Oriental Blue Tonic Recipe

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

18-01-2025

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The classic gin and tonic has always been a reliable choice for a refreshing drink, but sometimes, you crave a bit more adventure. This Oriental Blue Tonic recipe offers just that – a vibrant, visually stunning, and surprisingly sophisticated twist on a timeless favorite. It's perfect for a summer evening gathering or a quiet night in.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at your local liquor store.

• 2 oz Gin: A London Dry Gin works best here, but feel free to experiment with other gin varieties.
• 4 oz Tonic Water: Choose a high-quality tonic water for the best flavor.
• 1 oz Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup (recipe below): This is the star of the show, adding the mesmerizing blue hue and a subtle floral note.
• Lime wedge: For garnish and a touch of acidity.
• Ice: Plenty of it!

Making the Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup:

This vibrant syrup is remarkably easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried butterfly pea flowers

Instructions:

1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the dried butterfly pea flowers and bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid turns a deep blue.
4. Remove from heat and let it steep for another 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the flowers.
6. Let the syrup cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.

Assembling Your Oriental Blue Tonic:

Now for the fun part! Building your drink is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the gin.
3. Pour in the butterfly pea flower syrup.
4. Top with tonic water.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

The Magic of the Color Change:

One of the most exciting aspects of this cocktail is the potential for a color change. The addition of citrus, such as a lime wedge or a squeeze of lemon juice, will cause the blue color to shift to a beautiful purple or violet hue. Experiment with the amount of citrus to find your preferred shade.

Beyond the Basics:

This recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to add other elements to personalize your drink:

• Fresh herbs: A sprig of mint or basil adds a refreshing touch.
• Fruit: A few raspberries or blueberries would complement the floral notes.
• Different spirits: Experiment with vodka or white rum instead of gin.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted and incredibly refreshing Oriental Blue Tonic! It's a perfect blend of visual appeal and delicious flavor. Cheers!