the garnish:
- 2 raspberries
Equipment
- Kettle
- Mug
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Muddler
- Shaker
- Cocktail spoon
- Wide- bowled wine glass or G&T glass
Instructions
- First, make the camomile tea.
- Pour just boiled (but not boiling) water over the tea bag and steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Leave to cool to room temperature.
- Next, assemble the mocktail.
- In a shaker, muddle the raspberries, juniper berries and lemon juice until the raspberries turn into a pulp.
- Add the camomile tea and agave syrup (if using).
- Throw in a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is extremely cold.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with tonic water and use a cocktail spoon to gently mix the ingredients together.
- Garnish with raspberries.
Note: Depending on the ripeness and sweetness of your raspberries, you may want to enhance the flavor of the mocktail with a touch of agave syrup (or alternative sweetener). Have a taste of the berries before muddling them and make a decision from there.
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Raspberry and Juniper Tonic FAQ
Can I use other berries instead of raspberries?
Yes. For a variation on this mocktail, you can experiment with other berries such as strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries instead of raspberries.
Can I use honey instead of agave syrup?
Yes, instead of agave syrup, you can use any sweetener you like. Honey is a good option but it will mean that the recipe is no longer vegan. Other alternative sweeteners include maple syrup, or simple syrup (1:1 parts sugar and water).
Can I use other tea instead of camomile tea?
Yes, you can experiment with green tea or mint tea instead of camomile tea for a different variation on this mocktail. The camomile tea has a botanical flavor that compliments the juniper berries and gives the drink a gin-like character.
Is Raspberry and Juniper Tonic suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this mocktail is suitable for vegans as it does not contain any animal products.
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones. Make sure that they are defrosted before muddling with the other ingredients.
Can I serve the mocktail in another glass?
This mocktail can be served in whatever glass you like. The recipe recommends a wide-bowled wine glass (or G&T glass), but a highball glass would work just as well.
Can I use a different type of tonic water?
Yes, you can use a flavored tonic water if you like, but it may change the taste of the mocktail.
Can I make Raspberry and Juniper Tonic in advance for a party?
The Raspberry and Juniper Tonic is best served immediately after making. If you’d like to get ahead, you can complete steps 1-6 in advance and keep the mixture in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you are scaling the recipe for a crowd, you can skip the shaker and mix all of the ingredients in a punch bowl or jug instead. Pour into glasses filled with ice and a couple of raspberries for a garnish.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the Raspberry and Juniper Tonic?
Yes, you will want to check the sweetness of your raspberries in advance of making the mocktail. If they are on the tart-side, you will want to add a sweetener, like agave syrup, to balance the drink.
Can I skip the muddling step?
No, the muddling step is important to release the flavors of the raspberries and juniper berries. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the end of a rolling pin to accomplish the same effect.
Did you make this? Tag me @mightymocktail or use the hashtag #mightymocktail!